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Single-family home

House inspection in
Montreal

When you buy a house, you buy everything — the foundation, the roof, the lot, the systems. Our inspection covers every accessible component so you know exactly what you're taking on.

Who this is for

You're buying a house in
Montreal.

Unlike a condo, a house makes you responsible for the entire building — from the foundation to the roof, including the lot, drainage and every mechanical system.

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First-time buyer
You're buying your first house. You want to understand the real condition of the building, know what works well, and identify what will need maintenance or repairs down the road.
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Family moving to a new home
You're changing houses or neighbourhoods. You want to buy with confidence, plan the years ahead, and avoid unpleasant surprises after closing.
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Buying an older home
You're looking at a house from the 1950s, 60s or 70s. Foundation, plumbing, electrical, insulation — you want to know what has been updated and what remains original.
Why inspect a house

You're responsible for
the entire building.

Unlike a condo where the co-ownership manages common areas, a house puts you solely in charge of every component. The foundation, the roof, the French drain, the electrical panel, the water heater — all of it falls on you. The inspection gives you the full picture before you take on that responsibility.

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The building envelope
Foundation, roof, exterior cladding, windows, doors — the envelope protects the house from the elements. Any deficiency here can lead to water infiltration, heat loss and structural damage.
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The mechanical systems
Plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation, water heater — these systems have a limited lifespan. Knowing their age and condition lets you plan replacements and avoid emergencies.
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The lot and drainage
Lot grading, the French drain, the sump pump, the driveway — drainage is one of the most critical concerns for any house in Quebec. Poor drainage causes basement water infiltration and weakens the foundation.
What every house buyer should know

The realities of Montreal's
housing stock.

Greater Montreal has houses from every era — from century-old cottages to recent builds. Each generation of construction comes with its own set of concerns.

Foundations Older Montreal houses may have rubblestone or concrete block foundations. Post-war homes typically have poured concrete, but shrinkage cracks and water infiltration are common. Quebec's freeze-thaw cycle puts foundations under serious stress — it is one of the most important elements we inspect.
Electrical panels Some houses still have fuse panels, aluminum wiring, or discontinued Federal Pioneer or Sylvania panels. These situations are not necessarily dangerous, but they deserve to be identified and evaluated. Replacing an electrical panel typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000.
Plumbing Houses built before the 1970s may still have cast iron drain pipes or galvanized steel supply lines. These materials corrode over time, reduce water flow and eventually leak. A full plumbing replacement is a major project — better to know before you buy.
Roofing Asphalt shingles last between 15 and 25 years depending on quality and exposure. Flat roofs (common in Montreal) have a membrane that must be replaced periodically. A roof at the end of its life is one of the biggest expenses — between $8,000 and $20,000 depending on size.
Insulation and ventilation Many Montreal houses are under-insulated by current standards. The attic is often the first place problems show up: excessive condensation, insufficient ventilation, ice damming in winter. These issues accelerate deterioration of the roof and framing.
Basement and drainage Basement water infiltration is one of the most frequent problems in Quebec houses. French drains have a lifespan of 25 to 40 years. Lot grading, gutter condition and a functioning sump pump are all factors we check carefully.
What we inspect

Over 400 points
verified.

Our house inspection covers the entire building — from the foundation to the roof, including the lot and all mechanical systems.

✓ Foundation and structure — Cracks, water infiltration, settlement, load-bearing capacity, foundation wall condition
✓ Roof and cladding — Shingles, membrane, flashing, fascia, gutters, exterior siding, chimney
✓ Full plumbing — Supply and drain piping, water pressure, water heater, fixtures, drains
✓ Electrical — Electrical panel, wiring, outlets, grounding, wire type, code compliance
✓ Insulation and ventilation — Attic, vapour barrier, mechanical ventilation, energy efficiency
✓ Heating and cooling — Furnace, heat pump, baseboards, fireplace, central system, equipment age
✓ Doors and windows — Weathertightness, frame condition, hardware, condensation, patio door
✓ Basement and crawlspace — Moisture, signs of infiltration, drainage, sump pump, floor condition
✓ Exterior and lot — Lot grading, drainage, driveway, balconies, stairs, fences, shed
✓ FLIR thermal imaging — Detection of water infiltration, thermal bridges, insulation deficiencies, hidden anomalies
Our process

4 simple steps
to peace of mind.

1
Booking
Call us or book online. We confirm your appointment within 2 hours.
2
Inspection
Complete 2 to 4 hour on-site inspection. Your presence is encouraged so you can ask questions in real time.
3
Report
Detailed report with photos and recommendations, typically delivered within 24h* by email.
4
Follow-up
We remain available after the inspection to answer your questions about the report and priorities.
Transparent pricing

Our house
inspection rates.

Clear pricing with no surprises. The price includes the complete inspection, detailed report with photos, FLIR thermal imaging, and post-inspection follow-up.

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Single-family home
Bungalow, cottage, split-level — complete inspection including foundation, roof, lot, and all mechanical systems.
Starting at $650+tax
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Larger property
For larger homes, properties with additions, attached garage, fully finished basement or pool. Custom quote based on scope.
Custom quote
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House + advanced thermal imaging
Combine the inspection with an in-depth thermal analysis to detect infiltration, thermal bridges and insulation deficiencies across the entire building.
Custom quote
What sets us apart

Why choose
Inspecteur Élite.

✦ InterNACHI & IBC certified — Ongoing training and internationally recognized standards.
✦ FLIR thermal imaging included — Detection of water infiltration, thermal bridges and anomalies invisible to the naked eye. Included in every inspection at no extra cost.
✦ Detailed report, typically within 24h* — Clear, with photos and concrete recommendations. Designed to serve as a maintenance guide for your house.
*Depending on inspection complexity.
✦ Available 7 days a week — We adapt to your schedule and deadlines — including weekends.
✦ Thousands of inspections in Greater Montreal — Bungalows in Laval, cottages in Ahuntsic, century homes on the Plateau, split-levels on the South Shore — we know the houses here.
✦ Service available in English, French and Italian — Inspection and report in the language of your choice.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about
house inspections.

Everything you need to know before booking your house inspection in Montreal.

How much does a house inspection cost in Montreal?+
Our single-family house inspections start at $650+tax. The price varies based on size, age and complexity of the building. Larger or older houses require more time on site. Contact us for a precise quote.
How long does a house inspection take?+
A house inspection typically takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the size and age of the building. We take the time needed to check everything thoroughly — an older or larger house naturally takes longer.
What are the most common problems found in Montreal houses?+
Common issues include foundation cracks, basement water infiltration, aging roofs, outdated electrical panels (fuse boxes, Federal Pioneer), deteriorating cast iron or galvanized plumbing, lot drainage problems, and insufficient attic insulation.
Does the inspection cover the exterior and the lot?+
Yes. This is one of the key differences from a condo inspection. A house inspection includes the roof, exterior cladding, visible foundation, lot grading, drainage, driveway, balconies, exterior stairs and fences. The lot and drainage are critical elements for any house in Quebec.
Why do inspection prices vary so much?+
The price difference reflects the depth of the work. A thorough house inspection takes 2 to 4 hours on site, covers over 400 points, includes FLIR thermal imaging, and produces a detailed report with photos and recommendations. Price also depends on the inspector's experience, certifications and equipment quality.
What does the report actually give me after the inspection?+
The report documents every finding with photos, priority level and recommendations. It helps you understand the real condition of the house, identify work needed in the short and medium term, and plan maintenance for your property. It is a reference tool you will keep long after the purchase.
The house I want to buy is over 50 years old. Is that a problem?+
Not at all, but it changes what we look for. Older houses have specific concerns: rubblestone or block foundations, cast iron or galvanized plumbing, aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring, insufficient insulation, poorly ventilated attics. The inspection is even more important for these buildings — it helps you understand what has been updated and what remains original.
What happens if the inspector finds a major problem?+
That is exactly why you get an inspection. If a major issue is found — structural crack, active infiltration, non-compliant electrical panel, roof at end of life — you will know before committing. You can assess the situation, understand the work involved, and make your decision with complete knowledge of the facts.
Our other services

Related
services.

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Condo inspection
Specialized inspection for condo units in Montreal.
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Multi-unit inspection
Duplex, triplex and multi-unit buildings.
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FLIR thermal imaging
Detection of water infiltration, thermal bridges and anomalies invisible to the naked eye. Included in every inspection.
Book now

Your offer has a deadline.
So does your inspection.

Available 7 days a week. Detailed report, typically within 24h*. InterNACHI & IBC certified.

📞 (514) 802-7215 Book my inspection →
✦ Thousands of inspections completed ✦ Certified and insured ✦ Detailed report within 24h*
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