Home Inspection

Home Inspector in
Dollard-des-Ormeaux

DDO, as residents call it, is one of the most populous cities on the West Island. Its diverse housing stock — bungalows, cottages, townhouses — reflects three decades of intensive suburban development between 1970 and 2000.

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Housing Profile

DDO: residential
diversity.

Dollard-des-Ormeaux offers a complete range of housing types. Older areas to the south feature 1970s bungalows, while northern and eastern neighbourhoods contain more recent 1990s construction. This diversity demands an in-depth knowledge of each construction era and its characteristic materials.

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1970s bungalows
DDO's earliest developments feature bungalows with finished basements. These 50-year-old homes often have their original roof, windows and mechanical systems. Basement finishes sometimes conceal chronic moisture problems.
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1980s-90s cottages
Two-storey homes from this period use wood framing with brick or vinyl cladding. Multi-slope roofs create valleys prone to ice buildup in winter and to leaks.
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Standard suburban systems
Mechanical systems are typical of the suburbs: gas forced-air heating, central air conditioning, gas water heater. Copper and ABS plumbing is standard, with lifespans now reaching their limits.
Soil & Foundations

The ground beneath
DDO.

DDO sits on glacial deposits of clay and till. Some areas developed in the 1970s-80s used backfill containing pyrite beneath basement slabs. This mineral swells on contact with moisture and oxygen, heaving floors and cracking foundations — a costly problem that still affects some DDO properties.

Pyrite risk — Some backfill beneath basement slabs contains pyrite. Swelling causes floor heaving, wall cracking and damage to finishes. An IPPG test can confirm the risk.
Clay soil — Champlain Sea clay beneath the till layer swells and shrinks seasonally. This movement causes foundation cracks and progressive differential settlement.
Perimeter drainage — Weeping tiles from the 1970s-80s are reaching end of life. Sediment buildup and tree roots reduce their effectiveness, increasing water pressure on foundations.
Sump pump — Many DDO homes rely on a sump pump to evacuate groundwater. We check its operation, age and whether a battery backup is installed for power outages.
Common Findings

What we find
in DDO.

After numerous inspections in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, here are the problems we identify most often in this city's properties.

Slab heaving (pyrite) — Bumpy basement floors, basement wall cracks and doors that no longer close are classic signs of pyrite swelling in the backfill beneath the slab.
Multilayer roofing — Some homes have had multiple layers of shingles applied over the years. Excessive weight and lack of underlying ventilation accelerate deterioration and can overload the structure.
Deficient attic ventilation — Homes from the 1970s-80s often have insufficient attic ventilation, causing condensation, mold on roof sheathing and ice dam formation.
Aging exterior cladding — Vinyl from the 1980s-90s becomes brittle, while brick may show cracks and deteriorated mortar joints requiring repointing.
Aging central air conditioning — AC compressors over 15 years old lose efficiency. Units using R-22 (Freon) are obsolete and expensive to recharge since the refrigerant was banned.
Basement insulation — Basements finished in the 1970s-80s often use a polyethylene vapour barrier on foundation walls, trapping moisture and fostering hidden mold growth behind finishes.
Neighborhoods Served

DDO,
in detail.

We inspect properties in every area of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, including:

South DDO
Older area, 1970s bungalows, near Sources Boulevard
North DDO
1980s-90s developments, cottages and townhouses
Westpark
Family residential neighbourhood, single-family homes, quiet streets
Brunswick Area
Near shops, diverse housing, recent condos
Our Services

Inspections available in
Dollard-des-Ormeaux.

1970-80 bungalows and splits, 1980-2000 two-storey cottages, townhouses, recent condos — Dollard-des-Ormeaux is one of the largest cities in the West Island, mostly residential and bilingual.

Pre-Purchase Inspection in Dollard-des-Ormeaux

Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO) is one of the largest cities in the West Island, mostly residential and bilingual. Buyers will encounter: 1970-80 bungalows and splits in established residential neighbourhoods, 1980-2000 two-storey cottages, townhouses and duplexes, recent condos (2010+) with active GCR warranty. Pyrite in the backfill under certain 1980-90 slabs is a documented issue in DDO. Aluminum wiring and vermiculite are common in 1970-80 homes.

Our pre-purchase inspection in Dollard-des-Ormeaux covers more than 400 inspection points: foundation, structure, roofing, electrical, plumbing, ventilation, insulation, windows, cladding and grounds. We pay particular attention to pyrite (visible signs of slab heave, CTQ-M200 test recommended when in doubt), 1970-80 aluminum wiring, potentially contaminated vermiculite, 100-amp electrical panels often inadequate, end-of-life roofing and windows, and non-compliant basement conversions (common in DDO). Report delivered within 24h*.

Home Inspection in Dollard-des-Ormeaux

Single-family homes in Dollard-des-Ormeaux span four decades of construction. 1970-80 bungalows and splits typical of the West Island suburb with end-of-life mechanical systems: aluminum wiring, 100-amp panels, galvanized plumbing, vermiculite, insufficient insulation. 1980-2000 two-storey cottages with more recent systems but possible pyrite under slabs. 1990-2010 townhouses with acoustic-insulation and party-wall concerns.

A home inspection in Dollard-des-Ormeaux takes 3 to 4 hours on site and includes a full visit of every accessible level, the attic, the crawl space and the exterior. For 1980-90 homes, we pay particular attention to pyrite. Report within 24h*.

Condo Inspection in Dollard-des-Ormeaux

Dollard-des-Ormeaux has a significant growing condo stock, primarily in new residential developments and along Boulevard Saint-Jean. Recent buildings (2010-2025) show the typical defects of serial construction: shrinkage cracks, deteriorating window seals, poorly balanced shared mechanical ventilation, acoustic transmission. GCR warranty applies to new condos.

Our condo inspection in Dollard-des-Ormeaux covers the interior of the unit (kitchen, bathrooms, windows, electrical panel, plumbing, ventilation) as well as the visible common areas. We also recommend reviewing the contingency fund study and the syndicate meeting minutes. See also what a condo inspection can — and cannot — reveal.

Plex and Multiplex Inspection in Dollard-des-Ormeaux

Dollard-des-Ormeaux has a moderate stock of duplexes and triplexes, primarily concentrated in residential neighbourhoods and along main streets (Boulevard Saint-Jean, Boulevard des Sources). These buildings often date from 1975-2000 and present typical findings: poured concrete foundations, partially modernised plumbing, mixed aluminum-copper electrical, asphalt-shingle roofs. Pyrite under slabs is to watch in 1980-90 buildings. Buildings of 5 units or more fall under commercial / multi-unit category.

A plex and multiplex inspection in Dollard-des-Ormeaux examines each accessible unit, the common areas, structure, roofing, all mechanical systems, foundation and exterior. Custom quote within 24h.

Commercial Inspection in Dollard-des-Ormeaux

Dollard-des-Ormeaux hosts substantial commercial activity: shopping centres along Boulevard Saint-Jean and Boulevard des Sources, neighbourhood retail, professional offices, mixed-use commercial buildings, and a few industrial parks. Commercial buildings span a wide range of ages (1975-2025).

A commercial inspection in Dollard-des-Ormeaux covers the structure, building envelope, roofing, electrical service, mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing, sprinklers if applicable), accessibility, signs of code compliance, parking and grounds. Custom quote.

FAQ

Questions about
DDO.

What types of homes are found in DDO?+
DDO offers great variety: 1970s bungalows, 1980s two-storey cottages, townhouses and more recent condos. Each type presents its own inspection challenges related to construction age and materials.
Do DDO homes have pyrite problems?+
Some DDO areas were affected by pyrite swelling in foundation backfill. Pyrite swells on contact with moisture, causing slab heaving. We check for signs of heaving and recommend testing if necessary.
How long does an inspection in DDO take?+
A residential inspection in DDO takes between 2.5 and 4 hours depending on property size. DDO single-family homes being medium to large, allow approximately 3 hours for a complete inspection.
Should I have vermiculite checked in Dollard-des-Ormeaux?+
Yes. Vermiculite (grey-brown pellet insulation) is common in DDO bungalows and splits built between 1970 and 1985. It may contain asbestos fibres (Zonolite). We document its presence in the attic and recommend a laboratory test before any renovation or re-insulation work.
Do you offer bilingual inspection in DDO?+
Yes. DDO being a bilingual city, we provide a full service in English and French: communications, on-site inspection and written report in the language of your choice.
Which areas of DDO do you inspect?+
We inspect throughout Dollard-des-Ormeaux: Boulevard Saint-Jean and Boulevard des Sources corridors, 1970-2000 established residential neighbourhoods, new residential developments, and all residential and commercial sectors.
How much does a home inspection cost in Dollard-des-Ormeaux? What is the price?+
Our rates in Dollard-des-Ormeaux start at $550+tax for a condo, $750+tax for a single-family home, and custom quote for plex, multi-unit and commercial inspections. The cost of a home inspector, house inspector or property inspector depends on the size, age and complexity of the building. See our detailed pricing or contact us for a precise quote.
Are you a certified InterNACHI home inspector in Dollard-des-Ormeaux?+
Yes. We are InterNACHI-certified (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors), IBC Network members, and professionally insured. As a home inspector, house inspector, property inspector and residential building inspector in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, we meet the most demanding North American standards of practice.
Do you offer pre-purchase / pre-buy home inspections in Dollard-des-Ormeaux?+
Yes. The pre-purchase inspection (also called pre-buy inspection, buyer inspection or inspection before buying) in Dollard-des-Ormeaux is our most requested service. We accommodate tight purchase offer timelines — the inspection clause typically provides 7-10 days to complete the inspection and receive the report. Our complete report is delivered within 24h*.
Do you inspect condominiums, apartments and co-ownerships in Dollard-des-Ormeaux?+
Yes. Our condo inspection in Dollard-des-Ormeaux covers condominiums, divided and undivided co-ownerships, apartment co-ownerships, townhouse co-ownerships and plex conversions. We inspect the interior of the unit as well as visible common areas, and recommend a review of the contingency fund study.
Do you inspect duplexes, triplexes, rental and multi-family properties in Dollard-des-Ormeaux?+
Yes. Our plex and multi-unit inspection in Dollard-des-Ormeaux covers duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, rental properties, multi-family buildings and income properties. Buildings of 5 units or more fall under the commercial / multi-unit category requiring an adapted inspection approach. Custom quote within 24h.
Neighboring Cities

Also available
nearby.

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Dollard-des-Ormeaux?

Available 7 days a week. Report within 24h*. We know DDO inside and out.

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