To find local roofers near you in Montreal, start with neighbour referrals and contractors working in your area, then verify each one’s RBQ licence online and check their record with the OPC. Ask at least three licensed roofers for written, detailed quotes, compare them line by line, and avoid anyone who pressures you to sign on the spot.
When your roof starts leaking, the first instinct is to call whoever answers the phone. That’s understandable, but it’s also how a lot of homeowners end up with a rushed job or a contractor who disappears after the deposit. Finding a good local roofer takes a little more effort — though not as much as you might think.
Whether you live on the Plateau, in Laval, on the South Shore or up on the North Shore, the process is the same: find a few candidates, verify them, and compare their quotes carefully.
Why hiring local roofers matters
A roofer based near you has real advantages. They know the housing stock — flat roofs on Montreal plexes, sloped shingle roofs on suburban bungalows in Laval or Brossard, older homes with tricky chimneys. They’re familiar with local permit requirements, and they can come back quickly if something needs attention under warranty.
Local roofers also tend to rely on their reputation in the neighbourhood. A contractor who has done a dozen roofs on your street has every reason to do yours well.
Where to start your search
Ask your neighbours
The best leads usually come from people around you. If a neighbour had their roof redone last summer, ask how it went: Was the crew on time? Did they clean up? Were there surprise charges? Any problems since? A firsthand account is worth more than any advertisement.
Look around your area
Pay attention to contractor signs on lawns and trucks parked in your neighbourhood. If you see the same company working on several homes in Longueuil or Terrebonne, that’s a sign they’re active and established locally.
Use a referral service
A free referral service can send your request to a few licensed contractors at once, which saves you from calling around. You still choose who to hire — the service simply connects you.
Check reviews carefully
Online reviews help, but read them critically. Look for detailed reviews that describe the type of job, and pay attention to how the company responds to complaints.
How local roofing coverage differs across the region
Most roofers serve a defined area. Knowing this helps you focus your search.
| Area | Common roof types | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal (island) | Flat roofs on plexes, sloped roofs on cottages and semi-detached homes | Tight access, lanes, permits set by each borough |
| Laval | Sloped shingle roofs on bungalows and split-levels | Many homes from the same era needing replacement at similar times |
| Longueuil / South Shore | Mix of shingle roofs and some flat roofs | Make sure the roofer actually serves your municipality |
| North Shore | Mostly sloped roofs, newer developments | Ask about travel fees if the contractor is based far away |
Verify every roofer before you hire
This step is non-negotiable in Quebec. Here’s what to check:
- RBQ licence. Every roofing contractor must hold a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec with the appropriate subclass. Use the RBQ online licence search and make sure the name and number match the quote.
- OPC record. The Office de la protection du consommateur lets you check whether a merchant has a history of complaints or legal action.
- Insurance. Ask for proof of liability insurance. Roofing is a CCQ-regulated construction trade and workers are covered by CNESST, but you want to know the company itself is insured for damage to your property.
- Physical address. A real business address and a working landline or office number are good signs.
RBQ licence holders must also provide a security bond that may compensate clients in some cases. An unlicensed roofer offers no such protection.
Comparing quotes from local roofers
Once you have a few candidates, ask each for a written, detailed quote. Comparing quotes from several licensed contractors is the best protection you have against overpaying or hiring the wrong crew.
Make sure every quote covers the same scope: tear-off, materials, membrane, flashing, ventilation, disposal and warranty. Say you own a bungalow in Chomedey and get three quotes — one looks much cheaper. Look closely: it may leave out the ice and water membrane or new flashing. Price differences often come from what’s included, not just the rate.
For a typical asphalt shingle roof, many homeowners pay roughly $8,000 to $20,000 before taxes, though it varies with size, slope, access and condition. GST and QST (14.975% total) are usually added on top.
Red flags to watch for
- Door-to-door sellers pushing you to sign today
- A large cash deposit requested before any materials are ordered
- No RBQ licence number on the quote or business card
- A vague one-line quote with no material details
- Reluctance to put the warranty in writing
If you do sign a contract at home with an itinerant merchant, the Consumer Protection Act generally lets you cancel within 10 days.
Timing your search
Good local roofers get busy, especially from late spring to early fall. If your roof is ageing but not leaking, start your search a few months ahead. Contact roofers in late winter or early spring, get your quotes, and book a date before the schedules fill up. You’ll have more choice, more time to check each contractor and less pressure to accept whoever is free. If you’re on the North Shore or in the outer suburbs, ask early whether the roofer regularly works in your municipality, since some crews prefer to stay closer to their base. A short, honest conversation about timing at the start saves a lot of frustration later.
Bottom line
Finding good local roofers in Montreal, Laval, the South Shore or the North Shore comes down to three things: gather a few solid candidates, verify their RBQ licence and OPC record, and compare written, detailed quotes. Take your time unless it’s a genuine emergency. Permit rules vary by municipality and borough, so confirm what applies to your address before work begins.
Get up to 4 free roofing quotes
One short request, licensed contractors from Montreal and surrounding areas contact you. Free and without obligation.
Request my quotes →Frequently asked questions
How many roofers should I get quotes from?
Three is a good number for most jobs. It gives you a clear sense of fair pricing without dragging the process out for weeks.
Is it a problem if a roofer is based in another city?
Not necessarily, as long as they’re licensed and actually serve your area. Ask whether they charge travel fees and how quickly they can return for warranty work.
What if I need a roofer urgently for a leak?
Ask for a temporary repair or tarp to stop the damage first, then take time to compare quotes for the permanent fix. Emergency and after-hours work usually costs more.
Read also
You may also search for:Can I Hire a Roofing Subcontractor Directly Instead of a Company?What Licences and Insurance Should a Roofer Have in Quebec?How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaking Roof?Roofing Quotes in Montreal
Estimations.pro is a referral service and does not perform the work. Prices are indicative only and vary with the size, slope, access and condition of your roof. Requirements (RBQ licence, municipal permits, programs) can change: check with the relevant organizations and get detailed written quotes.