As they tour a home they’re considering purchasing, many potential buyers feel they’ve covered all the bases. The kitchen looks great, the floors are new, the walls have been recently repainted… everything seems in order.
And yet.
What you see is only part of the picture. A building inspector, by contrast, views the property through an entirely different lens. Although a pre-purchase inspection isn’t mandatory in Québec, it’s certainly highly recommended!
Aging Mechanical Systems
It’s not immediately apparent whether the water heater or heat pump is in good working order or whether they will shortly need to be replaced (although their age might be indicated in the Declarations by the Seller).
The inspector automatically checks the age of equipment, assesses whether it has been properly maintained over the years, and ensures that it functions correctly overall. This matters, given how expensive these components are to replace.
Thanks to the information gathered during this inspection, the buyer will be in a better position to negotiate a fairer deal.
Subtle Signs of Water Infiltration
Not every water leak is due to a catastrophic break. More often, leaks leave only indirect evidence:
- A faint stain on the ceiling
- A damp smelling basement
- Slightly warping baseboards
- Whitish marks (efflorescence) on the concrete
To the untrained eye, these seem like minor concerns; to an inspector, they’re usually indications of an ongoing or recurring problem!
Cracks That Tell a Story
Not all cracks are cause for alarm… but some do warrant closer attention.
A qualified building inspector will measure their width and shape (vertical, horizontal, stair-step) or location (foundation, load-bearing walls, etc.).
A crack might not mean anything serious… or it may signify movement in the structure.
For example, a horizontal crack in a foundation may indicate excessive soil pressure, while a stair-step crack in masonry may point to differential settlement. A crack that appears to be widening over time or that allows water to seep through is likewise a critical warning sign!
A House That Doesn’t “Breathe” Properly
An inspector will notice signs of poor air circulation that you might overlook when viewing a house you’re interested in.
In Québec, a well-sealed home is essential to withstand our harsh winters. However, an overly airtight house may not offer adequate ventilation, which can lead to mould, discomfort… and health problems.
An inspector will pay attention to:
- the presence of an air exchanger (and its condition);
- signs of condensation in the windows;
- rooms with very high humidity levels.
Important Electrical Clues
An electrical panel, sockets, or wires can speak volumes. Potential hazards include an overloaded panel, improvised connections, or a lack of proper earthing.
These aren’t always obvious to a buyer, yet they can pose significant risks! In Québec, building inspectors don’t inspect electrical systems directly, but they will recommend that an electrician be called in if they notice any problems.
Poor Quality Renovations
A renovated kitchen can look stunning. But what lies behind the cupboards? An inspection can detect work carried out without a permit, incompatibility of materials, or non-compliant installation.
The Impact of Weather and Time
Freezing, thawing, damp, and temperature fluctuations take their toll. An experienced inspector will detect:
- signs of a shifting foundation
- drainage issues
- materials affected by freeze-thaw cycles
Furthermore, the building inspector will take photographs of both the house’s exterior and the interior to support their report. The more photographs a report contains, the better!
What an Inspection Won’t Reveal
It’s certainly true that inspections have their limitations: inspectors can’t normally open up walls and go over everything with a fine-tooth comb. However, with the right training and experience, a building inspector can see much more than the average visitor.
Ultimately, both the seller and the buyer stand to gain. On the one hand, the seller maximizes their chance of securing a sale without any potential future disputes (over hidden defects or other liabilities). On the other, the buyer can purchase the property in full knowledge of its condition and with a more accurate estimate of future costs.