Plumbing Work or Electrical Work: 3 Smart Moves Before You Start

Don’t DIY Electrical Work or Plumbing Work

Leave it to the pros. Plumbing and electrical work require much more than a couple of YouTube tutorials. These are skilled trades for a reason. Taking on this kind of work yourself can lead to serious risks—think fire hazards or water damage, especially if the work isn’t up to code.

Make sure the plumber or electrician you hire holds a valid license from one of the professional bodies recognized by Quebec’s building authority, the Régie du bâtiment. That might be licenses from the Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec (CMEQ) or the Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ).

As indicated by the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) on its website: “Licenses prove that the RBQ verified the contractor’s professional qualifications and solvency. In some cases, the license also ensures that the contractor has provided a security deposit. A security deposit is a sum that could be used to compensate you if there is a problem, such as a construction fault.”

Do Your Homework Before Hiring a Contractor

In Quebec, anyone doing residential renovation work (or hiring others to do it) must have a license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Ask for their license number and check that it’s valid using the official registry (French only).

Planning to replace your water heater before it gives out? Thinking of swapping that old fuse box for a modern breaker panel? Regardless of the task, trust matters.

It’s a good idea to get three quotes from different licensed contractors. And don’t rely on a handshake deal. Always get everything in writing and read the fine print.

Keep Your Home Insurance Up to Date

Outdated or damaged plumbing work can cause serious issues. In fact, water damage is one of the most common (and most expensive) home insurance claims. That’s why prevention is key. Upgrading your home’s plumbing or electrical system is smart, and it may help reduce the likelihood of an insurance claim.