What a Home Inspector Checks During a Residential Inspection
A full walkthrough of every system covered during a residential inspection.
A structured method, not a walkthrough
A full residential inspection follows a structured method based on the BNQ 3009-500 practice standard that governs the profession in Quebec. The inspector doesn't just walk through the house — they systematically examine every accessible system, from roof to foundation, and document findings with supporting photos and measurements.
Plan for roughly 2 to 4 hours on site for a single-family home, a bit more for a property with a finished basement, an attached garage, or outbuildings. At the end of the visit, the inspector walks you through the major findings before the written report is even delivered.
The final report, usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours, includes a photo and description for every defect observed, organized by system and urgency. This standardized format makes it easy to compare multiple reports if you're having several properties inspected before making an offer.
Getting ready for the inspector's visit
Make the inspector's job easier by ensuring access to every space: basement, attic, electrical panel, heating equipment, and crawl space. Restricted access can limit the scope of the inspection and leave certain areas unexamined, which weakens the value of the final report.
If the property is occupied, let the occupants know the visit time and make sure pets are secured. For a vacant property, confirm that the power and heat are on for the day of the inspection, or several systems won't be testable at all.
Structure and exterior envelope
Foundation and structure
The inspector examines the foundation for cracks, signs of infiltration, or settling, along with the visible framing from the basement or crawl space.
Roof and exterior cladding
The condition of shingles, flashing, chimneys, and vents, along with the exterior cladding (brick, vinyl, wood), is checked for wear, cracks, or potential leaks.
Drainage and grading
Lot grading, gutter condition, and downspout placement are all reviewed, since poor drainage is one of the most common causes of basement water infiltration.
Balconies and exterior stairs
Balconies, decks, and exterior stairs are examined for structural stability, railing attachment, and signs of wood rot — elements that pose a direct safety risk if neglected.
Mechanical systems
Electrical
The electrical panel, wiring type, grounding, and a sample of outlets and switches are checked against accepted standards, though this doesn't replace a master electrician's assessment for actual repair work.
Plumbing
The inspector tests water pressure, looks for visible leaks, evaluates pipe condition (copper, PEX, galvanized), and checks that the water heater is functioning properly.
Heating and ventilation
The heating system is tested for overall function, and ventilation — air exchanger, range hoods, dryer vent — is checked to help ensure good indoor air quality.
Interior finishes and specialized tools
Insulation, doors, windows, and interior finishes round out the visual inspection. The inspector also notes signs of moisture, abnormal wear, or poorly executed repairs that could be hiding a bigger issue.
For a deeper look, an add-on thermographic inspection reveals heat loss invisible to the naked eye, and a mold test can be added if suspicious odors or stains turn up during the visit. These add-ons are especially popular for older properties in Laval, where much of the housing stock dates back several decades.
What's not included
A visual inspection doesn't include opening up walls, moving furniture or large appliances, or destructive testing. It also doesn't replace specialized expertise — structural, electrical, or engineering — when serious red flags come up. Skipping this step altogether carries real risk: see our rundown of common mistakes buyers make when they skip an inspection. You can browse all the areas we serve to confirm we cover your neighbourhood.
Residential Inspection
Houses, condos, and plexes — full pre-purchase or pre-listing inspection compliant with the BNQ 3009-500 standard.
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