Certified Contractor and the Importance of an RBQ Licence

Taking the leap and investing several thousand dollars in a renovation comes with its fair share of worries, especially with regard to the contractor hired to manage the project. If you hire the wrong person, you're likely to find yourself amid a serious mistake that will cost you both time and money to make go away.

Why is hiring an RBQ-certified contractor essential? What are the advantages of doing so and in what ways homeowners are protected by this certification? To help you make a safe and well-informed decision, here are the key benefits of hiring a qualified and compliant contractor. 

3 Reasons for Hiring a Certified Home Contractor

Source : Quality fine Carpentry

By entrusting your project to a licensed general contractor, you’re securing a better guarantee on your home-based renovations. Said guarantee is intrinsically linked to a licence bond, which general and specialized contractors are bound by—up to $40,000 for the former, and up to $20,000 for the latter.

According to the RBQ, “licence security is intended to compensate a client who has suffered harm, as the result of faulty performance or non-performance of construction work, related to deposits made, non-completion of work, faulty work and construction defects discovered in the year following the end of the work.”

It goes without saying that if you hired a non-licensed contractor to work on your property, under no circumstances can you claim damages, as those aforementioned by the RBQ. Needless to say, the lack of legal recourse can have significant financial repercussions on any homeowner.

So, what steps can you take to win your case in the event a problem should arise? Before bringing your issue to court, follow a strict legal procedure to be compensated.

For more information, check out our article "Understanding the Clauses of a Renovation Contract."

2- To ensure the quality of the work undertaken (electrical, plumbing, heating, building)

Through exams and a comprehensive training program, the RBQ evaluates a general contractor's skills across various fields, such as administrative tasks, jobsite and project management, construction site safety management, and task execution. Based on what was just listed, working with an RBQ-certified contractor ensures you’re dealing with an individual who holds the necessary skills to carry out the commissioned work. 

While hiring an unqualified contractor can save you a few bucks initially, you risk paying for it dearly in the long run. Moreover, poorly executed work that must be rebuilt partially or entirely will end up costing you a lot more. And, the stress of having to deal with problems on top of problems is far from appealing. Furthermore, non-conforming work can jeopardize your safety, especially when it comes to electrical and gas-fueled installations.

Note that a licensed contractor who is caught up in claims will see the fact published on the RBQ website in a PDF under the banner “Contractors with claims on their record.” The latter simply reinforces our plea that working with a licensed contractor gives you access to their work history. Knowing ahead of time whether your contractor is subject to legal action is beyond beneficial, allowing you to avoid any unfortunate predicaments.

3- To benefit from a legally-binding contract

Source : CF Construction

When working with a licensed contractor, it’s only normal for them to draw up a written agreement. This contract details the work guidelines and procedures (work start and finish date, materials used, and costs), protecting you against prospective damage. Without an RBQ licence, the hired contractor can simply choose to strike a verbal agreement with you. In the event of a legal dispute, being awarded any sort of financial settlement for damages suffered is highly unlikely. 

Check your province's licensing registry page to ensure that your contractor holds the necessary licence to carry out the work commissioned.  

Looking for more information about renovation contracts and the legal options available if they're not respected? Check out our article "What to Include in a Home Renovation Contract.”

Get Quotes from RBQ-Licensed Companies, and Check Network Referrals

RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes from companies with valid, RBQ-issued licences. All contractors featured on our referral platform were duly vetted. We know they have all the necessary licences, that their businesses are incorporated, and have an upstanding professional reputation. 

Bring your project to our platform and connect with the right people, free of charge. Simply fill out our form (only takes a few minutes) to get quotes from three trusted contractors.

FAQ

How to find out if a general contractor is reliable and licensed in BC or anywhere else in Canada?

Whether you're a resident of British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, or any other Canadian province or territory, to know whether a contractor is reliable, check their professional reviews on Google. Reading through what past customers have to say about them will give you just enough insight into their character to know whether to pursue your line of inquiry or look elsewhere. As for their licence, request their licence number (RBQ, OHBA, etc.). Then, check licensing registry pages to ensure their licence is still valid.

How can I find a trustworthy contractor? 

To find a trusted contractor, start by consulting reliable home improvement sources and ask your inner circle for referrals. Feel free to request several quotes to compare rates and services offered. Make sure to check the contractor’s permits, warranties (guarantees), and insurance. Lastly, prioritize professional qualities like transparency, punctuality, and strong commitment to deadlines, which are all essential traits of a reliable contractor.

How to become a licensed construction contractor, and what diploma do you need?

You don’t need a diploma to work as a construction or renovation contractor. What you do need though is a general contractor licence, which is obtained through the RBQ (or other provincial institution) after passing exams.

Do you need a licence to be a contractor in Canada?

Yes, you need a licence to work legally as a construction contractor in Canada. Depending on the trade you intend to pursue, you may need a specialized licence. Inquire with your provincial regulatory bodies for more trade-specific training and licensing requirements.

What is the easiest contractor's licence to get?

It depends on where you live and what trade you're hoping to pursue. Contractor licences are issued based on provincial regulatory bodies, field experience, and training.