Toronto Renovation FAQ

A good contractor will refuse to give you a number on the first phone call, insist on visiting the property before quoting, ask more questions than they answer, and show up to that visit on time. A bad contractor will quote a low number sight-unseen, pressure you to sign quickly, and become hard to reach the moment they have your deposit. The single biggest predictor of a good experience is how a contractor handles the gap between "interested" and "signed" if they're slow and detailed before they have your money, they'll be slow and detailed during the build too.

At minimum: a valid HST number, WSIB clearance certificate (workplace safety insurance), and $2 million general liability insurance. For projects requiring building permits, the contractor should also be registered with the Ontario Building Code and able to pull permits in their own name. Always ask for current copies of all three documents before signing. A contractor who hesitates to share them shouldn't be hired. Riteway provides all three on when you receive an estimate, refreshed before every project starts.

Yes, three is the sweet spot. One quote gives you no reference point; ten quotes wastes everyone's time and means you'll be comparing apples to oranges. Three lets you triangulate: if two come in around the same number and the third is dramatically lower, the cheap one is usually leaving things out. If two come in high and one is dramatically lower, ask the cheap one what they're not including.

Because most quotes aren't comparing the same thing. One contractor's "kitchen renovation" includes custom cabinetry, stone counters, and tile backsplash. Another's includes IKEA cabinets with a Home Depot countertop allowance. Two quotes with a $40,000 spread might both be honest, they're just for different projects. Read the inclusions and exclusions on each quote line by line. The price gap usually disappears once you compare actual scope.

Five matter most: (1) Is this a fixed quote, or are there allowances I'll owe extra on? (2) Who is the project manager and how often will I hear from them? (3) What's the payment schedule and what's the deposit? (4) Who's responsible for permits and inspections? (5) What's the warranty, and how do you handle deficiencies after final payment? If a contractor can't answer any of these clearly in writing, that's the answer.

A general contractor (GC) employs or directly hires the trades and is legally responsible for the build. A project manager coordinates trades that you hire and pay directly. The GC model means one contract, one invoice, one warranty, and one party legally accountable if something goes wrong. The project management model is cheaper on paper but puts coordination, scheduling, and liability on you. For most homeowners, GC is the right model. Riteway operates as a GC on all renovation projects.

Under Ontario's Construction Act, anyone who supplies labour or materials to a renovation has the right to register a lien against your property if they aren't paid. This is meant to protect tradespeople and suppliers, but it can hurt homeowners when a general contractor takes your money and doesn't pay their subs. Protect yourself by holding back 10% of every payment under the Act (this is called "statutory holdback") and only releasing it 60 days after substantial completion when the lien period expires. Any reputable contractor will explain this in their contract.

At minimum: full scope of work with inclusions and exclusions itemized, fixed price (or clearly itemized allowances), payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion dates, change order process, who handles permits, warranty terms, dispute resolution clause, and contact information for the project manager. Avoid contracts that are vague on scope or that leave key items as "TBD" those gaps will cost you money later.