How to choose the right contractor?
- coraliefortin076
- Oct 1
- 10 min read
Have you finally decided to launch your house, cottage, or garage construction or renovation project? Congratulations! This is an important and exciting step. But before your ideas take shape, a crucial question arises: who should you entrust with your work? Choosing a general contractor is one of the most decisive decisions in the process, and unfortunately, one of the riskiest if taken lightly.
Too often, ambitious projects turn into nightmares due to an incompetent, dishonest, or non-compliant contractor. Delays, cost overruns, shoddy work, legal disputes... the consequences can be serious, both financially and personally.
At Plan Maison Québec, we support clients every day through the early stages of their residential projects. Thanks to our expertise in custom plan design and our knowledge of the Quebec market, we know how essential choosing the right contractor is to ensuring the success of a project. In this article, we guide you step by step through the checks, criteria, pitfalls to avoid and possible recourses so that you can make an informed choice — with complete confidence.
Why choose your contractor carefully: the challenges
When you're considering building, renovating, or expanding a house, cottage, or garage in Quebec, choosing the right contractor is a major decision. This choice affects not only the final quality of the work, but also your peace of mind, compliance with standards, costs, deadlines, and financial security. At Plan Maison Québec, we know that botched projects or conflicts with contractors are unfortunately all too common. To avoid these situations, here's how you can make an informed choice.
A clumsy or dishonest contractor can lead to hidden costs, delays, poor workmanship, or even legal disputes. It's not enough to choose the lowest-priced bidder: you must also evaluate their competence, legal compliance, references, financial strength, and contractual reliability. As a website specializing in the design of construction plans and projects, Plan Maison Québec encourages its clients to adopt a prudent and structured approach from the outset.
Basic checks before requesting a quote
Before even contacting contractors, do some preliminary research. This will allow you to compile a shortlist of potential contractors worthy of consideration.
Ask for reliable recommendations
Start with your friends and family: friends, neighbors, colleagues, family members, and local suppliers (landscapers, material suppliers) can all suggest contractors with whom they have had good experiences. Word of mouth remains a valuable source because it's based on concrete results, not just advertising promises.
You can also consult local Facebook groups, renovation forums, or community pages to get the names of reputable contractors in your area. Several testimonials emphasize the importance of requesting at least three quotes to compare:
“I ask for references… I do an internet search… I check his license.”
Check the Business Register (REQ)
Every legal business in Quebec must have a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ). At the REQ, you can check:
the company's age,
its name or structure changes,
its history (bankruptcies, dissolutions),
the names of directors or owners.
A business that frequently changes its number or identity may be trying to hide a less than flattering history. The ACQC recommends this check as an essential starting point.
Validate the license at the RBQ and the relevant categories
In Quebec, any person or company carrying out residential construction or renovation work must hold a valid license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ).
Here's what to check:
The contractor's license number (not that of a third party);
That this license is up to date and not suspended or restricted;
That the contractor holds the relevant categories and subcategories for the work you are planning (e.g., structure, framing, electrical, plumbing);
The amount of the bond attached to the license (this bond serves as a safety net in the event of a claim) and whether any claims have already been made against this bond.
However, having a license does not guarantee the contractor's competence, only their legality. Always combine this verification with other checks.
Check with the Office of Consumer Protection (OPC)
The OPC maintains a register containing formal notices, interventions, complaints, and court decisions concerning traders (including contractors).
If the contractor operates as a traveling trader (selling home improvement services, door-to-door), they must have a special permit issued by the OPC. Check this carefully if you are approached by this type of contractor.
Check GCR (Residential Construction Guarantee) accreditation if applicable
For new construction projects, it's helpful to check whether the contractor is accredited by the Residential Construction Guarantee (RCG). This gives you access to information on reported non-compliances, the company's rating, and additional guarantees.
Ask for solid references
A reputable contractor will be able to provide you with contact information for clients for whom they have completed work similar to what you're planning (same lot, same province, same type of construction). Contact these former clients to ask questions such as:
Was the work delivered on time?
Did the result meet their expectations?
Were there any unexpected costs or additional costs?
Were they satisfied with the service and warranty?
If the contractor consistently refuses to provide references, this is a red flag.
Search court decisions or public records
Use databases like CanLII (for legal matters) or court records to research potential lawsuits or decisions involving the contractor or company. This public information may reveal background the contractor would prefer not to disclose.
Requesting and comparing quotes: judging criteria
Once you've compiled your list of potential contractors, you can request formalized bids. Here's how to do it and what criteria to use to compare.
Describe your project in detail
Before requesting bids, draft a clear and detailed specification. Specify:
the scope of work (dimensions, materials, finishes);
architectural constraints (dimensions, slope, height);
standards or codes to be complied with;
possible deadlines;
responsibilities related to municipal permits;
expected guarantees.
The more detail you provide, the more contractors will be able to provide a reliable and realistic bid. This limits surprises and "extras" during execution.
Get multiple quotes
Request at least three written bids, ideally more, for the same project. This allows you to compare:
the project's understanding (overly vague proposals reveal a lack of seriousness);
the choice of materials and their quality;
the schedule (start and end dates, late penalties);
the cost breakdown (labor, materials, margins);
the payment terms (down payment, interim payments);
the guarantees offered and the coverage of the license bond.
Be careful not to automatically choose the cheapest bid: it may conceal omissions, lower-quality materials, or a lack of margin for contingencies.
Never pay too much deposit
A reliable contractor will never ask for an exorbitant deposit. It's reasonable to pay a limited deposit (e.g., 10% of the total cost or according to industry standards). The remainder should be tied to the actual progress of the work. If the deposit is too high, it reduces your flexibility if problems arise.
Negotiate contractual terms
When a contractor submits their bid, be sure to address the following clauses before signing:
The company's full legal name and RBQ license number on the contract;
A clear and complete description of the work to be performed;
The work schedule (start, stages, completion) with penalties for delays;
Responsibility for obtaining permits (municipal, authorizations);
The payment clause (schedule, holdbacks, down payments);
Required insurance (civil liability, builder's insurance, guarantees);
Termination or modification terms;
How unforeseen events and additional costs will be handled;
Warranties and post-delivery service.
Consult the RBQ's "Signing a Renovation Contract" page to ensure you include all key elements.
Warning signs and alarm signals
Even after conducting all due diligence, certain warning signs may indicate an unreliable contractor. Look out for the following signs:
The company doesn't have a physical office or frequently changes address;
The RBQ number provided doesn't match when verified;
The contractor insists on a very high deposit before work begins;
The contractor refuses to provide references or be transparent;
Quotes riddled with unclear clauses, unforeseen "extras," or vague terms;
The contractor offers prices much lower than average without justification;
The work begins without a written contract or proper permits;
Frequent delays, lack of adherence to schedules, or unclear responsibilities;
Numerous online complaints (forums, customer reviews) or criminal records.
An illustrative case: a contractor saw his RBQ license refused due to “repeated serious misconduct” after posting numerous false advertisements for his heat pump services without actually being accredited.
The role of the works broker: opportunity or risk?
A construction broker can act as an intermediary between you and several contractors. Typically, the broker presents three comparable quotes and schedules appointments, sometimes free of charge for the client.
But be careful: the broker is not responsible for the quality of the work; the contractor you choose is. The broker may offer additional guarantees, but often with conditions (judgment, procedures, limits). If you use this service, make sure the broker is transparent, doesn't impose contractors on you, has good references, and that the agreement with them is clear and in writing.
Maintenance and supervision during work
Choosing a contractor is not enough to ensure the smooth running of the project. It is also necessary to supervise and monitor the progress of the work.
Ask for a timeline and follow the steps
A reputable contractor will provide you with a realistic timeline with clear milestones. Review these as the project progresses. If a delay occurs, ask for a written explanation. Also, make sure you understand any penalties or compensation for delays.
Carry out regular checks
Visit the construction site regularly to check progress, compliance with plans, and quality of work. Do not sign final payments until you are fully satisfied.
Document everything
Take photos at every stage, collect documents (purchase orders, invoices, amendments, correspondence). In the event of a dispute, this will constitute your evidentiary file.
Keep a margin of restraint
In the payment plan, include a retention money deposit (e.g. 5-10%) that will only be paid once the work is completed and inspected according to your criteria.
Dispute management: possible remedies and steps to follow
Even when every precaution is taken, disputes sometimes arise between a client and their contractor. Unfinished work, unjustified delays, hidden defects, poor workmanship, unauthorized budget overruns, and non-compliance with the contract... the sources of conflict are numerous. Plan Maison Québec always recommends a methodical, progressive, and documented approach to resolve problems quickly and efficiently, without aggravating the situation.
Step 1: Communication First
Before considering legal action, it is essential to attempt to resolve the dispute amicably. Most disputes can be defused through clear and calm communication. Meet with the contractor on site or convene a formal meeting. Explain the points of contention, supporting them with concrete facts: photos, excerpts from the contract, written exchanges, missed deadlines, etc.
Be specific in your expectations (corrections, reimbursement, deadlines for resuming work) and document all discussions in writing. A good contractor will generally prefer to avoid legal action and will seek to restore the client relationship.
Step 2: Formal notice
If the contractor refuses to cooperate or if the situation remains unresolved, the next step is a formal notice. This is a legal document, often drafted by the client or their lawyer, formally requiring the contractor to fulfill their commitments within a specific timeframe (usually 10 to 15 days).
The formal notice must be sent by registered mail to prove receipt. It typically contains:
a summary of the facts;
the contract clauses that have not been complied with;
the requested corrective measures;
a deadline for completion;
the legal consequences of inaction.
This step is mandatory before taking legal action, and it often pushes contractors to act quickly to avoid litigation.
Step 3: Appeal bodies in Quebec
Several organizations in Quebec can support consumers in their efforts:
The Quebec Building Authority (RBQ)
If the contractor has an RBQ license, you can file a complaint with the RBQ for serious breaches of construction standards or professional ethics. In the event of proven misconduct, the RBQ can impose sanctions, suspend the license, or even require corrective action. You could also make a claim against the contractor's bond, which could allow you to recover amounts owed up to the amount stipulated.
The Office of Consumer Protection (OPC)
The OPC can intervene in cases of breach of contract, misleading advertising, or abusive business practices. It also offers sample letters, legal advice, and a free mediation service in certain cases.
Residential Construction Guarantee (RCG)
If your work is covered by the mandatory GCR scheme (new construction subject to the GCR), you can file a claim for non-compliance or construction defects. The GCR offers a settlement procedure that can lead to compensation if your case is accepted. However, this recourse is limited to work eligible under this guarantee.
Consumer associations
Organizations like the ACQC (Consumer Association for Quality in Construction) and CAA-Québec offer support to individuals. They can guide you on your rights, provide you with resources, and assist you with the initial administrative procedures.
Step 4: Legal recourse
If no amicable settlement is possible, you will have to consider legal action. Several options are available depending on the amount at stake:
Small Claims Court (less than $15,000): This option is accessible without a lawyer, with a simplified procedure. It is an economical and relatively quick solution.
Court of Quebec or Superior Court: For more complex cases or cases over $15,000, a lawyer is strongly recommended. This involves higher legal fees, but can result in significant recovery or the requirement for corrective work.
Injunction: In certain urgent cases, it is possible to ask a judge to issue an injunction to stop a behavior or compel the performance of certain work.
Before opting for legal action, evaluate the costs, timeframes, the evidence in your possession, and the likelihood of success. Do not hesitate to consult a construction law attorney to help you make the right choice.
Step 5: Liability Insurance and Class Actions
If the contractor has liability insurance, it is sometimes possible to obtain compensation for property, bodily injury, or financial damage related to their work. You can request the name of their insurer and file a formal claim.
In rare cases, class action lawsuits have been filed against negligent contractors who have caused significant harm to multiple clients. This legal avenue may be useful if other victims are facing the same problems as you.
Prevention: the best protection
At Plan Maison Québec, we firmly believe that prevention is your best ally. Choosing the right contractor, signing a comprehensive contract, documenting each step, and preserving evidence are the keys to avoiding costly and stressful litigation.
Conclusion : choose the right contractor
Choosing a contractor for your construction or renovation project is a strategic decision. As a Plan Maison Québec client, you deserve to work with competent, honest, and well-supported professionals. By following the steps outlined in this article—recommendations, REQ/RBQ/OPC/GCR audits, rigorous bid requests, active supervision, and recourse in the event of a dispute—you maximize your chances of success.
Don't settle for just any contractor: demand seriousness from the start.
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