Frequently asked questions
Including the work we don't do, and who to call instead.
- What should I check before hiring any contractor?
Three things, and ask for all of them in writing:
- A WorkSafeBC clearance letter
- Proof of liability insurance
- A business licence
If a contractor can't produce those, they aren't in a position to stand behind their work — and you're the one carrying the risk if something goes wrong on your property.
- Do you do cash jobs?
We accept cash as legal tender, but your method of payment won't change the price of your project. We pay our taxes.
The way we view it: if a contractor is willing to cheat the government, what's to stop them acting dishonourably with their clients?
- Do you build new homes?
Only if you hold your Owner Builder Certification, and then only a few of the main aspects of the contract — as the owner builder, you're the General Contractor.
Without an OBC, use a GC licensed through BC Housing who carries New Home Warranty coverage (the 2-5-10). Check the registry online for whoever you choose: many GCs offer new home builds using someone else's new home warranty information, and that is not a situation you want to be in if your project runs into problems.
- Do you do roofing?
Our own crew installs asphalt shingle and metal cladding on sheds, garages and auxiliary buildings — anything not over a living space. For roofs over living space we arrange our preferred subcontractors, who carry all the proper insurance. We also take on emergency leak mitigation on existing roofs of any type.
- Do you do torch-on roofing?
No. The only contractor in town we're aware of who's licensed for it is Nelson Roofing. If that's out of date and you're a contractor licensed to do this work, please reach out so we can update this answer.
- Do you install gutters?
We install European-style gutters. For seamless aluminum, we'd point you to Modern Windows or Gutter Shark — both local, both do good work.
- Who else does insurance work in town?
Insurance companies often require multiple quotes. Other than us, your options locally are SJS Restorations — we have nothing but good things to say about Jim and his crew — or Edeo Restorations, formerly WinMar Powell River, who have all the skills required.
- Are you on my insurer's preferred vendor list?
No. Insurers build those lists around Xactimate estimating software, which we don't use. We're happy to work with your insurer directly and to price competitively against the contractors who are on the list.
- What if you can't fit my project into your schedule?
Then we'll say so, and we're happy to recommend another contractor who might be able to. Just ask — we'd rather point you somewhere useful than hold up your project.
qathet Living also published a Home and Hammer insert in 2026 listing local contractors and trades. It's worth a look if you're gathering options.
- I want my own hazardous materials assessment. Who do you use?
Our number one local option is Assured Asbestos Abatement. If you'd rather someone from the island, we recommend Tsolum and Tsable Environmental.
- Who are your plumbers and electricians?
We work with a number of local professionals in both trades. Which one we use on your project usually comes down to availability.
- Do you offer after-hours emergency service?
We take on emergency and restoration work, but we can't guarantee after-hours availability. After-hours call-outs are billed at a minimum two hours at $150 per man hour.
- How do you bill?
Wherever the scope is known, we prefer a firm price. Where it isn't, we either build in a set contingency or invoice weekly so you can watch the costs as the job runs.
Materials, subtrades, engineers, dump fees, permits, architects and miscellaneous expenses are billed at a 20% markup, and digital copies of receipts are available on request.
- Do you work as a subcontractor for other contractors?
Yes. We've framed for general contractors on projects where framing was all they needed from us — walls, trusses, roof sheeting, through framing inspection and handed off.
If you're a GC looking for a framing crew, get in touch.
- Do you bring your own equipment?
Sometimes. It depends on whether what we own will do the job cost-efficiently for you. If it won't, we bring in rentals rather than making our machine fit the work.
- Do I need to supply materials?
No — we supply our own, so the right materials go into your project and no time is lost to duplicated effort or procurement delays.
That said, if there's something specific you want used — an antique transom window, a vintage farmhouse sink, lumber from a local mill — we're happy to work with what you have.
- What about a deposit?
A deposit is taken at the start of your project and applied to your final weekly invoice. Anything left over is refunded to you promptly.
- How do I pay?
We prefer e-transfer, cheque or bank draft. Credit cards are also accepted through our online invoicing system.