Check the company, the written scope and the documents that apply to your renovation before signing.
Renovation Contractor Proof: What Homeowners Should Verify
A contractor’s quote can tell you the price without telling you enough about the job. Before you hire, check who is taking responsibility, what the contract includes and which documents support the work you are paying for. Apply the same checks to Capable as to any company you are comparing.
What to ask Capable for
Our published basement coverage is $5M+ liability insurance and WSIB. Ask to see the current documents for your project and check the insured business name, work covered and dates. A logo is useful for recognition; the document answers what protection applies.
For the work itself, compare the written scope, material allowances, exclusions, permit responsibilities and change process. Our basement offer includes a fixed quote and 3D design, so you can review the proposed rooms and the included construction together.
Read the written warranty terms before comparing warranty headlines. Coverage varies by item: the published terms specify a two-year electrical warranty. The terms, exclusions and claim process matter as much as the label.
Compare the paperwork as carefully as the price
Ontario’s homeowner guidance recommends several written estimates and a detailed contract. Keep the estimate in the contract: the Province explains that the 10% estimate limit applies unless you agree to a change. Its recommendation to keep the down payment at no more than 10% is guidance, rather than a statement of Capable’s deposit terms.
Home-renovation contracts over $50 must be in writing. Ontario also describes a 10-calendar-day cooling-off period for qualifying contracts of $50 or more signed in your home; work you requested during that period can affect what is payable if you cancel. Read the Ontario home-renovation guidance for the conditions that apply to your agreement.
Check the licence and the trades for your location
Toronto requires a Building Renovator licence for businesses providing or advertising renovation services. Check the applicable business licence rather than assuming that insurance or a trade certificate replaces it. Toronto’s Building Renovator guidance explains the requirement.
Electrical work has its own licensed-contractor and safety-notification route where required. Ask who will do the relevant work and which inspections are included in your contract.
Look at completed work relevant to your project
A real photograph helps you judge a finish. It cannot establish a project’s price, hidden construction or approval status on its own. Use the completed-project collection to see actual Capable work, then ask how that project compares with what your house needs.
For a basement, start with the Scarborough bathroom project or Pickering basement kitchen. For the current basement quote route, review the basement service.
Watch VIdeo
Ask what insurance, WSIB status, and trade coverage applies to your renovation. This matters before larger scopes, occupied-home work, structural work, and projects where multiple trades will be on site.
For additions, underpinning, legal-suite work, structural changes, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and major interior alterations, ask how permit-sensitive scope will be reviewed before pricing.
Ask for written scope, allowances, exclusions, change-order rules, payment schedule, and warranty terms. This is what helps compare quotes fairly.
Look for recent reviews, before-and-after photos, project type match, and proof that the contractor has handled similar renovation complexity in Toronto or the GTA.
A useful quote should clarify demolition, disposal, site protection, rough-ins, finish allowances, inspections, exclusions, and what can change the price.
- Electrical changes should be reviewed by the right licensed trade path where required. Ask what electrical work is included, what is excluded, and what permit or inspection assumptions apply.
- Plumbing changes can affect cost quickly. Ask what drain, supply, fixture, rough-in, waterproofing, venting, and inspection assumptions are included before comparing quotes.
- HVAC and mechanical changes should be clarified early, especially for basements, legal-suite planning, additions, kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces. Ask what is included before pricing is treated as final.
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