Pre-Purchase Home Inspection Montréal

Your offer on a house, condo or plex in Montréal has been accepted, and the inspection condition gives you a few days to find out what you're buying. That's exactly what a pre-purchase inspection is for. I'm Pantelis Ambatzis, a Certified Master Inspector (CMI®), and I inspect the property according to the BNQ 3009-500 standard, with you on site if you wish.

What a pre-purchase inspection is

It's a visual and technical examination of the property, done before you lift the inspection condition in your promise to purchase. I check everything that is visible and safely accessible, from the roof to the basement, and I tell you what is in good shape, what needs maintenance and what could cost money soon. The inspection is not an expert appraisal: I don't open walls and I don't check code compliance. When something needs a closer look, I tell you clearly and recommend the right specialist.

Before the inspection: the documents

To prepare the visit, I need the seller's declaration and the property's listing sheet (Centris, DuProprio or private sale). The seller's declaration tells me what has already been repaired or reported: past water infiltration, roof work, French drain, electrical problems. On site, I then check whether what was declared matches what I see. Your broker can help you get these documents.

What I inspect

The exterior: lot grading, gutters, siding, windows and doors, balconies, galleries and stairs;
The roof: covering, flashing, vents and chimney, with the drone when the roof isn't safely accessible;
Foundation and structure: cracks, parging, signs of movement or water infiltration;
Electrical: service entrance, main panel, visible wiring, outlets;
Plumbing: pipe type and condition, water heater, drains, water entry;
Heating, air conditioning and ventilation;
The interior, basement and attic when accessible, with a moisture meter and a thermal camera to find hidden moisture and heat loss.

Cracked parging coming loose at the bottom of a foundation wall, with a vertical crack under a window — Cracked parging and a vertical crack under a window, photographed during an inspection. I always check the same wall from the inside with the moisture meter to see whether water is getting in.

During the inspection: you're on site

You can come along for the whole inspection, ask questions and show me what worries you. I explain each finding in plain language, as I find it. I can't give you repair cost estimates: that isn't the inspector's role, and a contractor can price the work for you. What I can do is tell you clearly what is urgent, what can wait and what should be checked by a specialist before your deadline runs out.

Overhead electrical service entrance on a brick plex, with masts and service heads — Overhead electrical entrance on a plex. Before I even open the panel, I check the masts, the service heads and how they're fastened to the brick.

What you receive

You receive a written report that follows the BNQ 3009-500 standard, with photos, findings ranked by priority and maintenance advice. The report is often delivered the same day. It helps you decide with your broker: go ahead, negotiate the price or repairs with the seller, or ask for a further expert opinion. And after the report is delivered, I'm still available to answer your questions.

House, condo or plex

The approach is the same, but each type of property has its own points to watch. For a condo, I inspect the private unit and, with the syndicate's permission, the accessible common areas; see the condo inspection page. For a duplex or triplex, each unit is examined; see the duplex & plex inspection page. Rates by type and size are on the price list.

Frequently asked questions

When should I book the inspection?

As soon as your promise to purchase is accepted. The inspection condition period is often short, and you need time to receive the report, discuss it with your broker and, if needed, bring in a specialist.

Does a new or renovated house need an inspection?

Yes. A recent renovation can hide an older problem, and new construction can have installation defects. The inspection gives you an independent picture of the work that was done.

What happens if you find a major problem?

I explain it on site and it's detailed in the report. It's then up to you and your broker to decide: negotiate, ask the seller to fix it, or withdraw within the time allowed by your promise to purchase.

Offer accepted? Call 514-924-8887 for a same-day quote, or reach us through the contact page.

Pre-Purchase Home Inspection in Montréal