Consumer Guide · 7 min read
How to Hire a Contractor in Calgary
Hiring the wrong contractor is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. This guide walks you through every step — from verifying credentials to signing a contract — so you can hire with confidence.
1. Verify licensing and permits
In Alberta, licensing requirements vary by trade. Electricians, gas fitters, and plumbers must hold a valid provincial trade certificate issued by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT). General contractors are not provincially licensed, but the City of Calgary requires permits for most structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
Always ask to see the contractor's trade certificate or business licence before work begins. You can verify Alberta trade certificates through the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training directory. For permits, visit the City of Calgary Development and Building Approvals portal.
Key question to ask:
"Will you be pulling the required permits for this work, and can I see your trade certificate?"
2. Confirm WCB coverage
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage protects you if a worker is injured on your property. Without it, you could be held liable for medical costs and lost wages. Ask the contractor for a WCB Clearance Letter — a document confirming their account is in good standing.
You can request a clearance letter directly from WCB Alberta at wcb.ab.ca. The letter should be dated within the last 30 days.
3. Check liability insurance
General liability insurance covers damage to your property caused by the contractor's work. Most reputable contractors carry a minimum of $2 million in general liability coverage. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance naming you as an additional insured, and verify it is current.
If a contractor cannot provide proof of insurance, walk away. The risk to your property and finances is not worth it.
4. Get at least three written quotes
Never accept a verbal quote. Get at least three written estimates from different contractors and compare them carefully. A significant price difference usually means something is different — scope, materials, preparation, or timeline.
The cheapest quote is not always the best value. See our guide on how to compare contractor quotes for a detailed breakdown. If you're hiring a painter or roofer, getting three quotes is especially important given how widely prices vary.
5. Check references
Ask for at least three references from recent Calgary projects similar in scope to yours. Actually call them. Ask about timeline, communication, how problems were handled, and whether they would hire the contractor again.
- Was the project completed on time and on budget?
- Were there any surprises or changes to the original quote?
- How did the contractor handle problems or concerns?
- Would you hire them again?
6. Get everything in writing
A written contract protects both you and the contractor. It should include the full scope of work, materials to be used, start and completion dates, total price, payment schedule, and warranty terms. Never start work without a signed contract.
See our guide on what should be included in a contractor estimate for a full checklist.
7. Understand the deposit
A reasonable deposit for most home-service work in Alberta is 10–25% of the total project cost. Deposits above 33% should raise questions. Never pay the full amount upfront.
For more detail, see our guide on how much to pay a contractor upfront in Alberta.
Watch for red flags
Pressure to decide immediately, requests for large cash deposits, no written estimate, and reluctance to provide references are all warning signs. Read our full guide on red flags when hiring a home-service company.
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