The Complete Roofing Contractor Verification Checklist (2026)

Direct answer

Before signing any Canadian roofing contract, verify the contractor against 7 categories: licence, insurance, workers' comp, references, reviews, estimate structure and warranty. A contractor who passes fewer than 6 of the 7 is not ready for your signature. This is the exact checklist an independent review service works through before issuing a written opinion.

Step 1 — Licence Verification

Quebec — RBQ Licence

Every roofing contractor in Quebec must hold a Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) licence with the correct subcategory:

• 4.2 Roofer for sloped residential roofs
• 4.3 Waterproofing for flat and membrane systems

Verify at rbq.gouv.qc.ca using the 10-digit licence number. The status must read "in force" — not suspended, cancelled or restricted. Match the legal name character-for-character against the quote.

Deep dive: the [15-minute RBQ self-verification guide](/guides/verifier-entrepreneur-rbq-soi-meme) walks through all six Quebec registries.

Ontario — No provincial licence, but multiple markers

Ontario has no provincial roofing licence, which makes verification harder. Look for:

• Master Roofer designation from the Ontario Industry Training Authority
• WSIB clearance certificate (mandatory, verifiable online)
• Municipal business licence in some cities (Toronto, Mississauga, Ottawa)
• Membership in OIRCA (Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association) or CRCA (Canadian Roofing Contractors Association)

Step 2 — Insurance Verification

Civil Liability Insurance

Minimum $2 million for residential, $5 million for commercial or condo work. Ask for:

• The insurer's name and policy number
• The named insured (must match the contracting entity)
• The expiry date (must extend past project completion)
• Completed operations coverage — this covers defects discovered after project close

Have the insurer email you the certificate of insurance directly. A PDF forwarded by the contractor is easy to forge.

Vehicle and Tools Insurance

Confirm commercial vehicle coverage — a subcontractor without it exposes you if their truck damages your property.

Step 3 — Workers' Compensation Verification

Quebec — CNESST Attestation

Go to cnesst.gouv.qc.ca and enter the company name or NEQ. The attestation of compliance must be current. Without it, a worker injured on your property can trigger your personal civil liability.

Ontario — WSIB Clearance Certificate

Go to wsib.ca → Clearances. Enter the contractor's name and address. A valid clearance certificate confirms no outstanding premiums. A missing or expired certificate is a hard stop — do not sign.

Deep dive: the [Ontario WSIB verification guide](/guides/signs-of-roofing-scam-ontario-wsib-verification) covers what to check and how scammers spoof clearance certificates.

Step 4 — References

Request five recent references with the following:

• Project date within the last 24 months
• Similar roof type and complexity
• Same crew leader on your project as on theirs
• One reference from the current year
• Address (not just a first name and phone number)

Call three. Ask:

1. Was the timeline honoured?
2. Were there any change orders, and how were they handled?
3. Any leaks or callbacks since?
4. Was the crew respectful of property and neighbours?
5. Would you hire them again on the same terms?

Step 5 — Online Reviews

Do not stop at the star rating. Read:

• Google reviews — filter for the most recent 20
• BBB (Better Business Bureau) — look for complaint patterns, not just letter grade
• HomeStars / Trustedpros — read 3-star reviews (usually the most honest)
• Facebook local groups — search the company name
• Google Search with the term "complaint" or "lawsuit" appended

Red flag pattern: 40+ five-star reviews all posted in the same week — likely purchased.

Step 6 — Written Estimate Structure

A verifiable estimate breaks down:

• Roof area in square feet, measured or engineer-verified
• Tear-off scope (number of layers, disposal)
• Underlayment brand, model and coverage
• Ice & water shield lineal feet and coverage
• Shingle or membrane brand, model, colour, warranty class
• All flashings itemized (valley, chimney, wall, drip edge, pipe boots, kickout)
• Ventilation calculation and vent count
• Deck replacement — allowance sheets, per-sheet price, photo requirement
• Permit line — included or excluded, and the municipal fee
• Cleanup and magnetic sweep protocol
• Payment schedule (deposit ≤ 10%, progress, holdback)
• Both manufacturer warranty and installation warranty clearly stated

Deep dive: the [hidden fees in roofing contracts guide](/guides/roofing-contract-hidden-fees) unpacks every clause that inflates the final invoice.

Step 7 — Warranty Language

A legitimate contractor gives you two warranties in writing:

1. Manufacturer warranty — registered in your name after installation. Standard 25-50 years on materials.
2. Installation (workmanship) warranty — on the contractor's letterhead. Minimum 5 years, ideally 10-15.

Watch for exclusions buried in the fine print: ice damming, wind above certain speeds, condensation, or "normal wear". Deep dive on Ontario contracts: [Ontario Consumer Protection Act roofing rights](/guides/ontario-consumer-protection-act-roofing-cancellation).

Common Roofing Scams to Recognize

Regional deep dives: [Quebec roofing scams](/guides/arnaques-toiture-quebec) and [Ontario roofing scam signs](/guides/signs-of-roofing-scam-ontario-wsib-verification). The universal patterns:

• Storm chasers — door-to-door after weather events, disappear before warranty claims.
• Fake damage — cell-phone photos of "your roof" that turn out to be someone else's.
• Cash discount — never sign a cash-only deal; no legal paper trail.
• Oversized deposit — anything above 10% or $1,000 is a financial red flag.
• Same-day pressure — legitimate contractors give you time to think.
• Insurance games — offering to "cover your deductible" is insurance fraud in most provinces.
• Identity spoofing — using a real contractor's licence number without permission.

Questions to Ask Before Signing

1. What is your full legal name and business number (NEQ or corporate ID)?
2. What licence numbers and subcategories do you hold?
3. Can your insurer email me the certificate directly?
4. Is your WSIB / CNESST clearance current — and can I verify online right now?
5. Who is the on-site crew leader for my project, and can I speak with them?
6. Which manufacturer's warranty registers in my name, and by when?
7. What is your installation warranty in years and what does it cover?
8. What is the deposit, and does it exceed 10%?
9. How do you handle deck replacement — allowance, unit price, and photos?
10. What is your written change-order approval process?

The Verification Scorecard

6 or 7 pass = safe to proceed with a signed contract. 4 to 5 pass = pause, request documentation and consider an independent review. 3 or fewer = walk away.

FAQ — Contractor verification

How long does full verification take?

About 45 minutes for a familiar homeowner, and 90 minutes the first time. Every registry above is public and free (except SOQUIJ plumitif in Quebec, which costs a few dollars per query).

Can I trust an association membership alone?

No. Association membership is a positive signal, not a substitute for licence, insurance and WSIB checks.

What if the contractor refuses to share their documents?

That is your answer. A legitimate contractor sends licence, insurance and WSIB proof within 24 hours.

Does an independent review replace verification?

No — it complements it. An independent quote review confirms the technical and pricing quality of the written proposal. Verification confirms the entity behind it. Both matter.

How much does independent verification cost?

Doing it yourself: free. A specialized service adds licence, court records and cross-referenced identity checks on top of the technical quote review, typically $150-$400.