Choosing the right renovation contractor is probably the most important decision you'll make for your project. A poor choice can cost thousands of dollars in rework, months of delays, and potentially legal disputes. Yet many homeowners rely solely on the lowest price or an informal recommendation. This guide gives you 7 concrete criteria to evaluate, compare, and choose a contractor you can actually trust.
Criterion 1: Verify Licensing and Certification
In Quebec, any contractor performing construction, renovation, or installation work must hold a valid licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). This isn't a formality, it's legal protection for you.
A valid RBQ licence means the contractor has demonstrated technical competence, carries liability insurance of at least $2 million, has posted a security deposit (financial protection if they abandon the project), and is subject to the New Residential Building Guarantee Plan if applicable.
Visit the RBQ Licence Holder Registry (rbq.gouv.qc.ca/en) and search by company name or licence number. Check that the licence is active (not suspended or cancelled), that the sub-categories cover your specific work (plumbing, electrical, masonry, etc.), and that there are no restrictions or conditions attached.
If you hire an unlicensed contractor, your home insurance may be voided for claims related to the work, and your recourse in case of defects is very limited. Outside Quebec, each province has its own requirements, Ontario requires registration with Tarion for new homes, BC requires licensing through BC Housing.
Criterion 2: Get at Least 3 Written Quotes
Accepting the first quote you receive risks overpaying or defaulting to a contractor who wouldn't survive a proper comparison.
Invite at least 3 different companies to submit written quotes based on the same detailed scope of work. Compare the total price broken down by line item (labour, materials, taxes), the proposed timeline and conditions for start date, exclusions and contingencies (who pays if hidden mould or structural issues are found?), and payment terms, be cautious if more than 25% is required upfront.
A gap of more than 30% between quotes is a red flag. Either the cheapest contractor has missed items, or the most expensive is overcharging. Ask for detailed explanations in both cases. The cheapest isn't always the best choice, material quality, team experience, and the company's reputation matter as much as the bottom-line number.
Criterion 3: Confirm Insurance Coverage
An uninsured contractor can cost you a fortune if an accident occurs on your property.
General liability insurance covers damage to your property or third parties during work. The recommended minimum is $2 million. Ask for a certificate of insurance naming your property address. Any company with employees must also be registered with CNESST (workers' compensation in Quebec), if a worker is injured on your site and the contractor isn't in good standing, you could face personal liability as the property owner.
Ask the contractor to provide a current (non-expired) insurance certificate, their CNESST registration number, and confirmation that coverage is maintained for the full project duration.
Criterion 4: Read the Contract Carefully Before Signing
The contract is your only legal protection. Never start work based on a verbal agreement or an email exchange.
A complete renovation contract must include a detailed scope of work with materials and standards specified, the total price (fixed or with a clear adjustment mechanism), a schedule with start date, milestones, and estimated completion, payment terms staged according to project progress, warranties with duration and conditions, a change order process for extras, and penalties for delays or non-compliance.
Watch for these warning signs: cash-only payment (sign of unreported work; you lose all legal protection), no warranty clause (unacceptable for major work), full payment required before completion (dangerous), and a vague scope description (opens the door to disputes).
Require that any modification be documented in a signed change order before work begins. Disputes over extras are the number-one cause of renovation litigation.
Criterion 5: Check Online Reviews and References
A contractor's reputation can be verified in 10 minutes. Read negative Google reviews first and note how the contractor responds. Check for complaints filed with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and consult the RBQ complaint registry, which lists contractors subject to disciplinary action. Ask for 2-3 client contacts from the past 12 months and actually call them.
Questions to ask references: Was the project delivered on schedule? Were there surprises in the final invoice? How did the contractor handle unexpected problems? Would you hire them again?
Criterion 6: Recognize Red Flags
A quote 40% below the others often conceals poor materials, unqualified labour, or unreported work. Pressure to sign quickly ("This offer is only valid for 24 hours") is an aggressive sales tactic, a good contractor doesn't need to rush you. Cash-only payment removes legal protections for both parties. A contractor without an office, website, or verifiable presence is hard to track down if problems arise. Starting work before a signed contract is in place signals a lack of professionalism. And if a contractor subcontracts all work without telling you, you lose control over quality and certifications.
Criterion 7: Assess Communication and Availability
A technically excellent but unreachable contractor can turn your project into a logistical nightmare. A good contractor responds to emails and calls within 24-48 hours, informs you of progress and problems before you notice them, designates a single point of contact on site, and provides regular updates on larger projects.
Observe from the very first contact: do they respond promptly? Are they on time for the site visit? Are their explanations clear? These behaviours generally persist throughout the project.
Legal Warranties in Residential Renovation
The Civil Code of Quebec stipulates that any contractor guarantees their work against hidden defects, defects that were not apparent at acceptance and render the property unfit for its intended use. Time to act: 3 years from the date the defect was discovered. For movable works (equipment, appliances), the warranty of proper functioning is generally 1 year.
For new residential construction in Quebec, the New Residential Building Guarantee Plan (managed by GCR) offers protection from 1 to 5 years depending on defect type, automatically included when the contractor is accredited. Beyond legal warranties, your contract can include extended coverage, negotiate this, especially for major components like roofing, foundations, and mechanical systems.
Checklist Before You Sign
Active licence with appropriate sub-categories, current liability insurance certificate received, valid workers' compensation registration, 3 quotes obtained and compared, references verified (at least 2 calls made), detailed contract covering scope, price, schedule, and warranties, staged payment terms tied to project progress, change order clause for extras, no cash-only payment required, designated site contact identified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire an unlicensed friend or neighbour for small jobs?
For minor work not requiring a permit (painting, floating floors, tile), it's technically allowed. For anything touching plumbing, electrical, structure, or gas, a licence is mandatory. In the event of a claim, your insurer will check.
How long should I expect to wait for quotes?
Allow 5 to 15 business days depending on project complexity. A quote delivered in under 48 hours without a site visit is likely a rough estimate, not a reliable price.
Can a contractor raise the price mid-project?
Only under a cost-plus contract, or when genuine unforeseen issues are documented via a signed change order. A fixed-price contract provides better protection for the homeowner.
What if the contractor abandons the project?
Document everything with photos. Send a formal written demand. Report to the RBQ if the contractor is licensed. Pursue the licence security deposit. Consult a construction lawyer if necessary.
How do I verify if a contractor is properly licensed?
In Quebec, check the Régie du bâtiment du Québec registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca using the company name or license number, it shows whether the license is valid, which work categories are authorized, and whether complaints have been filed. In other provinces, check your provincial contractor licensing body and request a WSIB clearance certificate.
What should a renovation contract always include?
A complete contract must specify: a precise description of the work, materials to be used (brand, model, quantity), the total price broken down by line item, the work schedule, payment terms (never 100% upfront), the duration of the labor warranty, and termination conditions. A vague or verbal contract is a red flag.
How much of a deposit should I pay before work begins?
A reasonable deposit is 10-25% of the total for special-order materials or site mobilization. Never pay more than 50% before work starts, and always retain a meaningful balance (10-15%) until the final walkthrough and sign-off.
What's the difference between a quote and an estimate?
A quote is a fixed, binding price for a defined scope of work. An estimate is approximate and may change. Always ask for a detailed written quote (not just a verbal estimate) before signing anything. If a contractor refuses to put their price in writing, walk away.
Ready to start your project?
Describe your work, choose how many quotes you want to receive, and compare RBQ-certified contractors near you. Free and no commitment.
