How to Hire a Kitchen Remodeler in Ontario
To hire a kitchen renovator in Ontario, check WSIB, insurance and finished kitchens yourself, because the province does not license renovators; electrical, gas and plumbing work still needs licensed or certified trades. Put the estimate in a written contract: the final price cannot exceed it by more than 10% unless you sign a change. Keep the deposit to no more than 10%, and agree in writing who pulls the permits.
How Ontario kitchen remodelers compare on ProScore
ProScore lists 2,164 kitchen remodelers in Ontario, and has published a ProScore for 2,043 of them. 698 of those reach Trusted (70+) or higher. ProScore matched 210 of them (10%) to the WSIB register by business name. A business that is not matched may still be covered, so ask any kitchen remodeler you are considering for a current WSIB clearance certificate.
Counted from ProScore's current listings, refreshed daily. How ProScore scores
Hiring Checklist
What Ontario's rules say
- If an estimate is part of your contract, Ontario's Consumer Protection Act bars the contractor from charging more than 10% above it unless you agree to new work or a new price and sign a change to the contract. Government of Ontario
- Under Ontario law, any home renovation contract worth more than $50 must be in writing, and you may not get anything that is not written into it. Government of Ontario
- If you sign a renovation or repair contract worth $50 or more in your own home, you can cancel it for any reason within 10 calendar days without a cancellation fee, though if work started in that period you owe reasonable compensation for the work and materials provided. Government of Ontario
- Ontario's consumer guidance recommends keeping a down payment to no more than 10% and never paying the full contract amount before the work is done. Government of Ontario
- Getting building permits is the homeowner's responsibility; if the contractor will pull them, put that in the contract and do not let work start until you have seen them. Government of Ontario
- Renovators are not licensed or regulated by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority the way new home builders and sellers are. Home Construction Regulatory Authority
- Before you hire, search Ontario's Consumer Beware List: the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery lists businesses that did not answer it after 2 notifications about a consumer complaint, or that have been charged or convicted in relation to the Consumer Protection Act or other acts of the ministry. A business stays on the list for 21 to 27 months. Government of Ontario
Red Flags to Watch For
No detailed design or layout plan
A kitchen reno without measured drawings and a clear design plan will lead to costly mistakes and delays.
Vague material specifications
The contract should specify exact cabinet lines, countertop materials, hardware, and fixtures — not just “granite counters.”
Demands 50%+ upfront
Standard practice is a 10–15% deposit with milestone payments. Large upfront payments remove your leverage.
No portfolio of completed kitchens
Kitchen remodeling is specialized. If they cannot show you finished projects similar to yours, look elsewhere.
Quotes without a site visit
Every kitchen is different. Accurate quotes require measuring the space, checking plumbing and electrical, and assessing structural elements.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
“Can I see photos of kitchens you have completed?”
“How do you handle plumbing and electrical changes?”
“What is included in your quoted price?”
“What happens if we discover issues behind the walls?”
“What is your warranty on the finished kitchen?”
Licensing: No provincial licence for kitchen renovators
Ontario has no provincial licence for renovation contractors. The Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) licenses builders of new homes, so a kitchen renovation typically does not call for an HCRA licence. Some cities license renovation businesses: the City of Toronto requires a Building Renovator licence. The regulated work inside the job needs licensed trades: an ESA-licensed electrical contractor, a TSSA-registered gas contractor, and a certified plumber. Always check WSIB, liability insurance, a written contract, and who pulls the permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kitchen remodelers need a licence in Ontario?
No provincial licence covers kitchen renovators, and the HCRA licenses new-home builders, not renovators. The sub-trades (plumbing, electrical, gas) must be licensed, and some cities, including Toronto, license renovation businesses.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Ontario?
A mid-range kitchen renovation typically costs $25,000–$50,000. A high-end gut renovation can run $50,000–$100,000. Get at least 3 quotes.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
A full gut renovation takes 8–12 weeks. Cabinet refacing or cosmetic updates can be done in 2–4 weeks.
Should I stay in my home during a kitchen reno?
Most homeowners stay but set up a temporary kitchen. Expect 1–2 weeks without a functioning sink and several days without cooking facilities.
Compare kitchen remodelers in your city
Sources
- Government of Ontario, Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs (Updated August 6, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs (Updated August 6, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs (Updated August 6, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs (Updated August 6, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs (Updated August 6, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Home Construction Regulatory Authority, Finding a renovator. Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Search the Consumer Beware List (Updated September 25, 2024). Accessed October 25, 2026.
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