Faq

You should ask them questions that give you an idea of their experience, competence, and worker safety compliance. Here are a few good questions to ask:

• How long have they been in business?
• Can they provide you with references of past clients, photos of past work?
• Can they provide you with a written contract that includes the scope of the work – how long it will take to complete, how much it will – and the terms of payment?

Make sure that the contractor gives you a written contract that includes the specific work to be performed, the terms of payment, and any warranties or guarantees.

They should provide you with proper and up-to-date documentation, such as the following:

• A valid manufacturer’s warranty
• A copy of the contractor’s WSIB Certificate (current WSIB Certificates are issued every 2 months)
• A copy of the contractor’s work-related insurance certificate

Always be sure that the WSIB Certificate is current as these certificates are issued every 2 months. For the work-related insurance certificate, the insurance should include a preset amount of liability coverage.

There are several things that you can do to ensure that your property and the work site are safe as possible. These include asking:

• If the contractor has a health and safety policy and program. Contractors are required by law to have one if they employ five or more workers.
• For a written assurance from the contractor that he or she will comply with the legislation that governs the specific work to be performed.
• For the name of the supervisor who will oversee the work site at your property. If there are more than five workers, a supervisor must be on the work site.
• For written assurances that the contractor is sending competent workers to your property who have been trained in the health and safety requirements needed for the job.

Remember that though this seems like a lot of work, it’s important to be thorough about your contractor’s health and safety compliance to ensure not only a job well-done, but a job done safely.