How to Verify Your General Contractor’s License and Insurance

Finding the right general contractor is about trust—ensuring your home renovation progresses smoothly and safely. Before signing any contract, it’s essential to confirm that your contractor holds valid licensing and insurance. With a reputable builder, you gain peace of mind and professional assurance. Here’s your step-by-step guide to verifying credentials—minimizing risk and safeguarding your investment.

Why Licensing and Insurance Matter

Contractor licensing confirms the individual or company has the technical knowledge, ethical standards, and legal approval to perform construction work. It demonstrates that municipal authorities have assessed their qualifications and have granted permission to build. Insurance, meanwhile, protects you from liability, repair costs, and unforeseen accidents. It helps ensure that a slip, site-damage, or sub-trade mistake doesn’t end up causing undue financial or legal burden.

Know What Sets a Licensed Contractor Apart

Licensed contractors are distinguished by:

Qualification assessments—they’ve passed exams or met experience thresholds.
Professional accountability—licensing bodies actively respond to complaints and impose sanctions if necessary.
Up-to-date knowledge—they follow current building codes, safety guidelines, and trade practices.

Working with licensed professionals—like those you get with Amsted—ensures compliance, quality, and reliability.

Step 1: Ask for Official Documentation

Begin by requesting copies of:

Business license or registration—showing corporate standing or sole-proprietorship status in your province (Ontario).
Trade-specific licenses—especially for electrical, plumbing, HVAC work, etc., if subcontracted in-house.
Insurance certificates—General Liability, WCB (in Ontario), Automobile, and potentially Builder’s Risk Coverage.

A trustworthy contractor will provide scanned or printed documents readily.

Step 2: Verify Licenses Through Official Channels

Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services

In Ontario, you can search the public database to confirm that your builder is registered. Simply enter the Business Name or license number to find:

Registration date and expiration
Authorized trade categories
Any past disciplinary actions

Municipal Building Department Records

Contact your local municipality (e.g., Ottawa, Toronto, Ottawa-Carleton) to verify current permit history, zoning compliance, and licence validity. Many local offices provide lookup tools or will respond to a phone inquiry.

Step 3: Check Insurance Coverage

Review insurance documents carefully for:

Policy term dates—confirm coverage includes your full project timeline.
Liability minimums—contractors should hold at least $2 million in General Liability in Ontario.
Workers’ Compensation—verify WCB clearance to ensure injured workers won’t file claims against you.
Additional coverages—auto insurance if equipment is transported onsite; builder’s risk for onsite damage.

Ask the insurer directly (using the contact details on the document) to verify it’s current and hasn’t been cancelled or expired.

Step 4: Look for Red Flags and Ask Direct Questions

Spot warning signs such as:

Date mismatches or expired documents
No insurance listed for the full crew
Unwillingness to provide references or documentation

Key questions to ask your contractor:

“Can you provide your WCB Clearance Certificate?”
“What’s your insurer and what’s the policy number?”
“Has there been any disciplinary action or complaint against your license?”
“Do you list me (the homeowner) as additional insured on your policy?”

Step 5: Confirm References and Past Project Compliance

Contact previous clients or builders associations (e.g., Ontario Home Builders’ Association) and ask:

If permitted inspections were completed on schedule
Whether any post-construction insurance claims or issues arose
How the contractor communicated regarding site safety

Positive references provide valuable reassurance in areas like honesty, documentation, and attribute adherence. Visit https://amsted.ca for an example.

How Amsted Demonstrates Compliance

Full licensing transparency: Their registrations with Ontario authorities are available for verification.
Comprehensive insurance: Includes General Liability, WCB, and builder’s risk for full protection on-site.
Permit readiness: All projects proceed only after confirming municipal and trade permits are issued.
Post-project support: Warranty coverage and clear documentation ensure long-term accountability.

When Red Flags Show Up

No documents provided: Don’t proceed until the systems are in place.
Expired or incomplete insurance: Refuse to move forward until everything is current.
High deposit demands without proof: Standard deposits range from 10–20%. Anything significantly higher could indicate risk.
Lack of WCB coverage: You may be personally liable for workplace accidents or injuries.

Maintaining Accountability: Track Documents Through the Project

Keep a dedicated file—digital or physical—with all contractor paperwork:

License and insurance Certificates
Inspection reports and permit sign-offs
WCB clearance letters
Invoices tied to trades and dates

This serves as both a compliance measure and insurance policy if delays or accidents occur.

Final Thoughts: Confidence Through Due Diligence

Verifying a contractor’s license and insurance isn’t optional—it’s integral to a safe, reliable, and legally compliant project. Taking these steps ensures you’re working with professionals who take accountability seriously. Builders like Amsted provide transparent credentials and permit workflows, ensuring your renovation is protected, professional, and permitted.

Next Steps: Verification Made Easy

Collect documentation—business licence, trade credentials, insurance certificates.
Cross-check licenses via Ontario’s public registries and your municipality.
Confirm insurance status directly with insurers; keep dated records.
Ask pointed questions and verify references for safety, cost transparency, and professionalism.
Organize all documents and permit forms during your project for easy referencing.

When your general contractor is fully licensed, insured, and accountable, your renovation journey starts on firm ground. With clear warranties, active oversight, and compliance with trade regulations, you can build with assurance—knowing your home and investment are properly protected.

Your Renovation, Professionally Anchored

There’s no substitute for due diligence. Verifying qualifications prevents surprises, builds confidence, and ensures smooth project delivery. When professionals like Amsted take care of these details, you’re free to focus on design, lifestyle, and the joy of your new space—knowing everything else is handled.