Engineer Required for Quebec Condo Work: When to Act

In divided co-ownership, certain work requires an engineer’s signature and supervision. For a board of directors or a syndicate of co-owners, knowing when an engineer is required helps avoid delays, non-compliance and legal risks. This guide, current as of 2026-07-29, outlines typical situations, regulatory references and a simple process for securing your projects.

Beyond the legal framework, an engineer structures a project: diagnosis, plans and specifications, calls for tenders, site supervision, acceptance and updates to the maintenance logbook (EUC). You get comparable bids, controlled quality and useful documentation for the annual general meeting and future buyers.

When is an engineer required in divided co-ownership?

Several types of work involve activities reserved for engineers in Quebec (Engineers Act) or requirements imposed by the RBQ. Here are the most common situations for a divided co-ownership building:

• Structural modifications to common portions: load-bearing walls, balcony slabs, columns, structural roofs, reinforcements and major cracks. An engineer designs the work, seals the plans and then supervises the work as needed.
• Masonry facades and the building envelope: maintenance and major repairs require inspections and reports signed by an engineer or architect, depending on the Regulation respecting the maintenance of façades (RBQ).
• Multi-level parking garages: periodic inspections and corrective work overseen by an engineer, including corrosion management, slabs and membranes.
• Electromechanical systems: major plumbing, sprinkler, heating, ventilation and electrical projects (e.g., replacing risers or adding capacity for charging stations) often require sealed plans and specifications.
• Maintenance planning studies and plans: Bill 16 requires a contingency fund study and a maintenance logbook prepared by a qualified professional (engineer or architect). An engineer quickly becomes indispensable for buildings with complex structural components.

Quick reference table:

Good to know: several municipalities require a permit with sealed plans as soon as a structural element or the building envelope is affected. Always check with the urban planning department before issuing a call for tenders.

Reference sources:

• Engineers Act (reserved activities): https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/document/lc/I-9
• Civil Code of Quebec (the syndicate’s duty to maintain the building, section 1039 C.C.Q.): https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/document/lc/CCQ-1991
• RBQ – Facade maintenance: https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/batiment/entretien-et-securite/entretien-des-facades/
• RBQ – Maintenance of multi-level parking garages: https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/batiment/entretien-et-securite/entretien-des-stationnements-etages/

Why an engineer’s involvement protects your syndicate

• Compliance and permits: sealed plans speed up permit issuance and technical validation, limiting costly rework.
• Safety and durability: proper sizing reduces the risk of incidents in common and private portions while extending the service life of components.
• Clear call for tenders: precise specifications streamline bids, prevent unexpected extras and make it possible to compare like with like.
• Traceability for the board of directors: reports, site meeting minutes and certificates of completion protect the board’s liability and support decisions recorded in the annual general meeting minutes.
• Insurance and claims: in the event of a claim, engineering documents help demonstrate diligence and compliance with standards.

Recommended process: from the mandate to acceptance of the work

Here is a simple process your board of directors can follow, with or without an external condominium manager.

1. Diagnosis and prioritization

   • Build an inventory of deficiencies: EUC, previous reports, co-owner complaints and preventive maintenance.
   • If there is a safety risk (spalling, falling materials or advanced corrosion), immediately order a targeted inspection by an engineer.

2. Professional mandate and board resolution

   • Define the scope: objectives, deliverables (plans, specifications, estimate and supervision), schedule and indicative budget.
   • Adopt a board resolution authorizing the mandate and expenditures, in accordance with the declaration of co-ownership and the by-laws of the immovable.

3. Plans, specifications and estimate

   • The engineer prepares the technical documents and a cost estimate. These documents will be used for the call for tenders and to obtain permits.
   • For a significant budget overrun or a special assessment, obtain the co-owners’ approval at the annual general meeting or at a special meeting, depending on your declaration of co-ownership.

4. Call for tenders and contractor selection

   • Distribute the documents to contractors holding the appropriate RBQ licences and valid insurance.
   • Request references for similar divided co-ownership projects, a schedule and a breakdown of prices.
   • The engineer can analyze the bids and recommend a successful bidder.

Call for tenders and RBQ compliance: points to watch

• Verify compliance with RBQ standards and applicable codes, especially for facades, garages and electromechanical systems.
• Include objective criteria (technical considerations, price, schedule and warranties) and a change-order management process.
• Ensure that engineer site supervision is scheduled for critical stages.

5. Execution and site supervision

   • Site meetings, periodic minutes, photographs and testing. The engineer answers technical questions and approves materials.
   • In the event of an unforeseen issue (concealed conditions), the engineer issues technical instructions and adjusts quantities.

6. Acceptance of the work and closeout

   • Substantial completion with a deficiency list, followed by final acceptance after the deficiencies are corrected.
   • Obtain: certificates of compliance, warranties, as-built plans, maintenance manuals and technical data sheets.

7. Updating the maintenance logbook and EUC

   • Incorporate the new inspection frequencies, remaining service lives and recommendations.
   • Keep all documents in the syndicate’s records for the next annual general meeting and transactions (certificates, notaries, etc.).

For structured operational support, see our operational management services: multiRent – Services, operational management.

Budget, contingency fund and planning (Bill 16)

Since Bill 16, each syndicate must update its maintenance logbook (EUC) and have a contingency fund study prepared by a qualified professional. As of 2026-07-29, this study identifies upcoming major work (roofs, facades, parking facilities and systems) and the required contributions.

• Aligning budgets and work: the engineer costs out the scenarios; the board of directors adjusts the phases based on the co-owners’ ability to pay and the declaration of co-ownership.
• Contributions and communication: clearly explain the impact on common expenses and, where necessary, special assessments. Document the decision in the minutes.
• Phasing and risks: prioritize work related to safety and structural integrity to prevent costs from escalating.
• Decision support: solid engineering reports make it easier to achieve quorum and secure votes at a meeting.

To structure the financial side and administrative follow-up (notices of meeting, minutes and certificates), see: multiRent – Services, administrative management and multiRent – Services, financial management.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Starting structural work without sealed plans, then discovering partway through that the permit has been refused.
• Accepting a single “turnkey” bid without specifications, making it difficult to manage extras later.
• Postponing a mandatory facade or garage inspection and receiving a notice of violation.
• Confusing a private portion with a common portion: a private element may be supported by a common structure. Check the declaration of co-ownership and consult a professional.
• Forgetting to update the EUC and contingency fund after major work, distorting forecasts and common expenses.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q1. Engineer or architect: who should you choose?
Both professions are recognized for several mandates (e.g., contingency fund studies). For structural elements, an engineer is generally required. For the building envelope and architecture, the architect may take the lead, often with an engineer’s support. Confirm based on the scope and RBQ/municipal requirements.

Q2. Does minor work in private portions require an engineer?
Painting, interior finishes or replacing a private faucet with an identical model do not require an engineer. As soon as a load-bearing wall, riser, common electrical system or the building envelope is affected, require professional validation and a permit if necessary.

Q3. Who pays for common versus private expenses?
Refer to your declaration of co-ownership and the allocation of common and private portions. Repairs to common portions typically fall under common expenses; damage caused by work in a private portion may result in a chargeback. If there is any ambiguity, consult a lawyer.

Useful resources for further information:

• RGCQ – Bill 16 file and best practices in divided co-ownership: https://rgcq.org/
• LégisQuébec – Engineers Act: https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/document/lc/I-9
• RBQ – Facade maintenance: https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/batiment/entretien-et-securite/entretien-des-facades/
• RBQ – Maintenance of multi-level parking garages: https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/batiment/entretien-et-securite/entretien-des-stationnements-etages/

See more practical guides on our blog.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a lawyer or notary regarding your situation.

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