Homeowner's Guide · North Vancouver
How to Choose a General Contractor: 7 Red Flags to Avoid
Hiring the wrong contractor is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. Here are the seven warning signs to walk away from — and what a trustworthy builder looks like instead.
1. No licence or insurance
A legitimate contractor is licensed and carries liability insurance and workers' coverage. If they can't show it, the risk lands on you. Always confirm it.
2. Cash-only, or no written contract
Every real project should have a clear written contract: scope, schedule, payment milestones, and what happens if something changes. Cash-only with a handshake is a red flag.
3. Vague quotes
A one-line price tells you nothing. A trustworthy quote breaks down the work so you can see what you're paying for — and so there are no surprise 'extras' later.
4. A large upfront deposit
Reasonable deposits are normal; demands for a big chunk of the total before work begins are not. Payment should track progress.
5. No references, reviews, or past work
A good contractor has a trail — reviews, references, and projects they're proud to show. If there's nothing to point to, ask why.
6. High-pressure or scare tactics
'Sign today or the price goes up,' or alarmist claims about your home, are sales pressure, not advice. A professional gives you the facts and the time to decide.
7. Quoting structural work sight-unseen
Anyone who prices a structural or foundation repair over the phone is guessing. Real structural work starts with an on-site look at the cause.
Worried about a specific issue? Start with 7 signs of a structural problem or whether your project needs a permit.
Talk to a builder you can trust
Every Twin Peaks project starts with a free, no-pressure conversation: an honest scope, a clear schedule, and a fixed quote before any work begins.