Short answer: Compare scope before price. Put every quote side by side and check that each one includes the same work, materials, permits and cleanup. Then check the contractor: a Brampton building renovator licence, liability insurance, WSIB coverage and a written contract that meets Ontario's Consumer Protection Act.
Step 1: Make the quotes comparable
List the items below for each quote. A quote that leaves something out is not cheaper; it is incomplete.
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Scope | A detailed description of the work, room by room |
| Materials | Named products and quantities, or clear allowances |
| Demolition and disposal | Included or extra? |
| Permits and drawings | Who applies and who pays? |
| Repairs to hidden conditions | How they will be priced |
| Schedule | Start and completion dates |
| Payment | Deposit and payment schedule |
| Warranty | What is covered, for how long, for labour and materials |
| Cleanup | Daily and final |
Step 2: Know your rights in Ontario
Ontario's guide for renovation businesses, based on the Consumer Protection Act, sets out these rules:
- Written agreement: required for any contract worth more than $50.
- The 10% rule: if an estimate is part of the contract, the contractor cannot charge more than 10% above it, unless you request extra or different work and sign a change.
- Cooling-off period: if you sign at your home, you have 10 days to cancel without fees.
- Deposits: the guide recommends keeping deposits at or below 10% of the project cost.
- Changes: scope changes should be written, priced and signed by both sides.
Step 3: Check the contractor
Brampton licence. The City licenses building renovators. The requirements include $2,000,000 minimum commercial general liability insurance and proof of WSIB coverage, renewed every year by April 30. The City publishes licensed contractors on its website, so you can check a name before you sign.
WSIB. Ontario's guide says businesses must make sure they and their employees are covered by WSIB.
Reviews. Read recent reviews on more than one platform, and look for detail about communication, cleanliness and how problems were handled.
Red flags
- Pressure to sign the same day, or a large cash deposit
- No written contract, or a one-line quote
- "No permit needed" for work that obviously changes plumbing or walls
- No proof of insurance or WSIB when asked
- A price far below the others with no explanation
How NextWave Renos estimates
Every estimate starts with a visit: we take measurements, review your plans and give you a detailed written estimate that sets out what is included, with a clearly defined scope and written change orders if anything changes. See our estimate process.
Comparing quotes? Get a free, written estimate from NextWave Renos for your bathroom, kitchen, basement, full-home or epoxy project.
REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATERelated: full-home vs. room-by-room renovation.
Sources: Ontario: Guide for home renovation businesses · City of Brampton: Building renovator licence requirements (PDF) · City of Brampton: Licensed building renovators