How much does a home inspection cost in Montreal?+
Our single-family home inspections start at $750+tax. The price varies based on size, age and complexity of the building. Larger or older homes require more time on site.
See our detailed pricing.
How long does a home inspection take?+
A home inspection typically takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the size and age of the building. We take the time needed to observe each accessible component — an older or larger home naturally takes longer.
What are the most common problems found in Montreal houses?+
Common issues include foundation cracks, basement water infiltration, aging roofs, outdated electrical panels (fuse boxes, Federal Pioneer), deteriorating cast iron or galvanized plumbing, lot drainage problems, and insufficient attic insulation.
Does the inspection cover the exterior and the lot?+
Yes. This is one of the key differences from a condo inspection. A home inspection includes the roof, exterior cladding, visible foundation, lot grading, drainage, driveway, balconies, exterior stairs and fences. The lot and drainage are critical elements for any house in Quebec.
Why do inspection prices vary so much?+
The price difference reflects the depth of the work. A thorough home inspection takes 2 to 4 hours on site, covers over 400 points, includes a basic FLIR thermal check (when conditions allow; advanced thermography available as add-on from $350+tax), and produces a detailed report with photos and recommendations. Price also depends on the inspector's experience, certifications and equipment quality.
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 overall apparent condition of the house, identify work needed in the short and medium term, and plan maintenance for your property. It is a reference tool that remains useful well beyond the transaction.
The house I want to buy is over 50 years old. Is that a problem?+
Not at all, but it changes what we look for. Older houses have specific concerns: rubblestone or block foundations, cast iron or galvanized plumbing, aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring, insufficient insulation, poorly ventilated attics. The inspection is even more important for these buildings — it helps you understand what has been updated and what remains original.
What happens if the inspector finds a major problem?+
That is exactly why you get an inspection. If a major issue is found — structural crack, active infiltration, non-compliant electrical panel, roof at end of life — you will know before committing. You can assess the situation, understand the work involved, and make your decision with complete knowledge of the facts.
Do you inspect bungalows in Montreal?+
Yes. The bungalow is one of the most-inspected property types on the Island and in
Laval. Common issues we check: aging French drain, attic ventilation, foundation cracks, basement windows, sometimes an undersized electrical panel. Inspection focus adapts by era and neighborhood.
Do you inspect townhouses in Montreal?+
Yes. Townhouses share walls, so common focus points: party-wall fire separation, shared roof and drainage systems, attic continuity, exterior envelope at adjoining units. Family-home buyers and split-level townhouse cases both apply.
Do you inspect heritage homes in Montreal?+
Yes. Heritage homes get adapted scope: era-specific components (galvanized plumbing, knob-and-tube wiring, stone foundations, era insulation including possible vermiculite), possible heritage restrictions, and recommendations for specialized expertise as needed.
What is the difference between home inspection, house inspector and residential inspector?+
Home inspection, house inspector, residential inspector, residential building inspector, property inspector and home inspector refer essentially to the same role in Quebec: a professional who evaluates a residential property's condition (single-family, single-family duplex, condominium, plex). Our InterNACHI-certified team covers all these designations under the official title of building inspector.
How long does a standard single-family home inspection take?+
A standard single-family home inspection takes 3 to 4 hours on site. Duration varies with: size (a 1,000 sq ft bungalow is faster than a 3,000 sq ft 2-storey), age (century homes require more time to document successive renovation layers), accessibility (crawl space, attic, basement), and general condition (more defects = more documentation time). Complete report delivered within 24h*.
Does home inspection cover attic, crawl space and exterior?+
Yes. A complete home inspection includes: all accessible habitable levels, the attic (access via attic or hatch), the crawl space or basement, the complete exterior (roofing, cladding, windows, grounds, drainage), and mechanical components (heating, hot water, ventilation). For inaccessible sections (finished walls, non-removable ceilings), we document this limitation in the report.
Do you inspect century-old, heritage and shoebox homes?+
Yes. We have particular expertise in century-old Montreal and Westmount homes, Verdun shoebox houses, Victorian and Edwardian homes (1880-1920), and traditional Quebec cottages. These properties require particular attention to: stone foundations, old wood framing, galvanized or lead plumbing, knob-and-tube wiring, attic vermiculite, heritage roofs (slate, tile, cedar shingles). Longer inspection (4-5 hours) recommended.
What recurring findings do you see in post-war homes (1950-1980)?+
Post-war homes (1950-1980) — bungalows, cottages, split-levels — dominant in Saint-Léonard, Anjou, LaSalle, Brossard, etc. typically show: aluminum wiring (1965-1975), original galvanized plumbing, attic vermiculite (pre-1985 Zonolite), forgotten buried oil tanks (gas/electric conversion without removal), original or first-generation windows, multi-layer shingle roofs, aging weeping tiles. Our report systematically documents these findings with photos.
Do you have to be in an active purchase to have a home inspected?+
No. A home inspection also serves the
owner who wants to better understand the apparent condition of their property, those
preparing for work, a
seller preparing to list, or anyone who has noticed
visible signs (moisture, cracks, infiltration, deterioration). For an active purchase, see our dedicated
pre-purchase inspection service; for a long-term owner, see also
preventive inspection.
Home inspection before important work — is it useful?+
Yes. Before
major work (roofing, drainage, windows, addition, upgrade), an inspection documents the
apparent condition of the components concerned and connected elements likely to be affected. This helps better prepare contractor bids, sequence the work, and avoid surprises during execution. For hidden defects that may emerge after the work, see also our
hidden defect and legal building expertise service.
I noticed moisture or cracks — can the inspection help understand the cause?+
The inspection documents
visible and accessible indications of moisture, cracks, infiltration or deterioration, and identifies areas where
specialized verification would be needed: moisture probe, structural engineering expertise,
thermography,
mold and air quality analysis. It does not replace these specialized expertises but clearly orients next steps and necessary follow-ups.