You have probably all seen the Régie du logement campaign currently circulating on the importance of checking a contractor's RBQ license, with a rather humorous nature. If you haven't had this chance yet, it's worth watching and will definitely have a positive impact on your mood by bringing a little smile to your face. (Other campaign announcement
The goal of this campaign is simple: to encourage Quebecers to hire registered contractors and to request an invoice when they carry out renovation work. The message seems to get across thanks to the humorous touch of this campaign.
In short, we understand that if you want your renovations to end well you should hire a contractor with an RBQ license. It is certain that in order to put all the chances on your side, this step seems essential, but it is not the only one. You probably all have a friend, family member, or friend of a friend who has experienced a nightmare renovation, and you've probably worried that it might happen to you, too.
Unfortunately these events can happen to everyone and especially to those who do not take the time to scrutinize their contractor. There are many things to check before you can trust the professional in question.
Here's what you should check before hiring a contractor:
1. The legal existence of the company
Through dishonesty or ignorance, some entrepreneurs use names that are not registered with the business registrar. If the company you are contracting with does not legally exist, there will be no legal recourse if something goes wrong or the contractor disappears.
2. The validity of the license from the Régie du logement du Québec
it is important to check the validity of the RBQ license, in the legal name of the company appearing on the contract. The license must also include a category and a subcategory relevant to the work envisaged. It's the law. A valid license demonstrates the contractor's competence for the work to be carried out and comes with a license bond, which protects you in the event of a problem.
3. Its solvency
The creditworthiness of entrepreneurs can change very quickly. They manage large projects, most often with minimal knowledge of financial management. The construction sector ranks 3rd for the number of bankruptcies. Entrepreneurs who cheat by bidding too low or not paying their taxes or the CSST will eventually hit a wall. The contractor may also have been sued and suddenly find themselves penniless after their conviction, preventing them from completing your project.
4. The judicial record
Is the contractor facing significant lawsuits? Is he repeatedly sued by dissatisfied customers or is he suing dissatisfied customers who refuse to pay him? You can learn a lot about an entrepreneur by taking a quick visit to the courthouse!
5. Complaints to the Consumer Protection Office and the Régie du logement du Québec
Even though construction-related complaints are rare at OPC, it's still worth taking a look, especially if the contractor is supplying its own materials (a window and door manufacturer, for example). Also ask the RBQ for the number and nature of complaints related to a license.
6. The validity of liability insurance
Every serious entrepreneur has liability insurance. Ask for a copy of the contractor's insurance certificate. If the contractor breaks something at your home or at your neighbor's, you will be safe!
7. References from previous clients
They are of limited use. They show that the contractor has already carried out projects similar to yours, but the contractor will obviously not give you the list of his dissatisfied customers and nothing assures you that he will not send you to his cousin, who had it carried out its work by another more qualified specialist!
The checks are therefore not easy to carry out and will require a few hours of work. Despite this, it is better to do them and minimize the risks of having to live for years with regrets... and troubles. If your contractor goes bankrupt, you shouldn't have to either! So, why not do everything you can to experience happy renovations?