Home Buying Guide

Every contractor on HomeStars receives a Star Score out of 10, which is HomeStars’ proprietary reputation rating. It’s calculated using a combination of factors: the total number of reviews, average review score, recency of activity, and how often the contractor responds to reviews and inquiries.

A practical reading guide:
• 9.0–10.0 — Consistently excellent; prioritize these contractors
• 7.0–8.9 — Solid track record; worth reviewing individual comments
• Below 7.0 — Proceed with caution; read negative reviews carefully

One important caveat: newer companies with fewer reviews may score lower despite delivering excellent work. Always read the actual review content — the score is a starting point, not the final word.

The Background Checked badge means the contractor has authorized HomeStars to run a third-party identity verification and criminal record check. When you’re inviting a crew into your home — often while you’re at work — this matters. It doesn’t guarantee perfect service, but it confirms the contractor is willing to submit to transparency.

Also look for the Verified badge, which confirms that the contractor’s business registration and contact information have been validated by the platform. Together, Background Checked + Verified + high Star Score is the strongest possible trust combination on HomeStars.

Don’t stop at the overall score. The most valuable information is in the Recent Reviews section. Focus on:

• Recency: Reviews from the past 3–6 months reflect current service quality
• Negative reviews: How a contractor responds to complaints reveals character and professionalism
• Specificity: Detailed reviews mentioning project scope, timeline, and materials are more credible than vague five-star ratings
• Before/after photos: Where available, these are the most reliable indicator of actual workmanship quality

I recommend reading at least 10–15 recent reviews before shortlisting any contractor, regardless of their Star Score.

HomeStars allows you to request quotes directly through the platform. Always get a minimum of 3 written quotes before making a decision. Price differences of 30–50% between contractors for identical scopes of work are not unusual in Ontario. When comparing quotes, verify each one includes:

• Labour vs. materials breakdown
• Junk removal and site cleanup costs
• HST (13%) — confirm whether it’s included or additional
• Payment schedule and holdback terms
• Warranty period on both labour and materials

Never accept a quote that’s only verbal. A legitimate contractor will always provide a written, itemized estimate before work begins.

The HomeStars Best of Award is given annually to contractors in each category who accumulate the highest volume of top-rated verified reviews within that calendar year. Winning once is noteworthy — winning 3 or more consecutive years is a strong signal of sustained, consistent quality. When shortlisting candidates, filtering for Best of Award winners is a fast way to identify the top tier in your service category. That said, always still read recent reviews; past awards don’t guarantee current performance.

After working with hundreds of buyers and sellers across the GTA, here’s where I consistently see renovation dollars translate into listing price gains:

Kitchen Renovation — Highest single-room impact on buyer perception
Entry-level refresh (countertops, cabinet fronts, hardware): $8,000–$15,000
Mid-to-high full renovation (new cabinets, appliances, flooring): $20,000–$50,000+

Bathroom Upgrade — Second strongest influence on offers
Basic update (fixtures, tiling, vanity): $8,000–$15,000
Full overhaul (layout change, custom shower): $18,000–$30,000+

Basement Finishing — Adds legally counted living area
Standard finish (framing, flooring, lighting): $30,000–$55,000
With full bathroom and separate suite: $60,000–$90,000+

Other High-Return Projects
Hardwood flooring throughout: $6,000–$18,000
Roof replacement: $8,000–$20,000
HVAC/Furnace upgrade: $4,000–$8,000

What is HomeStars and how does it work in Canada?

HomeStars is Canada’s largest online platform for finding and reviewing local home service professionals — covering renovation, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and dozens of other categories. Homeowners can search by service type and city, read verified reviews, check contractor credentials, and request quotes directly through the platform. According to HomeStars (2024), the platform hosts over one million homeowner reviews across approximately 50,000 listed service providers nationwide.

What does the HomeStars Star Score mean?

The Star Score is HomeStars’ proprietary reputation rating out of 10. It factors in the number of reviews, average review score, recency of reviews, and the contractor’s response rate. A Star Score of 9.0 or above generally indicates a consistently well-reviewed contractor. Newer companies may have lower scores simply due to fewer reviews, so always read the actual review content alongside the score.

Which home renovations add the most resale value in Ontario?

Based on Ontario market experience, kitchen renovations, bathroom upgrades, and basement finishing consistently deliver the highest return on investment. Kitchens have the strongest influence on buyer first impressions. Basement finishing adds legally counted living space, which directly supports a higher listing price. If you plan to sell within 3–5 years, choose timeless, neutral finishes rather than highly personalized styles to appeal to the broadest pool of buyers.