The three things that actually matter
Most renovation horror stories come down to three things: the contractor was not properly licensed for the work, the quote was a lump sum that ballooned once work started, or there was no written contract. Everything else — how professional the website looks, how many Instagram posts they have, whether they gave you a low price — is noise.
Here is what to check before you sign anything.
What licences a renovation contractor in Ontario needs
Ontario does not require a general contractor licence, but the trades involved in a renovation do require licences. Electrical work requires a licensed electrician. Plumbing requires a licensed plumber. Gas line work requires a gas fitter. Structural work that triggers a building permit requires that the permit be pulled by the contractor — which carries legal responsibility for the work.
A contractor who says 'I have a guy for the electrical' is fine if that guy is a licensed electrician. A contractor who handles electrical themselves without a licence is doing work illegally, and you will own the liability when you sell the house.
What to ask
Ask specifically: 'Do you have a WSIB clearance certificate?' and 'Are your plumbing and electrical sub-trades licensed?' A legitimate contractor answers both questions immediately and offers to show documentation.
What a proper renovation quote looks like
A legitimate quote is line-itemised. You can see exactly what each element costs: demo and disposal, framing, plumbing, electrical, tile, cabinetry, countertops, finishes. You can compare it to another quote item by item.
A lump-sum quote — '$42,000 for the kitchen renovation' with no breakdown — is not a quote. It is a number. You cannot tell what it includes, what happens when something unexpected comes up, or whether the contractor has actually priced the work properly.
| Quote type | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Line-item quote | Exactly what is and is not included. Comparable across contractors. |
| Lump-sum quote | Nothing useful. No way to identify what drives cost or where scope is thin. |
| 'Estimate' | Not a commitment. Can increase significantly once work starts. |
| Fixed-price contract | Protects you from scope creep. The number should not change unless you change the scope. |
The contract: what it must include
In Ontario, any renovation contract over $50 must be in writing under the Consumer Protection Act. In practice, you should insist on a written contract for any renovation regardless of size. A proper contract includes: the full scope of work in writing, the price and payment schedule tied to milestones, who is responsible for permits, the warranty on workmanship, and what happens if the scope changes.
A payment schedule that asks for more than 10–15% upfront is a warning sign. Established contractors have trade accounts and do not need large upfront deposits to buy materials. Contractors who need a large deposit to get started may be using your money to pay off a previous client's job.
Warning signs to walk away from
Cash only. No written quote. Price that is significantly lower than all other quotes. Pressure to sign today. No physical address. No WSIB certificate. Wants full payment upfront.
The too-low quote deserves special attention: a price that is 30% below every other bid is not a bargain. It means something is being skipped — the permit, the licensed sub-trade, the correct material, the proper waterproofing detail. You will pay for it eventually, just not to this contractor.
The Collingwood to Owen Sound market
In Grey and Simcoe County, the renovation market is active enough that good contractors are booked 4–8 weeks out. If someone is available immediately and significantly cheaper than everyone else, that is a signal worth paying attention to.
How to actually find contractors worth talking to
Personal referrals from people who have had similar work done are the most reliable source. Ask specifically about the contractor's communication, whether the price held, and whether there were any issues after the job was done.
Google reviews are useful when they are numerous and specific. A contractor with 30 reviews that describe specific projects is more credible than one with 3 generic five-star reviews. The response to negative reviews tells you as much as the review itself.
HomeStars and Houzz have verified review systems. BBB accreditation is a basic signal of legitimacy. Asking a contractor for references from similar jobs completed in the last 12 months is entirely reasonable — any contractor worth hiring will accommodate it.
What permits are required for renovation work in Ontario
Building permits in Ontario are required for: structural changes (removing walls, adding beams), additions, finishing a basement, adding a bathroom, new electrical panel work, and decks over a certain height. The permit requirement is not optional — it is the law, and unpermitted work creates problems when you sell.
A contractor who tells you 'we do not need a permit for this' when work involves any of the above is either wrong or intending to skip the permit to save time and money. Ask specifically whether a permit is required and who will pull it.
Talk to us before you decide
We give you a straight answer on whether we are the right fit for your project — and if we are not, we will tell you that too. Free on-site assessment, no obligation.