# How to Choose a Contractor in Vancouver: What to Know Before You Hire *Category: Insights | 6 min read | 2026-07-10* You have a project in mind. A bathroom renovation, a basement finish, a new deck. You've done the research, you have a rough budget, and you're ready to find someone to do the work. Then comes the hard part: choosing a contractor. Vancouver has thousands of contractors, but finding one who's reliable, fairly priced, and actually available is harder than it should be. Online reviews can be faked. Word-of-mouth recommendations are only as good as the friend's project that went smoothly. And a contractor who seems great during the quote can turn into someone who stops returning calls once the deposit is paid. This article covers what to look for before you hire — the checks, the questions, and the red flags — and how RenoFiz simplifies the process of finding a contractor you can trust. ## Licensing: The First and Most Important Check In British Columbia, contractors working on projects over $500 must be licensed. The specific license depends on the type of work. For general home renovations (bathrooms, kitchens, basements, decks), contractors must be licensed through Consumer Protection BC. This license isn't just a piece of paper — it means the contractor has demonstrated basic business competency, carries required insurance, and can be held accountable through BC's consumer protection framework. For electrical, plumbing, and gas work, contractors must hold licenses through Technical Safety BC. These are trade-specific licenses that require apprenticeships, examinations, and ongoing certification. No exceptions. For HVAC, sheet metal, and refrigeration work, additional trade certifications apply. The first question to ask any contractor: "What's your Consumer Protection BC license number?" If they hesitate or say they don't need one, that's a red flag. Most legitimate contractors will have their license number on their website, truck, or quote template. ## Insurance: What's Enough for Vancouver Renovations Every contractor working on your home should carry two types of insurance: General Liability Insurance: This covers damage to your property during the project. If a contractor drops a tool through a window or causes a water leak, general liability pays for the repair. The standard minimum in Vancouver is $2 million, though many established contractors carry $5 million. WCB (WorkSafeBC) Coverage: This is the one most homeowners forget to check — and the one that matters most. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn't have WCB coverage, you could be personally liable for their medical costs and lost wages. In BC, all contractors and their employees must carry WCB coverage. Ask for the WCB clearance letter. A legitimate contractor will provide it without hesitation. If a contractor says "I use subcontractors, they have their own insurance" — verify it. Subcontractors should also carry their own WCB and liability coverage. If they don't, liability comes back to you as the homeowner. ## References: What to Ask and Who to Call A contractor's portfolio shows their best work. References show their real work. When a contractor provides references, call at least two of them. Ask specific questions: Was the project completed on time? A few days of delay is normal. Weeks or months of delay is a pattern. Was the final price close to the original quote? Minor changes happen. But if the final bill was 30% higher than the quote, that's a sign of either poor estimating or intentional lowballing. How was communication during the project? Did the contractor return calls and texts promptly? Did they give regular updates? Communication breakdown is the most common complaint in Vancouver renovation disputes. Would you hire them again? This is the one that matters most. A hesitant pause says more than a polite yes. ## The Contract: What Should Be in Writing In BC, any renovation project over $2,500 should have a written contract. The contract should include: A detailed scope of work. Not "renovate bathroom" — a list of specific tasks: remove and dispose of existing fixtures, install new tub, tile surround, install vanity, connect plumbing. Each task should be clear enough that both sides agree on what's included. A payment schedule. Deposits of 10–25% are normal. Progress payments tied to completed milestones are better than a lump-sum upfront payment. Be wary of any contractor asking for more than 50% before work begins. A timeline. Start date, estimated duration, and completion date. Build in some buffer — renovations almost always take longer than expected. A change order process. Changes happen. The contract should say how changes are documented, how they're priced, and who approves them before work continues. Warranty information. Most reputable BC contractors offer a 1–2 year warranty on workmanship. Some offer up to 5 years for structural work. Get it in writing. ## Red Flags to Watch For No physical address. A contractor who operates from a PO box or a cell phone number with no office or shop may be harder to find if things go wrong. Cash-only payment. Legitimate businesses accept credit cards, e-transfers, or cheques. Cash-only can indicate an unlicensed operator. High-pressure sales. "Sign today and save 10%" or "I have a crew finishing early next week, I can fit you in if you decide now" — legitimate contractors don't rush major decisions. No permit mention. If your project requires a permit and the contractor doesn't bring it up, ask why. Some homeowners skip permits to save money, but unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance, property taxes, and resale. ## The RenoFiz Difference Checking licensing, insurance, references, and contracts is work. It's necessary work, but it's the kind of work that keeps homeowners from ever starting their renovation. RenoFiz handles all of it upfront. Every contractor in the network has been verified for licensing (Consumer Protection BC and applicable trade licenses), insurance ($2M general liability + WCB), and trade references before they ever see a project. When you're matched with a contractor through RenoFiz, you're not starting from zero. The estimate you approved becomes the shared baseline — no vague scope, no payment schedule to negotiate from scratch, no wondering if the contractor is legitimate. You still talk to them. You still need to feel comfortable with their communication style and approach. But the background checks are done, the scope is agreed, and both sides start with a shared understanding of what the project involves. ## The Honest Truth Even the best contractor can have a bad week. Delays happen. Materials run out. Subcontractors cancel. A thorough vetting process reduces risk but doesn't eliminate it entirely. What it does is eliminate the most common failure points: unlicensed work, insufficient insurance, unclear scope, and payment disputes. The contractors who pass RenoFiz's vetting are the ones who would pass your own vetting — but you don't have to spend weeks doing it yourself. ## The Bottom Line Choosing a contractor in Vancouver doesn't have to be a guessing game. Licensing, insurance, references, and a clear contract are the four pillars of a trustworthy hire. Check all four before you commit. Or let RenoFiz check them for you. Describe your project, approve your estimate, and get matched with a vetted contractor who's already been verified — so you can focus on the renovation, not the vetting. ## Want a scoped estimate before you talk to contractors? RenoFiz can help turn your project idea into an itemized scope and budget range. [Estimate my project](/wa)