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When you have laid out your plans and have your wish list completed for a home renovation or building project, you'll undoubtedly find that the selection of a contractor becomes a top priority. Finding a good contractor in Toronto is made a whole lot easier by following this simple guide.

Start with TrustedPros!

No matter what your project entails, TrustedPros has a large list of potential contractor candidates to select from. This includes anything from small, general handy work to general contractors for larger projects, and every profession in between.

Make sure you have carefully thought about your project and what it might require. You can check with the city of Toronto if you are unsure about what permits are required. On their website you'll find helpful information for all sorts of building trades. Also notice that Toronto is divided into four customer service areas. You'll find a map on their website.

Once you have a general idea of what you need it is time to secure a few competing bids from Toronto contractors. Usually 3-6 are plenty. Type in the type of project you are looking to have completed on TrustedPros and begin looking at the contractor descriptions. See that they have the experience for your type of project (residential vs. commercial, for example) and that they have had success with past users of TrustedPros.

Make sure all contractors receive the same specific requirements you're calling for on your project. It is hard to compare bids, warranties involved and materials used without concrete details. Handing each contractor the same plans and requirements will make your selection process go much smoother, and it will avoid miscommunication down the road.

When you've narrowed down your selection to just a couple of contractors, check their references. A good contractor should be happy to supply you with the phone numbers of a few previous customers. At the same time you can check with the Toronto Municipal Licensing and Standards division to make sure the contractor you are selecting is properly licensed.

Finally, make sure you understand the terms of the contract you are signing with your contractor, and agree on a payment schedule and milestones that must be completed before you write a check. You can also look at the Construction Lien Act for guidance.

Following these steps gives you the best opportunity to complete your project while minimizing time and expenses.