Starting home renovation business in Ontario

3/14/2017 at 11:10:08 AM

Hi Tabsm,

First off You must register with the Ont. Gov to get your Business Number / HST. Then you require Liability Insurance to cover yourself if problems occur. If you take on sub-contractors to do Electrical or Plumbing that are not licensed ,you are looking for trouble, never do that. Any sub-contractor you do not know you take on must give you a written estimate detailing the work they will do for you, if you agree and if any deposit is paid, this is considered a contract you have with them in the province of Ontario. You will always be responsible for what they do, Except for Electricians & Plumbers because they are licensed and usually must get permits for there jobs on there own.

3/14/2017 at 1:18:14 PM

I concerned that you are setting up a business in which you have no experience or knowledge of. I would advise taking on a partner with such experience. this could be a costly lesson for you if not prepared.

3/14/2017 at 6:08:22 PM

A weekend warrior is not a contractor...maybe a handyman. Stick to that! Don't deceive anyone pretending to know more than you do!!! No offence...find something else where you can't hurt someone else's investment.

3/14/2017 at 6:33:54 PM

Hello Tabsm,

Here is a link to the standard "Stipulated Price Contract" created by the Canadian Construction Documents Committee, it is known as a CCDC 2 contract:

https://www.nearnorthschools.ca/board/Purchasing%20Docs/canadian-construction-document.pdf

You will also need to get yourself some CGL (Commercial General Liability) insurance, in most cases the insurer will require that you obtain WSIB - E-clearance certificates from any subcontractors.

Regards,

Scott Ahonen, B.Eng.

President

BIA Contracting Inc