Should I choose the cheapest contractor?

Almost never. The cheapest quote usually means the contractor has missed something in the scope, is using inferior materials, or is planning to make up the difference with change orders. Choose the contractor whose specification matches your needs, whose communication is best, and whose price is competitive — not the lowest.

Do I need a written contract?

Yes, always. A written contract protects both you and the contractor. It should include: the full scope of work, materials specification, timeline with milestones, payment schedule, change order process, warranty terms, and dispute resolution. Never proceed on a handshake for any project over $1,000.

How many quotes should I get?

Three is the standard. It gives you a realistic price range and lets you compare specifications. Fewer than three does not give enough data; more than three spreads your time too thin and makes the comparison unwieldy.

Guides

Choosing a Renovation Contractor in Calgary

Updated July 25, 20263 min read

The short answer

The contractor selection process has three stages: initial screening (licence, insurance, references), detailed evaluation (site visit, quote quality, communication), and contract verification (scope, timeline, payment terms, warranty). The most important indicator is not the lowest price — it is the quality of communication during the quoting process. A contractor who asks good questions, explains their process clearly, and provides a detailed written quote is signalling how they will communicate during construction.

Vetting checklist

Valid Alberta contractor licence (if applicable to scope)
Active liability insurance (minimum $2M — ask for a certificate)
WCB coverage (required if they have employees)
At least 3 recent references for similar scope work
Portfolio or photos of completed projects
Written quote with detailed specification
Clear timeline with milestones
Written contract with scope, payment schedule and warranty
No unresolved Better Business Bureau or court complaints
Willingness to pull permits for work that requires them

Questions that reveal competence

"How do you handle unexpected conditions?": A good answer describes a process: assess, document, communicate, quote the additional work, get approval, then proceed. A bad answer is "it will be fine" or "we will figure it out." Construction always has surprises; the contractor's process for handling them matters.
"Who will be on-site daily?": A good answer names a person — the owner, a foreman, a site supervisor. A bad answer is "our crew" or "whoever is available." You need to know who is responsible for quality and communication on a daily basis.
"How do you handle changes?": A good answer describes a change-order process: document the change, price it, get written approval, then execute. A bad answer is "we will just adjust the total." Changes without documentation are the source of most renovation disputes.
"What is not included in this quote?": A good answer lists clear exclusions: electrical trade, plumbing trade, permits, drywall repair, flooring, painting of adjacent surfaces. A bad answer is "everything is included." No quote includes everything — the contractor who admits this is being honest.
"What warranty do you provide?": A good answer specifies a warranty period (typically 1–2 years for workmanship) and what it covers. A bad answer is "we stand behind our work" without specifics. Warranty terms should be in the contract.

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Red flags

No written quote: A verbal estimate or a one-line email is not a quote. A contractor who will not provide a written specification is either inexperienced or planning to rely on change orders.
Large upfront deposit: A 10–25% deposit is standard. A request for 50% or more before work begins is unusual and may indicate cash flow problems. Never pay more than the material cost as a deposit.
No insurance certificate: If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor has no WCB coverage, you may be liable. If damage occurs and there is no liability insurance, you bear the cost. Always verify insurance.
Pressure to decide quickly: A contractor who says "this price is only good today" is using a sales tactic, not offering a genuine discount. A good quote is valid for 30–60 days. Take the time you need to make an informed decision.
No physical business address: A contractor with no fixed address, no business phone and no online presence is harder to hold accountable. A legitimate business has a traceable identity.

Answers

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose the cheapest contractor?: Almost never. The cheapest quote usually means the contractor has missed something in the scope, is using inferior materials, or is planning to make up the difference with change orders. Choose the contractor whose specification matches your needs, whose communication is best, and whose price is competitive — not the lowest.
Do I need a written contract?: Yes, always. A written contract protects both you and the contractor. It should include: the full scope of work, materials specification, timeline with milestones, payment schedule, change order process, warranty terms, and dispute resolution. Never proceed on a handshake for any project over $1,000.
How many quotes should I get?: Three is the standard. It gives you a realistic price range and lets you compare specifications. Fewer than three does not give enough data; more than three spreads your time too thin and makes the comparison unwieldy.

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