The RBQ licence
- Licence number and legal name of the business obtained
- Licence found in the public register of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec
- Name in the register identical to the one on the quote and contract
- Licence valid on the date of signing
- Roofing work included in what the licence allows
Insurance
- Proof of civil liability insurance received, in the business's name
- Coverage period that includes the dates of the work
The site visit
- The contractor examined the roof before pricing
- Flashing, drains and attic looked at, measurements and photos taken
- You know who will be on the roof and who to call if there is a problem
- Addresses of roofs done in recent years obtained
The written quote
- Roof area stated
- Full tear-off or overlay specified
- Exact product names, colour and layers installed
- Flashing, vents and drains to be replaced, listed one by one
- Unit price for replacing damaged decking
- Taxes and exclusions in writing
- Three quotes that describe the same work
The permit and the borough
- Whether a permit is required in your borough, checked
- For a flat roof, required covering checked: white roof, solar reflectance index or green roof
- Product data sheet, with its solar reflectance index, in hand
- Person filing the permit application known
- In a condo, syndicate resolution obtained
The contract
- Legal name, address and licence number of the business
- Work, materials and price carried over from the quote
- No extras without your written approval
- Planned start date, duration and what happens with bad weather
- Deposit, instalments and when the balance is due
- Manufacturer warranty and labour warranty named
- Contract signed by both parties
Payments
- Nothing paid before the contract is signed
- Deposit modest compared with the total
- Payment by a traceable method, with a receipt
- Instalments tied to stages you can see
Before paying the balance
- Roof finished, seen in photos or with the person in charge
- Yard cleaned, dumpster removed or removal confirmed
- Extras billed match what you approved
- Detailed invoice received
- Written labour warranty: length, what is covered, what is excluded, how to make a claim
- Manufacturer warranty: certificate and proof of registration
Red flags
- an offer made at the door after a storm
- pressure to sign the same day
- a price far below the others, with no explanation
- a cash payment with no invoice
- a refusal to put the agreement in writing
- a business address you cannot verify
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before hiring a roofer?
Check the business's licence in the Régie du bâtiment du Québec register, its proof of civil liability insurance and a written quote that names the products, the area and the unit price for decking. The contract repeats these items, with the schedule, payments and warranties.
How do I check a roofer's RBQ licence?
Ask for the licence number and the legal name of the business, then look them up in the public register on the Régie du bâtiment du Québec website. The name in the register must be identical to the one on the quote.
How much of a deposit should I give a roofer?
The deposit should stay a small share of the total, paid after the contract is signed, by a traceable method. For your rights as a customer, contact the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC).
Can I use this checklist with any contractor?
Yes. The checklist works for every contractor whose quote you compare, including us.
Official sources, consulted October 16, 2026: