How to Hire a Renovation or Turnover Contractor in Calgary
The checks that protect you before anyone starts work in your home or rental: WCB, insurance, licence, quotes, permits and payment.
Quick summary: Ask for a WCB-Alberta clearance letter, a certificate of liability insurance, the business licence, a written itemized quote and who pulls the permits. Pay in stages tied to finished work, never most of it up front.
1. WCB clearance letter
In Alberta, if a contractor's worker is hurt on your job and the contractor isn't covered, you can be on the hook. Ask for a current WCB-Alberta clearance letter before work starts. A legitimate contractor sends it without hesitation.
2. Liability insurance
Ask for a certificate of commercial general liability insurance. It covers damage to your property, like a flood from a plumbing mistake. Condo buildings usually require it before any work is booked.
3. Business licence and trade licences
Calgary businesses need a City of Calgary business licence. Electrical, plumbing and gas work needs licensed tradespeople, and locksmith work needs an Alberta locksmith licence. A general contractor coordinates those trades; ask who they are.
4. A written, itemized quote
- What's included and what isn't
- Materials and who supplies them
- Timeline and start date
- How changes are priced
- Payment schedule
Be wary of a single number with no breakdown, or a quote that's far below everyone else's.
5. Permits
Ask who pulls the permits. If someone suggests skipping a permit to save money, that's a red flag: unpermitted work can affect insurance and resale. See the City of Calgary home renovations and basements page and our permit guide.
6. Payment and photos
Pay in stages tied to completed work, with a reasonable deposit for materials. Ask for photos as work progresses, especially if you're not on site. On larger projects, Alberta's Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act sets rules on invoices and holdbacks.
How UnitRevive does it
We send our WCB clearance letter and $2M liability insurance certificate before day one, carry a City of Calgary business licence, give written itemized quotes, use licensed trades for licensed work, and finish every job with dated photos. See unit turnovers and home renovations.
Get a free quote
Tell us about the job and we'll reply with a scope and price within one business day.
Request a quote, call +1 (587) 997-5510 or email info@unitrevive.ca
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask a contractor before hiring?
For a WCB clearance letter, liability insurance certificate, business licence, a written itemized quote and who pulls permits.
Why does WCB coverage matter to a homeowner?
If an uncovered worker is injured on your job, you can be held responsible. A clearance letter shows the contractor is covered.
How much deposit should I pay a contractor?
A reasonable deposit for materials, then stage payments tied to finished work.
Is it okay to skip permits to save money?
No. Unpermitted work can cause insurance, resale and safety problems.
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three written, itemized quotes for the same scope is usually enough to compare price, timeline and what is included.
Last updated November 4, 2026. More answers on our FAQ page.