How do I run reference checks on a Toronto contractor?

A reference check is worth doing properly before you hire a Toronto contractor, and it goes further than asking "were you happy with the work?"

Start with the right references

Ask for references from recent projects similar in scope to yours. A contractor quoting a kitchen should be able to give you kitchen references. If they hesitate, can only offer one, or the references sound vague, take that as a reason to ask more questions. Ask too whether you can see a finished project in person.

What to ask each reference. Did the contractor keep to the schedule? How did they handle problems that came up mid-project? Did the final cost match the quote, and were any changes priced and agreed in writing before the work was done? Was the site kept clean? Would they hire the same contractor again, and for what size of job?

Check the trade licences that exist in Ontario. For electrical work, the Electrical Safety Authority says "Licensed Electrical Contractors (LECs) are the only businesses in Ontario legally authorized to do electrical work in your home," and that general contractors are not licensed to do electrical work. Ask for the 7-digit ECRA/ESA licence number and check it with ESA's Contractor Locator Tool. For gas, oil or propane work, TSSA says "Registered Fuels Contractors are the only businesses that are legally authorized to do fuels related work in Ontario," and lets you find or verify a company's registration.

Ask about WSIB. A WSIB clearance "shows that a business, contractor or subcontractor is registered and up-to-date," and is valid for up to 90 days, so ask for a current one. Under WSIB policy, a clearance relieves the person hiring of liability for the contractor's unpaid WSIB premiums; the policy does not apply to householders who hire a contractor for exempt home renovation work only, so ask the contractor which applies to your job.

Permits. Ask references whether the contractor took out the permits the work needed and whether the inspections were completed. Ask your own contractor who will apply for the permit on your project.

A contractor who is comfortable with this kind of checking will hand over references, licence numbers and a clearance without fuss. You can describe your project through the Toronto Construction Network to be matched with local contractors, then run these checks on each one.