The value of a pre-purchase inspection in real estate transactions is well recognized. However, the importance of having your own home inspected as a homeowner is often overlooked. In fact, a preventive inspection can be far more beneficial than you might expect!
Whether you’re looking to plan future renovations more effectively or avoid unnecessary expenses, a preventive inspection can be extremely valuable. Let’s see why!
What is the purpose of a preventive inspection?
Like any building inspection, a preventive inspection involves a thorough visual assessment of your home, conducted according to established standards.
After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report that helps you identify and prioritize necessary repairs, ensuring your home remains in good conditions and its residents stay safe.
What are the other types of inspections?
In addition to preventive inspections, there are three other main types of building inspection:
-
The pre-purchase inspection which takes place when buying a property.
-
The presale inspection conducted before a property is listed for sale.
-
The pre-delivery inspection which is carried out when purchasing a newly built home.
Regardless of the type, every inspection should be performed by a qualified building inspector, ideally one who is a member of a professional association, such as the Association des inspecteurs en bâtiment du Québec (AIBQ).
Why should you conduct a preventive inspection of your home?
There are several reasons why a homeowner might choose to carry out a preventive inspection. Here are a few of them.
-
Simplify the maintenance and upkeep of your home
Over time, wear and time can take a toll on your property, making repairs inevitable. A preventive inspection helps you stay ahead of these issues by providing a clear picture of your home’s condition.
Having your home inspected will allow you to manage its maintenance more effectively, helping you prioritize repairs based on urgency. This inspection can be repeated every 5 years or whenever you want to take proactive measures to prevent potential damage.
-
Prevent problems from worsening
You are probably familiar with the saying, ‘’prevention is better than cure’’. This idea applies perfectly to building inspection.
Even if you care for your home daily, serious issues could still go unnoticed. A building inspector brings an expert’s eye to details that may seem insignificant to you and can alert you to potential long-term consequences.
By addressing problems early, you can prevent secondary issues from worsening over time. Regular and proper maintenance will help you avoid being overwhelmed by urgent repairs and unexpected expenses.
Keeping your home in good condition not only offers financial savings but also enhances safety for you and your family.
-
Avoid unnecessary expenses
Having your home inspected can also help you manage your budget more effectively. With their expertise, the building inspector will help you avoid rushing into major repairs that may not be truly necessary.
For instance, you might plan to hire a roofer based on your roof’s estimated lifespan. However, after the inspection, the report could suggest only minor repairs, which are far more affordable.
-
Strategically plan your renovations
As every homeowner knows, work on a house is never truly finished. Whether it’s upgrading to a more functional kitchen or a modern bathroom, needing more space or making outdoor improvements, you’ll likely need to budget, prioritize and plan accordingly.
Before diving into renovations or any other home improvements, it’s wise to conduct a preventive inspection. It’s an excellent way to ensure no other issues take precedence, allowing you to allocate your saving effectively.
Imagine this scenario: you’ve finally set aside the budget for the kitchen of your dreams and plan to start the renovation next year.
To be cautious, you have your home inspected and the inspector’s report reveals a thermal insulation problem. You’ll probably decide to postpone the kitchen project and instead focus on replacing the windows.
An inspection can also help you avoid unpleasant surprises such as redoing your bathroom tiles and fixtures only to later discover plumbing issues.
-
Preserve the market value of your property
Even if you don't plan to sell in the near future, regularly addressing necessary repairs helps maintain your property’s market value. If you do decide to sell at some point, you’ll be ready to begin the process without the need for extensive repairs.
A well-maintained home will sell faster and at a higher price than one for which the buyer has received a negative pre-purchase inspection report. The investment in regular upkeep can ultimately become a key part of a successful strategy.
-
Prevent potential risks to the health and safety of your loved ones
For those who plan to keep their home for years to come, a preventive inspection acts as health check your property. It helps identify necessary work in the short or medium term to ensure the well-being and safety of your loved ones.
Issues that were previously unnoticed in the structure or foundations could pose a danger. Likewise, defects in stairs or the electrical system can also present risks.
Additionally, undetected mould could lead to respiratory issues for you or your family members. By having your home inspected, you’ll learn how to care for both your home and your health.
How much does a preventive inspection of your home cost?
The cost of a building inspection is relatively low compared to the savings it can help you achieve, making it a wise preventive measure. As of 2025, the estimated cost of an inspection is as follows:
- Condo: Between $500 and $850
- Single-family home: Between $650 and $950
- Duplex: Between $750 and $1,000
- Triplex: Between $850 and $1,250
- Larger properties: Over $950
These price ranges are provided for information purposes only. To get the best value, it’s advisable to request quotes from multiple building inspectors.
Are you looking to have a property inspected?
XpertSource.com can help you in your efforts to find a building inspector. By telling us about your project, we will refer you to top-rated experts, free of charge! Simply fill out the form (it only takes 2 minutes) and you will be put in contact with the right experts.
