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

In Quebec, roofing contractors must hold a valid Contractor's License issued by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). This is a non-negotiable requirement—never hire a roofer who claims they don't have one or can't produce proof. You can verify any contractor's license instantly on the RBQ's public registry at www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca by searching their business name or license number.

When you verify their license, check the scope of work it covers. A valid roofing license should specifically include roof installation, repair, and replacement. Also confirm the license is in good standing and hasn't been suspended or revoked. In Sherbrooke, where roofs endure significant snow loads and ice damming, you want a contractor with proven expertise and no disciplinary history. Request proof of their license before accepting any quote, and cross-reference it with the RBQ database yourself—don't rely solely on what the contractor shows you.

A licensed contractor in Sherbrooke must carry both general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. General liability protects you if the contractor damages your property or a third party is injured on site. Workers' compensation protects their employees and limits your liability if a worker is hurt during the job.

Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from any contractor you're considering. This document should list your address as an 'additional insured' and show coverage limits of at least CA$2 million for liability. Don't accept verbal assurances or promises to "add you later"—a legitimate contractor can provide this in writing before work begins. Verify the insurance company and policy number are current, and ask for a contact number to confirm directly with their insurer if needed. If a contractor cannot provide proof of insurance, walk away immediately.

Always obtain at least three quotes from different contractors before making a decision. This gives you a realistic range of costs for your Sherbrooke roof project and reveals which contractors may be underpricing dangerously. Typical roof replacement in Sherbrooke ranges from CA$8,000 to CA$16,000 depending on size, pitch, materials, and existing damage—quotes significantly lower should raise suspicion.

When comparing quotes, ensure each one is detailed and in writing. A proper quote should include: the roofing material and brand, labor costs broken down separately, removal of old roofing, warranty details, project timeline, and start/completion dates. Ask whether the quote includes the cost of your deductible if insurance is involved—some contractors roll this into their estimate, while others bill it separately. Request references from recent jobs in the Sherbrooke area and follow up with at least two to ask about quality, timeliness, and whether final costs matched the quote.

Watch for these warning signs when evaluating roofing contractors in Sherbrooke:

Before hiring a roofing contractor, ask these essential questions:

If your roof damage is covered by your homeowner's insurance, your deductible is your out-of-pocket responsibility. In Quebec, typical deductibles range from CA$500 to CA$2,500, depending on your policy. Never assume the contractor will cover this—clarify upfront how the deductible is handled.

Some contractors will absorb the deductible as a way to win the job (they'll still bill insurance for the full repair cost). Others will ask you to pay it directly. A few unscrupulous contractors may inflate the total invoice to artificially lower your out-of-pocket cost, which is insurance fraud. Discuss the deductible approach in writing before signing the contract. If insurance is involved, request an adjuster's estimate as well and compare it with the contractor's quote. A reputable Sherbrooke roofer will welcome this transparency and won't object to your insurance company's assessment.