Calgary Home Services Black Book

🚫 Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Trades

• ❌ No Written Quote
  “If they don’t give you a written quote — run.” Verbal pricing opens the door to disputes.
• 💰 Asks for Full Payment Upfront
  A deposit is normal (10–30%), but full payment before any work is done is a major red flag.
• 📄 No License or Insurance
  Ask to see proof of business license, liability insurance, and WCB (if in Alberta).
• 🔍 No References or Portfolio
  Reputable pros should have photos, reviews, or references you can verify.
• 🧑‍🔧 Too Busy to Walk the Site
  If they won't walk the site or understand the scope properly, expect surprises later.
• 🌀 Vague Scope or Shifting Pricing
  “Let’s just see how it goes” usually means they’re winging it. Demand clarity.
• 🛑 No Contract or Agreement
  A handshake is not a contract. Ensure scope, payment terms, timeline, and responsibilities are written.
• 📞 Hard to Reach or Poor Communicator
  If they ghost you during quoting, they’ll ghost you during the job when problems arise.
• 📦 Uses Cheapest Materials Without Telling You
  Ask for a list of the materials and brands being installed.
• 📆 “I Can Start Tomorrow”
  High-quality trades are usually booked weeks in advance. If they’re instantly available, ask why.