Documents support decisions; they do not replace a site review.
Insurance, WSIB information, permits, and trade records are part of responsible planning. They should be checked against the property, scope, workers, building rules, and current requirements for the project.
Ask for current documents before work begins and record their expiry dates, named insured or account details, scope limitations, and who is responsible for submitting them. Never assume a document covers a different company, address, trade, or project without confirmation.
Before work begins
- Certificate of commercial general liability insurance showing the current business name and coverage details.
- WSIB account or clearance information where applicable to the workers and contract arrangement.
- Trade names, licences, permits, notifications, and inspection responsibilities for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, gas, structural, or other regulated work.
- Condominium insurance forms, contractor declarations, protection plans, elevator bookings, and work-hour approvals.
- Written scope, schedule, access plan, emergency contacts, and change-approval process.
Keep trade responsibilities clear
Renovation coordination does not make a general contractor the licensed provider for every regulated trade. Confirm who performs electrical work, whether a Licensed Electrical Contractor is required, who handles ESA notifications or certificates where applicable, and who coordinates plumbing or other qualified trades. Put responsibility for permits, inspections, shutoffs, and closeout records in writing.
Close out the record
At handover, keep the final scope, approved changes, invoices, photos, deficiency list, warranties, product information, permits, inspection results, and trade certificates that apply to the work. Property managers can use the record for future maintenance and residents can understand what was changed without reopening the entire project file.
Questions to ask
Is the document current? Does the legal business name match the contract? Does the address or project type create a special requirement? Who is responsible for submission, inspection, correction, and final delivery? What happens if the scope changes?
Review JT credentials and insurance → Read the ESA planning guide → Discuss your project file →