The 10 Criteria to Verify
Roofing is one of the most significant investments a homeowner makes. A poor choice of contractor can turn a quality product into a disaster. Use this checklist before signing any contract.
1. Valid, Active RBQ Licence
Any roofing contractor working in Quebec must hold a valid licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Verify the licence number directly at pes.rbq.gouv.qc.ca — check that it's active, covers the right work category, and that the contractor matches. Our RBQ licence: 5770-4033-01. See our page on RBQ-certified roofing.
2. Civil Liability Insurance of at Least $2,000,000
Ask for a certificate of insurance and confirm it is current. If a worker is injured on your property or the contractor damages a neighbouring house, you could be held liable without adequate coverage. $2,000,000 is the minimum — reputable firms carry more.
3. Proven Experience and a Portfolio of Recent Similar Projects
Ask specifically about projects similar to yours — same type of roof, same materials, similar scope. Before-and-after photos and local references are the most valuable evidence. Experience installing elastomeric membranes on flat roofs is a very different skill set from pitched asphalt shingle work.
4. Strong Online Reviews and Verifiable References
Look for a minimum of 50 Google reviews with an average of 4.5 stars or better. Read the negative reviews too — how the company responded tells you a lot about how they handle problems. Ask for 2–3 recent client references you can actually call.
5. A Detailed Written Estimate
A professional estimate must specify: the materials (brand, model, colour), the full scope of work (including tear-off, decking inspection, flashing replacement), the total price with taxes, the projected timeline, payment terms, and both the workmanship and material warranties. Vague estimates lead to disputes and surprise costs.
Criteria 6 Through 10
6. Workmanship Warranty
A minimum of 5 years on workmanship is reasonable. Members of the AMCQ (Association des maîtres couvreurs du Québec) are required to offer a 10-year workmanship warranty — a meaningful differentiator.
7. Professional Association Membership
Membership in the AMCQ, APCHQ, or CAA-Québec Approved Network signals a commitment to industry standards, ongoing training, and professional accountability.
8. No Excessive Deposit
A deposit of 10–15% to schedule the job and order materials is reasonable. A contractor demanding 50% or more upfront is a serious red flag — you lose all leverage if the work is poor or never completed.
9. A Clear Contract Before Work Begins
Everything agreed upon verbally should be in the written contract — scope, materials, price, timeline, warranty, and dispute resolution process. If they won't put it in writing, walk away.
10. Responsive Communication
If they don't return your call within 24–48 hours during the estimate stage, imagine how fast they'll respond after the job is done. Responsiveness before the sale is a preview of their service culture.
Red Flags to Watch For
These warning signs indicate a contractor you should avoid, regardless of how good their price looks:
- Soliciting door-to-door after a storm — legitimate roofers don't need to chase work this way; storm-chasers often do shoddy work and disappear
- Cash only, no receipt — means no paper trail, no warranty, and likely no RBQ licence
- No RBQ licence number — non-negotiable; working without one is illegal
- "This price is only valid today" pressure tactics — a sign of a high-pressure sales approach rather than a professional business relationship
- Offers to work "under the table" without taxes — you lose all legal recourse and warranty protection, and could be held partially liable
- No online presence whatsoever — no website, no reviews, no verifiable history; a reputable contractor has a track record you can research
Frequently Asked Questions
How many estimates should I get before choosing a roofer?
Get a minimum of 3 estimates. This gives you a realistic sense of the market price, lets you compare the scope of work proposed, and helps identify any outlier bids — either suspiciously low (corner-cutting) or unreasonably high.
Can a roofer work without an RBQ licence in Quebec?
No — it is illegal. Without an RBQ licence, there is no legal guarantee on the work, no recourse through the Guarantee Plan for Residential Buildings, and your home insurance may refuse to cover damage caused by or discovered after the work. Always verify the RBQ licence number at pes.rbq.gouv.qc.ca.
Is the roofer's warranty different from the manufacturer's warranty?
Yes — and you need both. The manufacturer's warranty (typically 25–50 years) covers material defects. The roofer's workmanship warranty covers installation quality — improper flashings, poor sealing, ventilation errors. Installation faults void most manufacturer warranties, which is why choosing an experienced, certified roofer matters as much as choosing quality materials.