Kitchen renovation: price, who to call, what to check

What it costs

• $18,000 - $25,000Basic kitchen · Soumission Rénovation
• $15,000 - $30,000Entry-level kitchen · RénoAssistance (Desjardins)
• $30,000 - $48,000Mid-range · Soumission Rénovation
• $30,000 - $55,000Mid-range · RénoAssistance (Desjardins)
• $60,000 and upHigh-end · Soumission Rénovation

All prices, with their sources → Benchmarks to spot an unusual quote, not quotes.

Who to call

General contractors — MontrealGeneral contractors — South ShoreGeneral contractors — LavalGeneral contractors — LongueuilGeneral contractors — TerrebonneGeneral contractors — Saint-Jean-sur-RichelieuGeneral contractors — MirabelGeneral contractors — RepentignyGeneral contractors — Saint-JérômeGeneral contractors — BlainvilleGeneral contractors — BrossardGeneral contractors — Mascouche

What to ask on the phone

• « Who will do the plumbing and electrical work? »
• « How long will the kitchen be out of use? »
• « Do you do this kind of work, and do you take a job this size? »
• « When can you come and look? Is the quote written and free? »
• « What is the company’s exact name and RBQ licence number? (You can check it here.) »

Before you sign

• DepositNone or very small, the OPC advises. Pay in stages as the work progresses, and keep 10 to 15% for the end.
• LicenceCabinets and counters: 12; plumbing: 15.5; electrical: 16.
• Plumbing and electricalBy a plumbing contractor (15.5) and an electrical contractor (16), even if the general contractor has qualified employees.
• PermitIn Montréal, none to replace cabinets, counters, sink or floor; required if the work touches a wall, the structure or room sizes. Elsewhere, ask your city.

The quote must show

• the company’s exact name, the same as on its licence, and its RBQ licence number
• the work and materials, in detail
• start and end dates
• the detailed total price and payments
• liability insurance: insurer and policy number
• who gets the permit
• debris removal; no extra without written approval

If things go wrong

• RBQ licence bondCovers deposits for work not done, unfinished work and defects found within 12 months: $40,000 per general contractor, $20,000 per specialized contractor, shared among claimants. Claim within 3 years.
• Complaint to the OPCIt goes on the company’s file. The OPC provides a kit and a demand-letter template.
• Small claimsUp to $15,000, no lawyer.