For excavation and foundations work, the business must hold an RBQ contractor licence that includes the right subcategory (2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.2). Here is which one, and where to find businesses that hold it.
RBQ subcategory (official title, in French): 2.5 excavation et terrassement; 2.6 pieux et fondations spéciales; 2.7 travaux d'emplacement; 3.1 structures de béton; 3.2 petits ouvrages de béton.
Includes, for example: foundations, earthwork, concrete.
A general contractor (subcategory 1.2, 1.3) may also do this work when it is part of a building construction or renovation project.
The business's qualifications and solvency were checked before its licence was issued. Under certain conditions, its bond may also compensate you for a lost deposit, unfinished work or defects found within a year of completion.
Official sources: Building Act, s. 46 · Building Act, s. 7 · Regulation respecting the professional qualification of contractors and owner-builders, s. 6
The RBQ grants this subcategory without the business having to show experience in carrying out this work. The licence is valid, but ask for examples of past work and references.
Towns where at least 5 businesses whose licence includes subcategory 2.6, 3.1 are based (the figure is how many).
A summary of public data and the law, not legal advice.