What should a building inspection report contain?
A professional building inspection report in Quebec follows the BNQ 3009-500 standard (Bâtiment d'habitation — Pratiques pour l'inspection en vue d'une transaction immobilière), to which the Regulation respecting residential building inspectors refers. The AIBQ (Association des inspecteurs en bâtiments du Québec) also provides its members with model service agreements for each type of inspection.
Expected elements:
- Identification: Building address, inspection date and time, inspector's name and, where held, certificate number
- Weather conditions: Outdoor temperature, precipitation (conditions that may affect the inspection)
- Methodology: Scope of inspection, limitations (uninspected areas, untested equipment)
- Condition by system: Structure, exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning, insulation, ventilation, interior
- Defects and recommendations: Each defect must be described with location, nature, severity (minor, major, critical), and a correction recommendation
- Photos: Photographic documentation of defects and general condition
- Summary: Prioritized list of major problems
Standard exclusions (not covered): Septic system (requires specialized inspection), mold (laboratory testing), asbestos, radon, wood-destroying insects, pools, sprinkler systems.
The report is delivered in writing; the delivery deadline is set in the service agreement, and verbal reports or summary checklists do not replace a written report.