Comparing renovation quotes: what to look at beyond the price

Step 1: make sure the scope is the same

The RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) suggests comparing, from one quote to the next, how well your need was understood, how clear the detail is, the materials, the schedule, the price, the payment terms and the protections offered. The price therefore comes after the scope. Before reading a total, check that the contractors priced the same work.

A practical tip: ask for a quote broken down item by item. Many contractors prepare them with software (SubmitX is one: AI suggests a draft that the contractor approves before sending, see the features), but the tool matters little to you. What counts is the detail.

A comparison table to fill in

Copy this table into a spreadsheet or onto paper. An empty box or a "not specified" is already information.

Inclusions, exclusions and taxes: where the gaps hide

Price gaps rarely come from the labour rate alone. Most often they hide in what is or isn't included:

• Materials: brand, model, quality level. A "hardwood floor" can mean two very different products. Ask for the reference.
• Exclusions: painting, appliances, demolition, furniture protection. The RBQ suggests itemizing labour, materials, products, transport, insurance, subcontractors and equipment rental in the contract.
• Debris: the OPC advises having it written that the price includes removal of construction debris.
• Taxes: check whether the price is shown before or after GST and QST, otherwise you will be comparing totals of a different nature.
• Allowances: a "budgeted amount" for a choice to be made later (light fixtures, tile) is not a final price.
• Unforeseen work: the OPC advises having it written that the contractor must get your authorization before any work not provided for in the contract.

On this last point, the OPC writes that the contractor cannot bill you more than the amount they gave you at the outset, and that you can dispute an extra charge for work they did not get authorized. Confirm with the OPC based on your contract.

Payments, protections and permits

Compare the payment terms as carefully as the price. The OPC suggests avoiding a deposit or limiting it to a small amount, paying in instalments as work progresses and holding back 10 to 15% of the total cost until the work is finished; the RBQ advises paying the smallest possible deposit. A quote that asks for a large sum at signing compares poorly with a quote paid in stages, even if the total is the same.

For protections, require them in writing. The protection offered by the contractor is free, the OPC points out: ask for a copy or have its details written in the contract or on the invoice. Distinguish it from the licence bond, which, according to the RBQ, covers notably deposits paid, unfinished work and defects discovered within a year after the work is completed.

Also ask about subcontractors and suppliers. Éducaloi points out that if the contractor is not paid, they can register a legal hypothec on your property, and that workers, subcontractors and suppliers can do so too. So ask how the contractor plans to pay their people. Finally, clarify who obtains the municipal permit: the RBQ advises knowing this before signing.

Red flags in a quote

• A vague description ("complete renovation") with no list of work or materials.
• A missing RBQ licence number, or a company name different from the licence holder's.
• No full address: the OPC warns against contractors who only give a phone number.
• A price far below the others, with no explanation of the scope or materials.
• Pressure to sign quickly, or an "urgent" problem that is not demonstrated: the OPC then advises getting other assessments.
• A request for a large payment before work begins.

To know what a quote should contain, from the contractor's point of view, read the guide to residential renovation quotes in Quebec.

Deciding: the table doesn't do it all

Once the table is filled in, call the contractors still in the running. Judge how clear their answers are, how well they understand your project and the quality of their references. The lowest price is only worth something if it covers what you want. Once you have chosen, move on to the written contract and the checks described in Finding a renovation contractor in Quebec.

Where SubmitX Network fits in

SubmitX Network is a construction network for Quebec where individuals with a project will be able to browse profiles and choose for themselves who to contact. It is closed for now: a waitlist is open and each region will open one at a time. You can sign up for free and will be notified once when yours opens. A "verified" label on a profile does not replace the table above. Details in What is SubmitX Network?.