How to use it: before an inspection, to get familiar with the terms and prepare your questions to ask; after, to better understand your inspection report. Definitions stay general: an inspection documents the apparent, visible and accessible condition of your specific building. Each entry links, where available, to a more detailed guide.
Water infiltration
Unwanted water entering the building (basement, foundation, roof, windows).
At inspection the inspector observes apparent traces: staining, efflorescence, warping, odours, measurable surface moisture. When to clarify active or recurring traces → have the source verified (roofer, waterproofing contractor).
→ Guide: water infiltrationFrench drain
A perimeter drain at the base of the foundation that removes water from the soil to reduce pressure on the foundation walls.
At inspection often not visible (buried); the inspector notes indirect clues (basement moisture, history). When to clarify doubt about condition or age → camera / drainage specialist.
→ Guide: French drainBackwater valve / sewer backup
A device that prevents sewage from backing up into the building. A backup is water rising through the drains.
At inspection apparent presence of a valve when visible and accessible; the inspector does not test the municipal network. When to clarify no valve or a history of backups → plumber / municipality.
Flood zones
Areas exposed to flood risk according to official government and municipal maps.
At inspection an inspection documents apparent water-management conditions; it does not determine regulatory status. When to clarify official status is confirmed with the municipality/MRC, insurer and notary.
→ Flood zones: what an inspection can documentFoundation crack
A crack in the concrete or masonry foundation. Some are superficial (shrinkage); others may indicate movement.
At inspection the inspector documents the location, appearance and visible signs (width, offset, associated infiltration). When to clarify an evolving or suspected structural crack → structural engineer.
→ Guide: foundation cracksPyrite
A mineral present in some backfill under the slab that, as it swells, can lift or crack the basement concrete.
At inspection the inspector notes apparent clues (heaving, star-shaped cracks); confirmation requires analysis. When to clarify clues present → petrographic lab test.
→ Guide: pyriteIron ochre
An iron/bacterial deposit that can clog drains in certain soils, reducing their effectiveness.
At inspection the inspector notes apparent orange traces or a particular odour at the drain when visible. When to clarify clues present → drainage specialist / analysis.
→ Guide: iron ochreRoof / flat roof
The system that protects the building from the weather. Flat roofs (membrane) and sloped roofs (shingles) have different points to watch.
At inspection the inspector observes the apparent condition from accessible areas (wear, lifting, flashings, roof drains). When to clarify membrane at end of life or a leak → roofer.
→ Guide: flat roofsGutters
Channels that collect roof water and carry it away from the foundation. Poor surface drainage is a common cause of basement moisture.
At inspection the inspector notes the apparent condition, downspouts and water discharge when visible. When to clarify accumulation near the foundation → correct surface drainage.
Masonry & lintels
The bricks, blocks and stone of the envelope, and the lintels that support openings.
At inspection the inspector observes cracks, degraded joints, bulging, rusted lintels when visible. When to clarify movement or significant degradation → mason / engineer.
→ Guide: masonry & lintelsBalcony
A projecting structure (wood, concrete, steel) exposed to the weather, whose anchoring and water-tightness matter for safety.
At inspection the inspector notes the apparent condition (rot, corrosion, guardrails, visible anchors). When to clarify doubt about structural capacity → engineer.
Kitec
A plumbing system (flexible pipe, brass fittings) installed mostly from the 1990s to 2007. In Quebec, the reported issue is mainly reluctance from some insurers, not widespread failures.
At inspection the inspector notes visible indicators when accessible; the absence of a clue does not prove the absence of Kitec. When to clarify identification and implications → plumber and insurer.
→ Guide: Kitec plumbingPoly-B (polybutylene)
Grey piping removed from the National Plumbing Code in 2005; existing installations remain legal. A grey pipe is not necessarily Poly-B (check the marking).
At inspection the inspector notes apparent presence and marking when visible. When to clarify confirmation and decision → plumber and insurer.
→ Guide: Poly-B plumbingGalvanized plumbing / cast-iron drains
Older materials: galvanized supply pipes can corrode and reduce flow; cast-iron drains can degrade over time.
At inspection the inspector notes apparent condition, corrosion and observable flow. When to clarify advanced corrosion or suspect drains → plumber (camera inspection as needed).
→ Guide: galvanized plumbing & cast-iron drainsLegacy electrical panel & aluminum wiring
Some older panels and 1960s–1970s aluminum wiring call for particular attention (connections, device compatibility).
At inspection the inspector notes the panel type, apparent signs (overheating, connections) and visible wiring. When to clarify a problematic panel or aluminum → master electrician.
→ Guide: legacy panels & aluminumDivided / undivided co-ownership
In divided co-ownership (condo), each unit is a distinct fraction with common portions; in undivided co-ownership, the co-owners hold the building together in shares.
At inspection a unit inspection covers the unit's apparent condition; the common portions fall under a different framework. When to clarify ownership structure → notary / broker.
→ Condo inspectionContingency fund, maintenance logbook, minutes
Key co-ownership documents: financial reserve for major work, maintenance history, and the decisions of the meetings.
At inspection these documents complement the physical inspection without replacing it. When to clarify reading and implications → syndicate, manager, notary.
→ Condo document checklistCommon portions
Shared portions of a co-ownership (roof, structure, lobby, parking) managed by the syndicate.
At inspection a common-portions inspection is a mandate distinct from a unit inspection. When to clarify scope and responsibilities → syndicate / mandated professional.
→ Common area inspectionPre-purchase inspection
A visual examination that documents the apparent, visible and accessible condition of a building before purchase, to help you decide with full knowledge.
At inspection the inspector documents findings and distinguishes what to monitor from what to have verified. When to clarify major findings → specialist by system.
→ Pre-purchase inspectionInspection clause (clause 8.1)
A clause of the OACIQ promise to purchase that can make the promise conditional on an inspection by a professional chosen by the buyer.
At inspection the report documents the apparent condition; it does not decide the legal consequences. When to clarify deadlines, notices, withdrawal, renegotiation → broker / notary / lawyer.
→ The inspection clause in a promise to purchaseSeller's declaration (DS / DSD)
An OACIQ form where the seller declares the condition and history of the immovable. The DSD applies to divided co-ownership.
At inspection an inspection can put the declaration in context, without verifying its truthfulness. When to clarify gaps or liability questions → broker / notary / lawyer.
→ Seller's declaration & pre-purchase inspectionAdverse factors & reserve
"Adverse factors": findings that could influence the decision or the price. "Reserve": a written note of work to correct or complete.
At inspection the inspector documents findings; it does not determine their legal significance. When to clarify consequences → broker / notary / lawyer.
Property types: house, small plex, multi-unit, commercial
A small residential plex (2 to 4 units) differs from a multi-unit building (5 units and more), often treated as commercial/income property. Each type shapes the scope of the inspection.
At inspection the scope adapts to the type (house, condo, plex, multi-unit, commercial). When to clarify particular needs → discuss the scope before booking.
→ House → Plex & multi-unit → CommercialGCR (Garantie de construction résidentielle)
The administrator of Quebec's mandatory guarantee plan for new residential buildings. Coverage for a specific project has conditions and limits.
At inspection an independent inspector documents the apparent condition; it does not decide coverage. When to clarify eligibility, coverage, claim → GCR / contractor.
→ GCR & pre-delivery inspectionPre-reception / reception inspection
A mandatory inspection, done jointly by the buyer and the contractor just before reception of a covered new building, on the form provided by the contractor (checklist approved by the RBQ).
At inspection GCR recommends being accompanied by a building professional. When to clarify common portions, warranty, rights → syndicate / GCR / notary.
→ Pre-delivery / pre-reception inspectionRadon
A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep from the soil and accumulate indoors. Concentrations vary from house to house: the only way to know is to measure. Health Canada indicates a guideline of 200 Bq/m³.
At inspection a visual inspection does not measure radon; detection is done with a dedicated test (ideally long-term). When to clarify to know the level → a radon test.
→ Radon in Quebec: risk & detectionMold
Fungi that grow where there is moisture. Their presence often signals a water or ventilation problem to correct.
At inspection the inspector notes apparent clues (staining, odours, moisture); this guide does not give health advice. When to clarify extent / air quality → specialist; health → a health professional.
→ Guide: moldVermiculite
A granular insulation once used that, depending on its origin, may contain asbestos. Visual identification is not enough to confirm it.
At inspection the inspector notes apparent presence and recommends caution. When to clarify confirmation → lab analysis / specialist.
→ Guide: vermiculiteVentilation & condensation
Insufficient ventilation promotes condensation and moisture, which can lead to mold and material degradation.
At inspection the inspector notes apparent signs (condensation, surface mold, visible ventilation). When to clarify recurring problems → ventilation / air-quality specialist.
→ Guide: ventilation & condensation