Hiring guide · Updated October 2026
Questions to ask an accessibility renovation contractor
Accessibility work is usually done for someone at a vulnerable moment, in their own home, and often has to be right the first time. These questions help you compare contractors on what actually matters, and the answers to listen for.
The short answer. Before hiring an accessibility renovation contractor in BC, confirm they:
- are registered with WorkSafeBC and can give you a clearance letter
- carry liability insurance
- use licensed electricians and plumbers and pull the permits
- design to Canadian standards (CSA B651), not US ADA rules
- will work from an occupational therapist's recommendations
- provide an itemized written estimate and a contract with the 10% holdback required under BC's Builders Lien Act
Credentials and coverage
1. Are you registered with WorkSafeBC, and can I see a clearance letter?
WorkSafeBC warns that if a contractor is not registered or is behind on premiums, the homeowner could be liable for the premiums owing on that work. Clearance letters are free to request online and show whether a contractor is in good standing. Ask about subtrades too.
2. What liability insurance do you carry?
Ask for proof of coverage. If you are in a condo, your strata may require it before work starts.
3. What accessibility training do you have?
Good carpentry is the foundation, and accessibility adds its own knowledge: clearances, transfers, supports, water management in curbless showers. In Canada, look for training such as the Canadian Home Builders' Association's Adaptiv Home Renovation Course, alongside trade credentials such as Red Seal.
Trades, permits and standards
4. Who does the plumbing and electrical?
Both are compulsory trades in BC. A general contractor or carpenter cannot do this work themselves, whatever their other qualifications. The answer should name licensed trades.
5. Which permits does this project need, and who gets them?
The answer depends on the work and your municipality. A contractor who says permits are "never needed" is a warning sign.
6. Which standards do you design to?
In Canada, accessible design guidance comes from CSA B651 and the BC Building Code. Many products and online guides are American and use ADA dimensions. Small differences matter. For example, CSA guidance on level changes is in millimetres, not inches.
7. Is my home old enough to need a hazardous materials survey?
Homes built before 1990 need one before demolition. A good contractor raises it before you ask.
Process and collaboration
8. How do you work with occupational therapists?
Listen for a clear boundary: the OT recommends based on the person's abilities, and the contractor builds to those recommendations and flags construction constraints. Be cautious with a contractor who offers a clinical opinion.
9. Who will be in my home, and who is my contact?
Ask who is on site each day, who checks the work, and how quickly messages are returned. For safety-critical stages such as waterproofing and supports, ask whether someone qualified inspects in person before walls and floors are closed in.
10. How will you keep the home usable during the work?
Especially if this is the only bathroom, or the person who lives there will be home throughout.
Money and paperwork
11. Will the estimate be itemized?
Itemized estimates let you compare quotes properly. They also help if you apply for BC RAHA or claim the Home Accessibility Tax Credit or the BC seniors renovation credit.
12. How is payment structured, and how is the holdback handled?
BC's Builders Lien Act requires a 10% holdback. The payment schedule should be tied to completed stages of work.
Red flags
- Suction-cup grab bars, or grab bars not anchored into backing
- US measurements and "ADA compliant" as the only standard mentioned
- No WorkSafeBC registration or insurance proof
- Pressure to start before funding approval comes through
- A single lump-sum price with no breakdown
- Offering to skip permits to save money
Common questions
Do I need a licensed contractor for an accessible bathroom in BC?
Plumbing and electrical are compulsory trades in BC, so that part of the work must be done by licensed trades, with permits where required. For the overall project, look for WorkSafeBC registration, liability insurance and accessibility training.
What is a WorkSafeBC clearance letter?
A letter from WorkSafeBC confirming a contractor is registered and current on premiums. WorkSafeBC says a homeowner could be liable for unpaid premiums on work done by a contractor who is not in good standing. Clearance letters are free to request online.
What is the difference between CSA B651 and ADA?
ADA standards are American. In Canada, accessible design guidance comes from CSA B651 and the provincial building code. Dimensions and requirements differ, so US guides and products are not always a good fit.
Should my contractor tell me where grab bars go?
The contractor should make sure supports are anchored properly, but where a bar goes depends on how the person moves and transfers. That is a question for an occupational therapist.
Talk it through with us
Tell us what has become difficult at home and what you are considering. We will give you a straight answer about next steps, with no pressure to take on work you do not need.
Sources
Checked October 20, 2026. Programs and limits change, so confirm with the official source before you rely on a figure.