7 essential steps for finding a renovation contractor
Have you purchased or are planning on purchasing a home that needs renovations? Are you looking to renovate your home before you sell? Finding a trustworthy contractor can be stressful, especially following a report from the Auditor General, which showed that while owning an RBQ licence is a good start, it alone does not guarantee quality work. Here are the steps to finding a trustworthy contractor.
1. Consult official directories
Asking family and friends can be a good start. An even better option is to look through the directories of recognized professional associations for the type of work you’re considering doing, such as APCHQ or ACQ, which represent general and specialized contractors. There are also specific associations depending on the contractors’ specialization, such as AMCQ or AEMQ. Similarly, if you work with a firm of technologists or architects, you can ask them for references or consult their professional associations.
There are also contractor referral services, which apply various selection criteria to ensure the quality of the professionals they refer. This is a great resource for getting prequalified references.
Regardless of how you go about finding renovation companies, it’s always best to personally check the references provided to make sure they can be trusted.
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Tips and tricks Year after year, fraud schemes are reported in the media. People knock on your door and offer discounted renovations or free inspections, such as a free inspection of your attic. Then, they use photos to claim they found mould or poor insulation and give you a quote for the work, even though there’s actually no work that needs to be done! Be careful and make sure to find an contractor yourself. A good contractor doesn’t need to go door-to-door to find work! |
2. Check your contractor’s licences and business records to make sure they haven’t received complaints
Verification of licences issued by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ)
When you’ve found potential candidates, it’s important to make sure they hold an RBQ licence, which is mandatory in Quebec. You can find the licence number (10 digits separated by hyphens) on the contractor’s website, truck, business card, etc., and enter it in the RBQ Licence holders’ repertory.
You should also make sure that it applies to the types of work you’re looking for. A patio contractor may not be qualified to build an extension to your home! You can check this information by clicking on the detailed sheet and checking the licence classes and subclasses.
In addition to confirming that the contractor meets the verification criteria by the RBQ, for example that they have the required skills, an RBQ licence entitles you to compensation if the contractor carries out faulty work. You can also see in the claims against the licence security section if the contractor has had to compensate unsatisfied customers in the last 5 years.
Verification with the Registraire des entreprises
The RBQ file also gives you access to the Québec enterprise number (NEQ). You can use it to consult the Registraire des entreprises, and it will show you if the company is bankrupt, has liquidated or dissolved, who the company directors are and if they use other names in Quebec.
Verification with the Office de la protection du consommateur
As with any merchant or company, it’s a good idea to verify the company file with the Office de la protection du consommateur. Verifying ensures that the government agency has not issued a notice of violation against the merchant, has not initiated a criminal prosecution and has not had to sign a voluntary commitment that it must change its practices to comply with the law. In addition, the file indicates whether the Office has already received formal notices for the company in question.
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Tips and tricks If the contractor in question is also in new construction, you can consult the Accredited Business Directory by the Garantie de Construction Résidentielle. You will find additional information, such as the GCR quality rating, which assesses financial ratios, customer satisfaction and building quality. |
3. Assess the experience and expertise of the renovation contractor
Select a contractor who has a lot of experience in the type of renovation you’re looking for. Find out how long they’ve been working in the field and the number of similar projects they’ve carried out. For example, if you want to renovate a high-end kitchen, make sure they’ve already done similar projects. Looking at Google reviews is a great way to check overall customer satisfaction. In addition, review contractors’ online portfolios and don’t hesitate to ask for references from previous clients. Contact clients to ask them about their experience.
List of questions to ask the contractor’s previous clients:
- Can you describe the renovation project that the contractor did for you?
- Was it easy to communicate with the contractor throughout the project?
- Did the contractor adhere to the original work schedule?
- Was the budget respected (based on the estimated cost)? If not, what were the reasons for cost overruns?
- Were the agreed-upon materials used?
- Was the site kept clean and organized during the work?
- Did you encounter any problems or challenges during the project? If so, how were they resolved?
- Are you satisfied with the final result of the renovation?
- Is there anything you would have liked to know before hiring this contractor?
- Would you recommend this contractor to others for similar work?
4. Get detailed quotes from at least three contractors
Using multiple professionals to get quotes is a great idea because you can compare their prices. Ask for detailed quotes, including cost of materials, labour, duration of work and payment terms. This will help you to evaluate the price differences, the materials chosen and the techniques used.
If you receive a less detailed quote from a contractor, ask them to add the missing level of detail or explain why they didn’t include a task. The goal is to have quotes be as similar as possible so you can compare them fairly.
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Tips and tricks If the price is too good to be true, it probably is! Avoid being tempted by an unrealistic quote. There’s a good chance that the materials will be low quality, the labour less skilled and extra work will be tacked on along the way. |
5. Make sure the contractor is properly insured
It is essential that the contractor has their own insurance. Your insurance as a homeowner is not adequate on its own. To be protected in case of work accidents, a contractor must have insurance, including civil liability coverage. The insurance also covers potential damage to the construction site or to a neighbouring property. Ask to see proof that the contractor is insured and check the validity of their insurance with the insurer.
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Tips and tricks Notify your insurer that work is being carried out, otherwise they may decide not to compensate you in the event of a claim. If you carry out major works, your premium may increase by 20-50% over the duration of the works, especially if you are not living in the house during this period because this increases risks. |
6. Find out what warranty the contractor offers
First of all, it should be noted that the contractor is required to honour warranties provided for by law. These cover use, reasonable lifespan and hidden defects. For example, it isn’t normal if the surface of your new kitchen cabinets is peeling off after a few weeks of use. In addition, the work must be carried out in such a way as not to endanger its users.
Some contractors may also offer an additional warranty. These warranties may vary, so check the details of what is insured, the duration and limitations of the warranties offered by each contractor you’re considering.
You can get additional coverage offered by associations. For example, the ACQ offers a Renovation Quality Guarantee.
7. Sign a detailed contract to protect yourself
It’s important to sign a detailed contract that includes the following information about the work: total cost, deadlines, specifications about materials and description, payment terms, warranties offered, start and end date of the work and payment terms.
The contractor’s information must be on the contract, including the contractor’s RBQ number, business number (NEQ), GST and QST numbers, insurance policy number, the name of their insurance company and the name of the person who will be the primary contact during the work.
Finally, your information and the address of the property must also be included. The contract should also state that the contractor will deal with any debris and comply with the related regulations and standards in effect.
Tempted to do business under the table - to pay in cash, with no receipt or contract? Please be careful as it will be very difficult to assert your rights in the event of unsatisfactory work if there is no written proof. Make sure you have a detailed contract and keep a copy.
Pay in different disbursements according to the progress of the work, and reserve a final payment of 10-15% upon completion of the work. Get receipts for each payment. If the contractor does business with subcontractors, make sure they are paid. Why? If your contractor does not pay subcontractors for work done at your home, they can claim a legal mortgage on your home!
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Tips and tricks You can also request that a late penalty clause be added. However, keep in mind that certain unforeseen events can cause justifiable delays, like opening walls and finding water damage, for example. Contractors make quotes based on what’s visible, but they can’t see through walls! Add a clause specifying that the contractor must have you sign before starting any unplanned work. |
What should I do if I’m not satisfied?
If the work has not begun and you wish to cancel a contract that was concluded in person and you cannot reach an amicable agreement, only a court has the power to cancel a contract. However, if you entered into an agreement by telephone or internet, or do business with a mobile door and window salesperson, for example, different contract cancellation periods exist.
Unfortunately, even if you carried out all the verifications in advance, sometimes you may not be satisfied with the finished work. We don't wish that on anyone, but it can happen. The first step is always to try to reach an amicable agreement. If you are unable to do so, there are some possible remedies available to you. Some organizations, such as the Association des consommateurs pour la qualité dans la construction (ACQC), can provide you with useful information during the process.
In-depth research for worry-free renovations
Now that you have tips on how to carry out the proper verifications and find a contractor for your renovations, you’re ready to choose the right one to turn your dream home into a reality! Remember, a renovation project can take several weeks, so clear communication from you is also a key factor that will greatly contribute to the success of your project. If you still haven’t found your perfect home, start looking today!
FAQ
Are RBQ licences required for all types of work?
No, some work does not require an RBQ licence, such as installing a balcony that isn’t attached to the building. However, most renovation projects require a licence, and sometimes even require several.
Yes, you can choose to do work on your home yourself, with the exception of electrical work and gas or oil installation work. If structural work is needed, then an engineer needs to do it. Please be aware that in the event of problems caused by incorrect installation of a product, the manufacturer’s warranty may be void, and your insurance company may compensate you but increase your insurance premium.
Do I need a municipal permit to carry out renovations?
Yes, most of the time municipalities require permits for renovation projects. However, the list may differ from one city to another. Ask your municipality for more information.
See also:
Home improvement: How do you prioritize renovations?
Renovation subsidies available
Legal Hypothecs: Understand Them and… Watch Out for Them!