Why RBQ Licence Verification Is Non-Negotiable in Quebec
Hiring an unlicensed roofer in Quebec exposes you to serious financial and legal risk: work by an unlicensed contractor is not covered by mandatory warranty plans; manufacturer warranties may be voided; you may not be able to make a claim against the contractor; and unlicensed work may violate municipal building permit requirements, creating issues at resale.
How to Verify an RBQ Roofing Licence in Quebec
Visit RBQ and navigate to the contractor licence search. Search by business name or licence number. Confirm the licence is active (not suspended or expired). Confirm the licence covers the appropriate subcategory — roofing requires licence subclass 1.5.4 or equivalent. Cossette Roofing’s RBQ licence number is 5697-7788-01.
Other Credentials to Look for in a Gatineau or Ottawa Roofer
BBB Accreditation: Cossette Roofing has been BBB-accredited since 2020, indicating it has met standards for business ethics and dispute resolution.
Manufacturer Certification: Cossette is a GAF Factory-Certified Contractor, authorized to offer enhanced manufacturer warranties.
Liability Insurance: Always ask for proof of liability insurance before allowing any contractor on your roof.
Established Local History: Cossette has been in business in Gatineau since 2005 — over 20 years with a verifiable local reputation.
Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Roofer in the Outaouais
Watch for: no RBQ licence number or refusal to allow verification; verbal-only quotes with no written estimate; extremely low quotes with no itemized breakdown; pressure to sign immediately or pay a large deposit; no local address or online presence; claims to be ‘passing through’ after a storm (storm-chaser contractors); and inability to provide local references.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer in Gatineau
Ask: What is your RBQ licence number and can I verify it? Are you insured (request a certificate)? Will you provide a written, itemized estimate? Who specifically will perform the work? How long have you been roofing in this area? Can you provide local references from the last 12 months? What manufacturer warranties apply and what is required to maintain them?
Why Gatineau and Ottawa Homeowners Choose Cossette Roofing
Cossette Roofing meets every objective standard: RBQ Licence 5697-7788-01 (verifiable on the public registry); BBB-accredited since 2020; GAF Factory-Certified Contractor; in business since 2005 (20+ years); 10,000+ projects completed; full liability insurance; annual specialized training for all roofers; free written estimates; and 24/7 emergency service 365 days a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an RBQ licence required for roof repairs, or only new roofs?
An RBQ licence is required for all roofing work in Quebec — including repairs, not just new installations or full replacements. There is no minimum value threshold below which the licence is not required.
Does Cossette work on roofs in Ottawa, which is in Ontario?
Yes. Cossette Roofing regularly services properties in Ottawa, Kanata, Orléans, Embrun, Clarence-Rockland, and Cornwall — in addition to Gatineau and the Quebec side of the Outaouais. Cossette operates in compliance with applicable Ontario regulations for work performed there.
What happens if a roofer damages my property during the job?
If the contractor is RBQ-licensed and insured — as Cossette is — their liability insurance covers property damage that occurs during the project. Get a certificate of insurance listing your property, not just a verbal assurance.