Whether you’re upgrading a home in East Abbotsford, restoring a character house in Mission, or building a laneway suite in Langley, hiring the right contractor can make or break your project. Around here, word travels fast — but even a well-reviewed name can let you down if you skip the right questions.
Here’s what to focus on before you hand over a deposit.
1. Experience That Matches Your Project
You’ll find plenty of contractors advertising in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Maple Ridge — but general experience doesn’t always equal the right experience. For example, someone who specializes in new subdivisions in South Langley might not be ideal for a complex reno in an older part of Mission.
Ask for examples of work done in your area:
- “Have you worked on homes in Promontory?”
- “Have you done projects in Clayburn Village or Fairfield Island?”
- “Do you know the city permitting process in Langley Township?”
If they can’t answer those, keep looking.
2. Local References You Can Actually Call
You want real references from people who live where you do. Not vague testimonials from “Karen P.” online — but actual folks in places like Greendale or Willoughby who can tell you how the job went.
Ask them:
- Did the contractor stay within the quoted budget?
- How were issues handled — delays, surprise costs, quality checks?
- Would they hire them again?
Bonus: If they’re local, you might even be able to drive by and see the finished work.
3. A Clear Estimate That Accounts for Fraser Valley Realities
Weather delays, permit backlogs in fast-growing cities like Abbotsford or Langley, supply chain hiccups — if your contractor pretends none of these things exist, that’s a red flag. A good contractor gives you a written breakdown of:
- Materials and labour
- Payment schedule
- What’s included — and more importantly, what’s not
And yes, they should factor in seasonal timing. For example, concrete in Chilliwack doesn’t pour the same way in January as it does in July.
4. Licensing and Insurance — Not Optional
In B.C., residential contractors must be licensed through the Homeowner Protection Office (now part of BC Housing) if they’re building a new home. They should also carry:
- Valid business license (check with your city — City of Abbotsford Business Licenses, for example)
- General liability insurance
- WorkSafeBC coverage for all employees
If they’re doing electrical or plumbing, they should be able to provide red-seal certified subcontractors with the appropriate trade licenses.
5. Communication and Accountability
This matters more than you think. If they ghost you now, imagine how it’ll feel when your kitchen’s half-torn apart. Choose someone who:
- Replies within a day or two
- Walks you through the plan clearly
- Doesn’t downplay your concerns
Even better? Pick someone who lives in or regularly works in your city. Local contractors have a reputation to maintain — and in a small region like the Fraser Valley, that counts for a lot.
Final Word for Fraser Valley Homeowners
There’s no shortage of contractors between Hope and Aldergrove. But not all of them are cut out for your job. Whether you’re in the city or on acreage, building trust starts with doing your homework.
Ask around. Check the Fraser Valley Contractor Directory on BCOneCall or browse local forums like Abbotsford Construction & Trades on Facebook. And don’t be afraid to wait for the right one — because the wrong one will cost you more than time.
