In Montreal, the demolition market includes hundreds of contractors, from small unlicensed subcontractors to companies certified by the RBQ and CNESST. How do you make the right choice? Here are the criteria that separate serious professionals from the rest.
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) issues licenses to contractors authorized to carry out construction and demolition work in Quebec. Working with a contractor without a valid RBQ license exposes you to serious legal risks in the event of an accident or poor workmanship.
Good to know
The RBQ license includes a financial guarantee mechanism that can compensate you in the event of an abandoned project, fraud or poor workmanship. A contractor's license number can be verified online at rbq.gouv.qc.ca.
CNESST certification proves that a contractor's workers are insured in the event of a workplace accident. Without this certification, a property owner could be held financially liable if a worker is injured on their property.
For demolition work, where the risk of accidents is higher than in many other trades, asking for a current CNESST certification before work begins is not a formality. It is essential protection.
Demolition carries the risk of accidental damage to neighbouring properties, infrastructure or utilities. Liability insurance protects the property owner if an incident occurs.
The recommended minimum coverage for residential demolition work is generally $1,000,000. Kasa Demolition is covered by $5,000,000 in liability insurance, a level of protection suited to larger projects and higher-risk situations, such as post-disaster demolition.
A price given verbally or scribbled on a piece of paper is not a contract. A serious quote breaks down every line item: labour, demolition method, debris removal, required permits and CNESST compliance.
A detailed quote also lets you compare contractors on a fair basis, and reduces the risk of additional charges once work is underway.
An established contractor should be able to show you similar completed projects and, if possible, put you in touch with previous clients. References let you confirm not only the quality of the work, but also whether timelines and communication were respected throughout the project.
Be cautious of a contractor who hesitates to provide this information or who demands full payment before work begins.
In short
A valid RBQ license, CNESST certification, sufficient liability insurance, a detailed written quote and verifiable references: these five elements form the basis of an informed decision. A contractor who easily meets these criteria is generally used to working with rigour.
Kasa Demolition: RBQ 5797-3208-01
Certified RBQ, CNESST and an APCHQ member. Detailed quote, no hidden fees.
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Samuel Perez
Co-Founder, Kasa Demolition
Samuel Perez is co-founder of Kasa Demolition and oversees business development. Bilingual in French and English, he makes sure every client understands their project and receives transparent service from the first call through to final delivery.
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