The Vantage Blog

Practical advice to run and grow your construction business.

August 31, 2026

Paper Timesheets in Construction: What They Really Cost You

Hours rounded from memory, the wrong project, Friday-night transcription: the four leaks of paper timesheets, the math on what they cost, and what digital punch clocking changes.

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August 18, 2026

Cost-Plus or Fixed Price: Which Model Should You Use on Your Jobs?

Firm price or real costs plus markup? When each model wins, the traps of cost-plus, the hybrid that protects both sides — and how to bill cleanly either way.

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August 8, 2026

How Much Should You Charge per Hour in Construction in Quebec? The Full Calculation

Target income, fixed costs, truly billable hours, margin: the 4-step method to calculate your floor hourly rate as a contractor — with a complete worked example.

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August 2, 2026

The Extras That Never Get Billed: How to Stop Working for Free

"While you're here" requests eat contractors' margins. How to document, get approval for, and invoice every extra — without a fight at the end of the job.

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July 30, 2026

Getting Paid in Construction: The Quebec Contractor’s Guide

Deposits, progress payments, follow-ups, formal demand letters and the legal hypothec: how to protect your money at every stage of the contract, from deposit to final balance.

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July 26, 2026

How Much Does an RBQ Licence Cost in 2026? The Real Total, Line by Line

Official 2026 RBQ fees: new licence, annual renewal, exams, licence bond and hidden costs. A realistic budget for becoming a licensed contractor in Quebec.

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July 25, 2026

How to Write a Construction Quote: A Practical Guide

What a construction quote should include in Quebec: scope of work, pricing, taxes, terms and validity. A concrete guide to winning more contracts.

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