Building inspection

Building inspector on the
North Shore

Terrebonne, Blainville, Mascouche, Repentigny — the North Shore has experienced explosive growth since the 2000s. New construction, former farmland, variable soils. We know every municipality and its challenges.

Real estate profile

North Shore: rapid growth,
emerging challenges.

Montreal's North Shore stretches across geologically varied terrain, from the St. Lawrence lowland clay plains to the Laurentian foothills. Soils alternate between heavy marine clay in low-lying areas (Repentigny, south Terrebonne) and sand/gravel in higher zones (Blainville, Rosemère). This geological variability, combined with an unprecedented building boom since 2000, creates a unique inspection profile where century-old farmhouses coexist with brand-new residential developments.

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Variable and unpredictable soils
North Shore soils range from heavy marine clay in the lowlands to sandy and gravelly deposits toward the Laurentians. This variation creates different foundation behaviours from one municipality to the next, and sometimes from one lot to another.
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Post-2000 construction boom
The North Shore has experienced a building explosion since the early 2000s. The high pace of construction has sometimes led to quality shortcuts: poor lot grading, insufficient insulation, and hasty finishes we identify regularly.
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Converted farmland
Many residential developments were built on former agricultural land. These lots, once drained for farming, often present water management problems once urbanized, causing backups and damp basements.
Common findings

What our inspectors find
on the North Shore.

The North Shore presents a unique mix of problems linked to recent construction and older properties. Here are our most frequent findings.

New construction defects — Lot grading directing water toward foundations, missing sealant joints, poorly installed insulation, insufficient attic ventilation in 2005-2020 builds
Pyrite in some developments — Pyrite-contaminated backfill used under concrete slabs in certain 1985-1995 projects, causing heaving and cracking
Basement radon — Naturally occurring radioactive gas in the soil, particularly in areas with bedrock. Some North Shore municipalities show concentrations above recommended thresholds
Drainage and grading problems — Poorly graded lots on former farmland, misdirected gutters, inadequate window wells, undersized sump pumps
Basement water infiltration — High water table in lowland areas, poor foundation waterproofing in recent builds, inadequate French drains
Ventilation and humidity — Very airtight new homes but poorly ventilated, poorly maintained HRV units, excessive winter condensation on windows
Deficient roofs under warranty — Hastily installed shingles, insufficient attic ventilation causing ice dams, poorly installed flashing
Old septic systems — Rural homes converted to residential areas with outdated or non-compliant septic systems reaching end of life
Municipalities

Our inspections by
North Shore municipality.

Each North Shore municipality has its own distinct housing profile. Discover the challenges specific to your city.

Our services on the North Shore

Inspections available
in your municipality.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions —
North Shore.

Everything you need to know about building inspection on the North Shore.

How much does a home inspection cost on the North Shore?+
For a single-family home on the North Shore, our rates start at $650+tax. The price varies based on size, age and complexity of the building. New homes requiring a warranty-end inspection may have an adjusted rate. Contact us for a precise quote.
Do new North Shore homes need an inspection?+
Absolutely. The North Shore's rapid growth has led to high-pace construction, and we regularly find defects in recent builds: poor lot grading, insufficient drainage, sloppy finishes, poorly installed insulation. An inspection before the GCR warranty expires is strongly recommended.
Is there a radon risk on the North Shore?+
Yes. Some North Shore areas show radon levels above the Health Canada recommended threshold of 200 Bq/m³. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps through foundation cracks and basement openings. A radon test is recommended, especially for homes with finished basements.
What drainage problems are common on the North Shore?+
The North Shore has many developments built on former farmland. Lot grading is often inadequate, directing water toward foundations. We also find poorly installed window wells, clogged French drains, and undersized sump pumps.
Nearby zones

We also serve
neighbouring regions.

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Need an inspector
on the North Shore?

Available 7 days a week. Report delivered within 24 hours. InterNACHI & IBC certified.

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