Government financial help for foundation work is often the incentive to go ahead with a project (Rénovert, pyrrhotite file, etc.) It’s great news: it means significant savings on large expenses.
However, you should be careful. It is crucial that you deal with a specialized firm that employs qualified workers and offers warranties.
Undertaking work on your home brings a high level of stress. Make the process easier by taking the time to carefully choose the company you will deal with. Here are some tips to avoid pitfalls and choose the best firm for your work:
Can the engineer provide a certificate of compliance?
This is a document stating that “an engineer declares if the said works comply or not to, among others, the work plans and specifications, laws and regulations, standards or rules of the art applicable”. Such a document may be required by any level of government (municipality/department) to ensure that the work in question is compliant.
In French only
Will the work be completed over a continuous timeframe without a two-month interruption?
Work can take a long time. However, it is important to have a detailed plan that makes the best use of the work time. Ask the company how they deal with bad weather, if they work in winter, what their timeframe is for the work, and so on. Many firms will offer winter work, but all are not qualified to do it – especially not to do it well.
Do they hold a valid licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ)?
The licence guarantees that your contractor complies with the construction, safety and professional qualifications required by the RBQ. Check if your contactor appears on the list of the Licence holders’ repertory.
Find this out!
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask your contractor for information. It’s your right.
There will be more tips coming up in our next blog post. Best of luck with your work!