Key Takeaways
- After an inspection, you’ll likely need tradespeople — finding reliable ones in the Annapolis Valley takes some effort.
- Get at least three quotes; the lowest bid is rarely the best; always ask for references from recent similar work.
- Get a written contract with scope, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty before any money changes hands.
- Never pay more than 10–15% upfront; avoid anyone who wants cash only and won’t provide receipts.
After an inspection, I often hand clients a list of repairs that need attention. The next question is almost always: Do you know anyone who can fix this? Finding a good contractor is genuinely difficult — not because there aren't skilled tradespeople in the Annapolis Valley, but because the good ones tend to be booked out and the not-so-good ones are easy to find.
Here's how I'd approach it.
Start with referrals
The single most reliable way to find a good contractor is to ask someone who has already hired one. Talk to neighbours, family, friends, and colleagues. Ask your REALTOR® — they see the aftermath of both good and bad work constantly. Ask your home inspector. People who've had good experiences are usually happy to share, and people who've had bad ones are even more so.
Online reviews (Google, HomeStars) are useful but treat them with appropriate skepticism. Look for patterns across multiple reviews rather than fixating on any single one.
Get at least three bids
For any significant project, get a minimum of three bids. This isn't just about price — it's about getting a feel for different approaches to your project and different personalities you'd be working with. A good contractor will want to see your plans, understand your budget, and ask questions. One who gives you a number over the phone without looking at the work is a red flag.
Ask each bidder to break their quote into materials, labour, and other expenses. This makes bids actually comparable and tells you something about how the contractor thinks about the project.
Don't automatically take the lowest bid
If one bid is significantly lower than the others, ask yourself why. Is the scope of work actually the same? Are they planning to use cheaper materials? Are they cutting corners somewhere you can't see? A contractor who is genuinely, substantially cheaper than the competition is either desperate for work or not planning to do the same job. Neither is what you want.
The goal is value, not the lowest number. The cheapest roof you ever buy will be the most expensive roof you ever regret.
Trust your gut — but verify
You're going to have this person or their crew in and around your home, possibly for days or weeks. They should be someone you can communicate with easily — someone who answers your questions clearly and doesn't make you feel stupid for asking. If your gut says something's off in the conversation, pay attention to that.
Before signing anything, verify: Are they licensed and insured? Ask for proof of liability insurance and Workers' Compensation coverage. If someone gets hurt on your property and they're not covered, you could be liable.
Get it in writing
A verbal agreement is not a contract. For any significant work, you need a written contract that specifies:
- Exactly what work will be done (scope)
- The materials to be used (brand, grade, model where applicable)
- Start and completion dates
- Total price and payment schedule
- What happens if unforeseen issues arise (and they always do)
- Warranty on workmanship
Never pay more than a modest deposit upfront. A reasonable payment schedule ties payments to completed milestones. Final payment should be held until the work is done to your satisfaction and any municipal inspection (if required) has passed.
Once the project starts, changes cost money. Scope creep — adding things mid-project — and unforeseen conditions (rot behind a wall, outdated wiring that needs upgrading) will increase the price. Budget a contingency of 10–15% for projects involving anything hidden in walls, floors, or the foundation.