How to Find and Vet a Licensed Roofing Contractor in Laval, QC

In Quebec, roofing contractors must be licensed by Emploi-Québec and registered with Revenu Québec. Before signing any contract, ask for the contractor's license number and verify it through the official Registre de la construction du Québec (RBQ). This registration confirms they meet provincial training, insurance, and liability requirements. You can search the RBQ online using the contractor's business name or license number—it takes less than two minutes. A licensed contractor will have no problem providing this information and may even volunteer their license number on their website or marketing materials. If they hesitate or claim they don't need a license for "small jobs," walk away. In Laval, all roofing work—whether repairs or full replacements—requires proper licensing.

A roofing contractor in Laval must carry two types of insurance: general liability (minimum CA$2 million) and workers' compensation (CNESST coverage in Quebec). General liability protects you if the contractor damages your property during the job; workers' compensation covers injuries to their employees. Request copies of their current insurance certificates and verify they're active before work begins. Ask whether they have coverage for weather-related incidents—critical in Laval, where ice dams and winter damage are common. Never accept verbal assurances or outdated certificates. If a contractor is injured on your roof and lacks CNESST coverage, you could face legal liability. Reputable contractors will email you proof of insurance within 24 hours without hesitation.

Always obtain at least three quotes from different contractors before committing. This isn't just about price—it helps you understand the scope of work, materials, and timeline. Request written quotes that specify: the type and grade of roofing material (asphalt, metal, slate), labor costs, material costs broken down by line item, warranty terms, and project timeline. Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others; they may indicate cut corners or hidden costs later. A reasonable roof repair in Laval ranges from CA$1,500 to CA$5,000 depending on damage extent, while full replacements typically run CA$8,000 to CA$15,000+ for a standard residential roof. The quote should also detail whether your deductible (if insurance is covering part of the work) will be applied and how it affects your final cost. Compare quotes side-by-side using the same criteria to avoid mixing apples with oranges.

Watch for these common warning signs when vetting roofing contractors:

Before signing a contract, ask these questions:

Every roofing contractor should offer a warranty on labor (typically 3–10 years) and materials (5–25 years, depending on the product). Manufacturer warranties apply to the roofing material itself, while labor warranties cover installation quality. Ask specifically what's covered—for example, does the warranty include ice dam damage, which is common in Laval winters? If your homeowner's insurance is covering part of the repair cost, your deductible applies to the total claim, not just the contractor's fee. Some contractors will credit your deductible amount toward the final invoice if you ask; clarify this before work starts. Never agree to a contractor who promises to "bypass your deductible" or suggests submitting a fraudulent claim—this is insurance fraud. A transparent contractor will help you understand how your coverage and deductible affect out-of-pocket costs but won't encourage dishonest practices.