Most renovation horror stories don’t start on the job site. They start at the kitchen table, when someone signs a two-page contract without really reading it because the contractor seemed nice and the price looked fair.

By the time the problems show up, the contract is the only thing that matters. It decides who pays for the surprise rot behind the tiles, when the job has to be finished and what happens if it isn’t. Here’s what to look for before you sign, plus the Quebec rules every homeowner should know.

Why the Contract Matters More Than the Quote

A quote tells you what the contractor hopes to charge. A contract tells you what they’re actually obligated to do. Those aren’t the same thing.

Two quotes can show the same bottom line and describe completely different jobs. One includes demolition, disposal and permits. The other assumes you’ll handle all three. You won’t find that out from the number at the bottom. You’ll find it in the scope, the exclusions and the payment terms, and if those aren’t written down, they’re open to interpretation later, usually not in your favour.

12 Red Flags in a Renovation Contract

1. No RBQ licence number, or a name that doesn’t match

The contractor’s licence number should be on the contract, and the company name should match the RBQ registry exactly, down to the “inc.” Without that, you may lose access to the licence security if things go wrong.

2. A vague scope of work

“Renovate bathroom” isn’t a scope. You want rooms, tasks, materials and what’s excluded.

3. A large deposit before anything happens

The RBQ advises paying as small a deposit as possible before work starts. A request for half the job upfront is a warning sign.

4. Cash only, or a discount for skipping the invoice

No GST and QST numbers, no paper trail and no protection if something goes wrong.

5. No start or completion dates

“Spring” isn’t a date. Without real dates, delays have no consequences.

6. Big allowances with no detail

A $5,000 “fixtures allowance” with no description gives the contractor room to choose cheap products or bill extra later.

7. No written change-order process

Changes happen. The contract should say they’re priced and approved in writing before the work is done.

8. Payments tied to dates instead of progress

Pay for work completed, not because it’s the 15th of the month.

9. Permits left vague or pushed onto you

If the contractor wants the permit in your name, ask why. The contract should state who obtains permits and who pays for them.

10. Nothing about subcontractors

In Quebec, unpaid subcontractors and suppliers can register a claim against your property. The contract should list them and cover proof of payment.

11. No warranty, or clauses that limit liability

Watch for language that waives the contractor’s responsibility for defects or damage. Ask for proof of liability insurance too.

12. Pressure to sign today, or blank spaces

A good contractor will wait while you read. Never sign anything with blanks to be “filled in later.”

What a Good Renovation Contract Should Include

The RBQ recommends a detailed written contract for any renovation. At minimum, look for:

• Both parties identified: your address, the contractor’s legal name, full contact details, RBQ licence number, Québec enterprise number (NEQ), and GST and QST numbers.
• A detailed scope with materials, brands or models where it matters, and clear exclusions.
• The total price covering labour, materials, delivery, subcontractors, equipment rental and taxes.
• A payment schedule tied to milestones, with a holdback at the end.
• Start and completion dates, plus what happens if they slip.
• Permits, including who applies and who pays.
• Change orders, written and signed before the work.
• Warranty terms, insurance, site cleanup and debris disposal.
• Subcontractors and suppliers, and a commitment to provide releases showing they’ve been paid.

Quebec-Specific Things to Know

Quebec has a few rules that homeowners elsewhere don’t deal with. These are the ones that matter most.

• The RBQ licence security. Licensed contractors carry a bond: $40,000 for general contractors and $20,000 for specialized ones. It can compensate you for deposits on work not done, unfinished work and defects found within a year of completion. It’s shared among every eligible claimant, and you only qualify if your contract shows the licence number and the matching company name.
• The new-home guarantee doesn’t apply. The Guarantee Plan for New Residential Buildings covers new construction, not renovations. Your contract is your main protection.
• Legal construction hypothecs. Subcontractors, suppliers and workers can register a hypothec on your property if they aren’t paid, even if you’ve paid your contractor in full. Those who don’t deal with you directly must first send you a written notice of their contract. Keep every notice you receive.
• Your right to a holdback. Under article 2123 of the Civil Code, you can withhold enough from your payment to cover claims from workers and subcontractors who have notified you, until you’re shown they’ve been paid.
• Contracts signed at home. For certain work, like doors and windows, insulation, roofing or exterior siding, a contractor who signs you up at your home is treated as an itinerant merchant. The contract must be in writing, and you have 10 days after receiving your copy to cancel without giving a reason.

What to Do If You’ve Already Signed and Something Feels Wrong

Don’t panic, and don’t stop reading the paperwork. Start here.

• Check whether you can still cancel. If the contract falls under the itinerant merchant rules and you’re within 10 days, send written notice. The contractor has 15 days to refund you.
• Put your concerns in writing. Ask for missing details, like dates, specs or the subcontractor list, to be added as a signed amendment.
• Stop paying ahead of the work. Pay only for what’s done, and keep a holdback at the end.
• Ask for releases. Before the final payment, get written confirmation that subcontractors and suppliers have been paid, and check the land register for any registered hypothec.
• Escalate if needed. A formal notice (mise en demeure) is usually the first step. After that, you can contact the Office de la protection du consommateur, file a claim against the contractor’s RBQ licence security or go to small claims court. For anything serious, talk to a lawyer or notary.

FAQ

How much deposit is normal for a renovation in Quebec?

There’s no single legal cap for most renovation contracts, but the RBQ recommends keeping it as small as possible. A contractor signed up at your home as an itinerant merchant can’t ask for a deposit during the 10-day cancellation period.

Can I cancel a renovation contract in Quebec?

If it falls under the itinerant merchant rules, yes, within 10 days of receiving your copy and without a reason. Otherwise, cancellation usually depends on the contract’s own terms or a court decision.

Can a subcontractor put a hypothec on my house if I paid my contractor?

Yes. That’s why written releases and a holdback at the end of the job are so important.

Should the contract really include the RBQ licence number?

Yes. It’s one of the conditions for claiming against the licence security if things go wrong.

Read It Before You Sign It

A good contract protects you and the contractor. It sets expectations, puts the money on a sensible schedule and leaves very little to argue about later. If a contractor resists putting things in writing, that tells you most of what you need to know.

TD Renovations handles kitchens, bathrooms, basements and interior finishing across the Montreal area. Its RBQ licence number is 5630-6731-01. Look it up before you call; a contractor worth hiring will be glad you did.

This article is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, consult a lawyer or notary.