How to choose a general contractor in Montréal: 8 questions to ask
Guides · October 6, 2026 · 2 min read
The contractor you choose decides your budget, your schedule and how many headaches you have along the way. Here are the eight questions we would ask if we were in your shoes.
Hiring a general contractor in Montréal is one of the biggest decisions an owner, developer or tenant makes. Price matters, but the right questions tell you far more than the lowest number on a quote.
1. Is your RBQ licence valid — and for the right work?
Every general contractor working in Québec needs a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). You can look up any licence number on the RBQ’s public register in a minute. Check that it is active and that its subclasses cover your type of building. O.G. Construction’s licence is RBQ 8250-9969-46.
2. Have you built projects like mine?
A restaurant, an office fit-out and a heritage building are three very different jobs. Ask to see completed projects of the same type and size — with photos, addresses and the scope of work.
3. Who will run my site day to day?
Ask for the name of the project manager and the site superintendent, and how often they will be on site. One accountable person makes everything easier.
4. How do you build the schedule?
A good contractor shows you a real schedule before work starts, explains the critical steps (permits, long-lead materials, inspections) and tells you how progress will be reported.
5. How are changes priced and approved?
Changes happen on every project. Make sure every change is priced in writing and approved by you before the work is done — not discovered on the final invoice.
6. What exactly is included — and excluded?
Read the inclusions and exclusions line by line. Permits, design, demolition, protection of neighbouring spaces and clean-up are common grey areas.
7. How will we communicate?
Ask how questions on site are answered and documented. Decisions made by phone and never written down are where disputes start.
8. What happens after handover?
Ask about the deficiency list, the warranty, and who you call if something needs attention after you move in.
The short version
Look for a licensed contractor with relevant projects, one accountable team and everything in writing. If you are planning a project in Montréal, we are happy to walk you through how we would approach it — the first consultation is free.