How to Hire a General Contractor in Vancouver: 10-Point Checklist

Hiring the Right General Contractor in Vancouver

Your general contractor is the most important decision in any major renovation. A good GC coordinates all trades, manages the permit process, and is accountable for the finished product. A poor choice leads to cost overruns, delays, and disputes. This checklist helps you hire right.

10-Point Contractor Vetting Checklist

1. BC Business Registration: Verify the company is registered in BC at bcregistryservices.gov.bc.ca. Active status required.
2. WorkSafeBC Certificate: Request a current clearance letter (not more than 30 days old) confirming the contractor is in good standing with WorkSafeBC. Expired or missing coverage = liability to you.
3. Commercial General Liability Insurance: Minimum $2M CGL. Request the Certificate of Insurance with your address added as additional insured.
4. Contractor Experience (Relevant Work): Ask for 3 examples of similar projects completed in Metro Vancouver in the last 2 years. Review photos. Visit a completed project if possible.
5. References: Call 3 references. Ask specifically: Did they finish on time? On budget? How did they handle problems? Would you hire them again?
6. Licensed Trades: Confirm that electricians, plumbers, and gas fitters on your project are individually licensed — not just the GC. The GC’s WorkSafeBC doesn’t cover unlicensed subtrades.
7. Permit History: Ask if they’ll pull all required permits. A contractor who says “we don’t need a permit” for work that clearly requires one is a red flag.
8. Written Contract: A complete scope, payment schedule, timeline, change order process, and warranty terms. Nothing verbal.
9. Payment Terms: No more than 25% deposit. Progress payments tied to milestones. Final 10–15% held until deficiency list is completed.
10. Communication Style: How quickly do they respond during quoting? Communication problems during the quote phase predict communication problems during construction.

→ See also: Vancouver Renovation Planning Guide

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VGC Editorial Team

✓ Licensed Contractor500+ Projects15 Years Experience

Vancouver General Contractors has completed 500+ home renovations across Metro Vancouver since 2010. Our articles are written and reviewed by licensed contractors, project managers, and renovation specialists with hands-on field experience.

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