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Commercial · Industrial · 5 units and more

Commercial building inspection in
Montreal

Buildings with 5 or more units, commercial properties, industrial facilities and mixed-use buildings. Commercial building inspection for acquisition, management and due diligence support. Visual review of accessible systems with identification of items that may require specialist evaluation.

📞 (514) 802-7215 Book online →

InterNACHI Certified · Insured · Detailed Professional Report

Scope of our commercial inspection The inspection is visual and non-invasive. It documents the visible and accessible condition of the building at the time of the visit, according to the agreement and available access. It does not replace engineering expertise, contractor estimates, environmental studies, real estate appraisal, financial analysis, legal advice or specialized regulatory verification.
Inspection categories

What types of properties are considered
commercial or multi-unit?

At Inspecteur Élite, commercial inspection covers properties used for commercial, professional, industrial, mixed-use or larger multi-unit purposes. This includes retail units, offices, clinics, restaurants, warehouses, garages, light-industrial buildings, commercial condos, mixed-use buildings with a storefront or business occupancy, and 5+ unit multi-residential buildings.

✓ Plexes and small income properties — duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes. Handled as residential / multi-unit inspection. See our multi-unit inspection.
✓ 5+ unit multi-residential buildings. Treated as commercial / multi-unit inspection because the scope, systems, access, risk profile and due-diligence level are different.
✓ Mixed-use buildings with a non-residential component. A building with a store, office, clinic or restaurant at street level and apartments above — handled as a commercial / mixed-use inspection.
✓ Non-residential uses — retail, office, restaurant, clinic, warehouse, garage, light industrial, commercial condo. Handled as commercial inspection.

Note: this is our inspection-scope categorization. The legal, tax or municipal commercial/residential classification can depend on actual use, municipal zoning, the assessment roll, financing, insurance and the presence of mixed occupancy. For formal compliance questions, consult the appropriate professionals (chartered appraiser, municipal inspector, legal advisor).

Who this is for

You're buying a commercial building in
Montreal.

For buyers, owners, investors, property managers and businesses that need to understand the visible and accessible condition of a commercial building before an acquisition, lease, maintenance plan or major decision. We inspect commercial properties across Montreal, Laval, the South Shore and the North Shore. For residential plexes (duplex, triplex, fourplex), see our multi-unit inspection.

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Revenue property buyers
(5 units or more)
Buying a revenue property with 5 units or more?
At Inspecteur Élite, these buildings are treated as commercial / multi-unit inspection given the scope, systems, access and due-diligence level required. We identify visible elements; formal verification by a qualified professional may be appropriate.
Revenue properties with 5 or more units require a commercial-style visual review of accessible units, shared systems, common areas and observable safety elements.
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Commercial building buyer
You're purchasing an office building, retail space, restaurant or mixed-use property. You need to know the condition of the systems, the costs ahead and any items requiring further evaluation.
A commercial building inspection supports due diligence by documenting visible building systems, apparent maintenance priorities, access limitations and items that may require specialist review.
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Industrial building buyer
You're purchasing a warehouse, light industrial building or production space. The inspection covers the structure, roof, mechanical systems and elements specific to industrial use.
Why a commercial inspection

The stakes are higher.
The inspection should be too.

A commercial building represents an important commitment. Mechanical systems, observable safety elements and apparent structural condition may influence planning, specialist verifications and maintenance priorities. Our visual inspection gives you the information you need to evaluate commercial properties in Montreal and move forward with confidence.

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Mechanical systems
Complete evaluation of commercial HVAC systems, ventilation, industrial plumbing and high-capacity electrical systems.
Accessible HVAC, ventilation, plumbing and electrical systems are reviewed visually. The inspection documents apparent condition and recommends qualified specialist verification when needed.
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Observable safety elements
Visual verification of sprinkler systems, alarms, emergency exits, emergency lighting and signage when accessible. Specialist verification recommended where appropriate.
The inspection visually identifies accessible exits, emergency lighting, signage, stairs, guardrails and apparent safety elements. It is not a formal fire-safety or regulatory compliance certification.
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Due diligence report
A professional detailed report documenting the building condition that supports your acquisition process and decision-making.
The report documents observable conditions, photos, limitations and recommended specialist verifications. It is one component of due diligence and does not replace financial, legal, valuation or environmental analysis.
What we inspect

A complete assessment
of your building.

Our commercial inspection is adapted to the specific requirements of commercial and industrial buildings. Each system is evaluated and documented in a professional report.

✓Visible structure and accessible foundation — Apparent load-bearing capacity, visible slab condition, columns, beams, bearing walls and accessible foundation
✓Visible roofing and drainage — Membrane, flashing, accessible roof drains, rooftop mechanical units, apparent ponding
✓Exterior envelope — Cladding, commercial fenestration, visible sealing joints
✓Doors, windows and access points — Main doors, loading doors, visible access to technical spaces
✓Visible plumbing — Visible water supply, accessible drainage, observable commercial water heaters
✓Visible electrical — Apparent service entrance, accessible main panels, observable distribution
✓Visible heating, ventilation and air conditioning — Observable HVAC units, accessible ducts, visible controls
✓Observable safety elements — Emergency lighting, exits, signage, guardrails and visible equipment when accessible. Items beyond the scope of a visual inspection may be referred for specialist verification.
✓Basement, accessible technical spaces and moisture signs — Visible basement and technical rooms, indicators of infiltration or moisture
✓Maintenance priorities and specialist verifications recommended when needed — Summary of priority findings and specialist verification recommendations where appropriate
What every buyer should know

The realities of commercial
buildings in Montreal.

A commercial building has different challenges than a residential property. Here are the critical points our inspection covers.

Commercial HVAC systems Commercial buildings use high-capacity heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems — rooftop units, boilers, forced-air systems, chillers. These systems can be complex to replace; their apparent condition helps identify specialist verifications and maintenance priorities.
Observable safety elements (visual review) Commercial buildings often have several observable safety elements such as visible systems, centralized alarms, emergency lighting and emergency exits. Our role is visual identification of these observable elements and apparent indicators; specialist verification may be recommended when applicable.
Commercial roofing Commercial roofs are typically flat membrane systems. They often support mechanical equipment (rooftop units, fans, ducts). Membrane condition, drainage, flashing around penetrations and ponding water are important indicators to document.
Electrical service entrance Commercial buildings often require high-capacity electrical service. The condition of the main panel, distribution, visible wiring and apparent remaining capacity are elements we observe and may refer for specialist verification.
Observable accessibility elements Commercial buildings may have visible access elements such as ramps, elevators, automatic doors, accessible washrooms and reserved parking. We identify these elements visually; formal verification by a qualified professional may be appropriate when needed.
Buildings with 5 or more units At Inspecteur Élite, once a building has 5 or more units the file is handled as commercial / multi-unit inspection because the scope, shared systems, access, risk profile and due-diligence level are different. Our inspection observes accessible units and visible shared systems; formal verification by a qualified professional may be appropriate. If your condo association needs a focused evaluation of shared spaces, see our common area inspection.
Our process

4 steps to an
informed decision.

1
Consultation
We discuss your needs, building type and desired inspection scope to prepare a tailored quote.
2
Planning
We coordinate building access with the parties involved and schedule the inspection according to your timeline.
3
Inspection
Methodical inspection of all systems and building components. Duration adapted to building size and complexity.
4
Report
Professional detailed report with photos, findings, priority assessment and recommendations, delivered within 48 to 72 hours.
Transparent pricing

Our commercial
inspection rates.

Every commercial building is unique. The rate is custom-quoted based on floor area, building purpose, system complexity and inspection scope required.

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Revenue property (6+ units)
Visual inspection of accessible units, centralized systems and observable safety elements. Classified as commercial in Quebec; formal verification by a qualified professional may be appropriate.
Custom quote
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Retail space / office
Retail stores, restaurants, clinics, office spaces. Visual inspection of mechanical systems and observable safety elements. Specialist verification recommended where appropriate.
Custom quote
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Commercial building / mixed-use
Multi-storey commercial buildings, business centres and mixed-use properties (commercial + residential).
Custom quote
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Industrial / warehouse
Warehouses, light industrial buildings and production or distribution spaces. Inspection adapted to industrial use.
Custom quote
What sets us apart

Why choose
Inspecteur Élite.

✦InterNACHI certified · IBC Network — Ongoing training and internationally recognized standards.
✦FLIR thermal imaging (basic check, conditions permitting) — Detection of infiltration in the roof and envelope, thermal bridges, anomalies in mechanical systems. Advanced thermography may be quoted separately.
✦Professional detailed report — Organized by system and zone, with photos, findings and recommendations. Delivered within 48 to 72 hours depending on building complexity.
✦Available 7 days a week — We adapt to your schedule and coordinate access with the parties involved.
✦Thousands of inspections in Greater Montreal — Revenue properties, commercial buildings, industrial facilities — we know the local building stock.
✦Service available in English and French — Inspection and report in the language of your choice.
Decision support

Clear information to support
better planning.

For an investor, an inspection is not only about identifying visible deficiencies. It helps clarify maintenance priorities, observable risks, systems to monitor and specialist verifications that may influence planning after acquisition.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about
commercial inspections.

Everything you need to know before booking your commercial building inspection in Montreal.

What types of commercial buildings do you inspect?+
We inspect all types of commercial buildings: offices, retail stores, restaurants, warehouses, light industrial buildings, clinics and mixed-use properties. Each inspection is tailored to the specific purpose of the building.
How does a commercial inspection differ from a residential inspection?+
Commercial inspections cover elements specific to non-residential buildings: commercial HVAC systems, observable safety elements, apparent structural-load indicators and industrial ventilation systems. Formal commercial regulatory verification is the role of a licensed professional.
How much does a commercial inspection cost in Montreal?+
The rate is custom-quoted based on floor area, building type, number of floors, mechanical system complexity and inspection scope required. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote. See our detailed pricing for context on residential services.
Does the inspection include an environmental assessment?+
Our standard inspection identifies visual signs of potential issues such as apparent asbestos, visible mold or observable underground tank presence. For a complete Phase 1 environmental assessment, we can refer you to our specialized partners.
How long does a commercial inspection take?+
Duration varies significantly based on building size and complexity. Expect half a day for a small commercial space, up to several days for a large building. The professional report is delivered within 48 to 72 hours following the inspection.
Why is a 5+ unit building treated as commercial inspection?+
At Inspecteur Élite, once a building has 5 or more units the file is handled as a commercial / multi-unit inspection because the scope, systems, access, risk profile and due-diligence level are different. Our visual inspection observes accessible elements; formal regulatory verification is the role of a licensed professional. The legal, tax or municipal commercial/residential classification can also depend on actual use, municipal zoning, the assessment roll, financing, insurance and the presence of mixed occupancy.
What does the report actually give me after the inspection?+
The report documents every system and accessible zone of the building with photos, priority level and recommendations. It helps clarify maintenance priorities and planning after acquisition.
Do you inspect revenue properties with 5 or more units?+
Yes. Revenue properties with 5 or more units fall under our commercial / multi-unit inspection service. Accessible units according to the agreement are inspected visually, along with visible shared systems. Observable elements are documented; formal regulatory verification is the role of a licensed professional. For plexes and small income properties (duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes), see our multi-unit inspection.
Does a commercial inspection replace engineering expertise?+
No. A commercial inspection is a visual evaluation of accessible components. When an issue is beyond the scope of a visual inspection, specialist verification may be recommended.
Is a commercial inspection useful before buying a building?+
Yes. It helps clarify the visible condition of the building, systems to monitor, observed deficiencies and specialist verifications to consider before an important decision.
Does the report include repair costs?+
The report can help identify priorities and types of work to expect, but it does not replace a contractor estimate, budget analysis or specialized financial evaluation.
How much does a home inspector cost in Montreal? What is the price of an inspection?+
Our rates start at $550+tax for a condo inspection, $750+tax for a single-family home inspection, and custom quote for plex, multi-unit and commercial inspections. The cost of a home inspector, house inspector, property inspector or residential building 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, licensed and accredited home inspector?+
Yes. We are InterNACHI-certified (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors), IBC Network members, and professionally insured. As a certified inspector, licensed inspector, accredited inspector, home inspector, house inspector, property inspector or residential building inspector, we meet the most demanding North American standards of practice.
Which areas do you offer your home inspection services?+
We offer inspection services in Montreal and throughout the Greater Montreal area: Island of Montreal (all boroughs — Verdun, Plateau, Rosemont, Côte-des-Neiges, Westmount, Saint-Léonard, Ville-Marie, Mercier–Hochelaga, Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, Montréal-Nord, and more), West Island, Laval, South Shore (Brossard, Longueuil, Boucherville, Saint-Bruno, etc.), North Shore (Terrebonne, Mascouche, Repentigny, Blainville, Sainte-Thérèse, etc.), Laurentides, Lanaudière, as well as Estrie, Montérégie and Mauricie. Bilingual FR/EN service available.
How long does a home inspection take?+
A pre-purchase inspection typically takes 3 to 4 hours on site for a single-family home, 2 to 3 hours for a condo, 4 to 6 hours for a 4-12 unit plex or multi-unit, and longer for commercial buildings or heritage properties. The complete report with photos is delivered within 24h*. Duration varies based on size, age, complexity and accessibility of building components.
What other home inspection services do you offer?+
We offer a complete range of inspection services: pre-purchase inspection (also called pre-buy inspection or buyer inspection), home inspection (house inspection), condo inspection (condominium, divided and undivided co-ownership, apartment), plex and multi-unit inspection (duplex, triplex, fourplex, rental property, multi-family, income property), commercial inspection, pre-sale inspection, new construction inspection, pre-delivery inspection, preventive inspection, common area inspection, hidden defect expertise, mold and air quality inspection, and thermography.
Our other services

Related
services.

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Multi-unit inspection
Plexes and small income properties — duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes.
View service →
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Pre-purchase inspection
Complete inspection for buying a single-family home.
View service →
Common defects found during commercial inspection

Critical components
in commercial buildings.

A few recurring topics in commercial inspections, documented on our blog and specialized pages. A visual inspection can flag these issues; specialist expertise is recommended for advanced cases.

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Commercial flat roofs
EPDM, modified bitumen, TPO membranes — lifespan and replacement cost on large surfaces.
Read article →
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Evacuation plumbing
Original cast iron drains — particularly critical in multi-storey buildings.
Read article →
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Mold and air quality
In-depth investigation available as a separate service for commercial spaces or common areas.
View service →
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Thermography
Thermal loss, thermal bridges and moisture anomaly detection — useful on large building envelopes.
View service →
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Older commercial foundations
Era foundations in commercial heritage stock — structural particularities to verify.
Read article →
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Hidden defect & legal expertise
For commercial transaction cases with litigation or post-purchase due diligence.
View service →
Sample available on request

What your
report looks like.

Every inspection comes as a clear PDF report with photos, plain-language findings, and priority-ranked recommendations. Request a representative sample to review the report format before booking.

Request a sample report
Book now

The stakes are higher.
So is the inspection.

Available 7 days a week. Professional detailed report. InterNACHI certified. IBC Network.
Tight due-diligence window? See urgent inspection (condition deadline).

📞 (514) 802-7215 Request a quote →
✦ 5★ Google ✦ Thousands of inspections completed ✦ Certified and insured ✦ Professional detailed report
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