Choosing who to let into your home for weeks or months is a big decision. The right contractor makes a renovation feel organized and calm. The wrong one can turn it into a long, stressful mess. The good news is that a few clear questions will tell you most of what you need to know. Here is a practical checklist you can use with anyone you are considering, including us.
Start with a real conversation
A good first meeting should feel like the contractor is trying to understand your project, not just sell it. Pay attention to whether they:
- Ask how you use the space and what is not working now
- Ask about your budget comfort and timing
- Measure, take photos and look at the conditions (not just glance and quote)
- Explain options and trade-offs in plain language
- Tell you honestly if something is not a good idea
If someone gives you a firm number within minutes without measuring anything, ask how they arrived at it.
Questions to ask
Here are the questions we would ask if we were hiring:
- How long have you been doing this kind of work, and where? Local experience matters in a northern climate.
- Who will actually be on site? Your own crew, subcontractors, or a mix? Who is my main contact?
- How do you communicate during the project? Regular updates, a client portal, a weekly check-in?
- What does your schedule look like, and what could delay it?
- How do you protect the rest of my home from dust and damage?
- How do you handle surprises behind walls?
- Is your price fixed, and how are changes handled?
- What guarantee do you give on workmanship, and is it in writing?
Get the scope in writing
A written scope of work is the foundation of everything else. It should describe what is being done, what materials and finishes are included (or covered by allowances), what is excluded, and who handles permits. Comparing prices between contractors only makes sense if the scopes match. One price may be lower simply because it leaves out things another includes.
We explain how scope, allowances and change orders fit together in fixed pricing and staged payments.
Ask about insurance and workers' coverage
Ask any contractor for proof of:
- Liability insurance, which protects your property if something goes wrong during the work
- Workers' compensation coverage: in Alberta that means WCB, and in British Columbia it means WorkSafeBC
It is reasonable to ask for a certificate or a letter of clearance and to check that it is current. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor is not properly covered, it can become your problem. A professional contractor will not be offended by the question.
Permits: who pulls them?
Many renovations need permits, especially those involving structural changes, plumbing, electrical, gas, or basement development. Rules differ between the City of Edmonton, the City of Prince George and surrounding municipalities and regional districts.
Ask the contractor:
- Does this project need permits?
- Who applies for them, and is that included in the price?
- Which inspections will happen, and when?
Be wary of anyone who suggests skipping permits to save time or money. Unpermitted work can cause trouble with insurance, inspections and selling your home later.
References and photos of real work
Ask for photos of projects the contractor actually completed, ideally similar to yours. Ask whether you can speak to past clients. When you call a reference, ask:
- Did the project finish close to the planned schedule?
- Did the final price match the contract, plus any agreed changes?
- How were problems handled?
- Was the site kept clean and safe?
- Would you hire them again?
Online reviews are useful too, but look for detail and consistency, and notice how the contractor responds to criticism.
Red flags
Some warning signs are worth taking seriously:
- A large cash deposit requested before a written contract exists
- Pressure to sign quickly, or a "today only" price
- Vague or one-line quotes with no scope
- Reluctance to provide insurance or coverage details
- Suggestions to avoid permits
- Payment schedules that run far ahead of the work
- Hard to reach before you have signed (it rarely improves after)
None of these automatically means someone is dishonest, but each one deserves a clear answer.
Communication is the real test
Most renovation frustration is not about workmanship. It is about not knowing what is happening. Ask how you will hear about progress, schedule changes and decisions you need to make. At Zenith, our client portal keeps updates in one place, and you can always reach your project contact. You can see how a project runs on our process page and read common questions on our FAQ.
Take the next step
We are happy to be one of the contractors you talk to. Book a design consultation and ask us every question on this list. We will measure, take photos, talk through options and give you a fixed price in writing, backed by a lifetime workmanship guarantee. Call Edmonton at (587) 812-4500 or Prince George at (250) 999-4500.
