--- title: Choosing a contractor for home renovations? Your contractor questions answered. | Technical Safety BC description: ​​​​​​​Finding the right contractor on top of planning a kitchen remodel or a basement upgrade can be exciting, but it can also be a lot of work. Here, we answer questions about finding the right contractor for your home renovation. image: https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/iStock-958981314%20-%20electrical%20panel%20-%201024x683_0.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/choosing-contractor-home-renovations-your-contractor-questions-answered#main-content) [![Technical Safety BC colour logo with gear](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/TSBC_Stacked_RGB%20300%20dpi%20-%20transparent%20background-1.png?width=600&height=179&name=TSBC_Stacked_RGB%20300%20dpi%20-%20transparent%20background-1.png "Technical Safety BC colour logo with gear")](https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/) [Visit main site](https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/) [Contact us](https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/contact/contact-us) [Back to blog](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/) # Choosing a contractor for home renovations? Your contractor questions answered. May 19, 2020 3 Minute read ![](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/iStock-958981314%20-%20electrical%20panel%20-%201024x683_0.jpg)     Planning a kitchen remodel or a basement upgrade can be exciting, but it can also be a lot of work. In fact, finding someone to do the work is an important undertaking in itself.  Here, we answer questions about finding the right contractor for your home renovation.   ## **With so many contractors out there, how do I make a shortlist?** The contractor you choose should be qualified to do the specific work you are looking to have done. Do they have experience with similar work?  When was the last time they worked on a project like yours? Having the technical skills to perform regulated work and being able to verify (declare) that regulated work meets the right standards is key. This is because they are responsible for the work they perform or declare. ## **How do I know if my contractor is licensed?** It’s always a good idea to ask your contractor for credentials and references. Additionally, Technical Safety BC publishes a list of [active licensed contractors](https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/find-licensed-contractor) for public viewing. Homeowners can check this list to verify the individual they are considering on hiring is qualified. ## **If I hire a contractor, should I pull a permit or should they do it?** A licensed contractor should obtain the permit.  This will ensure the  permit and scope of work are correct. You can also [search for a permit](https://portal.technicalsafetybc.ca/permitsearch) to verify that there is one in place for work on your property. ![Electrical panel](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/iStock-958981314%20-%20electrical%20panel%20-%201024x683_0.jpg?width=1024&height=683&name=iStock-958981314%20-%20electrical%20panel%20-%201024x683_0.jpg) ## **My home was never visited by a safety officer after the contractor completed the work. Did my contractor do something wrong?** While all permitted work is assessed, not all homes are physically inspected by a safety officer after the work is performed. To be sure that a permit is in place for the work being done, you can check [Technical Safety BC’s website](https://portal.technicalsafetybc.ca/permitsearch). ## **I don’t feel the contractor completed the work in my house safely, is there someone I can contact?** Report an incident or unsafe condition to Technical Safety BC at 1 866 566 7233, or through [our website](https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/connect-us/contact-us). ## **If my appliances were not installed with a permit, does that void my appliance warranties?** In most cases, cord-connected appliances such as washers, dryers and kitchen appliances don’t require a permit while gas-fired appliances do require installation permits. To be sure, check with the manufacturer’s instruction manual, your contractor, and learn more about [permits](https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/permits). 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[Read More](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/ask-gas-safety-officer-what-inspections-are-required-contractor-installing-or-replacing-gas?hsLang=en) Back to top [Report an incident](https://portal.technicalsafetybc.ca/report-incident/incident-reporting-form) [Contact us](https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/contact/contact-us) As a province-wide organization, Technical Safety BC respectfully recognizes that its employees live and work on the traditional and unceded territories of the many Indigenous Nations that have thrived throughout British Columbia since time immemorial. 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