How to Verify a Contractor’s Licence in BC

Before hiring a renovation contractor in British Columbia, verifying their licence and insurance protects you from financial and legal risk. This guide explains exactly what to check, where to check it, and what the numbers mean.

What Licences Does a Vancouver Contractor Need?

A fully compliant renovation contractor in Metro Vancouver should hold all of the following:

Step-by-Step: How to Verify a Contractor Before You Hire

Step 1: Ask for Their Business Licence Number

Any legitimate contractor will immediately provide their municipal business licence number. Verify it on the city’s online lookup. For work in Vancouver, go to bizlicence.vancouver.ca.

Step 2: Request a WorkSafeBC Clearance Letter

Ask the contractor to provide a current WCB clearance letter (issued within the last 30 days). This confirms their account is in good standing and their workers are covered. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn’t have WCB coverage, you as the homeowner can be held liable.

Step 3: Request a Certificate of Insurance

Ask for a Certificate of Commercial General Liability insurance naming you (the homeowner) as an additional insured for the duration of the project. Minimum $2,000,000 per occurrence. Any reputable contractor provides this without hesitation.

Step 4: Check BBB and Online Reviews

Search the contractor’s name on the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org/canada), Google, HomeStars, and Houzz. Look for: years in business, complaint history, response to negative reviews, and pattern of feedback (not just star rating).

Step 5: Verify HPO Registration for New Builds or Major Additions

If your project involves a new home, laneway home, or significant home addition, verify the contractor is registered with the BC Homeowner Protection Office at bchousing.org. Unlicensed new home builders cannot provide the mandatory 2-5-10 year new home warranty in BC.

Step 6: Get a Written Contract

BC law requires a written contract for any home renovation over $1,000. The contract must include: contractor’s name, address, and licence number; detailed scope of work; start and completion dates; total price (or rate plus estimate); materials to be supplied; and warranty terms. See our renovation contract guide for what to look for.

Red Flags: Signs a Contractor May Not Be Legitimate

• Refuses to provide a business licence number or WCB clearance letter
• Asks for more than 10% deposit before work begins (industry standard is 10-25% depending on project size)
• Requests cash-only payment (no paper trail, no consumer protection)
• Cannot provide a written contract or resists putting scope in writing
• Significantly lower quote than all other bidders (often means unlicensed trades, cheap materials, or no insurance)
• No physical address — only a mobile number and P.O. box
• Pressure to sign “today only” pricing
• No portfolio of completed projects or references

About VGC’s Licences and Compliance

Vancouver General Contractors holds all required licences and registrations:

• WorkSafeBC Account: #703490 (current)
• City of Vancouver Business Licence: active
• $5,000,000 Commercial General Liability Insurance
• 2-Year Workmanship Warranty on all projects
• CHBA (Canadian Home Builders’ Association) member

Request our licence documents and insurance certificate →