Hiring a demolition contractor in Montréal comes down to five checks: a valid RBQ licence, liability insurance with CNESST coverage, a written itemized estimate, proven asbestos handling, and verifiable references. Get the licence number and at least three quotes before you sign anything.
What to Look For When Hiring a Demolition Contractor
Most demolition problems trace back to skipping due diligence at the hiring stage. Before you sign, confirm each of these:
- A valid RBQ licence. In Québec, demolition and structural work require a Régie du bâtiment licence. Ask for the number and verify it yourself in the RBQ licence registry — an unlicensed crew leaves you exposed if something goes wrong.
- Liability insurance and CNESST coverage. Ask for proof of liability insurance and confirm workers are covered under CNESST. Without it, an on-site injury can become your problem.
- A written, itemized estimate. A serious contractor gives you a detailed quote in writing — scope, disposal, timeline — not a round number over the phone. Get at least three so you can compare.
- Proven asbestos handling. Any Montréal home built before 1990 can contain asbestos. Ask how they test for it and how they contain and dispose of it. A vague answer is a red flag.
- References and reviews. Ask for recent local jobs and check their Google reviews. Experience with your specific type of building — triplex, bungalow, condo — matters more than a low price.
Services a Qualified Demolition Contractor Should Handle
A full-service contractor does more than knock down walls. Look for one that covers the whole job, from interior demolition and drywall removal to exterior teardown, debris hauling, and construction-waste recycling. Hiring one team for the full scope avoids the gaps and finger-pointing that happen when work is split across crews.
What Demolition Costs in Montréal — and What Drives It
There is no flat day-rate worth trusting. Real demolition pricing depends on the size of the space, how accessible it is, what materials are involved, whether asbestos is present, and disposal volume. A one- or two-wall removal can run a few hundred dollars; a full interior gut is a different scale. For honest ranges by project type, see our cost of demolition in Montréal guide — then get a firm number with a free on-site quote rather than a per-day guess.
Red Flags to Avoid
- No RBQ licence number — or one they “can’t find right now.”
- Cash-only, no written contract. No paper trail means no recourse.
- Vague on asbestos. A pro tests before they swing a hammer.
- A verbal lowball. A quote far under the others usually means corners cut on disposal, safety, or permits.
How to Prepare Before the Crew Arrives
Once you’ve chosen a contractor, a little prep keeps the job on schedule: pull any required municipal permits (your contractor should guide this), have utilities disconnected where needed, clear the space of anything you’re keeping, and protect adjacent areas that stay. Confirm who handles debris removal and how it’s disposed of so there are no surprises on the final invoice.
One Partner from Demolition to Finish
DemoPrep is a full-service demolition and renovation company — RBQ #5826-5448-01 — serving Greater Montréal, the West Island, Laval, and the South Shore. We run complete residential demolition and renovation directly, and we partner with general contractors on larger builds. That means one accountable team from the first wall down to the finished space, not a hand-off between crews.
Get a Free Demolition Assessment
Planning a project and want a licensed, insured crew that gives you a clear written quote?
Contact DemoPrep for a free demolition assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to demolish in Montréal?
Often yes — most structural and exterior demolition requires a municipal permit, and the rules differ between Montréal boroughs and independent West Island cities. A reputable contractor confirms what’s needed and helps you obtain it before work starts.
How do I check a demolition contractor’s RBQ licence?
Ask for their licence number and look it up in the RBQ licence registry. A valid, active licence confirms they’re authorized to do demolition and structural work in Québec.
Should I really get more than one quote?
Yes. Three written, itemized quotes let you compare scope and disposal, not just price. A number that’s far below the others usually signals something left out — permits, asbestos testing, or proper waste handling.
What happens if the contractor finds asbestos?
Work in that area should stop until the material is tested and, if confirmed, removed under proper containment by a qualified crew before demolition continues. Asbestos is common in older Montréal homes, so a contractor who plans for it is a good sign.