What the licence is
The licence is the authorization the Régie issues to a contractor to carry out construction work. It has a number you can look up in the register.
The licence is the first check to make when it is time to choose a roofer. The other criteria, such as experience or the quality of the quote, come after.
Check in the register that roofing work is part of what the licence authorizes. If you are unsure what to look for, consult the RBQ website or call the Régie.
Why require it
First, the law requires this licence. A contractor without a licence works outside the rules, and you have no reason to trust them with your roof.
Second, the licence gives you an identifiable party. You know which company is making the commitment, under what name and at what address. If there is a dispute, you know who to turn to.
How to check the register
- Ask us for our licence number and the company's exact legal name, as you would any contractor.
- Go to the RBQ website and open the register of licence holders.
- Search for the company using that information.
- Read the record that comes up.
- Compare it with the quote you received.
What to look at in the record
- The company name. Check that it is identical to the one on the quote and the contract.
- The licence status. Check that the licence is in force when you sign.
- The authorized work. Check that roofing work is part of what it authorizes.
If something does not match, ask the company for an explanation. If the answer does not satisfy you, call the RBQ.
Common traps
The first trap is the borrowed number. A contractor without a licence puts another company's number on their documents. Comparing the name in the register reveals it right away.
Another case is a licence that once existed but is no longer in force. A number printed on a truck or a business card proves nothing. Only the register counts, on the date you consult it.
What the licence does not tell you
The licence confirms that the contractor is authorized to do the work. It does not say whether the crew is careful, punctual or used to your type of roof. Those points are judged another way, with us as with anyone, through the visit, the written quote and references.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find a roofer's licence number?
Look for the licence number on the quote, the contract or the invoice. If it is not there, ask for it. A contractor in good standing gives it without hesitation.
What if the roofer does not appear in the register?
First check the spelling of the name and the number. If the contractor still cannot be found, do not sign. You can contact the RBQ to confirm the situation.
Should I check the licence again before signing?
Yes, if several months separate the quote from the signing. A licence's status can change. A second check, just before you sign or pay a deposit, costs nothing.