Do drywall contractors in Ontario need a trade certificate?

Ontario has two drywall trades: "Drywall, acoustic and lathing applicator" and "Drywall finisher and plasterer". Both are prescribed trades under O. Reg. 876/21, and neither is compulsory. Skilled Trades Ontario states plainly that because each trade is non-compulsory, a certificate is not required to do the work, and individuals practising these trades do not appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario public register.

So the public register will not show a drywaller's certificate, and we found no drywall licence to ask for. What that does not mean is that anything goes. Fire separations, Type X assemblies and permit work are inspected by the City of Ottawa, so the quality of the work still has to meet Ontario's Building Code where it applies.

A few things worth asking before you hire:

• Ask for their insurance details in writing, and whether they have WSIB coverage or qualify for the home renovation exemption. Ask them directly; the WSIB clearance policy does not require a clearance certificate where a contractor is directly hired by a householder for exempt home renovation work on their own home, but it is still worth confirming their status.
• Whether they have experience with the specific work you need, whether that is taping and finishing to a named finish level, matching an existing texture, or work that is part of a permitted renovation.
• What the written quote covers: the board specified, the finish level, the number of coats, whether sanding and primer are included, and who asks the City about any permit.

On the contract itself, the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 gives you 10 days to cancel a direct agreement (one signed at your home) after you receive the written copy. If the agreement includes an estimate, the final charge may not exceed that estimate by more than 10 per cent.

Before the work starts, ask the contractor to put the warranty in writing, spelling out what is covered, how long it lasts, and whether it would transfer to a buyer.