What work is requiring a RBQ Quebec license
- coraliefortin076
- Jun 12
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
When it comes to construction or renovation work, it's crucial to understand the legal requirements surrounding the need for a license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). In Quebec, the RBQ is the government agency responsible for ensuring construction quality, public safety, and consumer protection.
At Plan Maison Québec, a company specializing in the design of plans for houses, cottages, and garages across Canada, we aim to guide you through these regulations to ensure the compliance and safety of your residential projects, and to help you avoid serious legal or financial consequences.
Understanding the RBQ license
In Quebec, any person or company that performs or commissions construction work must hold a license from the RBQ, unless exempted by law. This license certifies that the contractor has the professional qualifications, technical knowledge, and financial stability to successfully complete the work in compliance with applicable standards.
The license is therefore much more than a simple document: it is an essential guarantee for the client that the work will be carried out according to industry standards. Moreover, Plan Maison Québec works exclusively with licensed contractors, when required, to ensure its clients receive rigorous supervision and professional project execution.
Work requiring an RBQ license
1 ) Construction and renovation of buildings
The construction, renovation, repair, maintenance, modification, or demolition of a residential building requires an RBQ license. This includes any inhabited building such as a single-family home, duplex, cottage, attached or detached garage, as well as expansions or major modifications. The same applies to new construction or disaster reconstruction projects.
At Plan Maison Québec, every plan we create takes into account current construction standards, and we strongly recommend hiring a licensed contractor as soon as you begin the construction or renovation phase.
2 ) Specialized work
Certain specialized work, particularly that involving essential building systems, requires specific technical skills and a specific RBQ license. This includes electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, natural gas or propane installations, and oil supply systems.
Even when carried out as part of a minor renovation, this work must be carried out by a certified and licensed professional. There's no room for error in these areas: poorly executed work can pose safety risks to occupants. This is why Plan Maison Québec collaborates with a network of qualified professionals capable of ensuring full compliance with these regulatory requirements.
3 ) Work for others
It's important to understand that even if you don't receive direct compensation, you could still be considered a contractor under the law if you perform work for others in exchange for a benefit, whether material or not. For example, renovating a friend's home in exchange for a future service may constitute an activity requiring an RBQ license.
The legal framework is strict to protect consumers from unqualified contractors or poorly executed work. At Plan Maison Québec, we always encourage our clients to exercise caution when choosing their contractors and to ensure they hold the appropriate licenses before work begins.
Works exempt from RBQ license
1 ) Autoconstruction
A homeowner who carries out the construction or renovation work on their primary residence themselves may be exempt from the requirement to hold an RBQ license. However, this exemption is subject to several conditions. The building must be intended for owner-occupancy, not for rental or commercial purposes.
Furthermore, certain work—particularly that involving electrical, gas, or oil-fired systems—cannot be carried out without the assistance of a specialized and licensed contractor, even in a self-build context. At Plan Maison Québec, we support many self-builders by providing them with plans that comply with standards, while informing them of the limitations of their unlicensed work.
2 ) Exterior work not connected to the building
Certain projects such as landscaping, installing a fence, installing an above-ground pool, or building a shed can be carried out without a license, provided they are not permanently attached to the main building.
However, as soon as an installation becomes structural, affects the building, or involves connections to essential services (water, electricity, gas), regulations may change. Plan Maison Québec also offers customized plans for these outdoor projects, taking into account current municipal and provincial standards, to avoid any unpleasant surprises during their execution.
3 ) Small-scale works
Some renovations considered minor do not require an RBQ license, provided they do not affect critical components of a building. This is the case, for example, with interior painting, replacing flooring, repairing moldings, or replacing doors and windows (in certain circumstances).
However, it is important to clearly distinguish between purely aesthetic work and work that may have structural or mechanical implications. Even a simple window replacement may require a license if it involves changes to the building envelope. Plan Maison Québec can help you assess the true scope of your project and determine whether a license is required before starting work.
Consequences of not having an RBQ license
Hiring an unlicensed contractor or carrying out work yourself without authorization can have serious consequences. Beyond the risks associated with poor workmanship, the contractor is exposed to significant fines, and the client is left without legal recourse in the event of poor workmanship. Indeed, an unlicensed contractor cannot offer the warranties required by law, such as the New Residential Building Guarantee Plan.
Furthermore, home insurance companies may refuse to cover claims resulting from non-compliant work or work carried out by unauthorized individuals. Plan Maison Québec always makes sure to raise awareness among its clients of these risks so that they can make informed decisions about their projects.
RBQ license verification
Before signing a contract or entrusting your work to a contractor, it is essential to verify the validity and scope of their RBQ license. This verification can be done free of charge online on the official RBQ website, in the License Holders Register. You will find not only confirmation that the license is in force, but also the subcategories covered, which ensures that the contractor can legally carry out the planned work. This is a simple but crucial step, which Plan Maison Québec systematically recommends to its clients to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Conclusion: work requiring a RBQ Quebec license
At Plan Maison Québec, we understand the importance of complying with current regulations to ensure the quality and safety of your construction and renovation projects. So what work is requiring a RBQ Quebec license.
Whether you're planning to build a new home, renovate a cottage, convert your garage, or expand your existing residence, it's essential to know when an RBQ license is required and to choose your contractors accordingly. With our expertise and commitment to compliance, we're here to support you throughout every stage of your project, from plan design to completion.
To benefit from our professional support and obtain tailor-made plans that fully comply with RBQ requirements:
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