How to choose a contractor to renovate your bathroom in Montreal?

A bathroom renovation requires a range of skills: design, plumbing, electrical work, ventilation, waterproofing, tiling, and fixture installation. The success of the project therefore depends as much on the materials chosen as on the contractor responsible for coordinating and carrying out the work.

In Montreal, many companies offer residential renovation services. However, not all of them have the same experience in bathrooms, the same level of support, or the same ability to organize a complete project.

RBQ license, references, submission, communication and guarantees: these are the main criteria to examine when choosing a bathroom renovation contractor and entrusting them with your project with confidence.

1. Verify the contractor's RBQ license

The first check concerns the license issued by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.

In Quebec, any person or company that performs or commissions residential renovation work for a client must hold a license corresponding to the work in question. The license number must appear on the company's business documents.

Before signing a contract, check:

• that the license is valid;

• that it does indeed belong to the company contacted;

• that the legal name and contact details match;

• that the subcategories held are suitable for the project;

• if any claims against the surety bond are on file.

This information can be found in the RBQ's register of licence holders.

The presence of a number on a submission or website is not sufficient: it is preferable to check it directly in the official register.

2. Choose a company with experience in bathroom renovations.

A general contractor can work on different types of buildings and rooms. However, bathroom renovations present specific challenges related to water, humidity, and the coordination of several trades.

A company experienced in this field is particularly familiar with:

• the waterproofing requirements of a shower;

• the constraints of moving the plumbing;

• ventilation requirements;

• electrical installations adapted for damp rooms;

• the necessary preparation before the installation of ceramic tiles;

• the dimensions to be respected around the equipment;

• solutions for optimizing a small room;

• the logical order of interventions.

This specialization also facilitates the design process. The contractor can quickly identify ideas compatible with the room's layout and flag those that would result in significant work or a budget overrun.

Ask the company what proportion of its business relates to bathrooms and how many projects similar to yours it has already completed.

“Pretty Turquoise” Bathroom

3. Examine recent achievements

A portfolio allows for a more concrete evaluation of an entrepreneur's work. It's not just for finding inspiration; it also helps to observe the precision of the finishes and the diversity of the projects completed.

In particular, consider:

• the alignment of the tiles;

• the quality of the seals;

• the cutouts around the taps;

• the integration of niches;

• the installation of the glass partitions;

• the transitions between materials;

• adjusting the furniture;

• the consistency of the lighting;

• the overall cleanliness of the finishes.

Photographs showing different stages of the construction are particularly interesting. They allow us to see the preparatory work, the waterproofing or the plumbing, and not just the finished decoration.

BonBain's bathroom projects showcase different styles, configurations and design solutions implemented in the Montreal area.

4. Consult reviews, not just the average rating.

Online reviews provide valuable information about customer experiences. The overall rating matters, but the content of the comments is often more revealing.

Look for testimonials that specifically mention:

• adherence to the deadline;

• the quality of communication;

• the cleanliness of the construction site;

• managing unforeseen events;

• the conformity of the result with the announced project;

• the availability of the contractor;

• the quality of the finishes;

• follow-up after the work.

Also observe how the company responds to reviews, especially when a customer expresses a concern. A professional and factual response can demonstrate a willingness to resolve issues.

You can also ask for references from clients who have completed a project similar to yours. With their permission, a brief exchange can sometimes provide very concrete information about how the work was carried out.

Discover testimonials from BonBain Construction clients and their experience during their renovation project.

5. Evaluate the quality of the first exchange

The first meeting already provides many indications about how the entrepreneur works.

A serious professional must take the time to understand:

• the difficulties of your current bathroom;

• the people who use the room;

• your daily habits;

• your aesthetic expectations;

• your storage needs;

• your budget;

• your schedule;

• potential accessibility constraints.

He must also examine the existing configuration before confirming the feasibility of the project.

Be wary of solutions proposed too quickly, without taking measurements or discussing the technical installations. A realistic estimate requires understanding the condition of the room and the extent of the desired transformations.

A good contractor doesn't just accept every request. They also explain the constraints, suggest alternative solutions, and help their client prioritize.

6. Request a detailed written quote

A clear submission is essential for comparing contractors and

understand what is actually included in the price.

She should specify, in particular:

• the full identity of the company;

• the RBQ license number;

• the description of the work;

• materials and equipment included;

• the work entrusted to subcontractors;

• exclusions;

• taxes;

• the approximate timeline;

• the payment terms;

• the management of additional work.

A general statement like "complete bathroom renovation" is not enough. Demolition, debris removal, plumbing, electricity, ventilation, waterproofing, tiling, and finishing work must be clearly defined.

Our guide to the points to check in a bathroom renovation quote helps you compare several proposals objectively.

The RBQ also advises requesting several quotes before choosing a contractor, in order to evaluate prices, proposed methods and the scope of services.

7. Don't choose based solely on price.

A lower bid is not necessarily a bad offer. However, it may exclude certain work or specify different materials.

Before comparing the amounts, verify that the contractors have evaluated exactly the same project.

The discrepancies can be explained by:

• the quality of the materials;

• whether or not the plumbing needs to be moved;

• the waterproofing method;

• the preparation of the floor and walls;

• equipment included;

• waste management;

• electrical work;

• ventilation;

• the level of finish;

• site supervision.

A very low and vague quote should raise questions. It may be followed by numerous additional costs once the project has started.

Conversely, a higher price should be justified by a more comprehensive service, superior materials or greater support.

The best choice is the proposal that presents the most coherent relationship between price, scope of work, expected quality and guarantees offered.

8. Understand who will carry out and coordinate the work

A complete renovation usually involves several professionals. Therefore, it's important to know who will be responsible for the project.

Ask the contractor:

• what work will be carried out by his team;

• which will be entrusted to subcontractors;

• who will organize their interventions;

• who will verify the quality of the work;

• who will be present on the construction site;

• to whom you should address your questions.

A turnkey bathroom renovation service relies on centralized coordination. The homeowner benefits from a main point of contact who oversees the project from planning to completion.

This arrangement saves the client from having to manage the availability of the plumber, electrician, tiler and glass partition installer themselves.

9. Check the insurance policies and guarantees

Before work begins, ask the contractor if he has liability insurance appropriate for his activities.

This insurance can cover certain property damage or personal injury caused during construction. In a condominium, the condominium association may also require proof of insurance before authorizing the work.

Also find out more about:

• guarantees applicable to labor;

• the warranties on the materials;

• warranties for sanitary appliances;

• the procedure to follow in case of a problem;

• the intervention time after delivery.

Manufacturer warranties and contractor warranties do not necessarily cover the same items. It is therefore advisable to keep invoices, technical specifications, and documents provided at the end of the project.

10. Ensure that a written contract is signed

A bid submission does not always replace a detailed contract. Before work begins, the agreement should be put in writing.

According to the recommendations of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (Quebec Building Authority ), a renovation contract may specify, among other things:

• the identity and contact details of the parties;

• the address of the construction site;

• the RBQ license number;

• a detailed description of the work;

• the materials and equipment planned;

• the price and taxes;

• the payment terms;

• the dates or deadlines for completion;

• the guarantees;

• the procedure applicable to the modifications.

Any changes to the project should then be confirmed in writing. If a problem is discovered behind a wall or if the owner requests different equipment, the impact on price and schedule must be approved before any additional work is carried out.

11. Observe the quality of communication

Communication is not merely a formality. It plays a direct role in the smooth running of the project.

The entrepreneur must be able to explain:

• the project stages;

• technical choices;

• the constraints encountered;

• the decisions to be made;

• the changes made to the schedule;

• the financial consequences of a change.

He doesn't need to respond to every message immediately. However, the deadlines and methods of communication must be clear.

Ask who will keep you informed and how often. Short, regular check-ins prevent misunderstandings and allow for quick decision-making.

BonBain also presents its organization on the page A construction site with BonBain .

12. Identify the main warning signs

Certain behaviors should encourage caution:

• an RBQ license that cannot be found or is invalid;

• the refusal to submit a written submission;

• a very vague description of the work;

• a request for full payment before the construction work;

• a significantly lower price without explanation;

• the absence of professional contact details;

• pressure to sign immediately;

• unrealistic promises regarding price or deadlines;

• the refusal to specify who will carry out the work;

• the absence of verifiable references or achievements;

• the proposal to carry out work without complying with applicable requirements.

The RBQ recommends verifying a contractor's license, company records, references, and bids before hiring them. These checks take some time, but they can prevent significant problems.

Questions to ask a bathroom contractor

During the initial exchange, ask specific questions:

1. How many bathroom renovations do you complete each year?

2. Have you ever completed a project similar to mine?

3. Who will design the layout?

4. What work will be subcontracted?

5. Who will supervise the construction site?

6. What materials are included in the submission?

7. How will the shower be waterproofed?

8. How do you handle unexpected events?

9. What is the estimated timeline?

10. What guarantees do you offer?

11. Do you have liability insurance?

12. Can I see some recent projects or references?

The accuracy of the answers is often as informative as their content.

Choose a local contractor in Montreal

An entrepreneur who regularly works in Montreal and neighboring municipalities is generally more familiar with the realities of local buildings: condos, old houses, small spaces, access to buildings and condominium rules.

Proximity can also facilitate:

• the initial visit;

• bathroom assessment;

• monitoring of the construction site;

• exchanges with suppliers;

• a possible intervention after the work.

BonBain Construction assists homeowners in Montreal, Lachine, Laval, Longueuil, Brossard and the South Shore with their complete bathroom renovation projects.

Entrust your bathroom renovation to BonBain Construction

BonBain Construction specializes in bathroom design and renovation in Greater Montreal.

Our team handles:

• analyzing your needs;

• the design of the layout;

• work planning;

• the coordination of different professionals;

• monitoring of the construction site;

• the control of the finishes.

Each project is designed according to the existing space, the needs of the occupants and the available budget.

View our completed projects and customer testimonials , then contact BonBain Construction to request an estimate for your bathroom renovation project in Montreal.