How do I find a general contractor in my Ontario city?

Pick your city from the list below to see general contractors serving that area, along with their phone number and website where available.

Do general contractors in Ontario need a licence?

For renovations, there is no province-wide contractor licence in Ontario. New-home builders and vendors, however, must be licensed by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA). Regulated trades within a job, such as electrical and gas, still need their own licences.

How to Hire a General Contractor in Ontario

General renovation work is not licensed at the provincial level in Ontario, so the contract, insurance, and the licensing of the trades inside the job are what protect you. This checklist is written for Ontario homeowners.

Licensing in Ontario

Ontario does not have a single province-wide licence for general contractors doing renovations. Anyone can offer renovation and home-improvement services, so verification relies on insurance, references, and a clear contract. The important exception is new-home construction: builders and vendors of new homes must be licensed by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) and enrol the home for warranty coverage with Tarion.

Even when the general contractor is unlicensed, the individual trades within your project may be regulated. Electrical work must be done by an ESA-licensed contractor, and gas work by a TSSA-authorized contractor. Most structural renovations also require a municipal building permit. Confirm which permits and licensed trades your specific job needs.

1. Confirm whether your project needs an HCRA-licensed builder

Renovations do not require a provincial contractor licence, but building or selling a new home does. If your project is new construction, verify HCRA licensing and Tarion warranty enrolment.

2. Verify the licensed trades inside the job

Electrical work needs an ESA-licensed contractor and gas work needs a TSSA-authorized contractor, even if the general contractor is unlicensed. Ask which trades are subcontracted and confirm their licences.

3. Check insurance and WSIB coverage

A legitimate contractor carries liability insurance and WSIB coverage for the crew. Ask for proof before demolition or construction begins.

4. Get a detailed written contract and building permit plan

Put scope, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and who pulls the building permit in writing. A contractor who wants to skip the permit is a red flag.

5. Get itemized written quotes from at least three contractors

Compare materials, allowances, labour, and permit costs in writing. A quote far below the others usually hides thin allowances or excluded work.

6. Read recent reviews and ask for local references

Look for recent reviews in your own city and ask to see two recent projects similar in size and scope to yours.

Ready to start? Browse general contractors by Ontario city and use this checklist when you call.