Construction holidays in Quebec and construction projects
- coraliefortin076
- Jul 31
- 6 min read
In the residential construction sector in Quebec, the construction holiday period is a well-known annual event that has a significant impact on project planning. For those planning to build or renovate a house, cottage, or garage, it is essential to fully understand the implications of this summer break.
At Plan Maison Québec, we support each client through the various stages of their project, taking into account all constraints, including mandatory vacations for construction workers.
In this article, we explain what the construction holiday is, why it exists, what work is permitted and prohibited during this period, and how to properly plan your construction site to avoid delays and unpleasant surprises.
The origin and purpose of construction holidays in Quebec
Construction holidays in Quebec were established in 1971 by the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) with the aim of standardizing workers' rest periods and allowing them to benefit from two consecutive weeks of vacation at the same time each summer. This well-established tradition also aims to promote work-life balance in a sector that is often physically demanding.
This rest period has become a key moment in the industry. Each year, it generally begins at the end of July and lasts two weeks. In 2025, for example, the construction holidays take place from July 20 to August 2 inclusive. During these two weeks, the majority of construction sites in Quebec close, which has a tangible impact on project progress.
For Plan Maison Québec clients, it is essential to anticipate this break when planning to start or continue a project during the summer. By incorporating this reality into the initial planning, many delays and unforeseen events can be avoided.
Mandatory holidays in the majority of cases
Contrary to popular belief, construction vacations are not just a tradition; they are mandatory in most cases. All employers in the construction industry, whether they are active in residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional construction, must respect these annual vacations, unless they hold an exemption.
This obligation applies to both unionized and non-unionized workers, with the exception of certain construction sites deemed essential or subject to special circumstances. Construction sites with special authorization can therefore continue their operations, but these cases remain rare. In other words, for a typical residential project in Quebec, a complete work stoppage must be planned for two weeks each summer.
At Plan Maison Québec, we always inform our clients of this reality from the earliest stages of the project so that they can make informed decisions about expected deadlines. This transparency is part of our commitment to providing professional support without surprises.
A few exceptions that confirm the rule
There are certain exceptions to the mandatory construction holidays. For example, urgent repair work, projects related to public health or safety, or certain civil engineering projects may continue, subject to approval by the CCQ.
In rarer cases, companies may obtain authorization to work during the holidays if their construction site meets specific criteria. The Quebec Construction Association (ACQ) can provide legal advice on this matter, but these exemptions are strictly regulated.
For an individual wishing to build a house or garage, these exceptions are unlikely to apply. It is therefore best to plan your project with a complete break during the construction holidays in mind. Plan Maison Québec always takes care to synchronize the design and construction phases according to these types of constraints to ensure the smooth running of the project.
Real impacts on residential projects
The effects of the construction holidays are felt far beyond the simple interruption of on-site work. Material suppliers, carriers, engineering and surveying firms, and even some municipalities also operate at a reduced capacity during this period. This means that deadlines are extended not only for the physical completion of the project, but also for everything related to logistics and coordination.
For example, if you plan a material delivery or a municipal inspection in July, these services may be disrupted or postponed due to the holidays. This can cause unforeseen delays, especially if the initial schedule didn't take this into account.
At Plan Maison Québec, we always build a buffer into the summer project schedule to compensate for any delays caused by the holidays. This proactive approach is at the heart of our work philosophy, which aims to avoid delays and ensure client satisfaction.
Potentially higher costs during the holidays
When work is exceptionally carried out during construction holidays, costs can be significantly higher than during the rest of the year. For one thing, contractors who obtain special authorization to work during this period are generally required to pay bonuses to their employees, in accordance with collective agreements. These additional costs can be passed on directly to the client.
Furthermore, restricted access to certain suppliers or specialized services can result in delays or higher delivery costs, increasing the overall bill. By planning wisely with the support of Plan Maison Québec, you can avoid these unexpected costs by structuring your schedule so that the most expensive work is carried out outside of this sensitive period.
Private contractors and public construction sites: different availability
It is also important to distinguish between contractors working in the private sector and those involved in public projects. For government, municipal, or institutional projects, certain special permits may allow work to continue during the holidays, particularly for reasons of public interest, safety, or tight budgetary schedules.
Contractors involved in these mandates therefore sometimes have greater flexibility during this period. However, for residential projects led by private contractors, the summer break is generally unavoidable and more rigorously enforced.
This difference can affect the availability of certain contractors, depending on the type of project they are assigned. At Plan Maison Québec, we ensure that our private partners comply with residential sector standards while providing optimal service outside of mandatory holiday periods.
Plan your project carefully, taking into account the holidays
To prevent construction holidays from becoming a source of stress or frustration, good planning is essential. Ideally, you should plan the construction phase so that no critical operations coincide with this period. If, for example, your home project begins in June, it would be prudent not to schedule any major work during the last two weeks of July.
It is also recommended to ensure that building permits are already obtained, materials are ordered in advance, and subcontractors are available before and after the holiday period. This allows work to resume quickly as soon as the holidays are over, without unnecessary downtime.
With the support of Plan Maison Québec, you benefit from a realistic timeline, designed to take into account the constraints of the construction calendar. Our team takes care of coordinating the various phases of your project, giving you peace of mind.
What happens if work is carried out illegally during the holidays?
It is important to note that penalties may be imposed on contractors or workers who violate the rules governing construction holidays. CCQ inspectors conduct inspections on construction sites and may issue notices of violation in the event of non-compliance.
This means that an individual who undertakes work during this period without ensuring its legality could have their work interrupted and their contractor penalized. These forced delays can lead to additional costs and significant complications.
This is why Plan Maison Québec always recommends scrupulously adhering to the rules established by the CCQ. We prioritize compliant and transparent working methods to ensure the continuity and legality of each project.
A respite opportunity for customers and entrepreneurs
Although this summer break may seem restrictive at first glance, it also offers the benefit of a moment of respite. For clients, this can be an opportunity to take stock of the project, assess progress, ask questions, or adjust certain elements before resuming work.
It's also a great time to review certain material or finishing choices, without the pressure of an active construction site. Contractors, for their part, take advantage of this period to recharge their batteries, ensuring a more efficient and safe return to work.
At Plan Maison Québec, we encourage our clients to use this break to reflect on the next steps of their project. We remain available throughout the summer for any requests for changes to plans, to discuss next steps, or to plan the resumption of work.
Conclusion : Plan with experts to avoid unpleasant surprises
Construction holidays are an unavoidable reality in Quebec. For any construction or renovation project, it's essential to take them into account to avoid delays, administrative complications, and unforeseen costs. By working with an experienced team like Plan Maison Québec, you can ensure strategic planning that takes every step into consideration, including mandatory industry breaks.
Don't let construction holidays slow down your ambitions.
Comments