The Canadian Trades Industry: A Call for Change

The Canadian trades industry is at a breaking point. Homeowners and builders alike deserve better, and so do honest tradespeople who put their skill, sweat, and reputations into every job. Yet every week, we see the same problems over and over again. Poor-quality installs, contractors cutting corners, and clients who treat experienced trades like they’re disposable. It’s time to ask: What is really going on with the trades?

Homeowner illustrating the challenges faced in Canadian renovations due to substandard construction practices.

Poor Quality Installs & Inexperienced Workers

Too many installations are handled by people who simply aren’t qualified. From siding that isn’t weatherproof to roofs that leak after one season, inexperience is hurting homeowners and dragging down the entire industry. Watching YouTube or a renovation show doesn’t make someone a pro; training, mentorship, and years of hands-on experience do.

What’s Driving It

• Labour Shortage + Low Bids: Too many jobs, not enough trained installers, and a race to the bottom on price.

• Skill Gap: Tool ownership does not equal trade mastery. Proper building science (moisture management, ventilation, flashing, fasteners) isn’t learned in a weekend.

• No Q&A Process: Crews are rushed, details are missed, and problems get covered up...literally.

  
  

Real-World Consequences

• Premature Failures: Leaks, rot, mold, and warranty denials.

• Heat/Cold Infiltration: Missing WRB, tapes, or foam.

• Warped Cladding: Wrong fasteners, nailing patterns, or improper ventilation.

• Ice Damming and Condensation: Poor ventilation details lead to significant issues.

  
  

Red Flags Homeowners Can Spot

• No building wrap, tapes, or flashings visible before cladding goes on.

• Crew can’t explain how they manage water at windows/doors.

• No written scope, no install manuals, and no photo progress updates.

  
  

How Professionals Prevent Failures

• Pre-Construction Checklist: Substrate condition, WRB plan, flashing details, and penetrations.

• Mock-Ups + Photo Logs: Capture every step (WRB, flashing, rainscreen, fasteners).

• Two-Stage QC: Mid-install inspection and final sign-off with the homeowner.

• Apprenticeship & Mentorship: Pair juniors with senior installers and track skill progression.

  
  

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Non-Payments & “Expert” Clients

Another growing problem? Non-payments. Too often, trades are left chasing money because residential renovation customers or builders think they know better. They nitpick, stall, or refuse to pay for work they already agreed to, using excuses rooted in what they saw on a TV show. The reality is simple: tradespeople can’t survive without fair compensation, and projects grind to a halt when skilled workers aren’t respected or paid.

What’s Driving It

• Unrealistic Expectations: Shaped by TV/YouTube highlights and Pinterest.

• Uncontrolled Expansion of Scope: Without documentation.

• Builders Juggling Cash Flow: Trades become the bank.

  
  

The Impact

• Crews stall, good trades exit residential work, and timelines explode for everyone.

  
  

How to Prevent It (for Both Sides)

• Clear Contract: Scope, exclusions, timeline, material brands, and a draw schedule tied to milestones.

• Written Change Orders: Price and time impact approved before work continues.

• Deficiency Process: Punch list in writing, cure period, then final payment on completion.

• Documentation: Daily site photos, delivery slips, and serial/lot numbers for warranties.

  
  

Sample Payment Structure (Steal This)

• 10–20% booking retainer

• 40% on material delivery to site

• 30% at 75% install completion

• 20% on substantial completion (after agreed punch list)

  
  

Note: This is general guidance and not legal advice. Always adapt to your province and consult a professional when needed.

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A Canadian survey found that two out of three (64%) homeowners do not trust general contractors, with trust levels even lower for some specialized trades.

Cutting Corners with Cheap Products

Then there’s the race to the bottom with products. Some contractors are importing low-cost, poor-quality materials from overseas with no warranty, no guarantees, and no ability to stand up to Canada’s tough climate. These shortcuts don’t save money in the long run. They create disasters for homeowners who thought they were getting a good deal but end up paying double when repairs and replacements are needed.

The Pattern

• Unbranded/low-spec materials imported without climate testing or warranty support.

• No CCMC evaluation number, no CSA compliance, and vague datasheets.

  
  

Why This Matters in Canada

• Freeze-thaw cycles, high winds, heavy snow, UV exposure, and coastal moisture make our climate brutal.

• The wrong fastener coating, WRB (weather-resistant barrier) perm rating, or expansion gap can lead to failure.

  
  

How Homeowners Can Protect Themselves

• Ask for the Material Schedule in Writing: Include brand, model, colour, thickness, fastener spec, and WRB.

• Request Proof of Compliance: CCMC evaluation number (if applicable), CSA standards, or manufacturer install manual.

• Demand Written Warranties: Product and workmanship, length, and what’s explicitly covered.

• TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) Over Sticker Price: Compare lifespan, maintenance, and warranty support, not just day-one cost.

  
  

Questions to Ask Any Contractor

1. “Which manufacturer install manual are you following?”

2. "Demonstrate the rainscreen and venting path, including how water is expelled."

3. “What fasteners and spacing are you using, and why?”

4. “What’s your plan for finishing openings such as lights, vents, and hose bibs?”

   
   

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A Call for Government & Industry Action

Enough is enough. We need the Government of Canada to step in and protect both homeowners and honest tradespeople. Premier Doug Ford, we’re calling on you:

• Make licensing and certification mandatory for all trades in Canada.

• Hold contractors accountable for the products they install and the promises they make.

• Crack down on dishonest contractors who mislead clients and leave them with unfinished or unsafe work.

  
  

What Will Actually Move the Needle

• Mandatory Licensing & Certification: For exterior trades, with periodic re-certification.

• Strict Enforcement: Fines and suspensions for misrepresentation, code violations, or repeated consumer complaints.

• Standardized Contracts & Escrow Options: For residential renovations to reduce payment disputes.

• Public Contractor Registry: Showing license status, insurance, and disciplinary actions.

• Product Accountability: Require proof of compliance for climate suitability and clear warranty terms.

  
  

A list of trades in Canada that are required to be licensed.

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United Trades = Stronger Industry

It’s time for tradespeople to unite. Together, we can demand higher standards, fair pay, and proper certification. Homeowners deserve peace of mind knowing they’re hiring a true professional. Honest tradespeople deserve the respect and protection that comes with being licensed, recognized, and valued for their craft.

A Simple Professionalism Pledge for All Tradespeople

• We specify compliant materials and follow manufacturer manuals.

• We document installs (photos/video) and provide organized closeout packages.

• We use written change orders every time.

• We keep job sites safe, clean, and respectful.

• We mentor the next generation.

  
  

What Homeowners Can Do Today

• Pre-qualify every contractor: Verify license and insurance, check references and recent project photos, and confirm manufacturer certifications. For fiber-cement siding, the James Hardie Alliance program connects homeowners with vetted, top-tier installers across Canada who are trained to meet Hardie’s standards.

• Compare apples to apples: Brand, thickness, WRB (weather-resistant barrier), fasteners, rainscreen details, warranty, and cleanup.

• Align scope to budget early (good-better-best options).

• Sign a clear contract with milestones, change-order protocol, and deficiency timeline.

  
  

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Budget-First Saves Everyone Time

Be transparent about your budget on day one. A good contractor can tailor good/better/best options, protect the essentials (weatherproofing, structure), and then layer in the nice-to-have aesthetics without surprises later.

If you’re a homeowner: Ask us for a budget-first design consult where we’ll map good/better/best packages with compliant materials and clear timelines.

If you’re a tradesperson: Join us in pushing for licensing and standards. Publish your pledge. Document your installs. Let’s raise the bar together.

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CanMac Siding: Who We Are & What We Do

CanMac Siding is a Burlington-based exterior renovation team known for transparent budgeting, meticulous craftsmanship, and design-first planning (we show you AI/3D visuals before you commit). With over 20 years in exterior design & build, we follow manufacturer specs and building-science best practices so your home looks great and stands up to Canadian weather.

Core Services

• James Hardie® fiber-cement siding (lap, board & batten, panels) + colour consulting

• Vinyl siding and aluminum cladding

• Soffit & fascia, custom metal work

• Eavestroughs/gutters & downpipes, leaf/snow guards

• Window/door trims, capping & flashing details

• Exterior caulking and building-envelope weatherproofing

• Repairs and winter/storm damage remediation

• Design consults, AI renderings/3D mockups, and good-better-best quotes

  
  

What We’re Known For

• Budget-first recommendations and clear, written change orders

• Manufacturer-spec installations with photo-documented QC

• Durable, warranty-backed materials suited to Canadian climates

• Friendly, no-pressure consultations (Burlington showroom; visits by appointment)

  
  

Ready to map options to your budget? Book a design consult and we’ll build a good-better-best plan that fits your home and your number.

Schedule a consultation, explore our showroom, or reach out to us at any time. We're here for you.