How do I find a good contractor, plumber or electrician?
Use the directory’s trade categories, get two or three written quotes, and check licences: Technical Safety BC licenses electrical and gas contractors, BC Housing licenses residential builders, and WorkSafeBC issues clearance letters.
Checked October 1, 2026. Numbers update on their own.
Before you hire:
- Electrical and gas work: the contractor should hold a Technical Safety BC licence and pull the permit.
- New homes: residential builders must be licensed with BC Housing, and new homes need home warranty insurance.
- WorkSafeBC clearance letter: shows the contractor’s coverage is in good standing, so you are not liable for their unpaid premiums.
- Building permits: many renovations need a City permit; our permits guide explains which.
For radon, the province’s radon pages explain testing and mitigation.
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Official sources
- Technical Safety BC: find a licensed contractorLink checked October 14, 2026
- BC Housing: licensing and consumer servicesLink checked October 14, 2026
- WorkSafeBC: clearance lettersLink checked October 14, 2026
