Why One Handyman Quotes $10K While Another Says $4K—The Ugly Truth

The Price Gap That Makes No Sense—Until You Dig Deeper

The Canadian Homeowner’s Dilemma: Which Quote Should You Trust?

You’ve just gotten two quotes for a small list of home repairs—tightening some railings, replacing trim, and fixing up your deck stairs. One handyman quotes $10,000, the other says $4,000. It’s the exact same job, so what’s with the huge price gap? Is one guy trying to gouge you, or is the other just giving you a better deal?

In Canada, especially in cities like Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver, handyman pricing can vary wildly. But this isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a matter of what’s included behind the scenes. And if you’re only comparing dollar amounts without digging into details, you might be setting yourself up for a costly surprise.

That higher $10K quote? It’s usually coming from a fully licensed and insured handyman business that pays its workers on the books, contributes to WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) in Ontario or WCB (Workers’ Compensation Board) in other provinces, and follows provincial building codes. They’re using quality materials, offering warranties, and properly planning every stage of your job—from setup to cleanup.

The lower $4K quote? Often, that’s from someone operating informally—no insurance, no workers’ compensation, possibly working for cash, and cutting corners to make it worth their time. They may skip prep work, use discount-grade supplies, and rush the job to squeeze in more clients. They aren’t paying into CPP, EI, or collecting HST/GST. That savings they offer you? It’s not coming out of their pocket—it’s coming out of your project’s quality and safety.

Let’s be real—$6,000 is a serious difference. But the cheaper quote likely doesn’t include essentials like liability protection, bonded staff, certified sub-trades (where required), or even a formal contract. In Canada, that exposes you to legal and financial liability if something goes wrong.

If a handyman falls off your roof and doesn’t have WSIB coverage? You could be on the hook. If the electrical they wired isn’t done by a licensed pro and it causes a fire? Your home insurance might deny your claim. If the cheap flooring they installed starts peeling up in a year? Good luck getting them back to fix it.

So next time you get wildly different quotes, don’t just ask “why is this one more expensive?” Ask what’s included—and more importantly, what’s being left out.

Cheap Materials, Cheaper Results (Canada Edition)

The True Cost of Using Bargain Materials in Canadian Homes

Let’s talk about where some handymen cut costs the fastest—materials. It’s easy to overlook when you’re reviewing a quote, but what they use to build, repair, or install in your home makes a massive difference in both quality and lifespan.

In Canada, we deal with everything from deep freezes in January to humid, rainy summers—especially in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, or British Columbia. That means your materials need to hold up to some pretty intense environmental conditions. A deck board that’s fine in Florida won’t survive a Toronto winter. Cheap caulk might crack after one snowstorm. And hardware that isn’t rust-resistant? Say goodbye to that gate by next spring.

Many lowball handymen source the cheapest possible materials—generic, unbranded products from discount outlets or surplus resellers. They might tell you “paint is paint” or “wood is wood,” but in reality, there’s a massive difference between premium, weather-rated materials from Home Depot Pro, RONA, or Kent, and the off-brand stuff sitting on clearance racks.

The problem? The materials look fine when installed. Maybe even great. But in 6 to 12 months, cracks form, adhesives fail, joints loosen, and paint starts peeling. Suddenly, you’re back to square one—only this time, you’re fixing a job you already paid for.

A professional handyman service in Canada will be transparent about material choices. They’ll provide a list of products, show you the brand names, explain why they use them, and offer receipts if requested. Quality materials may cost more upfront, but they last years longer, require less maintenance, and can withstand the wild Canadian weather.

Here’s the rule of thumb: if your handyman doesn’t talk about materials—or worse, dodges the question—it’s a red flag. You’re probably getting the cheapest stuff they can find. And when that bargain faucet leaks or the trim starts warping? It’s you who’ll be paying again.

The Real Price of No Insurance 

Why You Could Be Liable Without Proper Coverage

Imagine this: your handyman is repairing shingles on your garage roof in Mississauga. He slips, falls, and breaks a leg. Now he’s unable to work for weeks. If he doesn’t have WSIB coverage (or WCB if you’re in BC, Alberta, etc.), who do you think might be held responsible for his injury?

Surprise—it could be you.

In Canada, workers’ compensation coverage is not optional for professionals running legitimate trades businesses. In Ontario, WSIB protects both employers and workers if an injury happens on the job. In provinces like Alberta and British Columbia, WCB (Workers’ Compensation Board) serves the same purpose. If your handyman doesn’t have this—and they get hurt—you, the homeowner, could be sued for lost wages, medical costs, or worse.

But that’s just the beginning.

Say your handyman is replacing a door and accidentally damages your hardwood floors. Or they’re mounting a TV and put a massive hole in the drywall. Without general liability insurance, there’s no coverage for property damage. That means you’re on the hook to fix the damage—out of your own pocket.

Professional handyman businesses in Canada carry both WSIB/WCB and commercial general liability insurance for this very reason. These policies are factored into their quotes. That’s why they often charge more—but it’s because you’re getting protection, not just repairs.

So when the $10K quote includes insurance and the $4K quote doesn’t even mention it? That’s not just a pricing difference—it’s a risk gap.

Always ask for proof of insurance. Request a valid WSIB/WCB clearance certificate (which can be verified online through provincial portals), and ask for their general liability coverage details. A legit business will have no problem sharing this with you. If they hesitate, stall, or make excuses? That’s your cue to walk away.

Remember: when someone works on your property, they’re your responsibility. Don’t just protect your home—protect yourself.

Cash Labour and No Accountability 

The Hidden Dangers of Paying Under the Table

We all love a deal, and when a handyman says, “I’ll give you a better price if you pay cash,” it might seem like a win. No tax, no hassle, and a cheaper quote—what’s the harm, right? In Canada, though, under-the-table cash deals can turn into a nightmare faster than you think.

Here’s the reality: when a handyman operates outside the law by accepting cash-only payments without issuing receipts or collecting GST/HST, they’re not just dodging taxes—they’re dodging responsibility.

In provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, professional handyman services must register to charge and remit GST/HST once they earn over $30,000 annually. If they’re not charging it, they’re likely not a registered business. That’s a red flag.

More importantly, handymen who pay their workers in cash are typically not contributing to WSIB/WCB or deducting CPP and EI as required by law. These “workers” have no protections, no rights if they get hurt, and no official employment status. That means if anything goes wrong—an injury, damage, a half-finished job—you’re stuck with zero legal recourse.

And don’t expect warranties or contracts. When everything is done in cash, there’s often no paper trail. If your handyman disappears halfway through the job, you can’t file a formal complaint, get your money back, or take them to small claims court with any real traction. There’s no contract, no invoice, no record.

Another issue? Your home insurance may not cover work done by unlicensed, uninsured, or undocumented workers. If a worker damages something or gets hurt and there’s no paperwork, your insurer may deny claims outright.

Here’s the golden rule for Canadian homeowners: If a contractor insists on cash and refuses to give a written invoice, walk away. It might save you a bit up front, but it puts your project, your home, and your finances at serious risk.

Always get a written quote. Always ask for a receipt. And always deal with someone who operates within the legal, tax, and insurance frameworks that protect both of you.

Tax-Dodging Contractors Are Risky Business 

If They Cheat the CRA, What Makes You Think They Won’t Cheat You?

We get it—nobody loves paying taxes. But when a handyman in Canada operates outside the law to avoid paying their fair share to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), that’s not just shady business—it’s a sign they may not take anything seriously, including your project.

A legitimate handyman business in Canada will:

• Charge and remit GST or HST where applicable (depending on province).
• File regular tax returns with the CRA.
• Pay into Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI) for any employees.
• Maintain proper business registration, and when required, be provincially licensed for regulated trades.

Now, compare that to the cash-quote guy. He’s not charging tax. He’s not issuing receipts. He’s not declaring income. And he’s definitely not paying into any provincial or federal system that keeps our economy running. This isn’t a discount—it’s a risk to you.

Why does it matter to homeowners?

Because tax-evading contractors often operate with the same disregard for building codes, permits, and warranty laws. They’re not planning for long-term business sustainability—they’re just looking to make fast cash with no paper trail and zero accountability. If they’re already cutting legal corners with the CRA, what corners are they cutting in your electrical wiring, plumbing, or carpentry work?

Plus, when a contractor doesn’t declare their income, they’re not building a legitimate business reputation. That means no professional liability, no verifiable history, and no record of work. If a job goes south, you won’t be able to report them to the Better Business Bureau or file a small claims case with confidence.

Tax fraud isn’t a victimless crime. In this case, the victim could be you. Avoiding the GST/HST might save you 13% today—but it could cost you thousands if their work fails, if they ghost you mid-project, or if something dangerous happens due to sloppy or unregulated work.

Here’s the bottom line for Canadian homeowners: if a handyman’s not paying taxes, you should expect the same lack of integrity in their craftsmanship. Choose someone who follows the rules, because if they respect the CRA, they’ll likely respect your home too.

The $4K Scam—Where That ‘Deal’ Really Comes From 

It’s the classic bait-and-switch. You get a handyman quote for $10,000 from one company and $4,000 from another. Same job on paper. But here’s the hard truth: that $4K quote? It’s not a deal—it’s a trap.

Here’s how lowball pricing usually works in Canada:

1. No Taxes or Legal Structure

That price often comes with a wink and a “cash only” request. The handyman isn’t charging GST/HST, likely doesn’t have a business number registered with the CRA, and definitely isn’t reporting income. They’re skating under the radar, which means they’re also avoiding every layer of accountability that comes with being a legal business.

2. No Insurance or Workers’ Comp

The $4K quote usually comes from someone without general liability insurance or WSIB/WCB coverage. That saves them thousands in annual costs—but if anything goes wrong, that “deal” puts the homeowner directly on the hook for injuries, property damage, or even legal action.

3. Cheap, Substandard Materials

Where a legit contractor sources materials from trusted suppliers like Home Depot Pro, RONA, or local specialty suppliers, the bargain guy might hit discount surplus outlets, Craigslist, or even reuse leftover supplies from another job. That “new” faucet or door trim? Might already be on its second life.

4. Day Labour, Paid in Cash

Most of these contractors don’t have real employees. They hire untrained helpers for a day or two, pay them under the table, and hope the job gets done fast. There’s no vetting, no oversight, no consistency, and definitely no training. You’re trusting your home to the cheapest hands possible.

5. No Paper Trail, No Warranty

Ask for a contract and they’ll shrug. Ask for a receipt and they’ll say “Let’s keep it simple.” Ask them to come back when something breaks and they’re suddenly unavailable. If it goes bad, you’re on your own.

What’s worse? Many of these handymen don’t finish the job. They collect a cash deposit, get halfway through, and then disappear—leaving you with a mess and no way to reach them.

In Canada, a proper handyman quote includes not just materials and labour, but insurance, licensing, taxes, and long-term service guarantees. That’s what the $10K quote is offering—peace of mind and proper workmanship.

So the next time you’re lured in by a cut-rate quote, ask yourself: What exactly am I paying for—and what’s being left out? Because in home repairs, just like in life, if it sounds too good to be true… it probably is.

Skilled Tradesmen vs. ‘A Guy with Tools’ 

The Big Difference: Trained Professionals vs. Freelance Fixers

In Canada, the word “handyman” can mean anything from a red-seal-certified tradesperson with 20 years of experience to a guy who watched a few YouTube tutorials and picked up a drill at Canadian Tire. Knowing the difference could save you thousands—or save your house from a serious mistake.

A skilled tradesman or legitimate handyman business typically operates with a formal structure:

• Registered as a business with the CRA and their provincial government.
• Carries valid WSIB/WCB coverage and general liability insurance.
• Understands Canadian building codes, local bylaws, and when to pull permits.
• Uses proper tools, premium materials, and professional-grade techniques.
• Issues written quotes, invoices, and warranties.

On the other hand, the “guy with tools” usually:

• Works under the radar—no taxes, no paper trail, no oversight.
• Pays helpers in cash with no vetting or formal training.
• Might lack even basic knowledge of CSA-approved materials or municipal permit requirements.
• Operates off a cell phone and word of mouth, with no business license or reputation to protect.
• Can’t offer guarantees or support if something goes wrong.

It’s not just about tools or effort—it’s about knowing how to do the job safely, legally, and properly. Whether you’re dealing with minor repairs or more complex tasks like drywall, deck building, or tiling, the person you hire needs experience and accountability—not just enthusiasm and cheap labour.

Think of it this way: if you wouldn’t let someone “give dentistry a try” because they watched a video online, why would you let someone “try out” carpentry, electrical, or plumbing on your home?

Hiring a reputable, skilled tradesperson might cost more upfront, but in Canada’s regulated market, it also means your work is up to code, done safely, and built to last—backed by a real business that you can count on.

Fly-by-Night Handyman Crews 

How to Spot Temporary Hustlers Before They Vanish

It happens all the time in Canadian suburbs: a crew knocks on your door, offers you a “limited-time” deal on deck repair, fence work, or general home maintenance. They say they just finished a job down the street, they’ve got leftover materials, and they can “fit you in today.” It sounds like a win, especially when their price is hundreds—or even thousands—less than others. But here’s the thing: they might be gone by tomorrow.

These are the fly-by-night handymen that pop up across Canada every spring and summer. They often operate without:

• A registered business number
• Provincial or municipal licenses
• WSIB/WCB coverage
• Liability insurance
• Contracts or proper receipts

They’ll offer verbal quotes, prefer cash, and avoid putting anything in writing. Why? Because they don’t want to be found once the job is over—or left unfinished.

Common Signs of a Fly-by-Night Crew:

• No website, Google Business listing, or digital footprint
• No verifiable references or online reviews
• No branded vehicle or uniforms
• Out-of-province plates or no fixed business address
• High-pressure tactics: “We’ve got time today only,” or “This price is just for you”
• Vague answers about materials, timelines, or insurance
• Will not provide WSIB/WCB clearance or proof of liability coverage

These operators prey on homeowners looking for a deal—especially seniors, newcomers, and first-time homebuyers. They rely on your lack of industry knowledge and the appeal of a quick fix.

But when the job is rushed, materials are subpar, and the workmanship falls apart? They’re already in another neighbourhood or province.

In Canada, where consumer protection laws exist—but only work when there’s a traceable business—you must vet who you hire. Protect yourself by:

• Asking for proof of business registration
• Verifying WSIB/WCB coverage online
• Reading reviews or getting referrals from trusted sources
• Getting everything in writing—estimate, scope, payment terms

A professional handyman isn’t just around for one job—they’re building a business, reputation, and client base. If someone’s hard to find online, imagine how hard they’ll be to find when you need a repair done right.

Fake Insurance? It Happens More Than You Think 

Just Because They Show a Document Doesn’t Mean You’re Protected

In Canada, many homeowners assume that when a handyman flashes an insurance certificate, they’re covered. But that’s not always the case. Believe it or not, fake, expired, or misleading insurance documents are more common than you think—especially with contractors trying to win your trust with a too-good-to-be-true quote.

Here’s how the scam works: a handyman might show you a general liability certificate that looks legit—but it’s:

• Expired
• For a different business name
• Only covers the owner (not employees or subcontractors)
• Canceled shortly after being issued

Worse still, many don’t carry WSIB (Ontario) or WCB (in BC, Alberta, and other provinces). These are mandatory for covering workers if they’re injured on the job. If someone falls off a ladder or gets hurt while working on your property without WSIB/WCB coverage, you could be held financially liable.

How to Spot Fake or Misleading Insurance:

1. Always ask for a copy of their insurance documents—don’t settle for a photo or quick glance.
2. Call the insurance provider directly. All valid insurance documents will list a contact number or website for verification.
3. Check the business name on the policy matches the name on the quote and their business registration.
4. Request a WSIB/WCB clearance certificate. This is a free, easy-to-access document that confirms a business is registered and in good standing with the board.
5. Look for the details: Coverage limits, expiration dates, and what exactly is covered (property damage, injury, etc.).

A legit handyman business in Canada won’t hesitate to provide this info. In fact, they’ll be glad you’re asking—because it shows you care about doing things right, just like they do.

On the flip side, if someone hesitates, makes excuses, or downplays the importance of insurance? That’s a deal-breaker. No amount of cost savings is worth the legal and financial risk of hiring an uninsured or falsely insured contractor.

In Canada, insurance isn’t just paperwork—it’s your safety net as a homeowner. Don’t just take their word for it. Verify everything.