Pre-purchase home inspection - what to look for
- coraliefortin076
- Aug 1
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 21
Buying a house, cottage, or garage is often one of the biggest investments of a lifetime. Before signing the deed of sale, it's essential to ensure that the desired property is in good condition and that no hidden defects will disturb your peace of mind. This is where a pre-purchase inspection comes in.
At Plan Maison Québec, we know how essential a complete inspection is, both for future homeowners and for those considering renovations or new construction. This article guides you through the crucial elements to look for during a home inspection, so you can make an informed decision.
Why have a house inspected?
Buying a property should never be based solely on aesthetics or first impressions. Even a thoroughly renovated home can hide significant issues. A pre-purchase inspection aims to identify apparent or potential problems that could impact your comfort, safety, and finances in the short or long term.
It also allows you to verify whether previous renovations were carried out according to industry standards, using compliant and safe materials. For example, electrical work carried out without a permit or a certified electrician can pose a significant risk.
Plan Maison Québec values transparency and safety in all projects. By collaborating with qualified inspectors and contractors, we ensure that every element of the plan takes into account local realities, whether it's a new construction or a renovation project.
When to do the inspection?
The inspection must be planned when the promise to purchase is drafted. A conditional clause is included, specifying a deadline for the inspection to take place and for the results to be satisfactory. This deadline is generally 7 to 10 days. This provides essential security for the buyer.
It's also wise to have a property inspected before carrying out major renovations, even if you already own it. An inspection provides an overview of the building's weaknesses and allows you to prioritize repairs. For example, it would be pointless to redo the interior design if the foundation is unstable or the roof is leaking.
Plan Maison Québec offers strategic support to align your projects with the technical realities revealed during an inspection. We help you intelligently integrate the necessary corrections into the plans, while respecting your aesthetic and budgetary objectives.
Preparing for the inspection: what you need to know
An effective inspection relies on careful preparation. The buyer should bring relevant documents, such as previous inspection reports, invoices for recent work, or available warranties, if provided by the seller. These documents help the inspector better understand the home's history.
The seller, for his part, must clear the technical and mechanical areas. An inspector doesn't dismantle walls or move furniture; he relies on visual observations. If certain parts of the building are inaccessible, this could limit the scope of the report.
During a renovation or expansion project, such as those designed by Plan Maison Québec, this preparation step also allows us to validate the technical feasibility of the planned work. Our experts know how to leverage inspection data to adapt your plans to the requirements of the existing building.
Exterior of the house: the first impression
Analyzing the exterior envelope of the house quickly provides an idea of the quality of the construction and its maintenance over time. A visibly worn roof, with warped or missing shingles, may indicate water infiltration. The lifespan of a roof covering varies depending on the materials used, but an inspection will inform you whether replacement is necessary in the short term.
The foundation must be examined for active or passive cracks. A vertical crack may be benign, but a stepped or horizontal crack could indicate structural instability. The inspector also evaluates the drainage of the site: an improper slope that directs water toward the house instead of away from it can lead to infiltration or subsidence.
Exterior doors, windows, decks, stairs, railings, and soffits are also examined. Poor sealing around openings or an unstable railing are all signs of neglected maintenance.
At Plan Maison Québec, we design plans that take into account land orientation, snow loads, drainage standards, and materials suited to our harsh climate. These considerations are essential for building a durable and safe home.
Interior: essential systems and building envelope
Inside, the inspector first ensures that the structure appears stable and that the materials are in good condition. They look for warped floors, sagging ceilings, or cracks in the walls. These signs may reflect a problem with the structure, foundation, or initial design.
The electrical system is carefully examined. The inspector checks whether the electrical panel is up to code, and whether there are any exposed wires, faulty outlets, or non-compliant additions. An outdated system may require costly upgrades, especially if you plan to add new electrical equipment.
The plumbing is also assessed: type of pipe (copper, plastic, lead), water flow rates, signs of leaks, condition of water heaters, and wastewater disposal. In many older homes, pipes may be clogged or pose a risk of contamination if lead is present.
Heating systems, whether electric, forced-air, oil-fired, or equipped with heat pumps, must be functional and safe. An outdated or poorly maintained unit can lead to excess energy consumption and potential breakdowns.
Plan Maison Québec strives to integrate modern, energy-efficient, and easy-to-maintain mechanical solutions into its plans. We prioritize a design that harmonizes with existing installations whenever possible, or a complete overhaul when necessary for occupant safety.
Attic and insulation inspection
The attic is often overlooked in a home, even though it can show significant signs of infiltration, condensation, or poor ventilation. The inspector checks the condition of the roof structure, the insulation layout, and the presence of cold air or moisture ingress.
Poorly installed or insufficient insulation leads to significant heat loss, which increases heating bills. An accumulation of ice on the roof in winter (called an "ice dam") can also indicate a ventilation problem in the attic.
Plan Maison Québec designs its plans with high standards of energy efficiency. Good insulation and adequate ventilation are integral parts of a well-designed home. We always recommend durable materials and modern techniques to ensure optimal performance, summer and winter.
The importance of humidity and ventilation
A healthy humidity level in a home is generally between 30% and 50%. Excess humidity promotes mold, weakening of materials, and respiratory problems for occupants. The inspector can use specialized tools to detect problem areas, particularly around windows, in the bathroom, basement, or behind walls.
Ventilation is equally crucial. A home that "breathes poorly" accumulates humidity, which can cause long-term structural damage. Inefficient bathroom fans, a malfunctioning range hood, or a faulty air exchanger can all contribute to an unhealthy environment.
The residential plans developed by Plan Maison Québec are designed to maximize air circulation, integrate the right equipment, and promote a healthy quality of life for occupants. Every detail counts in the design of a sustainable living environment.
Garage, outbuildings and accessory buildings
Garages and other accessory buildings must undergo the same rigorous inspection as the main house. An uninsulated garage or one with a cracked slab can pose a problem, especially if it's attached to the residence. The inspector will assess the structure, ventilation, electrical systems, and the presence of moisture or contamination (e.g., hydrocarbons).
Similarly, sheds or workshops must comply with building codes, especially if they are used for regular purposes. At Plan Maison Québec, we offer garage and accessory building plans customized to each client's needs, whether it's for a workspace, storage space, or a multifunctional project.
Reading and understanding the inspection report
The inspection report is an essential, but sometimes intimidating, document. It is divided into thematic sections (roof, foundation, structure, etc.) and often includes a summary of priority areas. Some problems require immediate attention, while others can be planned for the medium or long term.
It's important not to panic when faced with a report containing numerous comments. No house is perfect. The key is to understand the scope of the required corrections. At Plan Maison Québec, we help our clients interpret these reports and translate their findings into concrete solutions for their construction or renovation projects.
Inspection vs. Expertise: What’s the Difference?
A standard visual inspection must be distinguished from a specialized assessment. An inspector does not perform destructive tests or laboratory analyses. If a complex problem is suspected—for example, ground subsidence or chronic infiltration—they may recommend additional expertise conducted by an engineer or specialist.
For projects entrusted to Plan Maison Québec, we can collaborate with these professionals to adapt the plans according to their recommendations. This ensures that the house, cottage, or garage complies with industry best practices while meeting your specific needs.
The importance of using qualified professionals
A pre-purchase inspection is only valuable if it is carried out by a competent, certified, and experienced professional. In Quebec, there are no strict regulations governing the profession of building inspector, which means that anyone can set themselves up as an inspector. This is why it is crucial to choose the right person to entrust this task to.
A good inspector should be a member of a recognized association, such as the AIBQ (Association of Building Inspectors of Quebec) or the Ordre des technologues professionnels du Québec. These affiliations ensure that the inspector adheres to a code of ethics, has professional liability insurance, and uses a rigorous method to assess the property's condition.
Working with trusted professionals, whether an inspector, a structural engineer, or a technologist, not only allows you to detect problems but also to receive realistic and actionable recommendations. This greatly facilitates planning future work or negotiating with the seller.
At Plan Maison Québec, we strongly encourage our clients to work with recognized specialists for every stage of a real estate project. When you entrust us with your construction or renovation plans, we ensure that all technical data, including those from an inspection, are taken into account in the design process. This comprehensive approach ensures a solid, compliant, and sustainable project, in perfect harmony with the requirements of the existing building.
Conclusion: pre-purchase home inspection Quebec
Having a pre-purchase home inspection in Quebec is an essential step for any savvy buyer. It allows you to make an informed decision, avoid unpleasant surprises, and accurately plan the necessary work. A well-conducted inspection not only gives you a better understanding of the property, but also a solid foundation for building, renovating, or improving your future home.
At Plan Maison Québec, we support our clients every step of the way in their residential project. Whether you're planning a new home, renovating an existing one, or adding a garage to your property, our team is here to guide you.
Don't wait for problems to arise:
Comments