RBQ and renovation: what protection is there for homeowners in Quebec?

When a problem arises during a renovation, many owners believe that the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (Quebec Building Authority) can intervene directly, force the contractor to correct the work or grant them compensation.

The role of the RBQ is actually more specific. It regulates the construction industry, issues licenses, monitors compliance with the Building Act, and receives certain complaints. However, it does not replace a court, an insurer, or a contractual mediation service.

Understanding what the RBQ can actually do allows you to take the right steps without wasting precious time.

Can the Régie du bâtiment du Québec protect you?

What is the role of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec?

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec is a government agency responsible for ensuring the quality of construction work and the safety of people in areas under its jurisdiction.

His responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• the issuance and maintenance of contractor licenses;

• the professional qualifications of the respondents;

• monitoring of certain regulatory obligations;

• the application of the Building Act;

• verification of work carried out without a license;

• receiving complaints and reports;

• conducting investigations;

• the imposition or recommendation of certain administrative and penal measures;

• the administration of the framework applicable to license bonding.

The RBQ also maintains a public register allowing verification of the license and subcategories held by a contractor.

Does the RBQ inspect all renovations?

No. The RBQ does not automatically visit every construction site completed by a licensed contractor.

The presence of a license number does not therefore mean that an RBQ inspector:

• approves the plans;

• control each step;

• checks the installation of the membrane;

• systematically inspects the plumbing;

• validates the materials;

• approves the finishes;

• certifies the final result.

Depending on the nature of the project, inspections may fall under the jurisdiction of a municipality or another authority. RBQ interventions may also occur following a report, a complaint, or the identification of a specific risk.

Regulatory monitoring therefore does not exempt the owner from monitoring their construction site and keeping documents relating to the work.

Does an RBQ license guarantee the quality of the construction site?

No. The license constitutes legal authorization to carry out certain construction activities. It does not automatically guarantee that a contractor:

• has extensive experience in bathroom renovation;

• always respects its deadlines;

• produces impeccable finishes;

• communicates effectively;

• will never make a mistake;

• will spontaneously correct all deficiencies.

The license remains essential, however. It allows verification of the company's identity, the categories of work authorized, and certain information related to the security deposit.

To understand the checks to be carried out before signing, consult our guide on the RBQ license and choosing a contractor .

What should be done when a problem arises during the work?

It is better to intervene as soon as an anomaly is noticed rather than waiting until the end of the construction project.

One problem may involve, in particular:

• a difference between the contract and the work carried out;

• a material replaced without authorization;

• a leak;

• an inadequate slope;

• a leak;

• work interrupted;

• a significant delay;

• damage caused to the accommodation;

• additional unapproved work;

• a potentially dangerous installation.

Several steps can then be taken.

First step: document the situation

We must begin by gathering the available evidence:

• contract and submission;

• amendments;

• invoices and proofs of payment;

• emails and messages;

• photographs;

• videos;

• schedule;

• technical specifications;

• names of the people involved;

• dates on which the problem was observed.

Photographs should ideally show an overall view and close-up details. It can be helpful to add a ruler or other reference point to allow for measuring dimensions.

Concealed work must be photographed before the walls are closed or the coverings are installed, where possible.

Second step: inform the contractor in writing

The contractor must be clearly informed of the problem and given the opportunity to examine the situation.

The message should specify:

• the observed deficiency;

• its date of discovery;

• the relevant part of the contract;

• the available photographs;

• the requested correction;

• a reasonable timeframe for responding.

Written exchanges are preferable to conversations conducted solely by telephone. They allow for a verifiable chronology to be maintained.

Even if a discussion takes place verbally on the construction site, it is prudent to then send an email summarizing what was agreed.

Should we let the contractor make the corrections?

In many situations, it is reasonable to allow the contractor to identify and correct the problem.

Bringing another company into the scene immediately without informing them can complicate the establishment of liability, except when urgent action is needed to limit danger or damage.

In the presence of an active leak, an electrical hazard or a situation likely to rapidly worsen damage, the protection of people and the building remains the priority.

It is then necessary to document the emergency and keep the invoices for the necessary intervention.

When should a formal notice be sent?

If the contractor does not respond, refuses to correct or does not respect the agreed agreement, a formal notice may become necessary.

A formal notice is a formal letter requesting that a person fulfill an obligation within a specific timeframe. It may, in particular, request:

• the resumption of deficient work;

• the completion of the construction project;

• the reimbursement of a sum of money;

• the repair of damage;

• the handing over of documents;

• respecting a contractual commitment.

It must present the facts accurately and be transmitted in a way that allows proof of receipt.

Depending on the importance of the dispute, it may be wise to have the letter drafted or reviewed by a legal professional. The information presented here is not a substitute for legal advice tailored to your specific situation.

What is the purpose of filing a complaint with the RBQ?

A dissatisfied homeowner can file a complaint regarding the services provided by a contractor who held a license at the time the work was done.

This complaint allows the RBQ to:

• to document the incident;

• to add it to the contractor's file;

• to assess whether the situation falls within its mandate;

• to carry out certain checks;

• to undertake administrative or criminal proceedings when circumstances warrant it.

The complaint can therefore contribute to the oversight of the industry and the protection of the public.

However, it does not automatically entitle you to financial compensation. The RBQ clarifies this on its page dedicated to complaints concerning a contractor .

Can the RBQ force the contractor to reimburse you?

A complaint to the RBQ is not a legal procedure that allows you to directly obtain a refund or damages.

To claim compensation, the owner may need to follow other steps:

1. attempt to reach an agreement with the contractor;

2. send a formal notice;

3. to initiate legal proceedings before the competent court;

4. to obtain a judgment, depending on the situation;

5. possibly file a claim against the surety.

The RBQ indicates that the chances of obtaining compensation through surety bonds decrease considerably in the absence of a judgment against the contractor.

The applicable procedures are detailed on the official page Know your options .

What is a license bond?

The surety bond is a financial guarantee that the contractor must provide in order to obtain their license.

It can be used to compensate a client who has suffered harm directly related to:

• to the advance payments made;

• due to the non-completion of the work;

• to certain defects;

• to certain defects discovered in the year following the completion of the work.

The claim must meet several conditions and deadlines. In particular, it must relate to work subject to the Building Act and to sums already paid to the contractor.

Therefore, a surety bond is not an automatic guarantee covering all disputes. Its amount may also be insufficient when several clients file claims against the same contractor.

The RBQ presents the applicable conditions on its page Making a claim to the surety bond .

What is the difference between a complaint and a claim?

The two approaches pursue different objectives.

The complaint

It informs the RBQ of problematic behavior or service. It helps document the contractor's file, but does not directly provide compensation.

The claim for the security deposit

It aims to provide financial compensation for certain eligible damages. It requires compliance with specific conditions, evidence, and deadlines.

It is possible that a situation may justify both a complaint and a compensation claim.

What should be done if the work was carried out without a license?

The RBQ allows you to report a person or company that performs work without holding the required license.

The report should provide as much information as possible:

• identity of the person or company;

• construction site address;

• nature of the work;

• approximate dates;

• license number used, if any;

• documents or photographs available.

The RBQ can then conduct checks and carry out an investigation. If it deems the report to be substantiated, the case may lead to administrative or criminal proceedings.

However, this procedure does not guarantee that the owner will be compensated for their losses.

The official form is available on the Complaint Regarding Unlicensed Work page.

When should you contact the police?

A delay, poor workmanship or a contractual disagreement does not automatically constitute a criminal offence.

The police service should rather be contacted when there is evidence that reasonably suggests fraud, theft, threats, forgery or other criminal offence.

For a dispute mainly concerning the execution of the contract, civil proceedings, formal notice and remedies presented by the RBQ are generally more appropriate.

If in doubt, a legal professional can determine the appropriate course of action.

What is the role of home insurance?

When a renovation problem causes water damage or other damage to the building, the owner should contact their insurer promptly.

The insurer will be able to specify:

• if the claim is covered;

• what emergency measures need to be taken;

• what documents are needed;

• if an expert assessment will be carried out;

• if a deductible applies;

• if the insurer will then take legal action against the contractor.

You shouldn't wait for the outcome of a complaint to the RBQ before reporting a potentially covered loss. Insurance contracts generally impose time limits and an obligation to limit the escalation of damages.

Are the rules different for a new building?

Yes. The New Residential Building Guarantee Plan is a separate scheme from the license bond.

When a problem concerns a new house or condominium covered by this plan, the steps must be taken with the administrator of the Warranty Plan.

A renovation carried out in an existing building does not automatically benefit from this protection.

It is therefore necessary to identify the applicable regime before initiating any proceedings.

How to reduce risks before and during construction?

While no risk can be completely eliminated, several precautions strengthen the owner's position:

• check the license before signing;

• confirm the allowed subcategories;

• sign a detailed contract;

• avoid undocumented payments;

• establish a payment schedule linked to progress;

• have the additional work approved in writing;

• retain all communications;

• photograph the important stages;

• report anomalies promptly;

• Avoid paying the balance before the final verification.

These precautions facilitate dialogue during construction and the creation of a file should a dispute arise.

Protection begins with a well-structured project.

The RBQ plays an essential role in regulating the construction industry, but it does not monitor every construction site and does not automatically resolve private disputes.

The best protection relies on several complementary elements: a legally authorized contractor, a precise contract, documented payments, regular monitoring and a quick reaction when a problem arises.

BonBain Construction holds RBQ license number 5824-8451-01 and carries out bathroom renovation projects in Montreal and the Greater Montreal area. The license number can be verified directly in the official registry before making any decisions.

To discuss the planning and supervision of your project, contact BonBain Construction.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the RBQ

Can the RBQ force the correction of poorly executed work?

A complaint allows the RBQ to document and examine a situation falling within its mandate. However, it does not constitute an automatic corrective or compensation procedure.

Does filing a complaint with the RBQ allow for reimbursement?

No. The complaint does not directly result in financial compensation. An agreement, a formal notice, legal action, or a claim against the surety bond may be necessary.

How long do we have to make a claim on the security deposit?

Several deadlines apply. The defects or flaws in question must have been discovered within one year of the completion of the work, and the procedures must comply with the deadlines specified by the RBQ.

Can a complaint be filed against an unlicensed contractor?

Yes. The RBQ offers a specific form to report work done without the appropriate license.

Does the RBQ license cover damages caused to the dwelling?

The license itself is not insurance. Certain damages may be covered by the contractor's insurance, homeowner's insurance, a civil claim, or a surety bond, depending on the circumstances.

Should the construction project be stopped as soon as a problem appears?

Not always. The situation must be documented and the contractor informed. However, in the presence of danger or a risk of further damage, immediate action may be necessary.