How to choose a good roofer in Quebec: 7 essential criteria

We'll be frank with you: our industry has a reputation problem. There are outstanding roofers in Quebec, but there are also cowboys who do sloppy work, who disappear after the first cheque, and who leave homeowners with problems worse than before. We see it regularly when we're called in to fix someone else's work.

So here's our guide to help you tell a good roofer from a bad one. And yes, we're aware that we're roofers ourselves writing this article — but everything we say here is verifiable and applies just as much to us as to any competitor.

1. The RBQ licence: non-negotiable

In Quebec, every construction contractor must hold a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). It's the law, full stop. No licence = not a legitimate roofer.

Why is it so important? Because without an RBQ licence, you have no legal recourse if the work is done poorly. Your home insurance could even refuse to cover a claim if the work was done by an unlicensed contractor. And the residential construction guarantee plan doesn't apply either.

Checking a licence is free and takes 30 seconds on the RBQ website. Do it. Always. For the record, our licence is 5767-0838-01 — go check, we encourage you to.

2. Civil liability insurance

A roofer works at heights, with heavy equipment and sometimes torches. Accidents happen, even to the best. If a worker falls off your roof and isn't insured, it's YOU who could be held liable.

Ask for proof of civil liability insurance of at least 2 million dollars. A serious roofer will provide it without hesitation and without batting an eye. If someone hesitates or tells you "it's fine, don't worry about it" — major red flag.

3. Verifiable references and reviews

Anyone can say they do good work. The real proof comes from past clients. Ask for 3 to 5 references from projects similar to yours and take the time to call them. Ask questions: was the work done on time? Was the site kept clean? Were there any surprises on the price?

Also check the Google reviews. Not just the score — read the reviews. Be wary of a contractor who has no reviews online, or only 5-star reviews with no comments (possibly fake). At Toitures VNC, we have 68+ reviews with an average of 4.8 stars — and we respond to every one.

4. A detailed written quote

It seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many contractors give a "verbal" price or a figure on a scrap of paper. A professional quote should be in writing and include the full breakdown of the work, the brands and models of materials, the planned schedule, the total price including taxes, and the payment terms.

If someone gives you a price "by eye" after 5 minutes on your property, be wary. A good roofer takes measurements, checks the condition of the decking (ideally), and gives you a detailed quote in the following days.

5. Clear warranties on both the work AND the materials

There are two types of warranties: the manufacturer's on the materials and the contractor's on the workmanship. You need both, and they must be in writing.

The manufacturer's warranty depends on the product (10 to 50 years depending on the line). The workmanship warranty varies from one roofer to another — 5 to 10 years is the industry norm. Be wary of "lifetime" warranties on workmanship — it's often a marketing argument that isn't worth much if the company closes its doors in 5 years.

6. Specialized in roofing

Be wary of the "jack-of-all-trades" contractor who does plumbing on Monday, electrical on Tuesday and roofing on Wednesday. Roofing is a specialized trade that takes specific technical knowledge, considerable field experience and constant updating on products and standards.

A specialized roofer knows the best installation practices for each type of product, the requirements of the Building Code, and the technical details that make the difference between a roof that lasts 15 years and one that lasts 30.

7. Building Code compliant

A good roofer works to the standards of the Quebec Building Code. That includes adequate attic ventilation, the vapour barrier, the waterproofing membrane at transitions and high-risk areas, and the maximum number of layers permitted (you can't just keep laying over top indefinitely).

If a roofer offers to lay your new shingles over the old ones "to save time and money," ask questions. It's sometimes acceptable (if it's the first layer over top), but often it's a shortcut that will cost you more in the long run.

Our commitment

At Toitures VNC, we check all these boxes and we're proud of it. Active RBQ licence, full insurance, over 10 years of specialized roofing experience, clear written warranties, 650+ installations, 4.8 stars on Google. But don't take our word for it — check for yourself.

Request your free quote at 438-494-1665. We come out, we assess, we give you an honest price. It's up to you to decide afterward.