Check WSIB coverage
Most construction businesses in Ontario, painting contractors among them, are required to have coverage with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), with some exceptions. When you hire a painter for your own home, WSIB doesn't require you to collect a clearance certificate, but you can look up a contractor's WSIB status with WSIB's online clearance search. If the property is a rental or a business, the clearance rules can apply to you as the owner. Carleton Prime Painting has WSIB coverage.
Ask about liability insurance
Liability insurance can cover damage a contractor causes to your home or belongings during the work. Ask any painter whether they carry it. Many condo buildings ask for proof of it. Carleton Prime Painting carries liability insurance.
Get the scope in writing
A good estimate says exactly what's being painted, how many coats, what prep is included, who supplies the paint and what isn't included. Two estimates only compare fairly when they cover the same work.
Know your rights in Ontario
Ontario's Consumer Protection Act gives you some protection on home renovation work, painting included. Most agreements over $50 have to be in writing. If you sign a renovation contract of $50 or more in your own home, you have 10 days to cancel it for any reason, starting from the day you get a written copy. And if your contract includes an estimate, the final price can't be more than 10% over it unless you agree to new work or a new price.
Ask how they prep
Many paint jobs fail because of poor prep, not bad paint. Ask what the painter does about holes, cracks, peeling paint, glossy surfaces and stains. A vague answer is a warning sign.
Ask about the warranty
Ask how long the workmanship warranty lasts and what it covers. Carleton Prime Painting gives a 2-year warranty on painting.
Read real reviews
Look at Google reviews and read what customers actually say about the work, not only the star rating. Reviews that describe specific details tell you more than short ones.
Watch out for
- Cash-only deals with nothing in writing
- A price far below everyone else's, which often means less prep or fewer coats
- A large deposit demanded before anything is scheduled
- No address, no insurance and no reviews
Sources: WSIB: questions and answers about clearances, WSIB online clearance search, Ontario: your rights when starting home renovations or repairs
Written by Carleton Prime Painting, Ottawa. Last updated October 23, 2026.