A recent CBC News story has once again highlighted the risks of hiring the wrong contractor. In this case, a Calgary homeowner trusted someone they knew socially, only to lose tens of thousands of dollars, pay twice for unfinished work, and suffer months of delays and stress.
Unfortunately, stories like this are far too common. Hiring the wrong contractor can set you back financially, delay your renovation for months, and leave your home in worse shape than before. Protecting your home, your investment, and your peace of mind requires careful research and vetting before you hire anyone.
Here’s what to look for when hiring a contractor for your home renovation — and how to avoid costly mistakes.
How to vet a home renovation contractor in Alberta
1. Check licensing, insurance and certifications
A reputable contractor should have:
- Proper licensing for the work they perform (check Service Alberta’s contractor requirements)
- Up-to-date liability insurance covering property damage and personal injury
- WCB (Workers’ Compensation Board) coverage for their employees and subcontractors
Ask for copies of these documents and verify them with the issuing bodies if possible. This protects you from liability if accidents happen on your property.
2. Research their reputation online and offline
Don’t just take their word or rely on word-of-mouth alone. Search the contractor’s business and personal name online to uncover:
- News articles or legal cases related to the contractor (case in point: the CBC story)
- Customer reviews on Google, Yelp, or local trade associations
- Complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau or consumer protection agencies
- Red flags like unresolved complaints, lawsuits, or patterns of poor reviews should give you pause.
3. Get multiple detailed written quotes and compare thoroughly
Obtain at least three quotes to compare pricing fairly. When reviewing quotes, look beyond the total price and focus on:
- Detailed scope of work (What exactly is included? What’s not included?)
- Materials and brands specified
- Estimated project timeline and milestones
- Payment schedule and amounts due at each stage
- Warranty or guarantee terms
Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others — they might cut corners or hide extra costs.
4. Avoid large upfront payments
Know your rights under Alberta law.
Contractors will ask for a deposit. But did you know that Alberta’s Consumer Protection Act limits prepaid amounts for home renovation contracts? This rule applies unless the contractor has a special prepaid contractor license. Typically, upfront payments should be reasonable and proportionate to the work completed.
Demanding large upfront sums can put you at risk if the contractor disappears or fails to finish the job. Always ensure your payment schedule ties payments to completed work.
5. Understand subcontractors and payment protections
Many contractors use subcontractors for specialized tasks. It’s important to:
- Know who will be working in your home
- Confirm the contractor’s process for paying subcontractors promptly
- Request lien waivers from subcontractors to protect yourself from liens if subcontractors are unpaid
This reduces the risk of legal complications or unexpected bills down the line.
6. Get everything in writing with a clear, comprehensive contract
A verbal agreement or handshake is not enough. Your contract should include:
- Detailed scope of work
- Project start and completion dates
- Payment terms and schedule
- Material specifications
- Change order procedures
- Warranty and defect resolution policies
- Cancellation and dispute resolution processes
Having these terms clearly documented protects both parties and provides recourse if issues arise.
7. Ask the right questions and trust your instincts
Before hiring, ask potential contractors questions like:
- Can you provide references from recent similar projects?
- Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
- How do you handle unexpected costs or changes during the project?
- Who will supervise the work on-site daily?
- How do you ensure safety and cleanliness during the project?
- What is your process for resolving disputes?
- Can you provide a detailed written contract before work begins?
Trust your gut. If communication feels unclear or rushed, or the contractor avoids answering questions, that’s a warning sign.
How to compare home renovation contractors effectively
After gathering information and quotes, compare contractors based on:
- Qualifications: Licensing, insurance, certifications
- Experience: Similar projects completed successfully
- References and reviews: Positive feedback and satisfied clients
- Price: Reasonable, detailed estimates that match your budget
- Communication: Responsive, clear, and transparent
- Contract terms: Fair, comprehensive, and protective
- Professionalism: Respectful, punctual, and well-organized
Choosing the lowest price alone often leads to problems. Aim for the best overall value and trustworthiness.
Why ATCO Energy Home Services is different

We understand how stressful and risky it can be to hire a contractor for your home renovation. That’s why we take all the guesswork and worry off your plate.
We stringently vet every home services vendor before they join our network. This includes verifying:
- Licensing and insurance
- Safety training and compliance
- Work quality and craftsmanship
- Customer service and reliability
- Clear contract and warranty practices
Only trusted local professionals who meet our high standards make the cut. We stand behind their work completely — so you’re always in safe hands.
Learn more about how ATCO Energy vets home service vendors
We believe homeowners deserve top value and peace of mind for every job, big or small. Our thorough vetting process ensures you get reliable, skilled, and insured contractors who will treat your home with care.
Discover the full details of our vendor screening here: How ATCO Energy vets home service providers for top value
Make your home renovation dreams a reality safely and confidently

Ready to start your renovation? Our vetted, local professionals can turn your vision into reality with professionalism, safety, and on-time delivery.
Serving homeowners across Alberta, our Home Renovation service provides peace of mind and expert craftsmanship from contractors you can trust.
Call ATCO Energy Home Services today to start your next project with confidence.