What are the most common defects found during a building inspection?

During building inspections in Quebec, certain common defects appear frequently:

Most frequent defects:

• Basement water infiltration: Foundation cracks, poor waterproofing, defective or missing French drain. Repair cost: to be quoted, depending on the extent of the work and access
• Aging roof: Curled, cracked, or missing asphalt shingles. Replacement: to be quoted, depending on the area, the slope and the number of layers to remove
• Outdated electrical panel: Fuses instead of breakers, aluminum wiring (installed in the 1960s and 1970s), missing GFCIs in wet areas. Upgrade: to be quoted, depending on the panel, the wiring and the number of circuits
• Aging water heater: Signs of rust, missing T&P valve. Replacement: to be quoted
• Insufficient insulation: Attics and exterior walls below the requirements of the Quebec Construction Code (Chapter I — Building). Cost to add insulation: to be quoted, depending on the area and the type of insulation
• Drainage / slope problems: Ground sloping toward the house, missing gutters, water pooling near foundations

Note: A pre-purchase inspection often allows price renegotiation depending on the severity of the defects found; the amount is negotiated case by case, there is no published scale.