How to check a contractor or trade is licensed in BC

Before you hire: check electrical and gas contractors with Technical Safety BC and builders with BC Housing, and what a homeowner permit allows.

Last checked November 8, 2026. Every rule below names its source; the official pages are listed at the end with their own dates.

In short

Electrical and gas work is regulated work: only a licensed contractor, or a person authorized under the Safety Standards Act, may do it.
Look contractors up in Technical Safety BC's Find a Licensed Contractor tool; look builders up in BC Housing's Registry of Licensed Residential Builders.
New homes must have 2-5-10 home warranty insurance, unless built by an authorized owner builder.

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Electrical and gas: Technical Safety BC

The Safety Standards Act says a person must not do regulated work unless they are a licensed contractor or are authorized to do it under the Act (s.71), and must not offer or advertise it either (s.71.1). To check a company, use Technical Safety BC's Find a Licensed Contractor tool, and ask for the permit number for the job.

What a homeowner may do with a permit

Electrical: a homeowner permit covers work in a fully detached home the owner lives in or intends to live in, up to 200 amps and 150 volts to ground, single phase, with no power fed to a separately owned or occupied property. An inspection is requested when each phase is done, or within 180 days (Electrical Safety Regulation s.17).
Gas: a homeowner permit is possible in a fully detached home when no one is paid to do or help with the work and no part of the home is rented (Gas Safety Regulation s.24).
Condos, townhouses, strata and co-op homes, homes with a suite, attached homes and places of business need a licensed contractor (Technical Safety BC).
No permit is needed to replace, like for like, items such as receptacles, switches, dimmers, thermostats and fuses (Electrical Safety Regulation s.18).

In a few municipalities the city, not Technical Safety BC, issues these permits; check with your city hall.

New homes and major renovations by builders: BC Housing

A person must not carry on the business of a residential builder unless licensed (Homeowner Protection Act s.14). Check a builder in BC Housing's Registry of Licensed Residential Builders.
Every new home must be registered for home warranty insurance with at least 2 years on materials and labour, 5 years on the building envelope (including water penetration) and 10 years on the structure (s.22).
Owner builders do not need warranty insurance, but need an owner builder authorization, which requires passing BC Housing's exam.
A building permit for a new home needs proof of warranty (or the owner builder exemption) first (s.30). The New Homes Registry shows a home's registration.

A short checklist before you hire

The company name on the quote matches the licence you looked up.
The permit, if one is needed, is in the contractor's name or yours, and you have its number.
The quote, the scope and the payment schedule are in writing.
For a strata home, the strata has approved the work where its bylaws require it.

Questions

How do I check if an electrician is licensed in BC?

Search the company in Technical Safety BC's Find a Licensed Contractor tool. Only licensed contractors may do regulated electrical and gas work for others.

Can I do my own electrical work in a condo?

No. Homeowner permits cover fully detached homes the owner lives in; condos, townhouses and strata homes need a licensed contractor.

Does a new home in BC need a warranty?

Yes, 2-5-10 home warranty insurance (2 years materials and labour, 5 years building envelope, 10 years structure), unless it was built by an authorized owner builder.

How do I check a home builder?

Search BC Housing's Registry of Licensed Residential Builders.

Sources

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Last checked November 8, 2026. General information only - not financial, legal, tax or real estate advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source or a licensed professional before you act.