Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor in Hamilton

Are You Licensed and Insured in Ontario?

One of the first questions to ask any contractor is whether they are properly licensed and insured. This protects you from liability if something goes wrong during the renovation.

A professional general contractor in Hamilton should carry liability insurance and use licensed trades for specialized work such as plumbing and electrical.

Who Handles Permits and Inspections?

Many renovations in Hamilton require permits, especially basement finishing, structural changes, and electrical or plumbing work.

Ask the contractor:

• Who applies for permits?

• Who schedules inspections?

• What happens if an inspection fails?

If the answer is unclear, review who handles renovation permits in Hamilton to understand where responsibility should fall.

Homeowners can also confirm requirements through the City of Hamilton Building Department and the Ontario Building Code.

Can You Provide a Detailed Written Estimate?

Always ask for a written estimate that clearly outlines:

• Scope of work

• Labour and trade coordination

• Material allowances

• Permit handling

• Estimated timeline

Vague or verbal estimates are a common cause of renovation disputes.

Homeowners often compare estimates after using a renovation cost estimator to understand realistic pricing ranges.

Who Will Manage the Project Day to Day?

Some companies sell the job but hand it off to someone else once work begins. Ask:

• Who is my main point of contact?

• How often will I receive updates?

• Who coordinates trades and inspections?

Understanding who manages the project helps set expectations and improves communication.

For clarity on roles, many homeowners review what a general contractor does in Hamilton before hiring.

How Are Changes and Delays Handled?

Almost all renovations involve changes. Ask:

• How are change orders documented?

• How do changes affect cost and timeline?

• What happens if materials are delayed?

Clear answers here indicate strong project management.

What Experience Do You Have With Similar Projects?

Ask about experience with renovations similar to yours, such as basement renovations in Hamilton, kitchen renovations, or bathroom renovations.

Local experience matters, especially in older Hamilton homes where structural and code issues are more common.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Are General Contractors Worth It?

Many homeowners ask whether hiring a contractor is worth the cost. Asking this directly can reveal how transparent a company is about their value.

If you’re still deciding, review are general contractors worth it in Hamilton to compare professional management versus handling a renovation yourself.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if a contractor:

• Avoids written contracts

• Asks for large cash deposits upfront

• Cannot explain permits or inspections

• Pressures you to make quick decisions

• Refuses to answer detailed questions

Professional contractors welcome informed homeowners.

When to Ask These Questions

Ask these questions before:

• Signing a contract

• Paying a deposit

• Applying for permits

• Finalizing renovation plans

Doing this early prevents costly mistakes later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get multiple renovation quotes?
Yes. Comparing estimates helps identify unrealistic pricing or missing scope.

Can I trust online reviews alone?
Reviews help, but they should be combined with clear answers to the questions above.

Do all renovations require permits in Hamilton?
No, but many do. Always confirm before starting work.

Trust & Authorship

This page is written by a Hamilton-based general contracting team with experience managing permitted renovations across Hamilton and surrounding Ontario cities.