Protecting Yourself During Home Renovations: Lessons from a Costly Mistake

Avoiding Renovation Nightmares: How to Protect Yourself When Hiring a Contractor in Calgary

Introduction:

Renovating your home should be an exciting and rewarding experience — but hiring the wrong contractor can quickly turn that dream into a nightmare.

I recently met a homeowner in Calgary whose unfortunate experience inspired me to write this blog. My hope is that by sharing her story, I can help others avoid similar mistakes during their Calgary home renovation journey.

A Cautionary Tale: What Went Wrong

This homeowner hired a contractor to complete three bathroom renovations in her house. The contractor seemed professional and even claimed to be the director of a company. She paid a deposit, trusting in their expertise.

Four months later — and with no functioning bathrooms — she was left with incomplete, unsafe, and unprofessional work.

Some of the Major Issues Included:

• A master bathroom completely dismantled and unusable for months.

• A shower niche installed on an exterior wall — risking moisture damage and insulation problems.

• Sloppy, uneven grouting and unfinished tile work.

• Loose floor tiles shoved under a vanity to "level" it — a major safety concern.

• Incorrectly installed fixtures with different finish colors — without the homeowner's approval.

• Safety handrail mounted without proper backing — posing a serious risk of injury.

• Numerous signs of unskilled and careless workmanship throughout.

Eventually, she had to fire the contractor and contact consumer protection services — only to learn he wasn’t even the legitimate director of the company. Her deposit was lost, and she was left starting over, both financially and emotionally.

How to Protect Yourself From Renovation Scams in Calgary

Unfortunately, stories like this happen more often than they should. Here's how to protect yourself before hiring a contractor:

1. Verify an Alberta Prepaid Contractor License

In Alberta, any contractor accepting a deposit must have this license. It ensures:

• They use a government-approved contract format.

• Deposits are bonded and protected.

• The contractor is legally bound to complete the agreed-upon work.

  
  

2. Request Business Credentials

Ask for copies of:

• Their Calgary business license (different from the prepaid contractor license).

• Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) clearance letter.

• Liability insurance certificate.

These documents confirm the contractor's legitimacy and coverage

3. Research the Company

• Look up online reviews and testimonials.

• Ask for references from previous clients.

• Ensure they have an established reputation in Calgary.

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4. Never Pay a Deposit Without a Detailed, Approved Contract

A legitimate contract should include:

• The contractor's business details.

• Itemized scope of work.

• Payment terms and schedule.

• Project start and completion dates.

  
  

5. Know Who’s Doing the Work

Be cautious if one or two people are handling your entire renovation. Quality projects require specialists — from electricians to tile setters to plumbers.

6. Confirm That All Required Permits Are Pulled

Certain projects require permits in Calgary. If you’re unsure whether yours does, contact Calgary’s 311 service for accurate information.

Final Thoughts:

A home renovation is a major investment — both financially and emotionally. Taking the proper steps before hiring a contractor can save you stress, time, and thousands of dollars.

If you're planning a Calgary home renovation and want expert advice, we’re always here to help.

Contact us at info@lbprojects.ca with any questions about preparing for your renovation.

Remember: Protecting your home starts with hiring the right people.