The Trades Field

Questions and Answers: Trades Field

Visitor: Bryce
Saskatchewan
July 2010.

Question:
Where do I obtain a Building Inspector Certificate for Saskatchewan?

Answer:
To obtain a Building Official Licence go to the following site. Government of Saskatchewan
www.gov.sk.ca
In the search box, type: Building Official Licence
Then, scroll down and click on the heading: Applying for a Building Official Licence…
Read the requirements and how to apply to write the exam.
Then scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Southeast Regional College for the locations of the exam writing centres.
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Visitor: Des
Toronto, Ontario
February 2010.

Question:
I have been doing home renos all my life for friend, relatives, and myself. I would like to know the requirements to advertise to the general public as a general contractor.

Answer:
To work in the City of Toronto as a general contractor a Toronto licence number is required.
Contact the City of Toronto for more information on how to register.
The Toronto Call Centre number regarding types of licensing is 416-392-6700.
The City website is: www.toronto.ca
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Visitor: Gordon
Montreal, Quebec
January 2010.

Question:
I am a licences electrician in Montreal working for a contractor. I am thinking of starting a residential handyman business, do I need an RBQ licence to do small repairs, painting etc? And at what point would I need the rbq licence?

Answer:
A general contractor in Quebec doing residential work, which requires a building permit, must have an RBQ license. This applies to renovation projects as well as new construction. An RBQ licence is not required for minor repairs or painting. An RBQ licence is required if a handyman decide to do work related to the structural elements of a customers home. Check the RBQ website. There is more information as well as contact numbers.
RBQ = Regie du batiment Quebec
www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca
Click on the 'English' tab at the top right hand side.
Scroll down to "Construction or Renovation".
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Visitor: Dave
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
January 2010.

Question:
Do you have to have a trade, for example carpentry, plumber, etc to become a general contractor in most provinces in Canada?

Answer:
To become a general contractor in Canada a person does not need to have a specific trade. A general contractor oversees a project, hiring the required sub-trades (plumber, electrician, drywaller, carpet or tile installer, etc) to complete the project. The general contractor is responsible for coordinating the trades, ensuring all applicable permits are obtained and posted, ensuring he or his foreman are supervising the site, scheduling the required inspections with the building inspector, and so on.
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Visitor: Natalie
Montreal, Quebec
January 2010.

Question:
I would like to get my contractor's licence. Who do I see & where do I go?

Answer:
In Quebec, a contractor’s licence is obtained from the RBQ. Before issuing a license, the RBQ verifies that the contractor has the skills to work in the field, for which they apply. This is done through testing (exams) and training recognition. The contractor must show technical knowledge as well as competence in administration and job site safety. A license shows the contractor is reliable in paying sub-trades, laborers, dealing with job site issues, etc.
Contact the RBQ. They will provide detailed information on the requirements to be eligible to apply, how to apply, where to go and so on. There is more information as well as contact numbers on the RBQ website.
RBQ = Regie du batiment du Quebec-English
www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca
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Visitor: Howard
Montreal, Quebec
December 2009.

Question:
I have been doing construction/renovation/handyman work all my life.I would like to get an R.B.Q. number for a general contractor. What do I have to do to get one?
Where do I have to go or whom do I have to call?
Is there a test I have to take & where do I go to take it.

Answer:
You may be able to get an exemption from completing the exams required to obtain an RBQ licence, based on your years of experience in the industry. Some type of documentation of your qualifications will likely be required.
Contact the RBQ, as they are the best source to answer all your questions.
Based on the information you provide regarding your experience, they will be able to tell you if any tests or exams are required. They will direct you as to how to apply for the RBQ licence, where to go, what type of documentation is required, and so on.
There is more information as well as contact numbers on the RBQ website.
Regie du batiment du Quebec
www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca
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Visitor: Leonard
Toronto, Ontario
November 2009.

Question:
I would like to get my contractor's licence.
Who do I see & where do I go?

Answer:
In Toronto, you will need a Municipal Trades Licence issued by the City of Toronto.
Go to the Toronto City website.
www.toronto.ca
Select “Doing Business”.
Under the heading at the top select “Accessing City Hall”.
Then select “Forms and Applications”.
Select “List of Forms”.
Scroll down to “Business Permits & Licences”.
Select a heading from the column on the left.
Contact information is also provided on this site if you require further trades licensing information.
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Visitor: Anthony
Calgary, Alberta
July 2009.

Question:
I am a licenced plumber in Calgary for the last 16 years, l have been fully qualified since 1967 in the UK, l will be moving to Kelowna in August what do l need to do to be able to work? I am not going to start a business only working as journeyman plumber and was looking for information regarding my plumbing licence.

Answer:
The Industry Training Authority of British Columbia is the agency responsible for the industry training systems and qualification exams in BC.
www.itabc.ca
Check the following heading on their site: Industry Training Programs & Information.
On the left check the heading: Labor Mobility for Certified Trades People.
Contact information is also provided on their site. They will be able to provide further guidance regarding your licence.
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Visitor: Mathew
Winnipeg, Manitoba
June 2009.

Question:
How much is a business license?

Answer:
The cost of a business license depends on the type of business and the city.
There is information regarding business licenses on the Winnipeg website.
www.winnipeg.ca
Look under the heading “Business”.
Then under “License Services”
If the type of business you are inquiring about is not listed, use the “Contact Us” heading to contact the City to find out about a particular type of trade business license.
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Visitor: Gordon
Kelowna, British Columbia
March 2009.

Question:
What do I need to work as a contractor to do home renovations in British Columbia? Where do I get an application form?

Answer:
Any person operating a business in Kelowna needs to get an annual business licence, regardless if you are in an office building or a home based business.
You will need to determine if the renovation work requires a building permit.
If so a permit must be obtained before any trade work is started. If an inspection is required you need to set up an appointment with the building inspector.
For renovation work, which involves gas or electrical work, you will need to hire a licenced gas or electrical contractor. More information and various application forms are available on the Kelowna website. (www.kelowna.ca)
If you are doing work in other towns in BC, you will need to contact their town office to confirm if you need to register a business licence with their town to work in their jurisdiction.
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Visitor: Jeff
Woodville, Ontario
February 2009.

Question:
What is required to become a certified spray foam installer in Ontario? Where do I start?

Answer:
To become a certified spray foam installer in Ontario, you will need the following:
- High school diploma
- Certification training courses
- Four year apprenticeship program
- Complete the terms of the Contract of Apprenticeship to receive Certification of Apprenticeship
(A Contract of Apprenticeship is a registered agreement (legislated by the Ontario government), where an employer agrees to train and instruct the apprentice)
The following sites will provide further information this trade:
www.apprenticesearch.com
www.polyurethanefoamsystems.com
Polyurethane Foam Systems Inc. hosts certification training courses.
www.cufa.cufa.ca
Canadian Urethane Foam Contractors Association
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Visitor: Corey
Montreal, Quebec
February 2009.

Question:
I am relocating my renovation business from Alberta to Montreal. Can I get an exemption from the RBQ for having an 8-year business history? If not what steps do I have to take?

Answer:
You may be able to get an exemption from completing the trades exams required to obtain a license, based on your years of experience in the industry. You will need to contact the RBQ to determine what type of information you will be required to submit to demonstrate your skills, experience, etc.
There is more information as well as contact numbers on the RBQ website.
Regie du batiment du Quebec-English
www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca
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Visitor: Marchand
Kirkfeild, Ontario
January 2009.

Question:
I understand a contractor’s licence is not required for general construction and renovations (minimal electrical and plumbing) in Ontario. However is it possible to get one? I have only seen licences for electrical, plumbing, wells, and gas fitters... Also is there any licensing required for new home construction if the homeowner is operating as the general contractor?

Answer:
A contractor involved in construction or renovation trade should have a registered business. A registered business has a business license. The business license will specify that the business is general contracting and the type of work the business provides. For more information visit: www.canadabusiness.ca and type in ‘general contractor’ in their search box. Homeowners do not require a license to construct their own home. They are working on their own premises and not acting as a general contractor for anyone else.
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Visitor: Marilyn
Alberta, Canada
October 2008.

Question:
What are the requirements for a person to be hired as a general contractor in Alberta? Are there any licenses or course completion required? Will they have some kind of government document that recognizes they are a general contractor?

Answer:
In Alberta for a person to be hired as a general contractor in a prepaid contracting business they must have a Prepaid Contracting Licence. A prepaid contracting business is when a contractor offers, negotiates or concludes a prepaid contract in any place other than his place of business and accepts money before all the proposed construction and trades work is completed. This type of construction work involves home renovation, repair, additions, etc.
This type of licence is not required for commercial projects. A general contractor working on commercial projects will have a business licence, which states the type of work the company provides. Some cities, towns, municipalities require that the general contractor also be registered with them in order to work in their jurisdiction.
A person starting out in this type of trade business will have taken courses accredited by the Canadian Construction Association. Accredited courses provide a certificate upon completion.
Even those who have been in business for some time are likely to take courses to keep up with the industry.
The Service Alberta website (www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca) provides information regarding business licences. Prepaid contractors are licenced by Service Alberta.
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Visitor: Bob
Orlando, Florida
May 2008.

Questions:
We are looking into doing business in Manitoba building homes, etc. What are the requirements for construction contractor licensing, business set up, and other requirements necessary? I am a licensed contractor in Florida.

Answer:
The Province of Manitoba website (www.manitoba.ca) is the best resource for providing this information.
Click on the ‘Business’ heading. There is contact information on the top left side.
They will be able to provide the requirements for trades working in their province and in Canada.
I know that you will have to be very familiar with the Manitoba Building Code, Fire Codes, etc., legal hiring of licensed trades, workmen’s compensation board, and so on.
Special documents may also be required at the border.
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Visitor: Jesse
Marcelin, Saskatchewan
April 2008.

Question:
As a new contractor starting out, I would like to know what my responsibility is regarding building permits.

Answer:
Construction work, residential or commercial, which requires a building permit, must not proceed before a building permit is obtained and posted on the job site. As a contractor you can apply for the permit for the owner. If this is the agreement with the owner, your client, then it should be written into your contract with them. If not then this should also be written into your contract, so that it is clear that this is not a part of your responsibility. In some cases the owner, designer or architect will make the application for permit and the contractor will pick up the building permit and approved drawings when they are ready.
As a contractor, when a permit is required, you are responsibly to ensure the permit is on site and posted before beginning any work, whether you applied for it or not. As a contractor you must be knowledgeable regarding which type of construction work requires a permit, in order to protect yourself. This also applies to any trades you hire to work for you.
The approved drawings, for which a permit has been issued, must be kept on the job site and the contractor must follow all notations on the drawings made by the building department. A contractor must also contact the building inspector to arrange any required appointments with them.
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Visitor: Georges
Ottawa, Ontario
January 2008.

Question:
Who are the regulating agencies to get the equivalent plumber red seal or a master plumber license in British Columbia?

Answer:
The Industry Training Authority of British Columbia is the agency responsible for the industry training systems and exams in BC. Their customer service office is located in Vancouver, BC.
The office telephone number is 778-328-8700 or (toll free) 1-866-660-6011.
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Visitor: Tammy
Verdun, Quebec
January 2008.

Question:
I currently have a painting company that I recently registered and I am hoping to expand my business. My question is: how do you go about becoming a general contractor in Quebec? Are there certain courses that I have to take or is it better to do the internship? Which is the fastest and most efficient way to do this?

Answer:
To become a general contractor anywhere, it is necessary to have both training and experience in the chosen field. This might be base building construction, office, retail store or restaurant construction, residential renovation and so on. Taking courses provides a certificate to shown that a person is educated and knowledgeable in construction, building codes, project management, job site safety, etc.
Internships provide hands on experience in supervising construction jobs, hiring trades, etc.
A combination of the two is the best approach. Both take time. A general contractor doing commercial work in Quebec must have an RBQ license.
A general contractor in Quebec doing residential work, which requires a building permit, must also have an RBQ license. Most homeowners will ask for proof of an RBQ license before hiring a general contractor.
Before issuing a license, the RBQ verifies that the contractor has the skills to work in the field, for which they apply. This is done through testing (exams) and training recognition. The contractor must show technical knowledge as well as competence in administration and job site safety. A license shows the contractor is reliable in paying sub-trades, laborers, dealing with job site issues, etc.
RBQ is Regie du batiment Quebec.
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Visitor: Jamie
Killarney, Manitoba
November 2007.

Question:
Starting up a handyman business. What would I need to get started for licenses and liability insurance in Manitoba?

Answer:
Determine the type of trade services you intend to provide. If you set up a company name to work under, you will require a business license.
If you plan on doing extensive plumbing or electrical work, a license in these trades is required.
For the carpentry trade or small renovation work (non-structural) a license is not required.
I believe that the same rules apply for GST in Manitoba as in Ontario. If you intend to earn over a certain amount yearly, you will need to obtain a GST number. (In ON, if you earn over $ 30,000.00 yearly a GST number is necessary, whether you operate under your own name or a company name).
Once you have outlined the type of work you are providing, speak with an insurance company. Choose one that you or a family member (friend) is familiar with, rather than an unknown one.
This company will explain the type of coverage that you need and provide a policy. Or they will recommend an insurance company that deals with trade coverage.
Also speak with the Killarney & District Chamber of Commerce. I am sure they will provide further information to help you get started with your handyman business.
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Visitor: Tyler
Listowel, Ontario
November 2007.

Question:
What are the requirements relating to licensing to become a Mechanical/Plumbing contractor in my area?
I am also curious to know whether your answer differs if I asked the same question but for the Kitchener/ Waterloo/ Cambridge area, as I hope to work in those areas. Do you know if there are requirements for insurance?

Answer:
To become a licensed Mechanical/ Plumbing contractor you must write an exam for certification in the province of Ontario (not just for your area). Once you have the certificate for qualification in the province of Ontario then you can work anywhere in Ontario. In order to be prepared to write this exam you must be familiar with the Plumbing Code, Fire Code, installation and use of materials and tools in your trade, etc. I suggest taking courses related to writing of the exam, to be prepared.
You can take an exam to get a Masters license usually two years after obtaining the certificate of qualification. Some cities and towns in Ontario require that you also obtain a business license in their city/ town in order to work there. I believe the City of Kitchener requires this in addition to a Mechanical/ Plumbing license. When you apply for a permit you will be informed if a business license in that town/ city is required. You can always call ahead or check their official website to get this info.
As for insurance, contact your insurance company. They will know the requirements to cover the type of work for the mechanical/ plumbing trades or recommend an insurance company. The insurance company will want to know if you are working as an individual contractor with a license, under a registered business name and if it is a business with employees.
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