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    DIY vs ProAJDecember 10, 20256 min read

    The Ultimate Checklist for Hiring a Contractor in BC

    The Ultimate Checklist for Hiring a Contractor in BC
    Quick Answer

    Before hiring a contractor in BC: verify WCB coverage, check liability insurance, read Google reviews, get 3 written quotes, confirm they pull permits, ask for references, and never pay more than 10% upfront.

    Hiring the wrong contractor can cost you thousands of dollars and months of frustration. British Columbia has specific requirements and best practices that every homeowner should know before signing a contract.

    The Pre-Hire Checklist

    1. WorkSafeBC (WCB) Verification

  1. Ask for their WCB account number
  2. Verify coverage at worksafebc.com
  3. Confirm coverage is current and active
  4. Understand that if a worker is injured on your property without WCB, YOU may be liable

    5. 2. Insurance Verification

  5. Request a Certificate of Insurance
  6. Confirm minimum $2 million general liability
  7. Check that the policy is current
  8. Ensure the policy covers the type of work being done

    9. 3. BC Licensing

  9. For projects over $3,000: Contractor must be licensed through BC Housing
  10. Verify license at bchousing.org
  11. Check for any complaints or disciplinary actions
  12. Confirm the business license is current with the local municipality

    13. 4. References and Reviews

  13. Check Google Business Profile (look for 50+ reviews)
  14. Ask for 3-5 recent references for similar projects
  15. Contact references and ask about timeline, communication, and quality
  16. Check the Better Business Bureau
  17. Search for complaints on social media and review sites

    18. 5. Written Contract

    Every project should have a written contract that includes:

  18. Detailed scope of work
  19. Total cost and payment schedule
  20. Start and completion dates
  21. Change order process and pricing
  22. Warranty terms
  23. Cleanup expectations
  24. Permit responsibility

    25. 6. Payment Terms

  25. Never pay more than 10-25% upfront
  26. Tie payments to milestones (e.g., after demolition, after rough-in, at completion)
  27. Retain 10% holdback until final walkthrough and punch list completion
  28. Get receipts for all payments
  29. Avoid cash-only demands

    30. Red Flags

  30. No WCB or insurance
  31. Pressures you to start immediately
  32. Demands large cash deposit
  33. No written contract offered
  34. No physical business address
  35. Can't provide references
  36. Significantly lower bid than competitors (often means cutting corners or adding change orders)
  37. Won't pull necessary permits

    38. The SturdyBee Difference

    SturdyBee Property Solutions makes this checklist easy:

  38. WCB covered — Verifiable WorkSafeBC coverage for all team members
  39. Fully insured — Comprehensive general liability coverage
  40. Google Guaranteed — Google's own endorsement of our business
  41. 4.9 stars on Google — with 100+ reviews
  42. Transparent pricing — Published packages and written estimates
  43. Professional contracts — Clear scope, timeline, and pricing for every project

    44. Call (604) 366-4087 or visit https://sturdybeesolutions.com/contact for a free estimate.

    People Also Ask

    How do I verify a contractor in BC?

    Check WCB coverage at worksafebc.com, verify their business licence with the local municipality, read Google and BBB reviews, and ask for proof of liability insurance.

    How much deposit should I pay a contractor?

    Never pay more than 10% upfront or before work begins. Payments should be tied to project milestones. Final payment (10–15%) should be held until completion and inspection.

    What should a contractor quote include?

    A detailed scope of work, materials list with specifications, labour costs, timeline with milestones, payment schedule, warranty terms, and permit responsibilities.

    Ready to get started?

    SturdyBee Property Solutions serves 18 cities across Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley. WCB covered, fully insured, Google Guaranteed.

    (604) 366-4087

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