Check with the Better Business Bureau. Call the BBB @ 386-6348
Ensure that WCB is being paid. Call the WCB @ 952-4821.
Check with the Canadian Home Builders Association. Call the CHBA @ 383-5044.
Check for GST #. You will not have proper legal recourse should you enter into an “illegal” contract. Avoid cash operators.
Ask if the company has a website, and take time to review the materials represented.
Check references. Ask if the company completed on the schedule they initially promised. Ask if the reference would use the company again, and if they left the home clean everyday after work completion.
Ask your renovator if the work on your home will be sub contracted out.
Find out what professional associations your contractor is a member of.
Check that the company has an ongoing staff education program, and ask what management or employees have recently completed.
Check to make sure they have a minimum of 1 million liability insurance.
Ask how long they have been in business.
Ask what awards or peer recognitions they have received.
Ask if they do this full time. Someone moonlighting between shifts, or while on holidays, will have time, warranty, liability and educational constraints.
Ask how they keep current with building codes and practices.
Obtain a written contract.