RBQ license: what to check before entrusting the renovation of your bathroom?

A complete bathroom renovation involves several technical areas: plumbing, electricity, ventilation, waterproofing, coverings and sometimes structural modifications.

In Quebec, this type of work cannot be entrusted to just any contractor. When a person or company performs or has construction work performed for another person and for their own benefit, they must generally hold a license issued by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (Quebec Building Board).

However, the presence of an RBQ number on a quote or vehicle is not enough. It is necessary to verify that the license is valid, that it actually belongs to the company hired, and that its subcategories correspond to the planned work.

A fully equipped bathroom in Montreal

What is an RBQ license?

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (Quebec Building Authority) oversees the professional qualifications of contractors and owner-builders.

The RBQ license allows for the identification of:

• the holder authorized to practice;

• his license number;

• the current status of the license;

• the subcategories of work allowed;

• certain possible restrictions;

• surety bond claims filed in recent years.

The license does not mean that the RBQ approves every construction site or that it systematically controls the quality of all work. It confirms that the contractor meets the necessary requirements to carry out the activities corresponding to the subcategories listed in their file.

Can you choose a contractor without a license?

For a residential renovation done for a fee, the owner should not consider hiring an unlicensed contractor as a less expensive solution.

The RBQ specifies that any natural or legal person who carries out or has carried out residential renovation work for a client must hold the appropriate license, except as otherwise provided by law.

The question, therefore, is not about choosing between a licensed contractor and an unlicensed one. Rather, it's about choosing between several contractors legally authorized to carry out the work, and then comparing their experience, organization, bids, and references.

Certain types of work that are not considered construction work may be exempt. There are also specific rules for homeowners who carry out certain work on their own residence. However, these exceptions do not allow individuals to freely offer paid renovation services without the required license.

Why is it necessary to check the license rather than relying on the displayed number?

An RBQ number can be:

• expired or suspended;

• associated with another company;

• used without the permission of its owner;

• valid, but incomplete for the proposed work;

• presented under the name of a company different from the one registered in the contract.

The verification must be carried out directly in the RBQ's Register of Licence Holders .

The legal name appearing in the register must match the name on the bid and the contract. A mere similarity between the trade names is not sufficient.

It is best to carry out this check before signing the contract and to renew it before the start of work if a significant amount of time has passed.

Are license subcategories important?

Yes. An RBQ license does not automatically authorize its holder to perform all types of work.

It includes one or more subcategories that define the activities the contractor can perform or have performed. A complete bathroom renovation may require the involvement of several companies or professionals with different qualifications.

Depending on the nature of the project, the work may include:

• plumbing;

• electricity;

• ventilation;

• carpentry;

• coatings;

• ceramics;

• sealing;

• the modification of partitions;

• certain structural elements.

The main contractor must be authorized to undertake the project in accordance with the subcategories of their license. Reserved work must be awarded to specialist contractors holding the corresponding qualifications.

If any doubt remains, the RBQ offers tools to determine the required license and subcategories .

Does an RBQ license guarantee the quality of the work?

No. The license is an essential requirement, but it does not replace all other checks.

It does not automatically guarantee:

• the quality of the finishes;

• the accuracy of the submission;

• adherence to the deadline;

• the quality of communication;

• the particular experience in the bathroom;

• the financial stability of the company;

• the absence of disputes with former clients.

Two entrepreneurs can hold a valid license and offer very different levels of service.

The selection must therefore also take into account the company's specialization, its achievements, its references and the clarity of its contract.

What does the license bond protect?

To obtain and maintain a license, a contractor must provide a security deposit. This financial guarantee allows a client to be compensated in certain situations where the contractor fails to meet their contractual obligations.

However, a surety bond is not insurance that automatically covers all defaults, delays, or disagreements. Eligibility requirements, deadlines, and applicable amounts must be met.

The RBQ register also indicates the number of surety bond claims against the contractor and the compensation paid over the past five years.

This information is a useful indicator, but it must be interpreted in conjunction with the company's entire file.

License, insurance and guarantee: what are the differences?

These three elements should not be confused.

The RBQ license

It authorizes the entrepreneur to carry out the activities corresponding to the subcategories listed in his file.

The license bond

It constitutes a financial guarantee that can be used to compensate a client in certain specific circumstances related to non-compliance with the contract.

Civil liability insurance

It can cover certain material or bodily damage caused during the work, according to the terms of the insurance contract.

Before the work begins, the owner can request proof of valid insurance and verify that the nature of the declared activities corresponds to the work carried out.

The contractual guarantee

It refers to the commitments made by the contractor in the contract concerning the work, materials or possible corrections.

The scope of this guarantee must be specified in writing. A verbal promise is much more difficult to establish in the event of a disagreement.

Does an RBQ license replace a municipal permit?

No. The contractor's license and the permit issued by the municipality serve two different functions.

The license confirms that the contractor is authorized to carry out certain activities. The municipal permit authorizes the execution of a specific project when required by local regulations.

Depending on the nature and location of the work, a bathroom renovation may require:

• a transformation permit;

• a plumbing permit;

• a declaration of works;

• the agreement of a condominium association;

• compliance with time slots or building access rules.

The requirements must be verified with the relevant municipality before work begins. The contract must also specify who is responsible for the procedures and associated costs.

What checks should be carried out before signing?

The RBQ recommends not limiting your selection to the price offered. Several checks are necessary before choosing a contractor.

Verify the company's identity

The legal name, address, and license number must be consistent on the submission, contract, invoice, and official record.

Check the validity and subcategories

The license must be valid and cover the nature of the work entrusted to the company.

Examine the achievements

Recent projects allow us to assess the type of bathrooms created, the precision of the finishes, and the experience of the team.

Request references

Previous clients can provide useful information on communication, site cleanliness, adherence to budget, and follow-up after the work is completed.

Check the insurance

Proof of valid liability insurance may be required before the start of construction.

Compare multiple submissions

An abnormally low bid may omit certain steps, use different materials, or be based on an incomplete assessment.

The comparison should focus on the actual content of the proposals rather than solely on their final amount.

What should a renovation quote contain?

A sufficiently detailed submission helps prevent misunderstandings.

She should specify, in particular:

• the legal identity of the company;

• the RBQ license number;

• the description of the work;

• materials and equipment included;

• excluded works;

• the demolition and preparation stages;

• the planned plumbing and electrical work;

• the sealing system;

• the procedures for managing unforeseen events;

• responsibilities related to permits;

• the estimated timeline;

• the price and taxes;

• the payment terms;

• the conditions for modification or cancellation.

A general mention such as "complete bathroom renovation" does not allow one to know precisely what is included.

Why is a written contract essential?

Even when a relationship of trust is quickly established, the work must be governed by a written contract.

The contract serves to confirm:

• the exact scope of the project;

• the responsibilities of each party;

• the materials selected;

• the planned dates or deadlines;

• the payment terms;

• the procedure applicable to additional work;

• the guarantees offered;

• the conditions for acceptance of the construction site.

Any modification decided during the work should be the subject of a written amendment indicating its cost and its possible impact on the schedule.

The RBQ also provides recommendations for signing a renovation contract .

What signals should prompt caution?

Certain behaviors do not necessarily prove that a company is dishonest, but they do justify further investigation:

• refusal to provide the RBQ number;

• Number not found or associated with another company;

• payment requested from an individual rather than the company;

• very brief submission;

• absence of a written contract;

• large sum of money required before any work begins;

• price significantly lower than other bids without explanation;

• pressure to sign immediately;

• refusal to provide proof of insurance;

• The permit application was left entirely unclear;

• Additional work offered without a written price.

A serious contractor should be able to clearly explain their role, the role of their subcontractors, and the different stages of the project.

Should we choose solely based on price?

The price is obviously still important, but it must be considered in relation to the scope of the work.

A higher bid may include elements absent from a cheaper proposal:

• protection of traffic areas;

• demolition and removal;

• support correction;

• Completely sealed;

• plumbing or electricity;

• coordination of stakeholders;

• higher quality materials;

• site cleanup;

• Follow-up and final corrections.

Conversely, a high price does not automatically guarantee better performance. The accuracy of the proposal and the quality of the checks remain crucial.

It is better to look for a coherent and comprehensive offer rather than the lowest amount.

How does BonBain support a bathroom renovation?

BonBain Construction holds an RBQ license and specializes in bathroom renovations in Montreal and Greater Montreal.

The company coordinates the various stages of the project so that the owner has a single point of contact. Design, technical work, materials, and finishes are all considered within the framework of a single project.

Before making a decision, customers can view BonBain's achievements, discover testimonials and verify the RBQ number 5824-8451-01 directly in the official registry.

This verification should remain a normal procedure, including when a license number is clearly displayed by the company.

Choosing the right contractor for a sustainable renovation

For a bathroom renovation, the RBQ license is neither an additional selling point nor an absolute guarantee. It constitutes the first level of verification necessary before examining the company's experience, references, insurance, and contract.

A good contractor should be able to explain the proposed work precisely, identify the specialist personnel involved, and document unforeseen events in writing.

Are you planning a bathroom renovation in Montreal? BonBain Construction can assess your space, define the scope of work and provide you with a proposal tailored to your project.

Contact BonBain Construction to request an estimate.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the RBQ License

How to check an RBQ license for free?

Use the Licence Holders Register on the RBQ's official website. Search for the company by name or licence number.

Can a general contractor carry out all the work?

No. The work permitted depends on the subcategories listed on the license. Some work must be contracted to specialized contractors.

Does the RBQ license guarantee the work?

No. It authorizes the contractor to carry out certain activities and involves a guarantee, but it does not automatically guarantee the quality of each construction site.

Can a homeowner renovate their own bathroom?

A homeowner can carry out certain work on their residence themselves, subject to applicable regulations. Electrical work, in particular, must always be entrusted to a qualified contractor.

Is a municipal permit required?

It depends on the municipality and the nature of the work. The contractor's RBQ license never replaces a permit when one is required.

What should be done if the RBQ number does not correspond to the company?

Do not sign the contract before obtaining a verifiable explanation. The name of the company hired must match the name of the registered owner.