An RBQ licence is a mandatory certification from Quebec’s Régie du bâtiment du Québec that every roofing contractor must hold before legally working in the province. Without it, homeowners lose insurance protection, legal recourse, and warranty coverage if anything goes wrong.
What Is the RBQ and Why Does It Exist?
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec is Quebec’s provincial construction regulator. Before issuing a licence, the RBQ requires contractors to pass examinations in safety management, administrative management, and construction knowledge, and to demonstrate financial solvency. The system exists specifically to protect homeowners from unqualified operators — a problem the RBQ estimates causes tens of millions of dollars in consumer losses across the province annually.
What Does an RBQ Licence Actually Confirm?
A valid RBQ licence confirms the contractor has passed the required qualifications, carries mandatory liability insurance, and has no active serious complaints on record. Licences are issued by subcategory — a contractor licensed for general construction may not be licensed for roofing specifically. Always confirm the licence covers roofing, not just general renovation work.
Cossette Roofing holds RBQ Licence 5697-7788-01 covering residential and commercial roofing across all system types — shingle, metal, and elastomeric membrane.
How to Verify an RBQ Licence in Under 2 Minutes
Every legitimate contractor provides their 10-digit RBQ licence number (format: XXXX-XXXX-XX) on their estimate. Enter it in the official registry to confirm the licence is active and covers roofing subcategories.
Verify any contractor’s RBQ licence status using the official RBQ licence holders registry.
Can Ontario Contractors Work on Quebec Roofs?
No. Ontario contractor licences are not recognized in Quebec under the Loi sur le bâtiment. Any contractor performing roofing work on a Gatineau or Quebec property must hold a valid RBQ licence — regardless of where their company is based. This is one of the most common compliance issues in the Gatineau-Ottawa border region.
What Happens If You Hire an Unlicensed Roofer?
Quebec’s consumer protection framework under the RBQ does not apply to unlicensed contractors. You lose formal recourse through the RBQ, your home insurance may deny claims related to the work, and any permits may be invalid. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor has no workers’ compensation, you could be held personally liable.
For all roofing services performed by a fully licensed RBQ contractor in Gatineau and Ottawa, visit Cossette Roofing services.
RBQ Licence vs. BBB Accreditation vs. Manufacturer Certification
These are three distinct credentials. RBQ licensing is a legal requirement under provincial law — without it the contractor cannot work in Quebec. BBB accreditation is voluntary and reflects ethical business conduct. GAF Factory-Certified Contractor status is a manufacturer quality designation that unlocks enhanced warranty tiers, including the GAF Golden Pledge warranty, not available from non-certified installers. Cossette Roofing holds all three.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an RBQ licence required for minor roofing repairs in Quebec?
Yes. Quebec’s Loi sur le bâtiment requires an RBQ licence for all roofing work regardless of project size or cost. There are no exceptions based on scope.
How do I find the RBQ licence number for Cossette Roofing?
Cossette Roofing‘s RBQ licence number is 5697-7788-01. It appears on all estimates and contracts and can be verified here.
What is the format of an RBQ licence number?
An RBQ licence number is 10 digits formatted as XXXX-XXXX-XX. If a contractor cannot provide this number on their estimate, they are not licensed.
Does an RBQ licence guarantee quality workmanship?
No — it confirms minimum qualifications and insurance coverage. Reviews, manufacturer certifications, and a written workmanship warranty are additional quality indicators to look for.
What should I do if my roofer was not licensed?
File a complaint directly with the RBQ and notify your home insurer. For financial recovery on defective work, consult a lawyer familiar with Quebec’s Loi sur le bâtiment.
Cossette Roofing — RBQ Licence 5697-7788-01 — 819-777-7177 — toiturescossette.ca