Contact a qualified professional when a project needs a site assessment, regulated work or a clear installation proposal. A useful brief makes that conversation more productive.
Before the first call.
Describe the problem, location, goals and decisions still open. Share photographs where helpful. Ask whether the contractor handles that type of work and what information they need before providing a proposal.
Check comparable work.
Ontario recommends checking references, including recent and older projects similar to yours. Ask about communication, changes and follow-up. Confirm the business identity and the qualifications relevant to the work. For electrical work in Ontario, use the Electrical Safety Authority’s licensed contractor guidance.
Put responsibilities in writing.
Clarify who purchases materials, protects the home, handles permits, arranges inspections and removes waste. A proposal should make the work and exclusions understandable. Keep written answers with the contract.
Compare before committing.
Use the same brief for each proposal. Ask about differences rather than choosing on the total alone. Read the official consumer guidance for your province and obtain independent advice when an agreement is complex.
Compare contractor quotes
Sources & further reading
Primary sources checked October 30, 2026. Local requirements and individual project conditions can differ.