Tel: 514-607-9988
How long should an inspection take?
There are many factors that can influence the length of time it takes to complete a visual building inspection.
However, it is possible to establish a reasonable average for each type of building.
Here is some information about it.
Condominium
L'inspection d'un condominium se concentre généralement sur la partie privative des lieux et exclut les éléments communs tels que la toiture, le revêtement extérieur et les corridors communs, pour n'en nommer que quelques-uns. Elle est menée depuis la porte intérieure de l'unité, couvrant du plancher au plafond, à l'intérieur des murs de l'unité privative.
Cependant, si des éléments des parties communes peuvent avoir un impact direct sur la partie privative, ils peuvent être mentionnés dans le rapport d'inspection.
Cette inspection est généralement la plus rapide, et devrait prendre, en fonction de l'état des lieux, entre 45 minutes et 2 heures.
Maison unifamiliale
Contrairement au condominium, l'inspection d'une maison unifamiliale est plus longue car elle inclut tous les éléments extérieurs et intérieurs du bâtiment, y compris le terrassement autour d'elle.
Bien sûr, une maison construite dans les années 2010, bien qu'aussi rigoureusement inspectée, pourrait être plus rapidement analysée qu'une maison centenaire en raison de son historique, des matériaux qui la composent et des méthodes de construction.
L'inspection extérieure prend environ une heure à inspecter et à expliquer. Le sous-sol où se trouvent la plupart des éléments mécaniques de la maison tels que le panneau électrique, les réservoirs d'eau chaude, les systèmes de chauffage central et de ventilation centrale, l'entrée d'eau, est la partie la plus longue à inspecter, prenant environ 1h à 1h30. Le rez-de-chaussée et le comble sous toit nécessitent environ une autre heure.
Il est donc possible de calculer une moyenne de temps d'inspection totale entre 3h et 4h.
Duplex
Inspecting a duplex is very similar to inspecting a single family home in terms of time.
The exterior takes about 1 hour to inspect and explain. Each unit takes 30-45 minutes to inspect, and the basement, just like the single family home, takes about 1-1.5 hours.
This inspection can also take, depending on the condition of the premises, between 3 and 4 hours.
Multiplex
Puisqu'un duplex prend entre 3h et 4h à inspecter, vous pouvez ajouter de 30 à 45 minutes par logement pour obtenir le temps total requis pour l'inspection.
Ainsi, pour un quadruplex, il serait possible de calculer une inspection nécessitant entre 4 h et 5 h au total.
Beware of too quick inspections!
A thorough inspection is crucial for informed decisions about buying or selling a property, often the most important investment in the client's life.
This is why a conscientious inspector will take the time necessary to accomplish his objective with rigor .
How much should an inspection cost?
We all aspire to get the best value for money for the services or goods we acquire.
However, when an inspector offers a full inspection at a price significantly below the market average, it can often mean that they will rush through the inspection and report writing process, potentially missing out on important or even major details.
Distance, type of building, age and other factors can influence the price of an inspection.
However, it is possible to establish a reasonable average price for each type of building.
Condominium
Inspection préachat ou pré-vente: 400-450 $ +tx
Inspection pré-réception : À partir de 450$ +tx
Maison unifamiliale
Inspecton préachat ou pré-vente : 650-750$ +tx
Inspection pré-réception : À partir de 750$ +tx
Duplex
Pre-purchase or pre-sale inspection: $700-750 +tx
Pre-reception inspection: From $750+tx
Multiplex
Just like the time required, the amount is added per number of units to be inspected
at a price of $50-100 per unit , from $700-750 + tax.
So, for a quadruplex, it would be possible to pay for an inspection between 900-1000 +tx.
*These prices may vary
The prices displayed on this site are generally those found on the market.
However, it is important to note that these rates are not fixed and may vary depending on several factors.
For example, prices may be adjusted following a request to add additional services exceeding
the basic mandate of the building inspection, such as the inspection of an annex or French drains.
Additionally, other elements such as the experience of the inspector, the distance from the building being inspected,
and the specificities of each company can also influence the total cost of the inspection.
What should I expect in the inspection report?
Today, multiple-choice inspection reports where the inspector checks boxes and adds black and white photos no longer have a place.
Nowadays, the inspection report is filled with findings with explanations and recommendations.
The photos are clear and in color, often with annotations and visual aids to emphasize issues identified during the inspection.
There are several basic elements that should be included in your inspection report, here they are:
Généralités
La table des matières, la page d'explications des symboles, la lettre d'introduction, le sommaire du bâtiment, le certificat, la conclusion, etc., sont des éléments essentiels qui devraient figurer dans un rapport d'inspection de base.
Catégories
There are several categories of items to be inspected. The inspection report should normally be divided into these categories to make it easier to understand and find a finding.
For example, an anomaly with an exterior electrical outlet should not be in the Exterior category, but rather in the Electrical category. Exterior elements instead include the roof, exterior siding, exterior doors, and land.
Photos
Photos are essential elements in understanding certain situations noted during the inspection. They must be in color, clear, and preferably accompanied by visual aids, such as arrows or frames, to highlight anomalies.
Additionally, explanatory captions can be added to provide additional details and ensure a better understanding of the issues identified.
Observation
The inspection report must identify the anomaly , explain the associated risks and be accompanied by one or more recommendations .
For example :
During the inspection, we found a diagonal crack in an interior drywall wall . This crack can indicate potential structural movement in the home, which could be caused by seasonal moisture fluctuations or more serious issues such as foundation settling. Structural movement in a home can cause cracks in walls and foundations, improperly closing doors and windows, warped flooring, roofing, plumbing and electrical issues, as well as peeling finish materials and water infiltration. It is highly recommended that this crack be assessed by a building or structural professional to determine the underlying cause and recommend any necessary repairs.
À chacun son style !
There are a variety of inspection programs and inspection banks available.
Even with the same program, the style of reports may vary depending on the preferences of each inspector.
Some inspectors prefer to provide short, to-the-point reports, focusing only on mandatory and important items.
Others choose to include additional practical information and maintenance recommendations.
The key is that the report identifies significant anomalies that may impact your purchasing decision.
If your inspector is a member of a professional association, his report must reflect elements consistent with the standards of practice of this association.
In our case, we follow the AIBQ (Association of Building Inspectors of Quebec) standard.
What is a hidden defect?
A latent defect is a fault or problem present in a property that is not visible during normal examination and that renders the property unfit for its intended use or significantly diminishes its usefulness.
Here is what is taken into consideration for a defect to be considered hidden according to Quebec government laws:
Définition d'un vice
Un vice est un défaut ou un problème qui rend un bien immobilier impropre à son usage prévu ou qui en diminue l'utilité.
Il peut résulter d'une malfaçon, d'une construction non conforme aux normes de l'industrie ou d'une violation des règles de l'art.
Il est important de noter que la simple non-conformité à des normes actuelles ne constitue pas nécessairement un vice, à moins qu'elle n'affecte significativement l'usage ou l'utilité du bien immobilier.
Gravité du vice
Le vice doit être suffisamment sérieux pour influencer la décision d'achat de l'acheteur ou justifier une réduction du prix. En d'autres termes, les conséquences du vice ne doivent pas être insignifiantes.
Par exemple, un vice mineur pris isolément peut ne pas répondre au critère de gravité, mais un ensemble de vices mineurs peut justifier une réclamation.
Knowledge of vice
The buyer must not be aware of the defect at the time of sale.
It is up to the seller to prove that he informed the buyer of the existence of the defect or that the latter was aware of it before the transaction.
This may be proven by correspondence documents, statements from the seller, or other evidence of communication between the parties.
Caractère non apparent du vice
Le vice ne doit pas être visible ou détectable au moment de la vente par un acheteur prudent et diligent sans avoir besoin de recourir à un expert. En d'autres termes, l'acheteur ne doit pas être en mesure de constater le vice lors d'un examen de routine de la propriété.
Si le vice est évident ou visible, il est considéré comme apparent et ne peut donner lieu à une réclamation pour vice caché.
Priority of the defect
The buyer must prove that the defect existed before the sale. This means that the effects of the defect can manifest themselves after the sale, provided that the cause of the defect predates the transaction.
The buyer may benefit from a presumption of anteriority if the defect becomes apparent shortly after the purchase.
On the other hand, if the defect results from improper use by the buyer or from modifications made after the sale, the seller cannot be held responsible.