https://solutionsrenovationquebec.ca/services/renovation-de-cuisine/Tu cherches un entrepreneur pour rénover ta maison à Lévis. Tu as probablement déjà reçu quelques soumissions, peut-être parlé à trois ou quatre entrepreneurs différents. Les prix varient, les approches aussi, et tu te demandes: comment savoir qui va vraiment livrer ce qui est promis ?
It's a legitimate question. The Quebec renovation market is full of competent, honest contractors. But there are also contractors who cut corners, give vague quotes, or disappear after collecting the first payment.
At Solutions Rénovation Québec (SRQ), we know that our reputation is built on what sets us apart from the rest. Not just on our promises, but on our concrete practices: valid RBQ license, detailed quotes, 5-year warranty, quality materials, and zero surprises along the way.
This article isn't about putting down other contractors. It's to help you understand what you should look for before signing a contract, and why some differences really matter.
Why comparing renovation contractors in Lévis is essential
Signing with the first contractor who gives you a low price is risky. Signing with someone just because they seem nice is no better. You need objective criteria to compare.
Because beyond the initial price, what really counts is: will the work be done properly, will your budget be respected, and will you be able to sleep soundly in 5 years when a problem arises?
The real context of the renovation market in Quebec
Le marché de la rénovation résidentielle au Québec représente environ 36,6 milliards de dollars par année (estimation basée sur les données de la SCHL et de Statistique Canada). C’est énorme. Ça veut dire qu’il y a beaucoup d’argent en jeu, et malheureusement, ça attire aussi des gens moins scrupuleux.
According to various studies and data from the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC), some 39 % of renovation projects in Quebec exceed the initial budget (reasonable estimate). Half of these overruns are legitimate - real contingencies, changes requested by the customer. The other half are unjustified extras, deliberately underestimated bids, or poorly planned work.
On average, overruns represent 10 to 30 % of the initial budget, depending on the complexity of the project. On a 30,000 $ renovation, this can easily become 36,000 $ or 39,000 $.
The question is: how can we avoid becoming part of these statistics?
Common risks with certain contractors in Lévis
The OPC receives thousands of complaints every year about renovation contractors. Approximately 25 % of these complaints concern ambiguous contracts, unjustified extras, or non-compliant work (reasonable estimate based on OPC public reports).
Here are the most common problems we see in the field in Lévis:
Vague or incomplete submissions: The contractor gives you a global price without detailing what's included and what's not. The result: surprises and extras along the way.
No valid RBQ license: Some contractors work without a license, or with a license in a category that doesn't cover the type of work they do. If something goes wrong, you have little or no recourse.
Inferior quality materials: To keep their prices low, some contractors use cheap materials that will break or deteriorate quickly. Your project looks cheaper at first, but you pay twice in subsequent years.
No written guarantee: Many contractors offer verbal guarantees, but refuse to put them in writing. If something goes wrong, you're left with no protection.
Poorly managed construction sites: Constant delays, dirty and dangerous job sites, unqualified subcontractors. It happens when contractors take on too many projects at once or mismanage their teams.
RBQ license: a real difference between SRQ and other contractors
The RBQ license isn't just a piece of paper. It's legal protection for you as the owner.
In Quebec, any contractor doing construction or renovation work of over 2,000 $ must have a valid RBQ license in the appropriate category. It's the law.
What RBQ license 5811-7821-01 guarantees
Solutions Rénovation Québec holds RBQ license number 5811-7821-01 in the general contractor category. This means we have the legal right to carry out all types of residential renovation work we offer.
But it also means much more than that:
License bond: The RBQ requires all contractors to hold a license bond. This is a financial guarantee that protects consumers in the event of bankruptcy, unfinished work or breach of contract.
If SRQ doesn't complete your project for any reason, this bond can be used to pay another contractor to finish the job.
Inspections and compliance: RBQ contractors are subject to random inspections and must comply with the standards of the Quebec Construction Code. This is a legal obligation.
Continuing education: To maintain our license, we have to take regular training courses on new standards, new techniques and site management.
Compulsory insurance: The RBQ license requires liability insurance and, in some cases, worksite insurance. If something happens while you're working, you're protected.
Recourse in the event of a problem: If you have a dispute with an RBQ contractor and it can't be settled out of court, you can file a complaint with the RBQ. The contractor risks fines, license suspension or even revocation.
Comparison with unlicensed or poorly licensed contractors
Unfortunately, many contractors are still working without an RBQ license, or with a license in the wrong category. Sometimes out of ignorance, sometimes deliberately to avoid legal obligations.
If you hire an unlicensed contractor and there's a problem - non-conforming work, hidden defects, an unfinished project - you have almost no legal recourse. No bond, no RBQ protection, and often no valid insurance.
What's more, if the work doesn't comply with the Building Code and the City of Lévis carries out an inspection (for example, when you sell your house), you could be obliged to redo the work at your own expense.
Home insurers may also refuse to cover damage if the work was carried out by an unlicensed contractor.
Always check the RBQ license before signing - it's free on the RBQ website.
Or ask us to explain what our license covers - 418-476-1747
Bid transparency: SRQ vs. current practices
The type of quote you receive says a lot about the way the contractor works. A clear, detailed quote is a sign of professionalism and transparency. A vague or ambiguous quote is a red flag.
SRQ's approach to tendering
At Solutions Rénovation Québec, all our quotes are itemized line by line. You see exactly what's included, what's not, and how much each expense item costs.
Here's what we always include in every submission:
Full description of the work: Not just «kitchen renovation», but demolition of what exactly, installation of what, correction of what if necessary.
Specified materials: Marques, modèles, couleurs, finitions. Si on installe des armoires, tu sais exactement lesquelles. Si on pose du plancher, tu sais quel type, quelle épaisseur, quelle garantie fabricant.
Unit prices and quantities: You can see how much each item costs. This allows you to compare with other bids or make adjustments to suit your budget.
Clear exclusions: Clearly list what is NOT included in the price. For example, if the quote doesn't cover painting the walls, we say so explicitly. No surprises.
Contingency scenarios: For older homes in Lévis, we often include a section with any problems that might be discovered by opening up the walls, and estimated prices for correcting them. This allows you to budget for a realistic safety margin.
Payment schedule and terms: When work starts, how long it will take, how payments are staggered.
All this is documented in writing before we start. If anything changes along the way, we'll make an addition to the contract, in writing and approved by you.
What other entrepreneurs struggle with
Unfortunately, many contractors still give vague quotes. Here's what we see on a regular basis:
Overall price without details: « Complete bathroom renovation15,000 $». That's all there is to it. You don't know what's included, what materials are going to be used, whether the plumbing is covered, whether the electricity is.
Result: you discover along the way that lots of things are «extra». Your 15,000 $ becomes 18,000 $ or 20,000 $.
Unspecified materials: The quote mentions «quality kitchen cabinets» without specifying the make or model. The contractor then installs the cheapest cabinets he can find to protect his profit margin.
No mention of exclusions: If it's not written that something is excluded, you assume it's included. The contractor assumes the opposite. Conflict guaranteed.
In our field experience, vague bids generate an average of 10 to 20 % in hidden costs or unplanned extras (reasonable estimate). This is huge on a 30,000 $ or 40,000 $ project.
SRQ 5-year warranty: a concrete advantage in Lévis
A warranty isn't just a commercial gesture. It's a legal commitment that the contractor makes to you.
At SRQ, we offer a 5-year labor warranty on all our renovation projects. This means that if a problem arises due to a defect in our work within 5 years of the project's completion, we'll come and correct it free of charge.
What SRQ's 5-year warranty really covers
Our warranty covers all defects in construction or workmanship related to our work: joints that come unstuck, poorly done installations, poorly laid materials, structural problems caused by our intervention.
Par exemple: si on installe un plancher de céramique et que les tuiles se décollent après deux ans parce que la pose a été mal faite, on vient les refaire gratuitement.
What is NOT covered is normal wear and tear, damage caused by you or a third party, or manufacturing defects in materials (these are covered by the manufacturer's warranty).
All this is clearly explained in writing in our contract. No gray areas.
Most contractors offer a one-year warranty, because that's the legal minimum in Quebec. Some offer two or three years. Five years is rare.
Why do we offer 5 years? Because we're confident in the quality of our work. We know that if we do things right from the start, we won't have any callbacks in three years.
Why it's crucial with Quebec's freeze-thaw climate
Our Quebec climate is hard on building materials. Constant freeze-thaw cycles - between 50 and 100 a year in Lévis (a reasonable estimate) - put a strain on anything installed outdoors or in contact with the outdoors.
A poorly made installation can last a year or two, then deteriorate rapidly when materials start to move with thermal cycles.
C’est particulièrement vrai pour: le revêtement extérieur, les portes et fenêtres, les rampes et escaliers extérieurs, les patios et terrasses, l’imperméabilisation des fondations.
A 5-year warranty protects you against these defects, which only appear after a few harsh winters.
Material quality and methods: the MC Mel example
The quality of the materials a contractor uses says a lot about his approach. Some contractors always choose the cheapest material to maximize their profit. Others choose durable materials adapted to the Quebec climate.
Chez SRQ, on privilégie la durabilité à long terme. Un bon exemple, c’est notre utilisation des produits MC Mel pour les rampes et escaliers extérieurs en aluminium.
Why does SRQ use products like MC Mel?
MC Mel is a Quebec manufacturer specializing in welded aluminum railings, stairs and balconies. Their products are designed specifically for our climate.
Here's why we work with them:
Aluminium welded, not bolted: MC Mel handrails are welded, not bolted together. That means zero play, zero rust at joints, and strength that lasts 30, 40, 50 years.
Freeze-thaw resistance: Aluminum doesn't move with thermal cycles like wood or steel. No warping, no cracks, no rust.
Minimal maintenance: Just hose it down once a year, that's all. No painting, no treatment, no parts replacement.
CSA and building code compliant: All MC Mel products comply with Canadian safety standards. Guardrail height, rung spacing, load-bearing capacity - everything complies.
Manufacturer's warranty: MC Mel offers warranties of up to 50 years on some of their products. Combined with our 5-year installation warranty, you have complete protection.
What other entrepreneurs often overlook
Many contractors still install cheap galvanized steel or bolted aluminum railings. Why do they do this? Because it's cheaper and allows them to bid lower.
The problem is that these materials deteriorate rapidly in our climate. Rust, loose bolts, peeling paint. After 5 or 10 years, you have to redo everything.
It's the same for many other materials: low-grade vinyl floors that turn yellow after two years, cheap exterior paint that peels off after one winter, poor-quality asphalt shingles that lose their granules within a few years.
At SRQ, we always give you options. If you're on a tight budget, we can work with more affordable materials. But we'll tell you honestly how long they'll last and what it will cost to replace them eventually.
Comparison table - SRQ vs. other contractors in Lévis
| Criteria | Solutions Rénovation Québec | Typical contractors |
| RBQ license | 5811-7821-01 (verifiable) | Variable - some unlicensed |
| Labour warranty | 5 years written in the contract | 1 year (legal minimum), sometimes verbal only |
| Submission type | Detailed line by line | Often flat-rate or vague |
| Materials | Climate-adapted quality (e.g. MC Mel) | Variable - sometimes low-end |
| Transparency | Clearly listed exclusions | Frequent grey areas |
| Managing the unexpected | Prices documented and approved in writing | Extras announced verbally along the way |
| Local experience | 10+ years, 500+ projects in Lévis | Variable |
| Customer notes | 4.9/5 (verifiable) | Variable |
| Insurance | Civil liability + worksite | Not always in order |
Myths and realities about renovation contractors
Myth: «All RBQ contractors are the same».»
You have to compare the contractors who have been made redundant with each other.
Myth: «A cheaper contractor is always better».»
Absolutely not. A low price may conceal poor-quality materials, shortcuts in installation, or unforeseen extras.
The real criterion is long-term value for money, not just the initial price.
Myth: «Warranties are never useful».»
False. A well-written written warranty really does protect you in the event of a problem. We've already honored dozens of warranties for our customers - joints to be redone, adjustments to be corrected - without ever charging a penny.
Reality: «Transparency from the outset avoids 90 % disputes».»
True. When everything is clear in writing from the outset, there are almost never any disputes. Disputes almost always arise when the contract is vague or verbal.
FAQ - Choosing a renovation contractor in Lévis
Is SRQ more expensive than other contractors?
Not necessarily. Our prices are competitive for the quality we offer. We're sometimes a little more expensive than contractors who cut corners, but we're often cheaper than what you'd pay if you redid the work in 5 years.
Always compare the total long-term cost, not just the initial price.
Is an RBQ license required?
Yes, for any construction or renovation work over 2,000 $. That's the law in Quebec. Hiring an unlicensed contractor is illegal and puts you at risk.
What does a 5-year warranty cover?
At SRQ, our 5-year warranty covers all defects in construction or workmanship related to our work. It does not cover normal wear and tear or manufacturing defects in materials (these are covered by manufacturers' warranties).
How do I compare two quotes?
Don't just look at the total price. Check: RBQ license, specified materials, exclusions, warranty offered, references and customer note.
Ask to speak to former customers too. A good contractor will be happy to give you references.
What are the risks of working with an unlicensed contractor?
No legal protection, no recourse to the RBQ, no bonding, often invalid insurance, risk of non-compliant work.
If something goes wrong, you're on your own with the problems.
Why choose a local contractor in Lévis?
A local contractor knows the region's typical houses, climate and common problems. He's also easier to reach if you need after-sales service.
At SRQ, we're based in Lévis and work mainly in the Chaudière-Appalaches region. We know the terrain.
Why more and more homeowners choose SRQ
We could tell you we're the best, but that wouldn't mean anything. What counts is what our customers say about us.
More than 500 projects completed in Lévis and Chaudière-Appalaches. An average rating of 4.9/5. Customers who recommend us to friends and family.
Our approach is simple: we treat every project as if it were our own home. We get it right the first time, we use quality materials, and we deliver what we promise.
Compare with a detailed, RBQ-compliant quote - without obligation
Call Solutions Rénovation Québec - 418-476-1747
Solutions Rénovation Québec
2552 chemin du Fleuve, Lévis (Québec) G6W 1Y3
RBQ 5811-7821-01 | 5-year labour warranty