How to choose a renovation contractor for the first time

Hire a licensed, insured, full-service renovator who also holds certified abatement credentials for asbestos, mould, and lead. That single requirement protects you legally, financially, and physically, especially in Ottawa's older housing stock where hazardous materials are common. Before you schedule any site visit, request four documents: an itemised quote, proof of abatement certification, a general liability insurance certificate ($2 million minimum), and a WSIB clearance letter. HMJ Contracting is a locally recommended option that covers all of these.

Under Ontario law, a contractor cannot charge more than 10% above a written estimate without a signed change order. Never accept a verbal price revision. For older buildings, you as the owner must obtain a formal hazardous-material assessment and provide it to every bidder before work begins. A contractor who skips that step is non-compliant.

What to verify before signing anything:

• Provincial/municipal trade licence and abatement certification (asbestos, mould, lead)
• General liability insurance ($2M+) and WSIB clearance
• Permanent business address and at least three years in operation
• Three recent client references you can contact directly
• Permit management: a reputable contractor handles permit applications and inspections; any suggestion to skip permits is a red flag

Red flags to watch for:

• Deposit demand above 15% of the contract value upfront
• Cash-only payment or no written contract offered
• Vague scope of work with no itemised line items
• Pressure to start immediately or avoid permits

What a sound payment schedule looks like:

Government of Canada guidance recommends getting at least three written quotes for any project over $5,000, each built on the same itemised scope so bids are genuinely comparable. When bids differ significantly, compare line by line. A very low bid often omits work or substitutes inferior materials. The Canadian Home Builders' Association is clear: the lowest bid is rarely the best choice.

Pro Tip: Before your first contractor meeting, prepare a scope summary, recent property photos, any existing hazardous-material assessment reports, your building permit history if known, and a rough budget. Contractors who ask for this information upfront are the ones worth talking to. Review useful contractor interview questions to go in prepared.

For first-time renovators, the guidance on common pitfalls is worth reading before you contact anyone.

Table of Contents

• HMJ Contracting: licensed abatement and full-service renovations in Ottawa
• Key takeaways

HMJ Contracting: licensed abatement and full-service renovations in Ottawa

HMJ Contracting brings over 25 years of Ottawa experience and holds certified credentials for asbestos, mould, and lead abatement alongside a full renovation offering: kitchens, bathrooms, basements, demolition, and more. Every project starts with a free, itemised quote, and the team manages permits and inspections from start to finish. There are no verbal price changes and no pressure tactics. HMJ Contracting carries the insurance, WSIB coverage, and abatement certifications this checklist requires.

To get started, gather your scope summary, property photos, and any existing assessment reports, then request a free estimate through the abatement services page or the full services page. The team will confirm what certifications and permits apply to your project before any work begins.

Key takeaways

Hiring a licensed, insured contractor with certified abatement credentials is the single most important step for first-time renovators in Ottawa working on older properties.

Recommended

• Types of professional renovation contractors: 2026 guide
• Why first-time renovators need guidance: a practical guide
• Home renovation budget step by step: your 2026 guide
• HMJ Contracting | Ottawa Renovations & Abatement