Metro Vancouver has one of the highest concentrations of home service providers in Canada — and one of the most uneven in terms of quality, legitimacy, and accountability. From cleaning services to handymen, movers to junk removal crews, the gap between a professional operation and a cash-only person with a van can be thousands of dollars in damages, theft liability, or poor-quality work that needs to be redone.
This guide gives you a consistent vetting framework you can apply to any home service professional in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Delta, Surrey, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland.
The Non-Negotiables for Any Home Service Professional
1. General Liability Insurance
Any professional entering your home to perform work should carry general liability insurance — at minimum $2M coverage. This protects you if something in your home is damaged during the service. In a strata building, it's often a requirement for the provider to even enter the building. Ask for the certificate of insurance before booking. Any legitimate operator provides this without hesitation. Reluctance or vagueness is a red flag.
2. WorkSafeBC Coverage
If a worker is injured on your property and they don't have WorkSafeBC coverage (or equivalent), you can be held liable. This is particularly relevant for handyman and junk removal work, which carries higher physical risk than cleaning. Ask if the individual or company has WorkSafeBC registration. You can verify this at worksafebc.com.
3. Background Checks on Staff
For cleaning and other in-home services, ask whether the company conducts criminal record checks on all staff. In Metro Vancouver's competitive home services market, the better companies do this as standard — it's part of what justifies their price premium over fly-by-night operators.
4. Written Quote Before Work Begins
A price that's only communicated verbally at the door, or that changes after the work starts, is a consistent pattern in scam or low-quality operations. Professional services provide written quotes (or digital confirmation) before work begins, with a clear scope of what's included and what costs extra.
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Service-Specific Checks
Cleaning Services in Metro Vancouver
- Confirm whether cleaners are employees or independent contractors (employees provide stronger accountability)
- Ask what happens if something is damaged — a professional service has a clear claims process
- Confirm they bring their own supplies, or get a clear list of what you need to provide
Handyman Services
- Confirm which specific trades they're qualified for — "handyman" is not a licensed designation in BC
- For any work that might require a permit, confirm who pulls it and who it's registered to
- Get a written scope of work including materials and timeline
Moving Companies
- Confirm cargo insurance coverage — BC's minimum is $0.60/lb, which is very low for valuable items
- Ask about their process for high-value or fragile item protection
- Confirm they own their truck — some brokers book jobs and then assign any available driver
Junk Removal Companies
- Ask where they dispose of items — legitimate companies use licensed Metro Vancouver transfer stations
- Confirm they recycle and donate where possible, not just landfill everything
- Get pricing in writing before loading begins
Red Flags Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I check if a home service company is legitimate in Metro Vancouver?
- Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance, check WorkSafeBC registration, verify local reviews and a physical business address, and confirm written quotes before work begins.
- What liability do I have if a worker is injured in my home?
- If a worker isn't covered by WorkSafeBC or equivalent insurance, you may be liable for medical and compensation costs. Always confirm coverage before allowing trades onto your property.
- Are home service providers required to be licensed in Metro Vancouver?
- Electricians, plumbers, and gas fitters require licensed trades certification in BC. General handymen, cleaners, movers, and junk removal companies don't require specific licences, but should carry liability insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage.
- How do I know if a cleaning service does background checks?
- Ask directly. A professional company will confirm their policy without hesitation. Vague or deflective responses are a red flag.
- What should a professional home service quote include?
- The specific scope of work, total price, what is and isn't included, any materials costs, and the timeline. Anything missing is worth asking about before accepting.
