What is a preventive inspection?+
A thorough assessment of your property's condition designed to identify emerging issues before they become costly repairs. It covers all major systems and components — foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation and more.
How is this different from a pre-purchase inspection?+
The scope is similar, but the purpose is different. A preventive inspection is for owners who want to maintain their property proactively — not for a real estate transaction. The report focuses on maintenance planning and repair prioritization.
How often should I get a preventive inspection?+
We recommend every 5 to 7 years for most properties, or sooner if you notice signs of deterioration, plan renovations, or own an older building.
How much does a preventive inspection cost?+
For a condo, starting at $550+tax. For a single-family home, starting at $750+tax. Multi-unit and commercial properties are quoted based on size and complexity. Contact us for a precise quote.
Will I receive a written report?+
Yes. You receive a detailed report with photos, findings and prioritized recommendations — the same quality report as our pre-purchase inspections. It serves as your maintenance roadmap.
Can you help me prioritize repairs?+
Absolutely. The report includes a clear priority ranking so you know which items need immediate attention and which can be planned over time. This helps you budget effectively and avoid costly emergency repairs.
Preventive inspection of investment or rental property — what's specific?+
For
rental or investment properties, preventive inspection takes an additional dimension.
Regulatory compliance: verifying units meet minimum habitability standards (applicable Housing Code, RBQ for certain equipment).
Tenant safety: functional smoke and CO detectors, clear emergency exits, compliant handrails.
Documentation for insurance: condition proof for multi-unit properties.
Budget planning: prioritising major maintenance (roof, windows, water heater, furnace) to preserve investment returns.
Pre-resale assessment: identify defects to correct before listing. For
2-4 unit plexes, specific service available.
Does preventive inspection help prepare for an eventual future sale of the property?+
Absolutely. A
preventive inspection 12-24 months before listing turns an inspection report into a valuation tool.
Proactive corrections: identify and fix defects that would otherwise reduce sale price or complicate negotiation.
Documented file: keep invoices and post-correction photos — credible maintenance proof to present to buyers.
Reduce surprises during the buyer's pre-sale inspection or pre-purchase inspection — fewer defects = better negotiated price.
Maintenance log: accumulated documentation feeds the maintenance log required for co-ownerships under Law 16 (5+ units). Typical investment: $600-1500 to potentially avoid $5000-30000 in negotiation concessions.
What recurring findings in preventive inspection by building age?+
Typical findings by age range: 0-10 years: initial settlement, GCR warranty to invoke, finishing to correct. 10-25 years: first wear signs (roofing, windows, paint), end-of-life appliances. 25-50 years: major renovations to plan (roofing, windows, mechanicals, some structural components). 50+ years: inherited components to evaluate (galvanized plumbing, old electrical, insufficient insulation), gradual code upgrades. Our preventive report identifies where you are in this cycle.
Does preventive inspection help plan maintenance budget?+
Yes. It's one of the main benefits. The preventive report includes a priority matrix classifying interventions by urgency (immediate / 1-2 years / 2-5 years / 5-10 years) and provides indicative cost estimates by category. This allows owners to: plan financially for major renovations, anticipate end-of-life of components (roofing, furnace, water heater), avoid costly emergencies, and maximise resale value by maintaining the property properly.
Preventive inspection before major renovation — useful?+
Yes, particularly before: complete roof replacement (verify underlying framing), storey addition or extension (structural capacity, foundation), plex conversion to single-family (components to integrate, code upgrades), basement finishing (weeping tile, sealing, insulation, vapor barrier), major kitchen or bathroom renovation (plumbing, electrical, ventilation). Preventive inspection avoids costly mid-project surprises and enables precise planning.