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For condo buyers

Condo inspection in
Montreal

A condo can look perfect on the surface. Our inspection shows you what's behind the walls, inside your unit's systems, and how well the building is managed by the condo association. Planning to buy? See our full pre-purchase inspection.

📞 (514) 802-7215 Book online →

InterNACHI Certified · Insured · 24h* Report

Scope and limitations of the inspection A condo inspection is visual and non-destructive. It focuses on the private unit, visible accessible components and common elements that can be observed during the visit. It does not replace a reserve fund study, maintenance log, syndicate document review, engineering expertise, legal advice or a guarantee against hidden defects. Limitations and inaccessible areas are documented in the report.
Who this is for

You're buying a condo in
Montreal.

Buying a condo is different from buying a house. You're purchasing a unit, but you also inherit a shared building, a condo association, and collective decisions that directly affect your investment. We inspect condos in Montreal and across the Greater Montreal area.

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First-time condo buyer
You're buying your first condo. You want to understand the true condition of your unit, know what the common areas cover, and evaluate whether the building is well managed before you sign.
A first condo purchase can be confusing because the unit, common elements and syndicate documents all matter. The inspection clarifies what is visible in the unit and what should be requested from the syndicate.
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Owner switching condos
You know condo ownership, but every building has its own issues — contingency fund, deferred maintenance, aging systems. You want to verify before committing again.
Even experienced condo owners need to understand unit condition, ventilation, windows, balconies, moisture indicators and common-element limitations before making a decision.
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Rental condo buyer
You're buying a condo as an investment. You want to know the real costs ahead, the unit's condition, and the risk of special assessments before calculating your return.
For an investment condo, the inspection helps identify visible maintenance issues, ventilation concerns and unit-level conditions that may affect planning after purchase.
Why inspect a condo

What you can't see
can cost you.

In a condo, the most expensive problems are often the ones you can't see during a visit. Infiltration behind walls, inadequate ventilation, aging plumbing risers, underfunded contingency fund — the condo inspection gives you the information that the listing doesn't.

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Your unit, component by component
Plumbing, electrical, ventilation, windows, balcony, floors, walls and ceilings — every element of your exclusive areas is inspected and documented. As the owner, you're responsible for these: you need to know their condition.
The inspection focuses on visible and accessible unit components: ceilings, walls, floors, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, heating, cooling, ventilation, windows, doors and signs of moisture.
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The building beyond your unit
We visually assess accessible common areas: corridors, parking, lobby, roof (if accessible), building envelope condition. Signs of wear in common spaces say a lot about the building's management. For a comprehensive evaluation, discover our common area inspection. See also our complete guide to condo inspection in Montreal.
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Understanding the condo before buying
The declaration of co-ownership, meeting minutes, contingency fund, maintenance logbook — these documents reveal planned major work, past special assessments, and the financial health of the condo association. We guide you on what to ask for and what to watch for.
What every condo buyer should know

Condo ownership, beyond
your unit.

When you buy a condo, you're not just buying an apartment. You become co-owner of an entire building. Here's what that means in practice.

Exclusive, common and restricted common areas Exclusive areas (your unit, your parking) are your responsibility. Common areas (roof, foundation, corridors, mechanical) belong to the association. Restricted common areas (balcony, exterior windows) fall in between — and that's often where misunderstandings arise. The rules also differ depending on whether you are buying into divided or undivided co-ownership. The inspection clarifies exactly what falls on you.
The contingency fund The contingency fund is the association's financial reserve for major work — roof, windows, elevator, facade, shared plumbing. An underfunded reserve means special assessments are coming. Since 2020, Bill 16 requires all associations to complete a contingency fund study. Ask for it before buying.
Special assessments A special assessment is an amount charged to each co-owner to fund unexpected work or major projects not covered by the contingency fund. Amounts can reach several thousand dollars per unit. The association's meeting minutes reveal past assessments and those under discussion.
The maintenance logbook The maintenance logbook documents the history of work done on the building and work planned ahead. A well-maintained logbook is a sign of good management. A missing or empty one is a red flag. Bill 16 makes this tool mandatory for all condo associations in Quebec.
Condo insurance In a condo, there are two separate insurance policies: the association's (for the building and common areas) and yours (for your improvements, belongings, and liability). In case of water damage, the association's deductible can be passed on to the responsible co-owner. Check the deductible amount before buying.
Common problems in Montreal condos Water infiltration through windows or the balcony. Insufficient ventilation causing condensation and mold. Aging cast iron plumbing risers. Spalling concrete in indoor parking. Poor sound insulation between units. These problems are common in Montreal's condo stock — our inspection detects them, and thermography can reveal heat loss and moisture anomalies behind finished walls. Read more about what condo inspectors can and cannot check.
What we inspect

Every corner of
your unit.

Our condo inspection is tailored to the realities of condominium ownership. We verify everything that falls under your responsibility as an owner, and we assess visible signs of problems in common areas.

✓ Unit plumbing — Fixtures, water pressure, drainage, water heater (if private), visible connections
✓ Electrical — Unit electrical panel, wiring, outlets, switches, grounding
✓ Ventilation and HVAC — Heating system, A/C, air exchanger, kitchen hood, bathroom fan
✓ Windows and doors — Weathertightness, condensation, frame condition, hardware, patio door
✓ Balcony and terrace — Slab condition, railing, drainage slope, waterproof membrane
✓ Walls, ceilings and floors — Cracks, water stains, signs of infiltration, surface condition
✓ Bathroom — Shower and tub waterproofing, caulking joints, ventilation, signs of mold
✓ Parking and storage — Indoor garage condition, assigned storage space, signs of moisture
✓ Visible common areas — Corridors, lobby, roof (if accessible), general condition of building envelope
✓ FLIR thermal imaging — Detection of water infiltration, thermal bridges, insulation deficiencies around windows
Our process

4 simple steps
to peace of mind.

1
Booking
Call us or book online. We confirm your appointment within 2 hours.
2
Inspection
Complete inspection of your unit in 1.5 to 3 hours. We check every accessible component of your condo.
3
Report
Detailed report with photos and recommendations typically delivered within 24h by email.* *Depending on inspection complexity.
4
Follow-up
We remain available after the inspection to answer your questions about the report and the condo.
Transparent pricing

Our condo
inspection rates.

Clear pricing with no surprises. The price includes the complete inspection of your unit, detailed report with photos, a basic FLIR thermal check (when conditions allow), and post-inspection follow-up.

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Standard condo
Complete inspection of your condo unit, including all exclusive components and a visual assessment of accessible common areas.
Starting at $550+tax
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Large condo
For large units, penthouses or two-storey condos. Inspection adapted to the complexity of your property — quoted case by case.
Custom quote
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Condo + advanced thermal imaging
Combine your condo inspection with an in-depth thermal analysis to detect hidden infiltration, thermal bridges and insulation deficiencies around windows and the balcony.
Custom quote

Looking for an inspection of an entire building (full common areas)? This type of mandate requires condo association approval. For a dedicated common area inspection on behalf of the syndicate, see our common area inspection service. Contact us to discuss →

We inspect condos across Greater Montreal: Montreal · Laval · South Shore · North Shore · West Island

What sets us apart

Why choose
Inspecteur Élite.

✦ InterNACHI certified · IBC Network — Ongoing training and internationally recognized standards.
✦ FLIR thermal imaging — Particularly useful in condos: detection of infiltration around windows, balcony and exterior walls. Available as an add-on to your inspection.
✦ Detailed report, typically within 24h* — Clear, with photos and concrete recommendations. Designed to serve as a maintenance guide for your unit. *Depending on inspection complexity.
✦ Available 7 days a week — We adapt to your schedule and deadlines — including weekends.
✦ Thousands of inspections in Greater Montreal — New condos in Griffintown, conversions in the Plateau, towers in Ville-Marie, co-ownerships in Verdun and Rosemont — we know the local condo stock.
✦ Service available in English and French — Inspection and report in the language of your choice.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about
condo inspections.

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

What is the difference between a condo inspection and a house inspection?+
A condo inspection focuses on the exclusive areas of your unit (interior, balcony, assigned parking) and visually assesses accessible common areas. Unlike a house, the roof, foundation and central systems are the responsibility of the condo association (syndicat de copropriété).
Should I review the condo documents before the inspection?+
Yes, we strongly recommend obtaining the declaration of co-ownership, recent meeting minutes, contingency fund status and maintenance logbook. These documents help us identify known issues and planned major work by the condo association.
Does the inspector check the common areas?+
The inspector visually assesses accessible common areas such as the indoor parking, lobby and corridors. A thorough inspection of all common areas requires the agreement of the condo association and constitutes a separate mandate.
How much does a condo inspection cost in Montreal?+
Our condo inspections start at $550+tax. Larger units, penthouses or two-storey condos are quoted case by case. The price may vary depending on the unit size, building age and specific elements to verify such as an indoor garage or dedicated storage space. See our detailed pricing.
What are the most common problems in Montreal condos?+
The most common issues include water infiltration through windows or the balcony, insufficient ventilation causing condensation and mold, plumbing problems related to aging pipes, and deficiencies in sound insulation between units.
Why do condo inspection prices vary?+
The price depends on the unit size, building age, and elements to verify — indoor garage, storage, terrace, number of bathrooms. The inspection includes a basic FLIR thermal check (when conditions allow; advanced thermography available as add-on from $350+tax) and a complete report with photos and recommendations for every finding.
What does the report actually give me after the inspection?+
The report documents every finding with photos, priority level and recommendations. It helps you understand the true condition of your unit, identify work needed, and better evaluate the building's management by the condo association. It's a reference tool you'll keep long after the purchase.
Does the inspection replace the contingency fund study?+
No. The inspection covers the physical condition of the building and your unit. The contingency fund study is a financial document produced by a professional mandated by the condo association. Both are complementary: the inspection shows you the current condition, the study shows you whether the association has the means to maintain it.
Do you inspect condos in the West Island?+
Yes. The West Island has a strong English-speaking condo buyer base. We inspect from Pointe-Claire to Pierrefonds, Kirkland, DDO and Beaconsfield. See also our West Island regional page for context.
What is the difference between divided and undivided co-ownership for inspection?+
Divided = unit with defined common areas (most modern condos). Undivided = share of the whole building (often in older stock). Inspection scope adapts: for undivided co-ownership, reviewing the co-ownership documents and visually assessing the whole building becomes even more important. See also our blog post on divided vs undivided co-ownership.
Do you inspect new condos?+
Yes. For a new condo, the private accompaniment inspection can take place before or during reception (pre-delivery). See our New construction inspection page for details. Important: our inspection is complementary to the official GCR (Garantie de construction résidentielle) inspection — it does not replace it.
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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Pre-purchase inspection
Complete inspection for buyers in Montreal.
View service →
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Multi-unit inspection
Duplex, triplex and multi-unit buildings.
View service →
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Thermography
Reveals heat loss, insulation gaps and moisture anomalies invisible to the naked eye.
View service →
Common defects found during condo inspection

Common problems
in condos.

A few recurring topics during condo inspections, documented on our blog and specialized pages:

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Divided vs undivided
Practical differences for inspection and which documents to request from the syndicate.
Read article →
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Bill 16 and contingency fund
Maintenance log, contingency fund study, impacts for the buyer.
Read article →
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Humidity and mold
Insufficient ventilation, window condensation — common in some condos.
Read article →
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Flat roofs
Important common-area component — lifespan and impact on special assessments.
Read article →
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Mold and air quality
In-depth investigation available as a separate service for units at risk.
View service →
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Hidden defects — buyer guide
Difference between inspection findings and hidden defects under Quebec law.
Read article →
★★★★★

" Even for a condo, the inspection was incredibly detailed. He found issues we would never have noticed on our own. "

Verified Client · Montréal

Buying a condo? Download our free inspection guide to prepare for your inspection.

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

Your offer has a deadline.
So does your inspection.

Available 7 days a week. Report typically delivered within 24h. InterNACHI certified · IBC Network.
Very tight deadline? See urgent home inspection (condition deadline).

📞 (514) 802-7215 Book my inspection →
✦ 5★ Google ✦ Thousands of inspections completed ✦ Certified and insured ✦ Detailed report within 24h*
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