General Contractor Hiring Checklist

Use this checklist before signing a contract with any general contractor in Metro Vancouver.
Every item is based on BC law, provincial regulations, or industry best practice.

Section 1 — Licensing verification

• BC Housing Licensed Residential Builder: Confirmed active status on the BC Housing Public Registry
• Company name match: Contract company name matches the BC Housing registry entry exactly
• Designated nominee: Confirmed nominee is currently with the company
• Enforcement record: Checked BC Housing enforcement registry for penalties or orders
• Municipal business licence: City of Vancouver licence or Metro West IMBL confirmed

Section 2 — Insurance verification

• Commercial General Liability (CGL): $2 million minimum — certificate of insurance obtained
• WorkSafeBC clearance letter: Current, not expired, obtained directly
• Builder's Risk Insurance: Confirmed for the duration of your project
• 2-5-10 Home Warranty: Confirmed if project involves new home construction

Section 3 — Contract must-haves

• Written contract: Full scope of work specified — no verbal agreements
• Materials and fixtures listed: Every material, fixture, and allowance in the contract
• Timeline with milestones: Start date, key milestones, expected completion
• Change order terms: Process for changes defined before work starts
• Payment schedule: Tied to completed milestones, not calendar dates
• 10% statutory holdback: Contractor acknowledges BC Builders Lien Act requirement
• Permit responsibility: Contractor handles all permits and inspections
• Warranty terms: Minimum warranty period and claims process defined

Section 4 — Payment red flags

• Deposit is 10–20% maximum — not more
• No cash-only payment demands — always cheque or e-transfer
• No full prepayment requests — payments tied to completed milestones
• 10% holdback on every payment — held in trust for 55 days after completion

Section 5 — References and reputation

• Three references from last 12 months: Called and verified
• Google reviews checked: Patterns in negative reviews, not just star ratings
• BBB profile checked: Complaints or dispute history at bbb.org
• HAVAN or RenoMark membership: Voluntary but adds accountability
• Portfolio verified: Past project photos confirmed as their own work

The 12 questions — Ask at your first meeting

1. Who is the designated nominee on your BC Housing licence?
2. Will you provide a site-specific safety plan identifying you as the Prime Contractor?
3. Can I see your current WorkSafeBC clearance letter?
4. Do you hold a Metro West IMBL or City of Vancouver business licence?
5. Will you handle all permitting and inspections?
6. What is your payment schedule and do you honour the 10% statutory holdback?
7. Have there been any home warranty claims on your past projects?
8. Can you provide three references from projects completed in the last 12 months?
9. What is included in your written contract and what are the change order terms?
10. Are you a member of HAVAN or do you hold a RenoMark designation?
11. Who will be the on-site project manager for my renovation?
12. What happens if the project goes over budget or over schedule?