Becoming a general contractor in Quebec requires an understanding of regulations, certifications, team management and business operations. To become a general contractor in Quebec, you must:
1. Obtain a license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ)
2. Register with the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ)
3. Join professional associations such as APCHQ or ACQ
4. Set up your own team or work with subcontractors
5. Efficiently organize your company's operations
6. Foresee financial considerations and necessary investments
This detailed guide will take you through each step to help you succeed in this competitive field.
1. Obtain an RBQ license
How do I obtain an RBQ license to become a general contractor in Quebec? To practice as a general contractor, you must obtain a license issued by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Here are the detailed steps:
a. Identify the required license subcategory
- Subcategories for general contractors:
Category 1.2: Residential buildings not exceeding three storeys and with a maximum surface area of 600 m².
Category 1.3: Buildings of all types (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.).
b. Meeting skills requirements
You must demonstrate your skills in four key areas:
1. Project and site management
2. Worksite safety management
3. Administrative management
4. Management of laws and regulations
c. Pass mandatory exams
What exams do you need to pass to obtain your RBQ license?
Exam 1: Project and site management
- Content: Planning, organizing, directing and controlling projects
- Fee: Approximately $100
Exam 2: Construction site safety management
- Content: Occupational health and safety standards
- Fee: Approximately $100
Exam 3: Administrative management
- Content: Accounting, finance, personnel management
- Fees: Approximately $100
Exam 4: Management of laws and regulations
- Content: Laws governing construction in Quebec
- Fee: Approximately $100
Total exam fees: Approx. $400.
d. Submit license application
- Documents required:
- Completed application form
- Proof of successful completion of exams
- Identification
- Application fee (between $600 and $1,200, depending on subcategory)
e. Wait for RBQ approval
- Processing time : 60 to 90 days
- Receipt of license: Once approved, you will receive your official RBQ license
2. Register with the CCQ
Why and how do I register with the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ)? As a general contractor, you must register with the CCQ to hire personnel on construction sites.
a. Understand the collective agreements to be respected
There are four collective bargaining agreements in the construction industry:
1. Residential
2. Industrial
3. Institutional and commercial
4. Civil engineering and roads
Compliance with collective agreements :
- Minimum wages
- Regulated working hours
- Specific working conditions
b. CCQ registration procedure
- Steps to follow :
1. Complete the online registration form on the CCQ website
2. Provide the required documents: RBQ license, business registration, etc.
3. Obtain your CCQ employer number
c. Contributions and obligations
What dues must I pay to the CCQ?
- Union dues: Deducted from employee wages
- Employer contributions: For employee benefits (insurance, retirement)
- Monthly declarations: Report on hours worked and wages paid
3. Join professional associations
APCHQ vs ACQ: Which association should you choose to increase your credibility? The APCHQ (Association des professionnels de la construction et de l'habitation du Québec) is an organization that caters primarily to contractors in the residential sector. It offers services such as training, legal support and insurance programs. The ACQ (Association de la construction du Québec), on the other hand, targets contractors in the commercial, industrial and institutional sectors, offering similar services but with an emphasis on representing contractors to government bodies and providing labor relations advice. These two associations reinforce the credibility of contractors by offering a support network and useful resources.
a. Association des professionnels de la construction et de l'habitation du Québec (APCHQ)
- Sector: Mainly residential
Benefits:
- Specialized training
- Legal support
- Insurance programs
- Membership fees: Between $500 and $1,500 per year, depending on services
b. Association de la construction du Québec (ACQ)
- Sector: Commercial, industrial and institutional
Benefits:
- Government representation
- Labor relations consulting
- Access to management tools
- Membership fees: Similar to APCHQ
c. How to choose
- Analyze your sector of activity: Residential (APCHQ) or commercial/industrial (ACQ)
- Evaluate services offered: Choose the association that best meets your needs
- Consider credibility: Membership builds trust with customers and partners
4. Build your team or work with subcontractors
As a contractor, it's possible to have a team made up of your own employees, but it's also possible to deal solely with subcontractors on a transactional basis. Of course, it's also possible to adopt a hybrid approach, but how do you choose between an in-house team and subcontractors? Here are a few points to consider when making this choice.
a. Have an in-house team
Benefits:
- Increased control over work quality
- Development of a strong corporate culture
Disadvantages:
- High fixed costs (salaries, benefits)
- More complex administrative management
Factors to consider:
- Stable workload
- Financial capacity
- Personnel management skills
b. Working with subcontractors
Benefits:
- Operational flexibility
- Variable costs depending on project
Disadvantages:
- Less control over deadlines and quality
- Need to manage multiple contracts
Factors to consider:
- Project variability
- Need for specialized skills
- Ability to manage contractual relationships
5. Efficiently organize your company's operations
If you decide to launch your own business, you'll soon realize that time management is a valuable asset. You'll have a limited amount of time, milestones to reach and a team to coordinate. How can you optimize the management of your operations as a general contractor?
a. Project management
- Use digital tools: to plan and monitor project progress
- Establish clear processes: standardize procedures to gain efficiency
- Communicate effectively: With teams and customers
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b. Customer management
- Maintain transparent communication: Keep customers regularly informed of progress
- Manage expectations: Clarify objectives and deadlines from the outset
- Offer after-sales service: Build customer loyalty
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c. Financial management
- Establish accurate budgets to avoid cost overruns
- Track expenses in real time: to maintain profitability
- Optimize invoicing: use efficient systems to speed up payments
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6. Financial considerations and investment requirements
Becoming a general contractor in Quebec requires a significant initial investment to cover various aspects of setting up and running your business. Here's a detailed breakdown of the main investments required. What do I need to invest to become a general contractor?
a. Initial capital
Administrative fees:
- Licenses (RBQ, CCQ): Between $1,000 and $2,000
- Professional memberships: Between $500 and $1,500 per year
Equipment:
- Tools and machinery: Varies according to needs
- Vehicles: For transporting materials and crews
Technology:
- Management software: Invest in solutions like Billdr PRO
- Hardware: Computers, tablets, smartphones
b. Insurance
- Civil liability: Mandatory, protects against damage claims
- Site insurance: Covers risks specific to each project
- Equipment insurance: Protects your tools and machinery
- Employee insurance: CNESST for occupational health and safety
c. Working capital
Cash management:
- Plan customer payment terms
- Build up a financial reserve for unforeseen events
Financing:
- Commercial lines of credit
- Bank loans or private investments
d. Marketing and business development
- Promotional material: Business cards, brochures, posters: Approximately $500 to $1,000
- Advertising: Online (Google Ads, social networks) and traditional (Ads in local newspapers, radio)
- Registration fees for participation in trade shows and events
Conclusion
Becoming a general contractor in Quebec is a demanding journey that requires careful preparation and rigorous management. By following the steps detailed in this guide, you'll be better equipped to navigate the legalities, build an effective team and manage your operations successfully.
