How does a building inspection for buying a home work?

Building inspection for buying a home in Quebec follows a structured process:

Duration: According to the AIBQ (Quebec Association of Building Inspectors), inspecting a single-family bungalow in good condition takes about 2.5 hours; the duration varies with the size and condition of the building and how easy the various areas are to access. The written report is delivered within the deadline set in the service agreement.

Inspection steps:

1. Exterior: Foundation, exterior cladding, windows and doors, soffits and fascia, roofing (shingle condition, chimney, flashings), land (drainage, slope, trees)
2. Structure: Basement or crawl space (foundation, beams, columns, joists), roof frame (attic — insulation, ventilation, signs of leaks)
3. Mechanical systems: Heating (furnace, heat pump, boiler — age, maintenance), plumbing (visible piping, water heater, water pressure, drainage), electrical (electrical panel, visible wiring, GFCI outlets)
4. Interior: Walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, cabinets, countertops. Signs of water infiltration, mold, structural cracks

Cost: According to the AIBQ, a complete inspection of a single-family residential building costs between $750 and $850 (2024 market data, reported by Centris in June 2024). Fees are slightly lower for the private portion of a condo, and higher for a plex depending on the number of units. Specialized inspections (thermography, mold testing) are extra.