Foundations Licensing in Quebec

Foundation repair contractors in Quebec must hold the appropriate RBQ licence. Structural repairs should be designed by a Professional Engineer who is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ). Underpinning projects require engineering design, building permits, and may involve compulsory trades including concrete work, and may require plumbing and electrical disconnections by CMMTQ and CMEQ-licensed contractors respectively. Contractors must comply with CNESST regulations for excavation and shoring.

Ensure structural repairs are designed by a licensed OIQ engineer. Ask for the contractor's RBQ licence number.

(1) Recommends extensive repair work without suggesting a structural engineer's assessment first (2) Only offers one repair method regardless of the specific problem - different issues require different solutions (3) No written warranty on workmanship and materials (4) Does not carry liability insurance or WSIB coverage (5) Cannot explain the cause of the foundation problem, only the proposed fix

(1) Do you recommend a structural engineer's assessment before starting repairs? (2) What specific repair method do you recommend and why is it the best option for my situation? (3) Do you carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage? (4) What warranty do you provide on materials and workmanship? (5) Will you pull the necessary building permits for this work?

Yes, foundations in Quebec are expected to carry liability insurance.

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 foundations in Quebec range from $75-$150/hour (labour); projects typically quoted per job. Severity and type of foundation damage (hairline cracks vs. structural failure), repair method required (injection vs. underpinning vs. wall replacement), linear footage of foundation affected, depth of excavation needed, accessibility of the foundation from the exterior, whether a structural engineer's report is required, soil conditions, and presence of high water table. Toronto and GTA projects cost more due to higher labour rates and tighter site access. An engineer's report ($800-$2,500) is typically required before major structural repairs.