One guide per trade, covering what Ontario actually requires, what the work typically costs, and the questions that separate a solid quote from a vague one. Written by us - not scraped, not sponsored, and not written by the contractors themselves.
Start here if you are unsure
Ontario legally restricts who may perform this work. There is a credential you can and should verify.
Yes. Plumber (306A) is a compulsory trade in Ontario - working without certification is illegal, not just inadvisable.
8 cost benchmarksYes, twice over. The person needs a 309A Certificate of Qualification; the business needs an ECRA/ESA Electrical Contractor Licence.
8 cost benchmarksYes for the parts that matter. Gas work requires TSSA certification, and refrigerant work requires a 313A or 313D certificate plus environmental handling certification.
7 cost benchmarksNo provincial certificate is required, so insurance, WSIB coverage and your contract carry the weight.
No. Roofing is not a compulsory trade in Ontario, so there is no licence to verify - which makes insurance and WSIB coverage the checks that matter.
7 cost benchmarksNo provincial licence is required. Installation quality is governed by manufacturer specification and the Ontario Building Code rather than by a trade certificate.
6 cost benchmarksNo. Renovation contractors are not licensed in Ontario - but the sub-trades they hire may be, and the permits are the real accountability mechanism.
6 cost benchmarksNo provincial licence exists for general contracting on existing homes. New home construction is different - those builders must be HCRA licensed.
4 cost benchmarksNo provincial licence required. Manufacturer installation requirements are the real standard, because they govern your warranty.
8 cost benchmarksNo provincial licence required. Insurance and a clear written scope carry the weight here.
6 cost benchmarksGeneral carpentry is a voluntary trade in Ontario, not a compulsory one. A Certificate of Qualification exists and is a genuine signal, but it is not legally required.
7 cost benchmarksNo provincial trade licence is required for flatwork. Structural concrete may require engineered drawings and a building permit.
7 cost benchmarksNo general licence, but specific activities are regulated: tree work near hydro lines, pesticide application, and retaining walls above a certain height.
7 cost benchmarksPool building itself is not a licensed trade, but the electrical work is, and the enclosure permit is mandatory.
8 cost benchmarksHot tub sales and placement are unregulated, but the electrical connection is not. It requires a licensed electrical contractor and an ESA inspection.
7 cost benchmarks