What to look for when hiring a trade to work on your house
Whether you're tackling a smaller renovation project or handling specific repairs around your home, every homeowner eventually needs to hire a trade. Maybe it's an electrician to upgrade your panel, a plumber to install a new bathroom, or a painter to refresh your living room.
Trades are your true "get it done" specialists. They know their job inside and out and are often a great source of expertise when you have very specific questions about your project.
Unlike larger projects where a general contractor manages the trades for you, hiring trades directly puts you in the driver's seat. You're responsible for finding qualified professionals, getting solid quotes, and making sure the work gets done right.
The challenge is knowing what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that can turn a straightforward project into a costly headache.
The trades' role in the construction process
Trades are the worker bees who do the hands-on tasks of building your home — from plumbing and electrical to framing and insulation. Their role is to execute the plans and get the actual work done. Each trade has its own area of expertise, so you may hire multiple trades throughout your project, depending on what needs to be done.
When you're working with a general contractor on a larger project, they'll typically manage hiring the trades for you. But for smaller renovations, specific repairs, or when you want more control over the process, you'll hire them yourself.
Interior designers and architects might get the glamorous headlines, but it's the trades who make everything happen. They have specialized knowledge in their field and often spot potential issues that others might miss.
RELATED: Which pros should you hire for your home build or renovation?
Common trades you might hire
The trades you'll need depend on your specific project, but here are the most common ones in residential construction:
Essential systems: Plumbing, electrical, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
Structure and exterior: Foundation, framing, roofing, siding, windows and doors
Interior finishing: Insulation, drywall, flooring, painting, tile work
Specialty work: Cabinetry, finish carpentry, countertops
Other services: Appliance installation, landscape contractors, pool and spa specialists
What to look for when hiring trades
Expertise in their specific area
Look for a proven track record in their specific field and with your type of project and budget. For trades that are "ticketed" or regulated in your area — like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians — make sure they have the proper licensing and qualifications. These trades often require specific certifications because their work directly affects your home's safety.
Strong referrals and reputation
Referrals from contractors or past clients are gold. Ask how they performed on similar projects, especially in terms of meeting deadlines, sticking to the budget, and being easy to work with. Don't just ask for references — actually call them.
Clear communication and problem-solving skills
A good trade will clearly explain their approach and help you understand why they recommend certain materials or techniques. They should be able to walk you through their process in plain language and be patient with your questions.
Flexibility and willingness to adapt
Be cautious of trades who are stuck in their ways or "have always done it this way." While experience is valuable, the best trades stay current with new methods, materials, and technologies that can give you better results.
Questions to ask when hiring a trade
How detailed are your quotes? Look for breakdowns of material and labour costs. Vague estimates are often a red flag — you want to know exactly what you're paying for.
How do you handle unforeseen issues that come up? A good trade will explain their process for dealing with surprises and provide quotes for any changes before continuing the work.
What do you need from me to complete the job efficiently? This shows they're organized and prepared. It also helps you understand your role in keeping things on track.
How accurate are your timing estimates — how often do you stay on schedule? Past performance is a good indicator of future results. Ask for specifics about recent projects.
Other tips to keep in mind
Play the toddler and ask lots of questions. Don't hesitate to dig deeper and ask "why" they recommend a particular approach. A good trade will appreciate your curiosity and explain their decisions. If they get defensive or can't explain their reasoning, that's a warning sign.
Be wary of trades who ask for large upfront payments. A trustworthy trade will request a deposit for materials, not for labour. The amount of your deposit should align with the cost of those materials. If they're asking for significant money upfront for labour, keep looking.
Get a record in writing. Even if you agree in a conversation, get a summary written down — even by text message or email — that covers the scope of work, materials to be used, timeline, and total cost. Handshake deals might feel friendly, but they leave you vulnerable if things go wrong.
Check insurance and licensing. Make sure they have proper liability insurance and any required licenses or certifications for their trade. This protects both of you if something goes wrong.
You will be the administrator. Trades are great at getting the job done, but they’re not always great at admin or communication. It’s up to you to make sure that you’ve got stuff in writing and are aware of where you are in the process.
Key takeaways
Do your homework: Take the time to vet any trade with thorough research, questions, and referrals. The bigger your project, the more important this is! The few extra hours you spend upfront can save you thousands in problems later.
Communication is key: Choose trades who explain their work clearly and keep you informed throughout the process. You should never feel left in the dark about what's happening in your own home.
Trust your instincts: If something feels off during the interview process — whether it's their communication style, their references, or their payment demands — listen to what your gut is telling you. There are plenty of good trades out there.
Get the details in writing: Detailed quotes, clear timelines, and written contracts aren't just good business practices — they're your protection if things go sideways.
The right trade will take pride in their work, communicate clearly about the process, and respect both your home and your budget. Take the time to find them, and your project will run much more smoothly.
