Before you sign with a contractor: the printable checklist

Portail de soumissions · portaildesoumissions.ca/before-you-sign

1. The company

• The RBQ licence is active and its subcategories cover my work.
• In the RBQ register, I looked at the claims on the bond and the compensation paid over the last 5 years.
• The name on the contract is the exact name of the company that holds the licence (Inc., Ltd…).
• The company gives a full address, not just a phone number.
• I have the insurer’s name and the number of the liability insurance policy.
• If the company approached me at my door or by phone: I checked its itinerant merchant permit and complaints with the OPC’s “Get information about a merchant” tool.

2. The quotes

• I compared written quotes (the OPC suggests getting 3).
• Each quote describes the work and the materials and gives a detailed total price.
• Each quote gives a start date and an end date.

3. The contract

• The contract is written, detailed, and I understand it. What was promised out loud is written in it.
• It shows my contact details and the work address, the RBQ licence number, the NEQ and the company’s GST and QST numbers.
• The total price is broken down: labour, materials, transport, subcontractors, equipment rental.
• It says who applies and pays for the municipal permit.
• Debris removal is included in the price.
• No work outside the contract will be done without my authorization.
• An end date is set, with the deposit refunded if the work is not done on time.

4. Payments

• The deposit is as small as possible (or none).
• Payments follow the progress of the work, and I hold back about 10 to 15% until the work is finished.
• Contract signed at my home with an itinerant merchant: no deposit and no work during the 10 days after I receive my copy (with some exceptions), and I can cancel during those 10 days.
• If a subcontractor or supplier sends me a notice of contract (dénonciation), I ask for proof that they were paid before I pay the contractor: otherwise they can register a legal hypothec on my house.

5. During and after the work

• I keep the contract, invoices, proof of payment and photos of the work.
• If something goes wrong: I write to the company, then contact the OPC; work done without a licence can be reported to the RBQ (1 800 361-0761).

My notes

Sources : RBQ: Signing a renovation contract · OPC: Before hiring a renovation contractor · OPC: Get information about a merchant. This checklist sums up public advice; it is not legal advice.