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Post-purchase expertise

Hidden defect assessment and
legal building expertise in Montreal

You discovered a serious problem after purchase — or you're in a building dispute. We provide a technical assessment, documented observations, and clear next steps.

📞 (514) 802-7215 Discuss your situation →

InterNACHI Certified · Insured · Documented Expertise

When this service is needed

You're facing a building issue
that needs answers.

Whether you've discovered a serious problem after buying, you're in a dispute, or you need an independent second opinion — we provide the technical assessment and documentation you need to move forward.

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Problem discovered after purchase
You bought a property and found serious issues the seller didn't disclose. You need a professional assessment of the defects and their likely causes. A thorough evaluation builds the foundation for your next steps — whether that's negotiation, insurance, or legal action.
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Dispute with seller or contractor
You're in a disagreement about the condition of a building and need documented technical evidence to support your position. Our assessment provides clear, professional findings you can use in your file.
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Technical second opinion
A previous assessment didn't address your concerns. You need an independent expert to evaluate the situation and provide clear findings. We look at the problem fresh, with no prior involvement.
What we evaluate

A thorough technical assessment of
the reported issue.

We investigate the problem on-site, document our observations, and provide a professional opinion on probable causes. Here's what we commonly assess in hidden defect and dispute situations.

✓ Cracks, settlement and structural warning signs — Foundation cracks, floor movement, wall separation and other indicators of structural concern
✓ Water infiltration and moisture-related damage — Basement leaks, wall staining, efflorescence, and signs of ongoing or past water entry. Thermal imaging may be used where applicable
✓ Roofing and building envelope failures — Deteriorated roofing materials, flashing deficiencies, siding failure and exterior water management issues
✓ Drainage and plumbing-related defects — Backflow issues, improper grading, foundation drainage problems, plumbing deficiencies
✓ Ventilation, condensation and mold-related concerns — Inadequate ventilation, condensation damage, and visible mold or air quality concerns
✓ Poor workmanship or incomplete construction — Work that doesn't meet reasonable standards, unfinished repairs, or code-related concerns
✓ Signs of long-standing or previously concealed defects — Evidence of cosmetic cover-ups, fresh paint over damage, recent patching that hides underlying problems
✓ Condition documentation with detailed photography — Every observation photographed and recorded for your file
What you receive

Clear findings and
documented evidence.

Our assessment gives you a professional record of conditions — the kind of documentation that supports informed decisions, negotiation, and formal proceedings.

✓ Thorough on-site assessment — Detailed evaluation of the reported issue and surrounding conditions
✓ Documented observations with photo evidence — Every finding supported by clear photographs
✓ Technical opinion on probable causes — Where appropriate, a professional assessment of what likely caused the issue
✓ Clear summary of findings — A professional document organized for your file
✓ Practical next steps and recommendations — What to do next based on what we found
✓ Guidance on when additional specialists may be required — We tell you clearly if an engineer, laboratory analysis, or other professional is needed
Why act quickly

Early documentation
matters.

When a serious building issue is discovered, early documentation matters. The sooner conditions are assessed, photographed, and professionally recorded, the stronger your file — whether for negotiation, insurance, or legal purposes. If you've found a problem, don't wait. Contact us to discuss your situation.

Professional scope

Honest guidance on
what we can — and can't — do.

We provide technical building expertise and documented observations within our professional scope. Some situations may require the involvement of a structural engineer, laboratory analysis, or legal counsel. When that is the case, we will tell you clearly and can help guide you toward the right next step.

Pricing

Hidden defect assessment
quote.

Every situation is different. Pricing depends on the nature and complexity of the issue, the property type, and the scope of assessment required. Contact us to discuss your situation.

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Custom quote
Every situation is different. Pricing depends on the nature and complexity of the issue, the property type, and the scope of assessment required. Contact us to discuss your situation.
Discuss your situation →
Areas we serve

Hidden defect expertise across
Greater Montreal.

We provide hidden defect and legal building expertise in Montreal, Laval, the South Shore, the North Shore and the West Island.

What sets us apart

Why choose
Inspecteur Élite.

✦ InterNACHI certified · IBC Network — Ongoing training and internationally recognized standards.
✦ Independent and objective — We work for you. Our findings are based on what we observe, with no outside interests.
✦ Detailed documentation with photo evidence — A professional report you can use in your file, for insurance, or in legal proceedings.
✦ Available 7 days a week — When a serious issue is discovered, timing matters. We respond quickly.
✦ Thousands of inspections in Greater Montreal — Deep experience with local building stock, common defects, and construction practices.
✦ Service available in English and French — Inspection and report in the language of your choice.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about
hidden defects & building expertise.

Everything you need to know about hidden defect assessments and building dispute expertise in Montreal.

What is a hidden defect (vice caché) in Quebec?+
A serious defect that existed at the time of sale, was not apparent to a reasonable buyer, was not disclosed by the seller, and would have affected the buyer's decision or the price paid. In Quebec, sellers have a legal obligation to disclose known defects.
What should I do if I discover a serious defect after purchase?+
Document everything immediately. Take photos, note dates, and contact a qualified building inspector for a professional assessment. Early documentation strengthens your position. A pre-purchase inspection can help prevent this situation, but when issues arise after the fact, prompt action is essential.
Can an inspector help in a dispute situation?+
Yes. A detailed technical assessment with documented observations, photos, and professional findings provides the kind of evidence that supports negotiation, insurance claims, or legal proceedings.
Do I need a lawyer or engineer too?+
It depends on the situation. For legal disputes, a lawyer is essential. For structural concerns, an engineer may be required. We provide the technical building assessment and can guide you on when additional professionals are needed.
Can you prepare documentation for my file?+
Yes. Our detailed report includes documented observations, photographs, and technical findings that can be used in negotiation, insurance claims, or formal dispute proceedings.
Does this service apply to condos as well as houses?+
Yes. Hidden defects can affect any property type — condos, houses, duplexes, and multi-unit buildings. We assess all residential property types across Greater Montreal.
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.
Request an assessment

Discovered a serious building issue?
Let's discuss your situation.

Available 7 days a week. Certified and insured. Contact us now to discuss your situation.

📞 (514) 802-7215 Discuss your situation →
✦ 5★ Google ✦ Thousands of inspections completed ✦ Certified and insured ✦ Independent and objective
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