Hiring the wrong contractor is expensive and stressful. The good news: most bad outcomes are avoidable with an hour of checking up front. Here’s exactly what to confirm before you sign.
1. Confirm they’re licensed and insured
In Alberta, anyone doing more than $1,000 of work (including materials) on a home generally needs a prepaid contractor licence from Service Alberta. Ask for the licence number and look it up. Separately, ask for proof of WCB coverage and liability insurance — if a worker is hurt on your property and the contractor isn’t covered, you can be on the hook.
2. Check the reviews that matter
Look at Google reviews first — volume and recency beat a single perfect score. Read the 2- and 3-star reviews specifically: they tell you how the contractor handles problems, which is what you actually care about. Be wary of a brand-new profile with only five-star reviews posted the same week.
3. Get three quotes
Never hire off a single number. Three written quotes tell you the real market range and flush out anyone who’s wildly high or suspiciously low. The lowest bid is rarely the best value — it often means cut corners, change-order surprises, or cheaper materials.
4. Ask these questions
- Will you pull the required permits, or is that on me?
- Who is actually on site — your crew or subcontractors?
- What’s your workmanship warranty, in writing?
- Can I see a recent project like mine, and talk to that homeowner?
5. Watch for red flags
Pressure to decide today, a demand for a large cash deposit, no written contract, no fixed address, or a reluctance to pull permits are all reasons to walk away. A reputable Edmonton contractor will happily put everything in writing.