Our best advice on how to engage a qualified building inspector.
By 2027, all building inspectors will hold a license granted by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) (see our article on this topic). Until then, how should you proceed to find a qualified inspector?
This stage of the process can prove quite stressful for first-time buyers. Thankfully, following these tips can improve your odds of hiring a good building inspector.
Visit Professional Associations’ Websites
The first step is to go directly to the websites of recognised professional associations such as the Association des professionnels de la construction et de l’habitation du Québec (APCHQ) and the Association des Inspecteurs en Bâtiments du Québec (AIBQ). They each provide a directory of inspectors who comply with current regulations (they’re certified and accredited). A good start, although it’s no guarantee of expertise!
Right now, anyone can work as an inspector without having any real knowledge and without any errors and omissions insurance. It’s important to exercise caution.
Co-owner of Lapello Building Inspection
“Interview” the Inspector
Once you’ve selected an inspector from the APCHQ or AIBQ websites, carrying out further checks is recommended to learn more about their qualifications. Expertise relies on more than just certification after all!
A Few Examples
- Ask the professional about their standards of practice and what various stages their inspection include.
- Because an inspector is self-employed, it’s crucial they carry errors or omissions insurance. This insurance coverage indirectly protects the buyer in the event of a dispute involving the property following the purchase. The buyer might obtain compensation from the inspector’s insurer if, for example, a problem with the building is discovered that should have been detected during the inspection. What’s more, consumers can feel reassured knowing that an insurance company deems the inspector “insurable”!
- Ask for references from clients the inspector has worked with in the past. You can discuss with them how satisfied they were with the service they received.
- Ask the inspector how many inspections they carry out each year, as this can also show their level of competency. “Some people do this work in their spare time; there’s no way they’re as skilled as a professional who performs 150 inspections annually and stays up-to-date professionally,” insist Mr. Cormier.
Word-of-Mouth Recommendations
You might also find relying on word-of-mouth wise due to the lack of regulations governing the profession of building inspector (which will change in 2027). Ask your friends and family for references of inspectors whose work they were happy with. Keep in mind as well that your broker must provide you with three inspector references upon request. However, they can’t guarantee their competency level. Once again, you need to do your own homework and thorough research!
Check the Inspector’s Areas of Expertise
Not all inspectors possess the same range of skills. Some real estate categories include unique features, so it’s important to choose a professional with expertise in the particular type of property, such as in the case of:
Century-old house
A particular body of expertise is required to inspect this kind of building properly. “Inspectors must have the appropriate knowledge and understand what to look for and where,” explains inspector Alexandre Cormier. “They must have a good grasp of the period’s construction techniques to write a report that reflects reality.” The buyer’s presence is always essential during the inspection, but this is doubly true for heritage homes. “When I inspect an ancestral home, I ask the client if they plan on renovating. This helps me tailor my report to their needs.”
- New Construction Pre-Acceptance Inspections
This involves the inspection of a newly built home you, its first resident, are about to purchase. Always highly recommended, the pre-acceptance inspection ensures the work meets required standards (just because it’s new doesn’t guarantee it’s perfect!). It’s completely different from the inspection of a second-hand home, which is why finding a specialist inspector is key.
- Condominiums
Inspecting a condo is likewise very different from inspecting a single-family home; yet it’s not uncommon for an inspector to excel at both. What you should understand, however, is that the inspector can only examine what is termed the unit’s private portions, meaning there are far fewer elements to check. Usually, the co-owners (through the syndicate of co-owners) hire a technician to inspect the building itself (structure, etc.) and the common portions (corridors, lobby, rooftop patio, etc.). This person produces a detailed report that buyers interested in purchasing a unit can then consult.
- Multiplexes
Again, hiring a specialist inspector is advisable if you’re considering purchasing a multi-unit building (multiplex) as not all professionals are well versed in this type of building’s characteristics.
How Can You Be Certain You Have a Comprehensive Report?
Finally, you’ve had the property inspected and now have the report in your hands (read our article on the topic). But how can you tell if the document is complete? According to Alexandre Cormier, a good indicator is if the inspector has duly filled out every section of the inspection report. The sections are generally divided into categories, such as roof, attic, foundation, interior components, exterior components, and mechanical systems (electricity and plumbing). “I also want to emphasize how important it is to have lots of photographs. A report containing several photos gives a fuller picture and proves that the inspector has done their job. Plus, it’s easier for the client to understand what the inspector is saying when the explanation comes with a visual.”
What to Do If There’s an Issue?
Furthermore, if the building inspector does note anomalies or concerns, they must assess the severity of the problem and recommend the appropriate professional for a more detailed inspection. This must be clearly stated in the report. “But in all cases, the inspector must remain impartial and only state the facts observed,” insists Mr. Cormier. It’s thus up to the buyer and their broker to read the report carefully and interpret the information it contains. If costly renovations are needed, the buyer can either choose to withdraw their purchase offer or negotiate a lower price.
The report may also include a list of areas that couldn’t be inspected for various reasons, such as limited access. In this case, if the buyer purchases the property, they recognize that they do so without full knowledge of the facts.
