How to Choose a Contractor in Southern Alberta
Choosing the right contractor is the single most important decision you'll make for your renovation project. After years in the industry, I've seen what separates great contractors from problematic ones. Here's how to find a good one—and avoid the bad.
Before You Start Looking
Know What You Want (Roughly)
You don't need complete plans, but you should be able to answer:
What rooms/areas are you renovating?
What's your approximate budget range?
When do you want to start?
What's driving this project?
Set a Realistic Budget
Research typical costs for your project type:
Kitchen renovations: $25,000-80,000+
Bathroom renovations: $15,000-50,000+
Basement development: $40,000-100,000+
Home additions: $150-400 per square foot
If your budget is significantly below these ranges, have an honest conversation early.
Finding Candidates
Good Sources
1.
Personal referrals: Friends, family, and neighbours who've had recent work done
2.
Neighbourhood observation: See a renovation in progress? Ask the homeowner
3.
Online reviews: Google, HomeStars (take with grain of salt)
4.
Industry associations: BILD Calgary Region members
Less Reliable Sources
Door-to-door solicitation (major red flag)
Unverified online ads
The "cheapest quote" on any platform
Green Flags: Signs of a Good Contractor
Communication
Responds to inquiries within 24-48 hours
Answers questions thoroughly and patiently
Explains process clearly without jargon
Provides written estimates with detail
Sets clear expectations about timeline
Professionalism
Licensed and insured (ask for certificates)
WCB coverage for all workers
Proper business registration
Clean, organized job sites (if you can visit one)
Professional vehicle with signage
Process
Conducts thorough site visit before quoting
Asks questions about your needs and priorities
Discusses potential challenges honestly
Provides detailed written contract
Explains permit requirements
Has a clear payment schedule
References
Provides references willingly
References are for similar project types
Recent references (within 1-2 years)
Can show photos of completed work
Red Flags: Warning Signs
Financial Red Flags
Demands large deposit upfront (>10-15%)
Only accepts cash
No written contract or vague contracts
Quote is significantly below others (usually means corners cut)
Changes scope/price frequently
Communication Red Flags
Hard to reach or slow to respond
Vague answers to specific questions
Pressure to sign quickly
Unwilling to provide references
Defensive about questions
Professional Red Flags
No visible business presence
Can't provide insurance certificates
No WCB coverage
Subcontracts everything (not always bad, but ask)
No portfolio or previous work examples
Process Red Flags
Quotes without site visit
No discussion of permits
Unrealistically short timelines
Won't put details in writing
Wants to start "right away" (good contractors are usually booked out)
The Interview Process
Questions to Ask
About Their Business
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed and insured?
Do you have WCB coverage?
Will you be on-site, or just your crew?
About Your Project
Have you done similar projects?
What challenges do you anticipate?
How will you handle [specific concern]?
What's your realistic timeline?
About Process
Who will be my main point of contact?
How do you handle changes during the project?
What's your warranty policy?
How do you handle problems or disputes?
About Money
What's included in your quote?
What's NOT included?
What could cause price increases?
What's your payment schedule?
What to Watch For
Pay attention to how they handle your questions:
Do they listen or just talk?
Are answers specific or vague?
Do they acknowledge what they don't know?
Do you feel rushed or pressured?
Getting and Comparing Quotes
Get Multiple Quotes
Three quotes is standard. More than that can create confusion.
Ensure Apples-to-Apples
Quotes should include:
Detailed scope of work
Material specifications
Timeline with milestones
Payment schedule
What's included and excluded
Warranty information
Don't Just Choose the Cheapest
The lowest quote is rarely the best value. Ask yourself:
Why is this quote so much lower?
Are they cutting scope or quality?
Are they planning to increase later?
Do I trust this contractor?
The Contract
Must-Have Elements
Complete scope of work with specifications
Total price and payment schedule
Start and completion dates
Permit responsibilities
Change order process
Warranty terms
Termination clause
Insurance requirements
Read Before Signing
Yes, actually read it. Ask about anything unclear. A good contractor welcomes questions.
Managing the Relationship
During the Project
Designate one decision-maker
Schedule regular check-ins
Document everything (photos, emails)
Address concerns early
Approve changes in writing
Make payments per schedule (after work completed)
If Problems Arise
1. Address directly with contractor first
2. Document the issue in writing
3. Give reasonable time to resolve
4. Escalate formally if needed
5. Review contract for dispute process
Special Considerations for Alberta
Winter Construction
Alberta's climate affects projects:
Exterior work is seasonal
Interior work continues year-round
Foundation work has temperature limits
Plan projects accordingly
Permit Processes
Calgary: Generally 2-4 weeks for residential permits
Surrounding municipalities: Varies widely
Development permits: Add weeks or months
Ask your contractor about specific timelines
Insurance and Licensing
Alberta doesn't require residential contractor licensing
This makes insurance and references more important
Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, gas) require licensing
Verify subtrade credentials
Our Approach
At The Renovators Inc., we:
- Respond within 24 hours
- Provide detailed written quotes
- Handle all permits and inspections
- Maintain comprehensive insurance
- Keep WCB coverage current
- Communicate throughout the project
- Stand behind our work
We're not right for every project or every homeowner. But we're always honest about that upfront.
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Have questions about choosing a contractor for your project? Contact us for honest advice—even if we're not the right fit for your project.