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Homeowner & Business Protection Guide

Smart Hiring Starts With You

At CanProTrades.ca, we connect homeowners and businesses with independent trades professionals across Canada. While we make introductions easier, hiring a tradesperson is an important decision — and due diligence remains the homeowner's responsibility.

This guide is designed to help you protect your home, your finances, and your peace of mind.

1Verify Licensing & Trade Credentials

Before hiring any Tradesperson:

  • Confirm they hold the appropriate provincial or municipal trade license
  • Verify electrical contractors through your provincial electrical safety authority
  • Confirm plumbing, gas, HVAC, or specialty certifications where required
  • Independently check license numbers with the issuing authority

Do not rely solely on profile information.

2Understand What "Verified" Means on CanProTrades

On CanProTrades.ca, a Verified badge means:

"CanProTrades has connected with the Registered User to confirm that they are a live person and not a bot."

Verified does NOT mean:

  • Qualifications have been confirmed
  • Certifications have been validated
  • Licensing has been checked
  • Insurance has been verified
  • Background checks have been conducted

CanProTrades does not authenticate trade credentials. Homeowners are responsible for confirming all qualifications before hiring.

3Confirm Insurance Coverage

Always request proof of:

  • Commercial General Liability Insurance
  • Workers' Compensation coverage (WSIB in Ontario, WorkSafe in other provinces)

Without proper insurance, you may be financially responsible for injuries or property damage occurring on your property.

4Obtain Multiple Written Quotes

  • Compare at least 2–3 detailed quotes
  • Ensure each quote clearly outlines:
    • Scope of work
    • Materials
    • Labour
    • Timeline
    • Total cost

Be cautious of unusually low bids.

5Use a Detailed Written Contract

A proper contract should include:

  • Full scope of work
  • Start and completion dates
  • Payment schedule
  • Change order process
  • Warranty terms
  • Cleanup expectations
  • Permit responsibility

Never rely on verbal agreements.

6Confirm Permits & Inspections

If permits are required:

  • Ensure the Tradesperson pulls permits under their business name
  • Request copies of inspection approvals
  • Confirm final sign-off is completed

Unpermitted work can affect insurance claims, resale value, and safety compliance.

7Structure Payments Wisely

  • Avoid large upfront payments
  • Tie payments to clear milestones
  • Hold final payment until completion and inspection (where legally permitted)

Never pay the full project cost before work begins.

8Check References & Past Work

  • Request recent references
  • Review completed project photos
  • Speak with at least one prior client

Online reviews are helpful — but independent verification is stronger protection.

9Keep Documentation

Maintain copies of:

  • Contracts
  • Invoices
  • Proof of insurance
  • Permits
  • Change orders
  • Correspondence

Photograph the project before, during, and after completion.

10Trust Professional Conduct

Be cautious if a Tradesperson:

  • Pressures you to make immediate decisions
  • Refuses to provide documentation
  • Insists on cash-only payment
  • Avoids written agreements
  • Cannot provide verifiable references

Professional tradespeople welcome due diligence.

Important Notice

CanProTrades.ca is a marketplace platform that connects Clients with independent Tradespersons. We are not a contractor and do not supervise or control the work performed.

All hiring decisions, verification of qualifications, contracts, payments, and project outcomes are solely between the homeowner and the Tradesperson.

By using CanProTrades.ca, you acknowledge that you are responsible for conducting your own due diligence before engaging any service provider.