If you’ve been following my Ugly House Chronicles on social media, you know I’m currently knee-deep in a renovation. We’ve hit a few bumps along the way with contractors, and it got me thinking about something I don’t think we talk about enough:

Hiring trades after divorce.

The first time I hired a contractor on my own was after my first divorce. I called someone who was recommended to me and told him I wanted a laundry room and bathroom in the basement -  drywall, flooring, plumbing, the works. He gave me a quote that sounded reasonable, so I said yes.

That was my first mistake.

He showed up late every morning, took two-hour lunches, left the place a disaster, and disappeared for “coffee breaks” that smelled like marijuana. I was knee deep in a mess and didn’t know how to get out of it. I kept hoping things would improve. They didn’t.

What I didn’t know at the time? He had mismeasured the shower base, causing a slow leak behind the walls, and somehow installed flooring right over the laundry room floor drain,  meaning the first washer issue would have been a full-blown mess.

By the time I realized what was happening, he had already cashed my cheque, stopped answering my calls, and disappeared completely. Lesson learned the hard way.

Welcome to the world of trades.

And let me be clear — I love the trades. I’m married to a plumber, my son is a stone mason, and I’m surrounded by skilled, hardworking people in this industry.

But if you’ve just separated and you’re staring down a house that needs work… whether you’re preparing to sell or settling in for the long haul,  this is one of the parts nobody prepares you for.

Maybe your spouse handled all the contractor stuff. Or maybe you both did it together. Either way, flying solo in the world of renovations is a whole new adventure, and not always the fun kind.

Here's what I've learned, the hard way and the slightly-less-hard way.

You Are Not Alone in the Struggle

According to research from Origin Global, nearly half of homeowners struggle to find reliable tradespeople, and trustworthiness is their biggest complaint. So no, it is not just you, and no, you are not being paranoid when that contractor gives you a weird vibe.

The challenge? The good contractors that are insured, reputable, and with real references are often booked months in advance. Great for them… not so great when you’re on a timeline,  especially when you're trying to get the marital home ready to sell or move into a new property solo.

The Golden Rule: Never Skip the Vetting

I know, I know. When you're already exhausted from lawyers and paperwork and dividing up the good dishes, the last thing you want to do is play detective. But this part matters.

Call the references. I mean actually call them, not just ask for the list and stuff it in your purse.

Ask: Did they show up on time? Did the final bill match the quote? Would you hire them again? That last question tells you everything.

Always verify: do they carry liability insurance and a valid license for the work being done? I’ve seen real estate deals nearly fall apart over unpermitted or unlicensed work. It’s not worth the risk.

Have the Permit Conversation

Listen, there is real value in having a permit. Yes, it costs more. Yes, it can be a hassle.

But permits exist to protect you. They ensure the work is done to code, inspected, and safe. And when it comes time to sell, buyers care a lot more than you might think.

If a contractor suggests skipping permits or offers to “save you money” by doing it under the table… that’s your cue to pause. Don’t do it.

As a homeowner, especially navigating life on your own, this isn’t about being difficult. It’s about being informed, protected, and in control.

Where to Actually Find Good People

Word of mouth is still king, but go deeper than just a name.  Your newly divorced friend who raved about her contractor might not share your standards.

Ask: What work was done? Was it on budget? Any surprises?

Some strategies that actually work:

• Drive your neighbourhood — look for active job sites
• Ask a trusted Tradesperson - they literally know all the good ones
• Knock on the door — homeowners will tell you the truth about their experience
• Local Facebook groups — incredibly helpful for quick lists
• Ask your Realtor (especially one currently renovating 😉).  It is literally part of the job!

Protect Your Wallet

Here are the non-negotiables when it comes to money:

• Get at least three quotes for any significant work
• Never pay more than 10-15% upfront as a deposit
• Never pay in full until the work is done and you've inspected it
• Get everything in writing: scope of work, timeline, and total cost

This is especially important during a divorce, when every dollar matters and your legal team is already costing you a small fortune.

Give Yourself Some Grace

After my first divorce, I cried on the phone with a plumber because my basement was flooding, and I had no idea what to do. He was very kind about it, for the record.

The point is, there's a learning curve to doing this on your own, and it's okay if it takes time to find your footing.

The good news is, once you've navigated your first reno solo, you'll have a roster of trusted trades, a little more confidence, and a very good story to tell at dinner parties.