The final price does not describe the full work scope. A line-by-line comparison makes important differences visible.
Give each bidder the same information
Provide the same history, photographs and access constraints. Describe symptoms and goals: stop a leak, improve drainage or replace an ageing assembly. Ask for written assumptions, especially where concealed layers are unknown. A visit-based price and a price after opening may rely on different information.
Clarify possible changes
Specify what is included for removal, decking, insulation, connections, waste and site protection. Ask how extras will be explained, priced and approved. Unit prices and discovery photographs help decisions. A contingency allowance should not become blanket authorization for unspecified work.
Check the business and contract
Check business identity, licence validity and relevant subclasses in the RBQ register. Request insurance information and a contract specifying materials, schedule, price and payments. The OPC provides guidance on checks before hiring a contractor. Important verbal promises should appear in signed documents.
Project decision guide
| Item | Clarify |
|---|---|
| Removal | Removed layers, transport and disposal |
| Deck and insulation | Condition, retention, replacements and extras |
| Waterproofing | Product, attachment, edges, drains and penetrations |
| Terms | Access, weather, protection, payments and warranty |
Prepare for your project
- Equivalent scope compared across bidders
- Written exclusions and extra-work approval
- Contact person, schedule and completion documents
Your questions
Should the lowest square-foot price win?
Only after understanding what it includes. Access, connections, retained layers and unpriced risks can make two unit prices incomparable.
References for further reading
Office de la protection du consommateur — Engager un entrepreneurRégie du bâtiment du Québec — Vérifier une licenceConsult the exact product documentation and address-specific requirements. This guide helps prepare a project; it is not an estimate or design specification.
What about your property?
Turn this guide into a request describing your actual situation.
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