What liability insurance should a post-construction cleaning company carry in Ontario?

Liability insurance is one of the most important things to ask about before hiring a post-construction cleaning company in Ontario. Post-construction cleaning involves ladders, chemical products, heavy equipment and the constant risk of accidental damage to newly finished surfaces, so you want to know what happens if something goes wrong.

What Insurance to Ask a Cleaning Company About

Start with commercial general liability (CGL) insurance. Ask for proof of liability insurance and what it covers. This is the kind of policy that typically responds to damage to your property caused by the crew — a chemical spill that stains new hardwood, a pressure washer that damages siding, or equipment that scratches freshly installed windows — and to injuries to third parties, such as a visitor tripping over equipment left in a walkway. Ask about the limits and about any exclusions that might matter on your job.

Ask about WSIB separately. Ask whether they have WSIB coverage or a clearance certificate, and keep a copy of what they provide.

Depending on the job, it is also reasonable to ask about automobile insurance for the vehicles that bring equipment to your site, and whether their policy excludes exterior work, chemical products or work near water. If the job involves exterior cleaning near a waterway or on a heritage property, ask specifically whether runoff or pollution-type damage is covered.

A practical tip: ask for a certificate of insurance for the duration of the project, and ask whether they can name you on it. Check that the business name matches the company on your quote and that the dates cover your job. If a company hesitates or refuses to provide proof of insurance, treat that as a clear red flag.

Insurance is part of what you are paying for in a professional quote, along with equipment and labour, so the cheapest quote is not always the best value. Ask for itemized written quotes so you can compare like with like.

When searching for cleaning companies, the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com is a good starting point. Get several quotes and confirm insurance with each company before making your decision.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Homeupgraders
• RenoMotion Inc.
• Jaiko Cleaning Services
• J and C Building Cleaning
• Rrenovatios