Searching for a contractor or a licence number: consult the Licence holders' repertory.
Searching for a contractor or a licence number: consult the Licence holders' repertory.
Searching for a contractor or a licence number: consult the Licence holders' repertory.
According to our language policy, only certain contents may be translated. Visit the French version to obtain all the information.
This page describes where to find the standards relevant to your construction and home renovation work, such as redoing a roof or fireplace, changing doors and windows, renovating a garage, building a patio and modifying the right height of a banister.
The regulation enforced by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) applies to buildings intended for use by the public. It is intended for construction professionals, i.e. contractors, owner-builders, owners and operators and designers because it contains many technical and legal terms that a citizen might not understand. That is why the RBQ suggests that you consult a specialist before beginning construction work under its responsibility
Municipalities are responsible for the regulation applying to home renovation work. Each municipality may adopt any regulation it deems necessary, so standards may be different depending on the city. Only your municipality is able to tell you what standards apply in your city.
Are you looking for the “building code”? The “building code” is a design standard that was applied in Québec from 1976 to 1984 to buildings subject to the RBQ’s regulation. This code does not exist anymore, and it was added to the Building Chapter of the Safety Code.
The table below provides you with information about the authorities to consult for your construction work depending on the type of building.
| Type of building | Where to get the standards |
|---|---|
Single-family dwelling, including wood-frame houses | Please consult your municipality. This type of building is not under the RBQ’s jurisdiction. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation published a guide on Canadian Wood-Frame House Construction |
| Duplex or triplex
| Please consult your municipality. This type of building is not under the RBQ’s jurisdiction. |
Residential building having 8 dwellings or fewer, and 2 floors maximum (condos, apartments, etc.) | Please consult your municipality. This type of building is not under the RBQ’s jurisdiction. |
Residential building having 9 dwellings or more and 3 floors or more (condos, apartments, etc.) | Please consult a professional (architect, engineer, etc.). |
Office building having 2 floors maximum | Please consult your municipality. This type of building is not under the RBQ’s jurisdiction. |
Office building having 3 floors or more | Please consult a professional (architect, engineer, etc.). |
Private seniors’ residence, hospital, school, hotel, motel, shopping centre and shop | Please consult a professional (architect, engineer, etc.). |
