Finding and choosing the best contractor near you
August 10, 2023
Emma Bousfield
Home improvement and construction projects are extremely exciting. They’re an excuse to get your creative juices flowing and promise to breathe new life into your living space. And it doesn’t matter what you’re thinking of doing - whether you’re completely gutting your kitchen, upgrading your powder room, or finishing your basement, the success of that renovation relies on one, very critical decision: finding the right contractor. The contractor you choose can really make or break the outcome of your renovation project. But, in a sea of options, finding the right contractor near you to get the job done can be difficult to say the least. So, we’re here with a few tips that can help you source out great contractors in your area for when you’re ready to hit the go button on that project.
How to find a contractor in Ontario
Tracking down a contractor in Ontario can be tricky. With the combination of endless options and the overwhelming amount of news stories about stolen deposits, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But there are a few things that can make the process a little less daunting:
Ask for recommendations
The best way to get referrals is to get them from the start. Ask people in your network - friends, family, colleagues, neighbours, anyone you know that’s gotten a similar project to yours completed.
Online research
The internet is a wild and wonderful place. There are websites that now allow you to filter contractors near you, their past work, reviews from previous customers, and more. Bidmii offers these features, and offers you a platform to facilitate your entire project through.
Local associations
The Ontario Home Builders’ Association is another place to look if you’re trying to find reputable contractors. Contact the OHBA and explain what you’re looking for and where exactly you’re located, from there, they’ll be able to send a list of people near you that can get the job done.
Home building stores
This one may seem surprising, but take a trip over to your nearest home building store and ask if they’ve got anyone in mind. The number one customers at Home Hardware, Home Depot, Lowes, Rona… etc? Contractors. Hundreds of contractors walk through those doors each day. They’ve likely developed relationships with some of the longer-term staff members. So find a seasoned associate who they recommend.
The best websites to find contractors on
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
The CHBA is an organization you can trust. Memberships are required so you know that contractors on the directory are serious about their business and their trade. Go to the CHBA website and scroll through a list of professional home builders, renovators, and general contractors that are located near you.
Google and other search engines
This method is tried and true - just google “contractors near me.” Of course, we don’t recommend you go for the first result that appears, there’s a bit of due diligence required to figure out who to work with, but, Google is a great place to find options and contact information so you can start to reach out.
Social media
Turn to social media. Check a contractor’s Instagram or Facebook page to see any before/after photos, look through comments to see if any previous homeowners are leaving reviews, and also check their tagged photos. This is a great pre-screening technique that can save you a ton of time.
Have we mentioned, Bidmii?
Bidmii is a platformed that is designed to simplify the home improvement process for both homeowners and contractors. We offer a user-friendly, convenient, and secure method of connecting with skilled professionals that can bring your vision to life. All you need to do is post your project on the platform (did we mention that it’s free?) and you’ll start to receive quotes from contractors in your area. Creep their profiles, look at previously completed projects, and even look through their reviews before choosing the pro to get it done.
Choosing a project contractor
So, now that you know WHERE to find the contractors, how do you choose the right one?
Experience and expertise
We shouldn’t say that you should always go for the seasoned expert, there are a lot of newbies that bring a fresh, updated flair to their work. But it is good to go for someone that’s been around the block a few times. When connecting with the contractor, listen closely to the questions they ask - do they sound professional and like they know what they’re doing?
Interview multiple contractors first
Don’t just go for the first guy that answers back, be sure to set up a few interviews (we recommend in-person) so you can really gauge their communication skills, professionalism, and compatibility. Contractor/homeowner relationships can be tricky, and once you’ve committed the money and time, it’s really hard to back out, so make sure you go with someone you think you’ll develop a good working relationship with.
Online presence
Someone that doesn’t have ANY trace of an online presence is not someone you should go with. In this day and age, being completely offline should signal a red flag. Go for someone who is relatively active online - it not only allows you to look at their previous work and reviews, but it also shows that they’re dedicated to building their business and take their work seriously.
How do they handle any administrative tasks?
A couple big things to consider before choosing your contract:
- What do the estimates look like? Are they detailed and clear? Do they make sense with the scope of work?
- The contract terms - does it include payment schedule, scope of work, materials, labour, timeline, and project details?
- Are they familiar with building codes, regulations, and permitting? This is critical in avoiding any legal issues in the future.
And of course, check their references… ALWAYS
Get a good list of references. And we mean a GOOD list. You should have enough people who can speak to the contractors craftsmanship, communication and working style, and professionalism.
Bidmii makes this one step easier with our verified ratings and reviews. What does this mean? Well, all the reviews on a contractor’s profile comes from a homeowner on our platform that’s worked with that contractor. No fake reviews.
How to interview a general contractor
For starters, schedule a meeting time that is face-to-face. In-person is preferred so you can really gain a sense of their professionalism. Make sure you’ve created a detailed description of what you’re after, complete with inspiration photos, material preferences, etc. And then have a list of questions prepared.
NOW - it’s important to also know WHY you’re asking the questions you’re asking. We’ve written out a list of questions you can ask your contractor during the interview, but be sure to know what kind of responses you’re looking to get and why it’s important to you/your project.
Questions you can ask your contractor during an interview:
- How many years of experience do you have as a contractor?
- Have you completed projects similar to mine? Can you provide examples?
- Are you familiar with local building codes and regulations?
- Can you provide references from past clients? May I contact them?
- Can I see examples of your recent projects? Do you have a portfolio or photos?
- Who will be overseeing the project on a day-to-day basis?
- Do you work with subcontractors? How do you choose them?
- How do you manage timelines and ensure the project stays on schedule?
- How do you handle unexpected issues or changes during the project?
- How often will we have updates on the project's progress?
- What is the best way to reach you? Will you be responsive to calls and emails?
- Are you licensed and registered to work in this jurisdiction?
- Can you provide proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage?
- Will you handle obtaining the necessary permits for the project?
- How familiar are you with the local permitting process?
- How do you handle cost estimates and budgets?
- What is your preferred payment schedule? Are there upfront fees?
- Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on your work?
- How do you handle client satisfaction and potential issues after the project is completed?
- How do you maintain a clean and safe work environment?
- How do you protect my property and belongings during construction?
- Can you provide a detailed written contract that outlines all project details?
- How do you handle change orders and revisions to the original plan?
- When can you start the project, and how long do you anticipate it will take to complete?
If at any point, the responses are unclear and you feel like you need them to elaborate a little bit more, don’t be afraid to ask. Listen to your gut and don’t let them push you around, although they’re the “expert,” it’s part of their job to keep you informed and make you feel comfortable and confident in choosing them.
