Property Inspection: Everything You Need to Know for a Successful Transaction

1. What Is a Property Inspection?

A property inspection is a thorough visual and technical analysis of a building carried out by a certified inspector.
The inspection can involve several types of real estate:

• 🏡 Single-family home
• 🏢 Condo
• 🏬 Multi-unit building
• 🏘 Duplex or triplex

The primary goal is to identify any existing or potential issues before finalizing a transaction.
The inspector examines the structure, roof, foundations,
electrical system, plumbing, insulation, and much more.

In short, if you’re wondering “house inspection: what to check?”, everything that could pose a risk
or require repairs in the short, medium, or long term will be thoroughly examined. This process protects both the buyer,
who wants to avoid unwelcome surprises, and the seller, who wants to justify the asking price and avoid future disputes.

2. Why Is the Inspection Essential?

It’s easy to fall in love with a property by imagining the décor, room layout, and future projects.
However, without an inspection, you risk overlooking potentially costly issues.

Main advantages:

• 🔎 Uncover hidden problems: Foundation cracks, humidity issues, construction flaws, etc.
• 💲 Negotiate a fair price: If the inspection uncovers major repairs, you can negotiate a price reduction or ask for the repairs to be completed before closing.
• 💡 Protect your investment: A property often represents the largest investment of a lifetime, and an inspection helps reduce financial risks.
• ✅ Reassure the seller: The seller can demonstrate good faith in the transaction and avoid future litigation.

Whether you’re buying a single-family home, a condo, or a multi-unit building,
the inspection is therefore an essential safety net.

3. What Is Checked During an Inspection?

During the inspection, the inspector assesses various components of the building. Here’s a detailed overview:

• Roof:
  • Checking the covering (asphalt shingles, elastomeric membrane, etc.).
  • Evaluating waterproofing to detect any water infiltration.
  • Inspecting the overall condition of the structure (rafters, roof trusses).
• Foundations:
  • Looking for cracks, humidity, or water infiltration.
  • Verifying general solidity and stability.
• Electrical system:
  • Checking the electrical panel (amperage, breakers, fuses).
  • Inspecting outlets, switches, and compliance of installations.
  • Detecting any potential safety risk.
• Plumbing:
  • Checking pipes and connections.
  • Examining water pressure and quality.
  • Looking for leaks or corrosion.
• Insulation and structure:
  • Identifying the type of insulation (mineral wool, cellulose, urethane, etc.).
  • Assessing the building’s energy efficiency.
  • Observing the framing (beams, joists, load-bearing walls).

Each of these points is crucial for determining the property’s true value and for anticipating
future repair costs. In the case of a condo inspection,
the inspector can also examine common areas (e.g., the building’s roof, garage, shared stairs),
while for a multi-unit inspection, each unit and common areas will be thoroughly checked.

4. Steps of an Inspection

A. Scheduling an Appointment

The first step is to choose a qualified inspector. Ideally, pick inspectors who have received
recognized training in building inspection and are members of a professional association.

Practical tip: You can find professionals on reputable sites such as
groupe inspect to get in touch with certified inspectors in your area.

B. Preparing for the Inspection

Good preparation makes the inspector’s job easier and ensures you receive a comprehensive report:

1. Clear key access points: Electrical panel, attic, basement, crawl spaces, etc.
2. Perform small repairs: Replace burnt-out bulbs, tighten door handles, fix minor leaks under the sink, etc.
3. Gather your documents: Maintenance invoices, manuals, warranties, and other supporting documents (recent renovations, building permits, etc.).

Organizing the space and collecting all necessary documents allows the inspector to focus on the most critical points.

C. Following the Process

The inspection usually lasts 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the property. During the examination,
feel free to follow the inspector and ask questions:

• Understand their observations: What issues are identified? Are they urgent?
• Evaluate potential costs: Some minor deficiencies can become major if left unaddressed.
• Take notes: Even if you receive a written report, personal notes can help you remember every detail.

This proactive approach will give you a comprehensive view of the property’s condition and help you prioritize
future repairs or maintenance.

5. What to Do After an Inspection?

A. Reading and Understanding the Report

Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide a detailed report that includes:

• A summary of their observations.
• Photos illustrating identified issues.
• Recommendations for addressing those issues.

If you come across technical terms you’re unfamiliar with, you can consult the
RBQ glossary
(external link example). The goal is to demystify the jargon and help you make informed decisions.

B. Acting on the Report

After receiving the report, you’ll have decisions to make:

• Buyer:
  – Price negotiation: If the inspection reveals major defects (foundation problems, water leaks, mold),
  you can request a price reduction or demand that the seller handle the repairs.
  – Re-evaluation of the purchase: In some cases, issues may be so significant that the buyer decides not to proceed.
• Seller:
  – Repairs: Quickly address the issues uncovered to reassure potential buyers.
  – Transparency: Disclose any identified problems to avoid future legal disputes.

6. What Does a House, Condo, or Multi-Unit Inspection Cost?

A. Factors Influencing the Price

The cost of an inspection varies based on several factors:

1. Property size: The larger the property, the longer the inspection takes.
2. Property type: Inspecting a house, condo, or multi-unit building may involve different levels of complexity.
3. Age of the building: Older homes might require a more detailed examination.
4. Additional services: Infrared thermography, air quality testing, mold detection, etc.

B. Sample Price Range

Below is a hypothetical table to give you an idea (prices can vary by region and inspector).
These amounts have been increased by $300 compared to an initial estimate:

Tip: Before signing a contract with an inspector, verify what is included in the base price
and which additional services are available. This will help you avoid surprises or unexpected fees.

7. Why Work with a Real Estate Broker?

Calling on a real estate broker like Samuel Jacques can significantly simplify the inspection process:

• Selection of a qualified inspector: An experienced broker often has a network of reliable professionals.
• Support in understanding the report: They help you interpret the repair implications and evaluate their impact on the purchase or sale price.
• Negotiation: If corrections are needed, the broker will defend your interests and discuss solutions with the other party.

Additionally, a broker can guide you to useful resources for financing and offer strategies
for buying or selling under the best conditions.

For more advice for buyers, feel free to check out
our Quebec real estate buying guide

8. Recommended Companies for Your Inspection

Several companies offer quality building inspection services. Although the final choice is yours,
here are a few names with solid reputations:

• Renospect
• Inspection CBI
• Groupe Inspection (mentioned above)

When contacting these companies, ask about their specialties (single-family home, condo, multi-unit)
and about their professional liability insurance coverage.

9. Conclusion

In short, a property inspection is a crucial step for any real estate project,
whether it’s a single-family home, a condo, or a multi-unit building.
It allows you to:

• 🔍 Uncover hidden flaws and understand the building’s true condition.
• 💡 Anticipate repair or maintenance costs for the future.
• 🤝 Negotiate a fair price or request fixes before closing the deal.
• 🔒 Protect your investment and prevent major problems over the long term.

By working with qualified professionals, you’ll set yourself up
for a successful transaction with complete peace of mind.

For more interesting blog posts, visit
our blog page (internal link).

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, proper preparation, expert guidance,
and a clear understanding of the inspection process will help you conclude your real estate transaction
under optimal conditions. Happy inspection and successful transaction! 🚀