A few simple checks protect you before you hire someone or sign a contract. Each tip links to its official source.
Check the RBQ licence and its subcategories at the time you sign. The licence number must appear on the quote and the contract.
Building Act, s. 57.1 · RBQ: choosing a contractor (in French)Get at least 3 written quotes and compare the work, materials, schedule, price and warranties.
RBQ: choosing a contractor (in French) · OPC: tips on renovation contractors (in French)Insist on a detailed written contract: the exact company name (matching the licence), licence number, NEQ, full address, dates, description of the work and materials, total price, payment terms and liability insurance.
RBQ: signing a renovation contract (in French) · OPC: tips on renovation contractors (in French)Pay the smallest deposit possible and pay as the work progresses, keeping a final payment for the end. You don't have to pay the price before the work is accepted.
OPC: tips on renovation contractors (in French) · Civil Code, art. 2111Agree on who will get the municipal permit, if one is needed.
RBQ: signing a renovation contract (in French)Contact you didn't ask for, a "free inspection" that finds urgent problems, promised savings or subsidies.
RBQ: choosing a contractor (in French)Pressure to sign right away, or high-interest financing with a private firm.
RBQ: choosing a contractor (in French) · OPC: door-to-door sales tips (in French)Only a phone number, with no full address.
OPC: tips on renovation contractors (in French)A name on the contract that differs from the licence holder's (watch for "inc." and "ltée").
RBQ: signing a renovation contract (in French)A door-to-door seller offering a heat pump, air conditioner, furnace, insulation, decontamination or financing: these contracts are banned at the door, with some exceptions.
OPC: contracts banned at the door (in French) · Consumer Protection Act, s. 244.7A door-to-door seller who wants payment, or to start the work, during your 10-day cancellation period.
Consumer Protection Act, ss. 59–63 · OPC: door-to-door sales tips (in French)Signed with a door-to-door seller? You can cancel in writing within 10 days of getting your copy, and up to a year in some cases. The merchant must refund you within 15 days.
Consumer Protection Act, ss. 59–63 · OPC: cancelling a door-to-door contract (in French)Keep a written record of everything. If a subcontractor or supplier gives you written notice of its contract, it can secure what it's owed with a legal hypothec on your home. You may hold back those amounts until the contractor gives you a release (quittance).
Civil Code, arts. 2123, 2726–2728First try to settle, then send a formal notice (mise en demeure) and get a judgment against the company named on the contract. You can then claim against the licence bond: it covers deposits, unfinished work and defects found within a year, up to $40,000 (general contractor) or $20,000 (specialized) per contractor. Act within 3 years.
RBQ: your remedies (in French) · RBQ: bond claim (in French)Check that the builder is accredited by GCR and that your project is registered with the guarantee plan.
RBQ: new house or condo (in French)Used car: the dealer's label shows the price, kilometres, class and warranty. Depending on the class, the legal warranty runs from 1 to 6 months.
Consumer Protection Act, ss. 155–160Door-to-door seller: ask for its OPC permit number (required above $100). You have 10 days to cancel.
OPC: door-to-door sales tips (in French) · Consumer Protection Act, ss. 59–63Loan: the contract must be written. You can cancel it free within 2 days, or within 10 days for high-cost credit.
Consumer Protection Act, ss. 73 and 80Gym: a contract of one year or less, no payment before the services start, and you can cancel during the first tenth of the term.
Consumer Protection Act, ss. 199–205Travel agency: buy from an agency with an OPC licence to be covered by the FICAV fund.
OPC: FICAV travellers' fund (in French)A summary of public data and the law, not legal advice.