Hiring a renovation contractor is one of the most consequential decisions a Toronto homeowner makes. A good contractor transforms your home and you never think about it again. A bad one leaves you with failed waterproofing, a lawsuit, or a bathroom you have to redo in five years. Here is how to tell the difference before you sign anything.
What to Look For
Certifications that matter. For bathroom work specifically, Wedi Pro certification is the clearest signal of technical competence in waterproofing. Most contractors in the GTA are not certified. Renomark membership signals a baseline commitment to professional standards. WSIB coverage is non-negotiable if a worker is injured on your property and the contractor is not WSIB insured, you could be liable.
Real portfolio. Not stock photos, not renderings. Actual completed projects with addresses you could verify and clients you could contact. Ask for photos from the substrate stage during construction, before tile goes in. A contractor who takes photos at this stage cares about what happens behind the wall, not just what it looks like at the end.
Google reviews with substance. Look for reviews that mention specific details the contractor's name, the type of project, what went well. Generic five-star reviews with no text tell you very little. Reviews that mention repeat business are the strongest signal of all.
Years in business. This matters more than most people think. A contractor who has been in business for 15 years has stood behind their work through warranty claims, difficult projects, and market downturns. A company that started two years ago has not been tested the same way.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
- Are you Wedi Pro certified? If they say yes, ask for the certification number.
- What waterproofing system do you use? A good answer names a specific product and system. A vague answer about "industry standard waterproofing" is a red flag.
- What warranty do you provide, and is it in writing? Verbal warranties are meaningless. If they cannot provide a written warranty, walk away.
- Who actually does the work? Is it their own crew or subcontractors? There is nothing wrong with subtrades we use them too but you want to know who is in your home and that the contractor is accountable for their work.
- Can I see a sample quote from a similar project? A good contractor will show you how they structure a quote. Look for line items, not a single lump sum.
- What happens if something unexpected is found during demolition? The answer should be: we document it, we contact you, and we get your approval before doing anything additional.
Red Flags to Watch For
How to Compare Quotes
The most common mistake homeowners make when comparing renovation quotes is comparing the total number without understanding what each quote includes. A $25,000 quote and a $35,000 quote for the same bathroom can represent completely different scopes.
Ask every contractor to break their quote down into the same line items: demolition and disposal, waterproofing system, substrate preparation, tile material, tile installation labour, plumbing, electrical, fixtures, and final clean. When you compare line by line, the differences become clear and what seemed like a cheaper option often is not.
Protecting Yourself Throughout the Project
Get everything in writing before work starts. The scope, the timeline, the payment schedule, and the warranty. Do not make payment milestones contingent on dates tie them to completed stages of work instead.
Ask to see photos during construction, particularly at the waterproofing stage before tile goes in. A contractor who does this properly will have no objection to showing you the work at that stage.
Keep a paper trail of all communications. If something changes mid-project, get the change documented in writing with the revised cost before work continues.
If you are considering hiring us, we welcome every one of these questions. Get in touch and we will walk you through our process in detail.
