Drywall Installation Licensing in Quebec

Drywall installation in Quebec does not require a specific provincial licence for individual workers. However, on regulated construction sites (governed by Act R-20), plasterers and drywall workers must hold a CCQ competency certificate. The plasterer apprenticeship through the CCQ consists of three periods of 2,000 hours each (6,000 hours total, approximately 3 years). Contractors must hold the appropriate RBQ licence for construction work. Drywall installation must comply with the Quebec Construction Code requirements for fire separation, sound transmission, and moisture resistance. Red Seal endorsement is available for drywall finishers and plasterers.

Ask if they hold a CCQ competency certificate. Review their experience with fire-rated and moisture-resistant assemblies.

(1) Skips proper taping and uses only mud on seams - joints will crack within months (2) Applies thick single coats of mud instead of multiple thin coats - leads to cracking and bubbling (3) Does not sand between coats for a smooth finish (4) Uses standard drywall in bathrooms or other high-moisture areas instead of moisture-resistant board

(1) What level of finish will you provide, and is it suitable for the intended wall covering? (2) How many coats of joint compound will you apply? (3) What type of drywall do you recommend for this application? (4) Do you carry liability insurance? (5) What is your warranty on the finished work?

While not legally required, it is strongly recommended that drywall installations carry liability insurance. Ask for proof of coverage before hiring.

The Red Seal endorsement is a nationally recognized certification that allows tradespeople to work across all Canadian provinces and territories without additional testing. A Red Seal-endorsed tradesperson has met a standardized level of competency.

In Quebec, most contractors performing construction work must hold an RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence. You can verify any contractor's licence on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Always ask for the licence number and verify it before hiring.

Typical rates for drywall installations in Quebec range from $40-$80/hour. Square footage, drywall type (standard, moisture-resistant, fire-rated, soundproof), number of sheets, ceiling height, finishing level (Level 1-5, with Level 4-5 being standard for painted surfaces), complexity of the space (cuts around windows, doors, outlets), accessibility, and whether old drywall removal is needed. Labour accounts for 60-70% of the total cost in the GTA. Taping, mudding, and sanding (finishing) is typically 50-60% of the labour cost.