Multi-Unit Inspection Montreal | Duplex, Triplex, Multiplex

Who this is for

You're buying a revenue property in
Montreal.

Buying a multiplex is both a residential and a financial decision. You're purchasing a building with multiple units, multiple systems, and challenges you won't find in a single-family home or a condo.

🏗

Duplex / triplex buyer

You're buying a plex to live in one unit and rent the others. You need to know the condition of each unit, the shared systems, and what repairs to expect before committing.

📊

Real estate investor

You're buying a revenue property as an investment. You need to know the true condition of the building to evaluate costs, risks, and profitability.

🏢

Quadruplex / quintuplex buyer

You're buying a 4 or 5-unit building. The inspection covers each unit, centralized systems, fire safety and compliance. For buildings with 6 or more units, see our commercial inspection.

Why inspect a multiplex

Protect your
rental investment.

A revenue property is a major investment with specific risks. Shared systems between units, installation compliance and the condition of each unit directly impact profitability and property value. Our inspection gives you the complete picture before you buy.

🏗

Each unit inspected

Each unit is verified separately: plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation, windows and interior finishes.

⚡

Shared systems checked

Electrical panels, main plumbing, shared water heaters, central heating systems and service entrance evaluated in depth.

🔥

Fire safety

Verification of smoke detectors, emergency exits, fire separation between units and exterior staircases.

What we inspect

A complete inspection,
unit by unit.

Our multi-unit inspection is designed for revenue properties. We verify each unit and all shared systems to give you a faithful portrait of the building condition.

✓Foundation and structure — Cracks, differential settlement, load-bearing capacity, foundation wall condition

✓Roof and envelope — Roofing, flashing, chimneys, exterior cladding, masonry, lintels

✓Electrical panels — Main panel and sub-panels for each unit, wiring, compliance, amperage capacity

✓Plumbing per unit — Supply and drain piping, fixtures, water heater, shut-off valves

✓Heating per unit — Furnaces, baseboards, radiators, central boiler, thermostats

✓Fire safety — Smoke and CO detectors, fire separation, emergency exits, exterior staircases

✓Windows and doors — Condition, weathertightness, hardware and compliance for each unit

✓Stairs and balconies — Interior and exterior stairs, railings, balconies, galleries, structural condition

✓Basement and drainage — Moisture, sump pump, French drain, basement ventilation

✓FLIR thermal imaging — Detection of infiltration, thermal bridges, anomalies in walls and ceilings

What every multiplex buyer should know

The challenges unique to
revenue properties.

A multiplex comes with issues you won't find in a single-family home. Here's what you need to understand before buying.

Shared systems A multiplex often has a single central heating system, a single water service entry, a single main drain and a single main electrical panel feeding sub-panels in each unit. If any of these systems fails, the entire building is affected — and you're the one paying for it.

Fire safety Multi-unit buildings have strict fire safety requirements: fire separation between units, smoke and CO detectors in every unit, compliant emergency exits, and exterior staircases in good condition. Non-compliance can lead to municipal notices and significant code-upgrade costs.

Exterior staircases and balconies Montreal plexes are often equipped with metal or wood exterior staircases. These structures are exposed to freeze-thaw cycles and deteriorate over time. Replacing or repairing an exterior staircase can cost several thousand dollars and is the owner's responsibility.

Masonry and building envelope Many Montreal plexes have brick facades. Brick deteriorates over time: eroded mortar joints, cracked lintels, freeze-damaged bricks. Repointing or rebuilding a brick facade is a costly project — anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000 depending on the building size.

Individual unit condition Each unit can be in a completely different state. A renovated unit doesn't guarantee the others are. Units occupied by long-term tenants can hide plumbing, electrical or ventilation issues that are never reported.

Flat roof Most Montreal plexes have a flat roof with membrane. This membrane has a lifespan of 15 to 25 years, and replacement costs between $10,000 and $25,000 depending on the surface area. Signs of aging, ponding water and past repairs are all indicators we check.

Our process

4 simple steps
to peace of mind.

1

Quote

Describe your building and we send you a detailed quote, typically within 24h.*

2

Coordination

We plan access to each unit with the seller, broker or tenants in place.

3

Inspection

Methodical inspection of each unit and all shared systems. Duration adapted to the number of units.

4

Report

Detailed report organized by unit with photos, priority findings and recommendations, delivered in 24 to 48 hours.*

Transparent pricing

Our multi-unit
inspection rates.

Every building is unique. The rate is custom-quoted based on the number of units, total area, building age and systems in place. Request your free quote.

🏠

Duplex

Inspection of both units, shared systems, structure, roof and all common elements.

Custom quote

🏗

Triplex

Three units inspected individually, plus all shared systems and fire safety.

Custom quote

🏢

Quadruplex / quintuplex

Inspection of 4 or 5 units with shared systems, fire safety and compliance. For buildings with 6 or more units, see our commercial inspection.

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 infiltration between units, thermal bridges in exterior walls, and anomalies invisible to the naked eye.

✦ Report organized by unit — Each unit has its own section in the report. Clear, with photos and recommendations. Typically delivered in 24 to 48h.* *Depending on the number of units.

✦ Available 7 days a week — We work around your schedule and coordinate access with tenants.

✦ Thousands of inspections across Greater Montreal — Rosemont plexes, Villeray duplexes, Plateau triplexes, Verdun and Hochelaga revenue properties — we know the plexes here.

✦ Service available in English, French and Italian — Inspection and report in the language of your choice.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about
multi-unit inspections.

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

How does a duplex or triplex inspection work?+

Each unit is inspected individually: plumbing, electrical, heating, windows and finishes. Shared systems like the roof, foundation, structure and drainage are also verified. Duration varies based on the number of units.

Do tenants need to be present or provide access?+

Access to each unit is necessary for a complete inspection. We recommend coordinating with the seller or broker to obtain tenant agreement and plan access in advance. If a unit is inaccessible, it will be excluded from the report.

How much does a multiplex inspection cost in Montreal?+

The price is custom-quoted based on the number of units, total area, building age and complexity. Every building is different — contact us for a free quote tailored to your situation.

Does the inspection check code compliance?+

Yes. We visually verify compliance of electrical, plumbing and fire safety installations for each unit. We flag non-compliant elements that may require corrective action or cause insurance issues.

Can the inspection help me evaluate rental income potential?+

The inspection identifies the actual condition of each unit and short-to-medium term repairs needed. This information allows you to evaluate future costs and better calculate the return on your real estate investment.

Why do multiplex inspection prices vary?+

The price depends on the number of units, total area, building age and system complexity. A duplex takes less time than a five-unit building. Every inspection includes FLIR thermal imaging and a comprehensive report organized by unit.

What does the report actually give me after the inspection?+

The report documents each unit separately with photos, priority levels and recommendations. You see the condition of every unit, shared systems, fire safety elements and upcoming repairs. It is a practical tool for understanding the true costs of the building.

What happens if a unit is not accessible on inspection day?+

If a unit is not accessible, it will be excluded from the report and we will note it clearly. We recommend coordinating access in advance with the seller, broker or tenants. Ideally, all units should be accessible for a complete picture.

Our other services