Modular construction in Montréal

Montréal at a glance

Modular construction in Montréal

In Montréal and the Montréal region, modular construction is especially suited to residential projects on private land. Modules are built in a factory, sheltered from the weather, then delivered and assembled on a permanent foundation — cutting on-site timelines and weather dependence, two very real constraints outside the major centres.

On top of the building price, a project in Montréal carries off-factory costs: the land, the foundation, the connections — water and sewer, or well and septic depending on the sector — and module transport. That total is what you should compare from one builder to the next. On a permanent foundation, the home then finances like any other property.

Read the complete modular home guide · Detailed prices · Choosing a builder

Permits and regulations in Montréal

First things first, the permit: the municipality of Montréal must authorize the project, which remains subject to the Quebec Building Code (RBQ). Zoning sets the permitted setbacks, siting and height. In the factory, fabrication falls under CSA A277 certification; on the lot, the foundation, connections and assembly go through municipal inspection.

Check zoning rules and permit applications directly with the municipality: www.montreal.ca.

Where to find the rules in Montréal

Rules are specific to Montréal and the target zone. Before buying land or ordering modules, confirm these with the relevant authorities:

• Zoning & planning by-laws — Permitted uses, setbacks, height and siting — and whether factory-built homes are allowed in the target zone in Montréal. www.montreal.ca →
• Building permit — Application form, required documents and timelines from Montréal's planning department. www.montreal.ca →
• Regional land-use plan — Regional land-use designations, managed by the Montréal MRC. View →
• Agricultural zone (CPTAQ) — If the lot is in an agricultural zone, Commission authorization may be required before building. www.cptaq.gouv.qc.ca →
• Septic systems & wells — Off municipal services, Regulation Q-2, r.22 governs septic installations. www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca →
• Building code & RBQ licence — Verify your builder's RBQ licence and Quebec Building Code requirements. www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca →
• Guide: building permits in Quebec — Our step-by-step guide to permit procedures for a modular building. View →
• Modular construction glossary — Zoning, minor variance, CSA A277, turnkey… every project term explained simply. View →
• In person — Montréal city hall: 275, rue Notre-Dame Est.

Modular builders serving Montréal

Modular buildings are factory-built then transported to the site, so a builder does not need to be based in Montréal to deliver a project there. Most Quebec factories serve the entire province, including Montréal. Always verify the company's RBQ licence and get several quotes.

To compare manufacturers active in Quebec, see our modular builders guide.

Articles mentioning Montréal

Our guides and coverage that mention Montréal or projects in the area.

Frequently asked questions