How to Choose the Right Contractor in Calgary: Red Flags and Green Flags

Finding a Trustworthy Contractor in Calgary

Choosing the right contractor can make or break your renovation project. Here's what to look for and what to avoid.

Green Flags (What to Look For)

1. Proper Licensing and Insurance

• City of Calgary business license
• WCB (Workers' Compensation Board) coverage
• Liability insurance ($2M minimum recommended)
• Ask for certificates and verify them

2. Clear, Detailed Quotes

A good quote should include:

• Itemized breakdown of costs
• Material specifications
• Timeline with milestones
• Payment schedule
• Warranty information

3. References and Portfolio

• Ask for recent project references
• Actually call those references
• Visit completed projects if possible
• Check online reviews (Google, HomeStars)

4. Professional Communication

• Returns calls/emails promptly
• Explains things clearly
• Puts everything in writing
• Arrives on time for appointments

5. Realistic Timelines

• Accounts for permit processing
• Includes buffer for weather (exterior work)
• Doesn't promise impossibly fast completion

Red Flags (Warning Signs)

1. Cash-Only Requests

• Legitimate contractors accept multiple payment methods
• Cash-only suggests potential tax evasion or scams

2. Large Upfront Deposits

• Industry standard is 10-25% deposit
• Requests for 50%+ upfront are suspicious
• Never pay in full before work is complete

3. No Written Contract

• Always get a detailed written contract
• "Handshake deals" leave you unprotected

4. Pressure Tactics

• "This price is only good today"
• Reluctance to provide references
• Pushing to start immediately

5. Significantly Lower Bids

• If one quote is much lower than others, investigate
• They may be cutting corners or planning change orders

Questions to Ask

Before hiring, ask:

1. How long have you been in business?
2. Who will be on-site daily?
3. How do you handle changes or unexpected issues?
4. What's your payment schedule?
5. How do you handle permit applications?
6. What warranty do you provide?

The TrekStone Difference

We provide:

• Full licensing and WCB compliance
• Detailed, transparent quotes
• PMP-certified project management
• Regular progress updates
• Written warranties
• Post-construction cleaning included

Get a free quote and see the difference professional project management makes.