Before You Hire a Contractor This Spring
As spring projects start (kitchen, bathroom, windows, bigger renos), the hard part often isn’t the idea – it’s choosing the right person to do the work. A few simple checks up front can save you months of stress, extra costs, and unfinished jobs.
Below are three practical steps you can take before you say “yes” or pay a deposit – plus how buy better® can do this work with you.
1. Shortlist smarter, not faster
Before you ask for quotes, decide who even makes your shortlist.
Start with reputation, not ads: Ask people you trust for recent, local recommendations for similar projects, then look for consistent reviews (good and bad) across more than one site.
Check they’re set up properly: Use your city or province tools to confirm licences, permit requirements, and whether the business is allowed to take deposits.
Look for fit and focus: Prefer contractors who regularly do your type of project (bathrooms, windows, kitchens), not “we do everything” generalists for specialised work.
If someone won’t provide a legal business name, insurance or basic details you can verify, don’t invite them to quote.
2. Make every quote answer the same questions
To compare contractors properly, you need them answering the same things. For each quote, look for:
Scope: Exactly what is included – and what is clearly excluded (permits, debris removal, patching/painting, temporary protection, etc.).
Materials and brands: What products are being used (e.g., window type/brand, fixtures, finishes) rather than just “supply and install.”
Timeline: Estimated start date, duration, and what happens if there are delays (how they’ll communicate, how change orders work).
Payment structure: Deposit amount, milestones tied to visible progress, and when the final payment is due.
If one quote is much cheaper than the others, your first question should be “What’s missing?” – not “What a bargain.”
3. Insist on a contract that matches reality
Once you choose a contractor, the contract should reflect what you discussed – not just a generic template. Official guidance in Alberta highlights some basics:
Your name and address, the business’s full legal name and address, and contact details.
A detailed description of the work and materials, and itemised pricing.
Total price, payment terms, and any credit or financing details.
Start and completion dates (or delivery dates).
Any warranties, and who is responsible for permits and inspections.
A statement of any cancellation rights that apply to your situation.
If the contract doesn’t match what you thought you agreed to, ask for changes before signing. A good contractor will be used to that.
Where buy better® fits
Everything above is something you can do yourself – but it’s also exactly the kind of work buy better® is here to take off your plate.
SafeSource: Help finding and shortlisting contractors or suppliers who are properly set up, aligned with your type of project, and pass basic checks on licensing, reputation, and fit – so you’re not starting from a random search or the last flyer through the door.
SafeSelect: A structured look at quotes and contracts, focused on scope, exclusions, timelines, payment terms, and red‑flag clauses, so you can see the risks and “gotchas” before you sign.
SafeBuy (in development): A growing, pre‑vetted list of contractors and providers who meet clear standards on transparency and conduct, so over time you can choose from a smaller pool of better‑behaving options rather than trying to screen the whole market alone.
Want help with your project?
If you’re planning a renovation or major home purchase this year and want help finding and vetting suppliers – or sense that a quote or contract might not tell the whole story – you can get one‑to‑one support from buy better®.
Email sarah@webuybetter.com with a line or two about the project you’re considering (for example “new windows for a 1970s bungalow in Oakridge” or “basement carpet replacement”), and you’ll receive details on the current SafeSource and SafeSelect support options.
