Start with the quote, not the price
The cheapest quote is often the one with the least in it. Before you compare numbers, make sure every quote describes the same work. On a roof, that means tear-off, ice & water shield, underlayment, flashing, vents and cleanup. On siding, house wrap, trim and flashing details. On a bathroom, waterproofing method and who supplies fixtures. Two quotes $6,000 apart are often two different jobs.
The ten-minute check
- Written, itemized estimate. Not a number on the back of a card. It should list materials, scope and exclusions.
- Liability insurance and WCB coverage. Ask for current certificates. If someone is hurt on your property and the contractor isn't covered, that becomes your problem.
- Workmanship warranty in writing. Separate from the manufacturer's material warranty, and specific about length and what it covers. Ours is 15 years.
- Local address and history. A Calgary business you can find next year. Check who you are dealing with and look for accreditation such as BBB or trade bodies like the AARA.
- Recent local references and photos. Addresses in your area, ideally work you can drive past.
- Permits. They should know exactly which permits your project needs and pull the ones in their scope.
- A real schedule. Start date, rough duration, and who your single point of contact is.
Deposits and Alberta's licensing rule
In Alberta, a business that collects payment before the work is finished is a prepaid contracting business, and that activity is licensed by the province, with security posted so homeowners have recourse if a job is abandoned. You don't need to memorize the legislation. You do need to ask two questions before you hand over money: what is this deposit for, and what does it pay for that hasn't happened yet. A deposit that covers ordered materials is normal. A large deposit for an unscheduled job is not.
Ask us the same questions. We will put the scope, the price, the warranty and any deposit in writing before anything is torn out. Call (403) 918-6675.
Red flags, especially after a hailstorm
Door-knocking after a storm
Calgary draws out-of-province crews after every big hail event. They leave; your warranty leaves with them.
"Sign today" pricing
A real price is good for weeks. Discounts that expire this afternoon are a sales tactic.
Cash-only or no paperwork
No contract means no warranty, no recourse and problems with your insurer.
Offers to cover your deductible
Pitched as a favour. It is insurance fraud, and the homeowner is part of it.
No site visit
Nobody can price a roof, kitchen or siding job properly from a photo or a phone call.
Vague materials
"Premium shingles" is not a product. The manufacturer and line should be in the quote.
Insurance work has its own rule
You choose the contractor, not your insurer. A recommended list is a convenience, not an obligation. What matters is that whoever you pick documents the damage properly and works with the adjuster: see our hail claim guide and our insurance claims service.
Questions worth asking out loud
- Who is on site day to day, your crew or subcontractors?
- Who do I call if something goes wrong in year three?
- What happens if you open it up and find rot or an unexpected problem?
- How do you protect landscaping, driveways and interior floors?
- What is not included in this price?
Frequently asked questions
How many quotes should I get?
Three is plenty. More than that and you usually end up comparing sales pitches rather than scopes.
Should I pay a deposit before work starts?
A reasonable deposit for ordered materials is normal practice. Ask what it covers and get it written into the contract. Be wary of large up-front payments for work with no scheduled start.
How do I check a Calgary contractor is legitimate?
Ask for proof of liability insurance and WCB coverage, confirm the business address and history, look for accreditation such as BBB, and ask for recent local references you can actually contact.
Is the lowest quote ever the right choice?
Yes, when it covers identical scope, materials and warranty. That is rarer than people expect, which is why comparing line by line matters more than comparing totals.
What makes Red Star different?
One point of contact from estimate to walkthrough, written itemized quotes, a 15-year workmanship warranty, BBB accreditation and AARA membership, and exterior plus interior work under one contractor.
