The Montreal market for kitchen renovations has never been busier — or more crowded with contractors. Post-pandemic, a lot of homeowners deferred projects that are now moving forward at once. The result is a marketplace with a wide range of contractors, service levels and pricing structures, and not always an obvious way to tell them apart.
This guide is meant to help Montreal homeowners cut through the noise. Whether you're planning a full gut renovation in NDG, a cabinet refacing in Rosemont, or a countertop upgrade in the West Island, the basics of choosing the right contractor are the same.
In Quebec, contractors who perform construction or renovation work are required by law to hold a valid licence issued by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). This isn't a formality — it's the mechanism that protects homeowners in the event of defective work, disputes, or contractor insolvency.
An RBQ licence means the contractor has met minimum competency requirements, maintains liability insurance, and participates in the RBQ's guarantee fund — which can cover homeowners for up to $300,000 in the event of contractor default on a new build or major renovation.
Working with an unlicensed contractor — even one recommended by a neighbour — puts you outside the protection of Quebec's consumer protection framework. You have no recourse with the RBQ, and your home insurance may not cover work performed by an unlicensed tradesperson.
Always verify a contractor's RBQ licence before signing anything. You can check any licence number directly on the RBQ's public registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. ALTO Cuisines holds licence 5806-4775-01.
A reputable contractor won't hesitate to answer these questions. If you get vague responses, deflections, or pressure to decide quickly, treat that as a warning sign.
Most problems in kitchen renovations are predictable — they follow patterns that experienced homeowners learn to recognize early. Here are the ones we hear about most often:
A well-run kitchen renovation follows a predictable sequence. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to catch problems early and keep the project on track.
Design and planning. Before any measurements are taken, you should have a clear sense of your priorities — layout, storage, style, budget. A good contractor will help you think through these trade-offs before the design phase begins.
In-home estimate. A contractor who quotes a kitchen without visiting it is guessing. The in-home visit is where accurate measurements are taken, the existing structure is assessed, and site-specific conditions are factored into the quote.
Written contract. The contract should spell out the full scope of work, materials specified by brand and model where relevant, the payment schedule, the project timeline, and the warranty terms. If something isn't in the contract, assume it isn't included.
Lead time and scheduling. Custom cabinets and countertops have lead times that need to be planned around. A realistic project timeline includes buffer for material delivery and any surprises uncovered during demolition.
On-site execution. Once work begins, you should have a clear point of contact and a way to flag issues as they come up. Good contractors don't disappear between visits.
ALTO Cuisines has been serving homeowners across the island of Montreal and surrounding regions since 1994. Our service area covers the full island as well as the communities below.
Free in-home estimate across Greater Montreal. RBQ 5806-4775-01. No obligation.
Email Us 514-963-2888