A new construction inspection in Montreal documents the apparent state of a recent build — typically during the period covered by the Garantie de construction résidentielle (GCR). Far from being a luxury, inspecting a new build helps you build a factual record useful for your exchanges with the builder and to anticipate use of the applicable warranty. This guide explains the particularities of new construction, common defects observed in the Montreal region, and how to use the report to document your file.
Why inspect new construction
The common assumption is that new construction is defect-free because it is recent. The documented reality in the Montreal region is different: non-conformities, workmanship issues and uneven finishes are frequent during the first years post-delivery. A building inspection performed early lets you:
- Document the apparent state at delivery or shortly after — useful for long-term memory.
- Identify visible items to flag to the builder during applicable warranty periods.
- Track items to monitor before each warranty deadline.
The inspection does not replace the GCR warranty and does not decide coverage — only the warranty organization decides per its own rules.
The GCR warranty and its main deadlines
The Garantie de construction résidentielle (GCR) covers new residential buildings in Quebec with different deadlines. Without being legal advice, here are typical orders of magnitude for information:
- At delivery — coverage of visible items noted at pre-reception.
- First year — usual coverage of apparent workmanship issues.
- 3 years — usual coverage of certain hidden defects.
- 5 years — usual coverage of major defects affecting solidity.
Exact terms, exclusions and notice periods depend on your contract and the current GCR rules. We recommend consulting GCR, a notary or a lawyer for the applicable interpretation in your situation.
The pre-delivery inspection
The pre-delivery inspection is performed before official possession — generally at the pre-reception visit. It is the opportunity to document visible items to flag to the builder, which may be useful afterwards. The report documents the apparent state at the time of the visit.
This inspection does not replace the GCR procedure — official notice of items must follow your warranty's applicable rules. The report serves as a factual documentation tool.
Common defects in new construction in the Montreal region
Based on inspections documented in Greater Montreal, common indicators to monitor:
- Uneven finishes — drywall joints, paint, caulking, door and window adjustment.
- Undersized ventilation — HRV/ERV to validate, grille balancing to check.
- Residual humidity — recent wood drying, periodic condensation, traces around windows.
- Perimeter drainage — ground grading, gutters and downspouts not always optimal post-landscaping.
- Plumbing or electrical anomalies — caps poorly tightened, miswired outlets.
- Roofing — flashings, roof ventilation, debris accumulation around vents.
For detailed regional observations, see our article common new construction defects on the North Shore.
Particularities by construction type
Depending on the type of new building, items to monitor vary:
- New single-family home — roof, foundation, plumbing and electrical; particularly perimeter drainage post-landscaping.
- New condo — the unit plus visible elements of common areas; see our common-area inspection for the co-ownership dimension.
- New or converted plex — mechanical distribution, fire separation between units, separate ventilation per unit.
- Modular or factory-built construction — assembly joints, sealing at connections, foundation and leveling.
How much a new construction inspection costs
In 2026, a new construction inspection in Montreal typically starts at $750+tax for a standard single-family home. The pre-delivery inspection can be combined with a preventive follow-up inspection before each important warranty deadline.
For details and factors, see our pricing guide.
How long a new construction inspection takes
A new construction inspection typically takes 3 to 4 hours on site for a standard single-family home. For a smaller condo, plan 2 to 3 hours. The complete report with photos and priority levels is delivered within 24 to 48 hours*.
We recommend clients be present at the end of the inspection for a verbal review.
How to document your exchanges with the builder and GCR
The inspection report is one factual tool among others. To build a solid file, keep:
- The contract with the builder and its annex.
- The signed pre-reception plan with its comments.
- Written exchanges (emails, messages) with the builder.
- The inspection report with dated photos.
- Any visual follow-up or new observation, dated.
We strongly recommend consulting GCR, a notary or a lawyer for the applicable interpretation of your warranty and the notice deadlines to respect. The inspection does not decide GCR coverage nor represent the buyer with the builder — it documents the apparent state at a given moment.
When to request specialized verification
Certain situations may justify external specialized consultation:
- Structural engineer — foundation cracks observed shortly after delivery, movement indicators.
- Ventilation specialist — HRV/ERV balancing and flow rates to validate.
- Roofer — roof finish or flashing anomalies.
- Notary or lawyer — for interpretation of applicable recourse and warranty deadlines.
Building inspection does not replace specialized expertise nor a legal opinion on recourse.