How much does it cost to hire a building inspector?

It's no secret that the services of a building inspector are required prior to any real estate purchase. And while they're not free, the cost is well worth it!

Most Quebecers take on debt over a period of ten or even twenty years to become homeowners. Therefore, as a buyer, we strongly recommend that you hire a home inspector before making a purchase.

You'll soon realize that the cost of a home inspector is well worth the risks involved! We'll explain.

What is the role of a building inspector?

A home inspector is an expert in the construction industry.  With experience and technical knowledge, he or she can determine the condition of a building. Their role is to ensure that the property is safe and that the air is healthy.

The home inspector can be involved in several situations, including the process of buying a new home. In all cases, the goal of the inspector's evaluation is to identify any problems, large or small, that may be present in a property and that may reduce its value or pose a potential hazard to its occupants.

Who can be a home inspector?

It's worth pointing out that you shouldn't leave your home inspection in the hands of just anyone. Even if your brother-in-law is an avid builder, there's no substitute for the expertise of a qualified home inspector. A home inspector has an unparalleled level of knowledge and skill in assessing the overall physical condition of a home.

What's more, not just anyone can become a home inspector! Although the title of building inspector is still less strictly regulated than most other real estate professions, things are about to change.

Specialized education

Although there is no single career path that allows an individual to become a building inspector, this expert must necessarily have specialized technical training to be able to inspect a building's components and their condition. He or she will generally hold an Attestation of College Studies (ACS).

Member of a professional association (AIBQ and AIIICQ)

When we think of a qualified home inspector, we also think of the professional associations to which he or she may belong. In the province, the AIBQ (Association des inspecteurs en bâtiment du Québec) and InterNACHI Québec AIIICQ are undoubtedly the most recognized building inspection associations.

Although membership in these organizations is not mandatory in the profession, a qualified home inspector will generally be a member.

How much does a pre-purchase home inspection cost?

Just as an inspector's salary varies greatly from one professional to another, the price of a home inspection varies from region to region. As you might have guessed, the further away from Montreal, the lower the price.

Of course, the cost also depends on many criteria, including:

• The area;
• The type of property (house, condo, commercial building, residential building);
• The age of the property;
• Its size;
• The chosen building inspector;
• And whether you'd like to have any extras inspected.

Recently, the cost of a pre-purchase inspection has been estimated at:

• Between $500 and $850 for a condominium;
• Between $650 and $950 for a single-family home;
• Between $750 and $1000 for a duplex;
• Between $850 and $1250 for a three-story triplex;
• Over $950 for a larger property.

Please note that the prices presented in this article are for informational purposes only, so it's a good idea to get quotes from several home inspectors to find the best service at an attractive price.

Don't hesitate to contact us to make your search for professionals easier. Our team will put you in touch with 3 pre-qualified, professional home inspectors. You'll be able to compare their quotes and choose the one that's right for you.

Who pays for the home inspection?

Regardless of the property being inspected (condo, house, duplex, etc.), it's generally the buyer who pays for the pre-purchase inspection, unless otherwise specified in the purchase agreement. The buyer is also responsible for hiring the inspector of his or her choice.

Of course, if the inspection is performed in a context other than a real estate transaction, the answer to this question may be different. For example, in the case of a preventive or pre-sale inspection, the homeowner is responsible for the cost.

What does a building inspection cover?

During a thorough inspection of a property, a home inspector should be able to identify many issues affecting the building, including the presence of:

• Iron ocher (presence of oxygen, water and iron in the soil combined with the reaction of several types of bacteria);
• Poly-B (chlorine compound, that causes premature deterioration of the pipes which causes leaks);
• Pyrite (which triggers the swelling of concrete and stone, leading to considerable damage to the structure of the building);
• Radon (a harmful gas that can cause lung cancer over long-term exposition);
• Or vermiculite (an insulation product that contains amphibole asbestos that may be harmful to health).

In addition, the building inspector will have to consider several elements:

• Foundations: detect movements and cracks;
• Accessible structure: the condition of the interior and exterior floors and walls;
• Terrain: Sloping (negative) terrain is often synonymous with flooding;
• Driveway: evaluation of the state of the asphalt;
• Roofing: verify its condition and check if it is necessary to replace the material;
• Moisture: measure humidity; detect water infiltration and the presence of mould;
• Air quality: check for aeration and the presence of toxic fumes;
• Insulation: identify heat loss through doors and windows;
• Plumbing: Check the condition of the pipes and the plumbing system in general;
• Heating system: verify its condition and the required maintenance;
• Electrical system: check the electrical panel and system is up to code;
• Ventilation: Inspect the air exchanger, wall-mounted air conditioner or heat pump that could be a major expense in case of breakage;
• Sewers and drains: sewer connections and the presence of harmful substances in the drains.

After a thorough visual inspection, the building inspector will note the items that require repair or replacement in a report for you.

The goal of the inspection report is obviously to allow you to renegotiate the conditions of the promise to purchase to cover the costs that you will have to pay. By hiring a building inspector, your chances of buying a home with hidden defects will be lowered.

What is not included in a home inspection

Although the home inspector performs a thorough inspection of the entire property, some items are not included in the inspection. These include :

• Dependencies;
• Wood-burning appliances;
• The telephone system and cable;
• The alarm system;
• The pool and spa;
• Any other aesthetic element of the house.

The inspector examines only those items that are visible. Therefore, this professional will not necessarily detect a problem located inside the foundations, floors or walls. However, this inspection is valuable in that it can help determine repair and maintenance costs related to the condition of the property.

Note that a building inspection is not a guarantee in itself, but "a thorough visual inspection" offered by an experienced professional. It does not protect against hidden defects because it cannot detect them. It does, however, greatly reduce the chances of discovering unpleasant surprises after the real estate transaction has been completed.

How do I know I've chosen the right home inspector?

A good home inspector should spend approximately eight hours with you, including travel time, inspection of the home and its components (minimum 2 to 3 hours), photo analysis, research and report writing.

The home inspector should also be able to:

• Advise you so you can make an informed decision;
• Ask the seller about recent construction or renovations;
• Review the seller's statement with you;
• Provide an oral summary of the inspection;
• Provide you with a detailed, personalized report (free of cut-and-paste and technical or meaningless phrases) detailing all apparent defects.

You've made an offer and want to have the property inspected before you become the owner? Learn how to prepare for the home inspector's visit.

Are you looking for a home inspector?

XpertSource.com can help you in your efforts to find a building inspector. By telling us about your project, we will put you in touch with the appropriate resource persons free of charge. You just have to fill out our form (in just a few minutes) and you can be put in contact with experts.

Do you want to find real estate professionals and get quotes? Contact us at 1 833 203-7768