Single-family homes

Home inspection in
Montreal

When you buy a house, you buy everything — the foundation, the roof, the lot, the systems. Our single-family home inspection covers every accessible component so you know exactly what you're taking on. If you're buying, also see our pre-purchase inspection.

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InterNACHI Certified · Insured · 24h* Report

Scope and limitations of the inspection A home inspection is visual and non-destructive. It documents the visible and accessible condition of the house and lot at the time of the visit. It does not include opening finished surfaces, engineering analysis, destructive testing, repair estimates, legal advice or a guarantee against hidden defects. Inaccessible areas and limiting conditions are documented in the report.
Who this is for

You're buying a house in
Montreal.

Unlike a condo, a house makes you responsible for the entire building — from the foundation to the roof, including the lot, drainage and every mechanical system.

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First-time buyer
You're buying your first house. You want to understand the real condition of the building, know what works well, and identify what will need maintenance or repairs down the road.
A first-time home buyer needs clear priorities, not jargon. The inspection explains visible conditions, short-term concerns and normal maintenance items so you understand what you are buying.
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Family moving to a new home
You're changing houses or neighbourhoods. You want to buy with confidence, plan the years ahead, and avoid unpleasant surprises after closing.
For a family, the report helps plan repairs, maintenance and budget priorities after moving in. It separates urgent findings from normal upkeep and items to monitor.
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Buying an older home
You're looking at a house from the 1950s, 60s or 70s. Foundation, plumbing, electrical, insulation — you want to know what has been updated and what remains original.
Older houses require closer attention to foundations, masonry, plumbing, electrical systems, insulation and ventilation. The inspection documents visible original components and limitations.
Why inspect a house

You're responsible for
the entire building.

Unlike a condo where the co-ownership manages common areas, a house puts you solely in charge of every component. The foundation, the roof, the French drain, the electrical panel, the water heater — all of it falls on you. The inspection gives you the full picture before you take on that responsibility.

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The building envelope
Foundation, roof, exterior cladding, windows, doors — the envelope protects the house from the elements. Any deficiency here can lead to water infiltration, heat loss and structural damage.
The envelope includes roof, exterior cladding, openings, flashing, lot drainage and foundation interfaces. These elements are central to water management and long-term durability.
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The mechanical systems
Plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation, water heater — these systems have a limited lifespan. Knowing their age and condition lets you plan replacements and avoid emergencies.
Heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and ventilation systems are reviewed visually where accessible. The report documents apparent age, visible condition, safety indicators and recommendations for specialist verification when warranted.
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The lot and drainage
Lot grading, the French drain, the sump pump, the driveway — drainage is one of the most critical concerns for any house in Quebec. Poor drainage causes basement water infiltration and weakens the foundation.
The lot often explains basement moisture and foundation stress. The inspection observes grading, downspouts, window wells, driveways, exterior stairs, balconies and visible drainage conditions.
What every house buyer should know

The realities of Montreal's
housing stock.

Greater Montreal has houses from every era — from century-old cottages to recent builds. Each generation of construction comes with its own set of concerns. We inspect homes in all Montreal neighbourhoods.

Foundations Older Montreal houses may have rubblestone or concrete block foundations. Post-war homes typically have poured concrete, but shrinkage cracks and water infiltration are common. Quebec's freeze-thaw cycle puts foundations under serious stress — it is one of the most important elements we inspect. Learn more about stone foundations in older homes.
Electrical panels Some houses still have fuse panels, aluminum wiring, or discontinued Federal Pioneer or Sylvania panels. These situations are not necessarily dangerous, but they deserve to be identified and evaluated. Replacing an electrical panel typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000.
Plumbing Houses built before the 1970s may still have cast iron drain pipes or galvanized steel supply lines. These materials corrode over time, reduce water flow and eventually leak. A full plumbing replacement is a major project — better to know before you buy.
Roofing Asphalt shingles last between 15 and 25 years depending on quality and exposure. Flat roofs (common in Montreal) have a membrane that must be replaced periodically. A roof at the end of its life is one of the biggest expenses — between $8,000 and $20,000 depending on size.
Insulation and ventilation Many Montreal houses are under-insulated by current standards. The attic is often the first place problems show up: excessive condensation, insufficient ventilation, ice damming in winter. These issues accelerate deterioration of the roof and framing.
Basement and drainage Basement water infiltration is one of the most frequent problems in Quebec houses. French drains have a lifespan of 25 to 40 years. Lot grading, gutter condition and a functioning sump pump are all factors we check carefully.
What we inspect

Over 400 points
verified.

Our home inspection for single-family houses covers the entire building — from the foundation to the roof, including the lot and all mechanical systems.

Foundation and structure — Cracks, water infiltration, settlement, load-bearing capacity, foundation wall condition
Roof and cladding — Shingles, membrane, flashing, fascia, gutters, exterior siding, chimney
Full plumbing — Supply and drain piping, water pressure, water heater, fixtures, drains
Electrical — Electrical panel, wiring, outlets, grounding, wire type, code compliance
Insulation and ventilation — Attic, vapour barrier, mechanical ventilation, energy efficiency
Heating and cooling — Furnace, heat pump, baseboards, fireplace, central system, equipment age
Doors and windows — Weathertightness, frame condition, hardware, condensation, patio door
Basement and crawlspace — Moisture, signs of infiltration, drainage, sump pump, floor condition
Exterior and lot — Lot grading, drainage, driveway, balconies, stairs, fences, shed
FLIR thermal imaging — Detection of water infiltration, thermal bridges, insulation deficiencies, hidden anomalies
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 2 to 4 hour on-site inspection. Your presence is encouraged so you can ask questions in real time.
3
Report
Detailed report with photos and recommendations, typically delivered within 24h* by email.
4
Follow-up
We remain available after the inspection to answer your questions about the report and priorities.
Transparent pricing

Our house
inspection rates.

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

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Single-family home
Bungalow, cottage, split-level — complete inspection including foundation, roof, lot, and all mechanical systems.
Starting at $750+tax
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Larger property
For larger homes, properties with additions, attached garage, fully finished basement or pool. Custom quote based on scope.
Custom quote
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House + advanced thermal imaging
Combine the inspection with an in-depth thermal analysis to detect infiltration, thermal bridges and insulation deficiencies across the entire building.
Custom quote

We inspect single-family homes 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 — Detection of water infiltration, thermal bridges and anomalies invisible to the naked eye. Available as an add-on to your inspection for deeper analysis.
Detailed report, typically within 24h* — Clear, with photos and concrete recommendations. Designed to serve as a maintenance guide for your house.
*Depending on inspection complexity.
Available 7 days a week — We adapt to your schedule and deadlines — including weekends.
Thousands of inspections in Greater Montreal — Bungalows in Laval, cottages in Ahuntsic, century homes on the Plateau, split-levels on the South Shore — we know the houses here.
Service available in English and French — Inspection and report in the language of your choice.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about
home inspections.

Everything you need to know before booking your single-family home inspection in Montreal.

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 check everything thoroughly — 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 real condition of the house, identify work needed in the short and medium term, and plan maintenance for your property. It is a reference tool you will keep long after the purchase.
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.
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.

Common defects found during home inspection

Common problems
in Greater Montreal.

A few recurring defects we document, by era and region. Some examples on our blog:

★★★★★

" He took the time to explain everything — the foundation, the roof, the plumbing. We knew exactly what we were buying. "

Verified Client · Laval

Planning to buy a house? Download our free inspection guide to know what to look for.

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. Detailed report, typically 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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