Renovation in Quebec: a practical compliance checklist
A construction or renovation contractor in Quebec has to juggle the Régie du bâtiment (RBQ, the building authority), the Commission de la construction (CCQ, the construction industry commission), municipalities, consumer protection and personal information protection. Here is a practical checklist drawn from official sources. This is general information, not legal advice: validate with your advisor.
RBQ licence: valid, properly categorized, displayed
The contractor must hold a valid RBQ licence with the subcategories matching the work, and the RBQ advises customers to check it in the register. Plumbing, electrical and heating work also fall under the RBQ.
The Régie requires the licence number on estimates, quotes, contracts, statements of account and invoices, on the website and on social media, in the format “Licence RBQ: XXXX-XXXX-XX”. Members of the CMEQ (electrical) and the CMMTQ (piping), whose licence is issued by their corporation, are identified by its logo.
- Licence number and subcategories up to date in the compliance sheet.
- Licence number or logo on every quote and follow-up template.
- Bond number and insurance close at hand, since customers often ask for them before signing.
Written contract and change orders
The RBQ recommends a detailed written contract with a schedule and recording any verbal agreement in writing. So move to the “Contract signed” stage only with a document on file.
Any change during the job should become a written change order: description of the change, effect on price and schedule, customer approval before execution. That way, disputes at invoicing are avoided.
- Detailed contract: work, price, schedule, deposits.
- Signed document on file before ordering materials.
- Written, approved change order for every change.
Visit at the customer's request and quote accepted remotely
Under the Consumer Protection Act, a contract made at the consumer's home at their express request is not an itinerant merchant contract, provided the consumer was not solicited anywhere other than at the merchant's address (s. 57). So keep the conversation that proves the customer asked for the visit. If your team does door-to-door selling, the itinerant merchant rules apply: written contract (s. 58) and a 10-day right of cancellation (s. 59).
A quote that contains all the essential elements of the contract is deemed to be an offer (s. 54.1). If the customer accepts it remotely, your contact details, the description of the work, the total price and the terms must have been disclosed in advance (s. 54.4), and a copy of the contract must then be sent within 15 days (s. 54.7).
Municipal permits and CCQ cards
Municipalities require a permit for many renovation jobs, according to their by-laws: check before the job starts and record it on file (“to verify”, “no”, “yes, to request”, “yes, obtained”).
Construction workers must hold a valid CCQ competency certificate for the trade they practise, and the employer reports hours worked. Check the crews' competency cards and the hours reporting before assigning a job.
Follow-up texts and emails
Under Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation, a message that only gives the price or estimate requested does not require consent (s. 6(6)(a)). An inquiry made in the last six months gives implied consent for other follow-ups (s. 10(9)(a) and 10(10)(e)).
Every commercial message identifies your company and offers a way to unsubscribe (s. 6(2)). Follow-ups and campaigns should go only to customers who have consented.
Law 25 and the agent's limits
Under Law 25, only the information necessary for the purposes determined before collection is gathered (s. 5), and the person is told the purposes and their rights (s. 8). Atlas asks the questions on your sheet (address, type of work, access, equipment), nothing more. Limit access to photos and addresses and allow deletion on request. If a decision affecting the customer is made solely by the agent, for example refusing a request outside your territory, section 12.1 requires informing them and letting them discuss it with a person on your team.
Atlas never commits to a price without your estimate, directs a dangerous emergency to 911 and hands over for a complaint. This guide is general information and does not replace legal advice.
A good checklist makes compliance visible file by file. Have it validated by a legal advisor, and let Atlas prepare the reminders while your team decides.
General information, not legal advice. Check with your professional order or the official source.
Questions
Is this checklist legal advice?
No. It is general information drawn from official sources. For your specific situation, consult a legal advisor.
Where must my RBQ licence number appear?
According to the RBQ, on estimates, quotes, contracts, statements of account and invoices, on the website and social media, in the format “Licence RBQ: XXXX-XXXX-XX”.
Can a customer accept a quote by email?
Yes, under conditions: the essential information must have been disclosed in advance and a copy of the contract must be sent within 15 days (s. 54.4 and 54.7).
Official sources
- https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/salle-de-presse/les-nouvelles/nouvelles-detail/item/2026-01-12-communique-entrepreneurs-sans-licence-de-la-rbq-redoublez-de-vigilance/
- https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/salle-de-presse/les-nouvelles/nouvelles-detail/item/2026-01-12-communique-stratagemes-frauduleux-en-renovation-redoublez-de-vigilance/
- https://montreal.ca/demarches/renover-linterieur-dun-batiment
- https://www.ccq.org/fr-CA/loi-r20/responsabilites-travailleurs
- https://crtc.gc.ca/fra/internet/anti.htm
- https://www.cai.gouv.qc.ca/entreprises/
More guides for this trade
Let's talk for 15 minutes?
A Zenitech expert will call you back within 24 hours to see what Orvel can do in your day. No obligation.