What to Look For When Choosing the Right Contractor in Kingston
- Kyle Smallegange
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Your project is one-of-a-kind, and so is the contractor you hire for it. There's no universal answer for finding the perfect builder, but knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
Understanding Trades in Ontario
In Ontario, the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act (BOSTA) says 23 trades are “compulsory.” A Compulsory Trade is a trade in which registration as an apprentice, journeyperson candidate, or certification as a journeyperson is mandatory. That means anyone installing your electrical, plumbing, or HVAC must hold a valid Certificate of Qualification or be a registered apprentice.
By contrast, Under the Construction sector, there are currently 17 skilled trades that are “Voluntary.” Voluntary trade is a trade in which certification and College membership are not legally required to practice the trade. Carpentry is considered a voluntary trade, which means that the person building your home DOES NOT require a license. A license IS required to run the plumbing and electrical in your home, BUT the person that builds the rest of your home DOES NOT need to be licensed.
Unfortunately, that leads to shoddy or unsafe builds. At Paradise Construction, we employ fully certified Red Seal carpenters and licensed sub-trades. While this is not a necessity by law, it's how we keep your project safe and solid.
Why "Saving" Costs You More
About 10–15% of the calls we get are from homeowners trapped with a bad contractor, unfinished work, unsafe installation, or one who takes payment and disappears. These projects end up costing more in delays, emotional stress, and fix-ups than they ever saved. This is why asking the right questions upfront pays off.
What to Ask Potential Contractors
Are you licensed, insured, and WSIB-compliant? (These protect you, make the contractor prove it.)
Have you pulled permits and dealt with inspectors in Kingston or nearby townships?(Local code knowledge shows on the final build.)
How many licensed carpenters and apprentices do you have on your team?(Experience matters, ask about Red Seal qualifications.)
Can you show me a portfolio of similar builds and supply references?(Inspect the craftsmanship and ask about issues that came up.)
Do you offer a written contract with clear timelines, payment terms, and warranty coverage?
How much are you juggling right now?(Too many projects = slower progress or more mistakes.)
How to Know It’s the Right Fit
Hiring a contractor should feel like a good partnership. Someone who asks you questions, considers your concerns, and treats your input like they would their own, that’s someone you can build with. If the vibe’s off, keep looking.
A low bid might feel good in the moment, but the bitterness of poor quality lasts a lot longer. Choose a contractor who shows experience, transparency, and care. You’ll pay for it up front, but you’ll build confidence into the job, and build a home that lasts.
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