RBQ licence: why to verify it before your renovations

Before you trust a contractor with your renovation, one check protects you more than any other: verifying their Régie du bâtiment du Québec licence. It takes two minutes and can save you years of trouble. Here's why — and how to do it.

What is an RBQ licence?

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec oversees the construction industry. To obtain a licence, a contractor must demonstrate knowledge of site management, administration and safety, prove sufficient financial health, and meet integrity requirements. The licence also specifies the categories of work the contractor is authorized to perform.

In other words, a valid RBQ licence tells you a contractor has cleared a minimum bar of competence and seriousness. It's a filter, not an absolute guarantee — but it's the first filter, and it's essential.

What the licence covers… and what it doesn't

The RBQ licence confirms authorization to operate and the category of work. It does not replace the other checks: liability insurance, the real quality of past work, references. A valid licence combined with insurance, written quotes and good references: that's the true foundation of an informed choice.

How to verify it in two minutes

1. Ask the contractor for their RBQ licence number.
2. Go to the official RBQ registry: rbq.gouv.qc.ca.
3. Enter the number (or the company name) and confirm the licence is active, that it covers the type of work planned, and that no restrictions apply.

If the contractor hesitates to give you their number, or if the licence doesn't appear as active, treat it as a serious warning.

The risks of hiring an unlicensed contractor

• No recourse through the RBQ if something goes wrong.
• Warranties compromised: some warranty programs require an accredited contractor.
• Insurance and liability: in case of damage or an accident, you could be exposed.
• Under-the-table work: beyond the legal risk, it often means no contract, no invoicing and no protection.

Saving a few hundred dollars by hiring an unlicensed contractor can end up costing thousands.

Licence verification, at the heart of PRONEK

PRONEK was built on one conviction: trust starts with verification. The contractors on the platform are contractors whose RBQ licence is verified, and that verification is kept up to date. You remain free — and we encourage it — to confirm the licence yourself on the official registry before you commit.

Want to start on the right foot? Estimate your project and compare verified RBQ contractors.