How do I find a good renovation contractor in London, Ontario?

Ask neighbours and friends for referrals, check Google reviews, verify the contractor is licensed and insured in Ontario, and get at least 3 written quotes with detailed scopes of work. Always check WSIB coverage and ask for references from recent local projects.

How much deposit should I pay a contractor in Ontario?

A reasonable deposit for a renovation in Ontario is 10–25% of the total project cost. Be very cautious of contractors asking for 50% or more upfront — this is a common red flag for potential fraud or cash flow problems.

How to Choose a Renovation Contractor in Ontario (2026 Guide)

Hiring the wrong renovation contractor is one of the most costly mistakes a homeowner in Ontario can make. From abandoned projects to shoddy workmanship, bad contractors cost London, Hamilton, Kitchener, and Guelph homeowners millions of dollars every year. This guide walks you through exactly how to find, vet, and hire the right contractor for your renovation.

Step 1: Get Referrals from People You Trust

The best renovation contractors in London, Kitchener, Hamilton, and surrounding Ontario cities are typically found through word of mouth. Ask neighbours whose home improvements you've admired, post in local Facebook groups, or check community forums. A contractor who did excellent work for someone in your neighbourhood is a far better bet than a stranger from a Google ad.

Step 2: Check Google Reviews — Carefully

Look for contractors with at least 10–15 Google reviews and an average of 4.5 stars or higher. Read the negative reviews — how did the contractor respond? A professional contractor addresses complaints respectfully. Be suspicious of profiles with only 5-star reviews and no detail — these can be fake. Also check HomeStars, which is popular in Ontario for renovation reviews.

Step 3: Verify Insurance and WSIB Coverage

Before hiring any contractor in Ontario, confirm:

General liability insurance — minimum $2 million. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance naming you as additionally insured.
WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) clearance certificate — protects you if a worker is injured on your property. You can verify WSIB coverage at wsib.ca.

Any reputable contractor in London, Hamilton, Kitchener, or elsewhere in Ontario will have both without hesitation. If they push back on providing these, walk away.

Step 4: Get 3 Detailed Written Quotes

Never accept a verbal quote. A proper written quote should include:

Full scope of work — what exactly is being done
Materials specified by brand and model number where possible
What is NOT included (exclusions)
Estimated start and completion dates
Payment terms and schedule
Who is responsible for permits

If a quote is vague — "kitchen renovation, complete" — it's a red flag. Vague quotes lead to scope disputes and unexpected charges later.

Step 5: Ask the Right Questions

When meeting with contractors in London, Hamilton, Kitchener, or anywhere in Ontario, ask:

How many similar projects have you completed in the past year?
Can I speak with 2–3 recent clients?
Who will be on-site daily — you or a subcontractor?
How do you handle unexpected issues (hidden rot, outdated wiring)?
What does your workmanship warranty cover and for how long?
Will you handle permits, or is that on me?

🚩 Red Flags — Walk Away From These

Asks for more than 25–30% deposit upfront
Wants cash only — no paper trail
Can't provide proof of insurance or WSIB
No physical business address or local presence
Pressures you to sign immediately or "lose the spot"
Quote is significantly lower than all others (usually means cut corners or hidden costs)
No written contract — "we'll just shake on it"
Can't provide any local references

What Should a Renovation Contract Include in Ontario?

Ontario's Consumer Protection Act gives you rights as a homeowner. A proper renovation contract should include:

Renovation Contract Checklist

Full legal name and address of the contractor
Detailed written scope of work
Materials, brands, and model numbers specified
Start date and projected completion date
Payment schedule tied to milestones (not arbitrary dates)
Process for change orders (any changes must be written and signed)
Who pulls permits and coordinates inspections
Workmanship warranty terms (minimum 1 year recommended)
Dispute resolution process
Lien waiver upon final payment

How Much Should You Pay Upfront?

A reasonable deposit for a renovation project in Ontario is 10–25% of the total cost at contract signing. Mid-project draws should be tied to specific milestones (framing complete, rough-in complete, etc.), not calendar dates. Final payment of 10–15% should be held until the project is fully complete to your satisfaction.

Why London & Ontario Homeowners Choose Expert Renovation

5.0★ Google rating · Fully insured · WSIB covered · All permits handled · Written contracts · Workmanship warranty on every project.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ask neighbours and friends for referrals, check Google and HomeStars reviews, verify insurance and WSIB coverage, and get at least 3 detailed written quotes. Always check for a local physical address and ask for references from recent projects in your area.

A renovation contract in Ontario should include: full scope of work, materials specified by brand, start and completion dates, payment schedule tied to milestones, warranty terms, permit responsibilities, and a signed change-order process.

A reasonable deposit is 10–25% at contract signing. Be very cautious of contractors asking for 50% or more upfront — this is a common red flag. Final payment should be held until the project is complete to your satisfaction.

Not always, but a quote significantly lower than all others usually means something — cheaper materials, unlicensed subcontractors, or hidden charges later. The best value is usually a mid-range quote from a contractor with strong local reviews and references, not the cheapest or most expensive.