If you’re among the first to acquire a unit in a new condominium building, you may need to get involved in the syndicate. If this is the case, in addition to creating the syndicate, one of your first actions will be to take possession of the building. To do this, you’ll need to carry out a pre-delivery inspection of the common areas. But what exactly is this? Stay with us as our condominium specialists break down what a pre delivery inspection of common areas is all about!

Let’s start by mentioning that there are two stages in the acceptance process for a condominium: acceptance of the private portion and acceptance of the common portions. Acceptance of these two parts is of the utmost importance, since it marks the beginning of the building’s warranties. But before taking delivery, you need to carry out a pre-acceptance inspection of both the private unit and the common areas, to ensure that everything complies with current construction standards.

Pre delivery inspection of the common areas must take place when the building’s syndicate of co-ownership receives a notice of completion from the contractor. Unlike the pre delivery inspection of a private portion, where professional assistance is optional but strongly recommended, the syndicate must mandatorily engage a building professional for the pre delivery inspection of common portions. For information on inspecting a private unit, please consult our article on the subject, available on our website.

The building professional chosen by the syndicate must be an architect, engineer or technologist who is a member of a professional order and has training in engineering or construction.

Once the professional has been appointed, the pre delivery inspection can begin. The pre delivery inspection of common areas takes place in the presence of the building professional, the contractor and one or more representatives of the condominium corporation. The professional will inspect all elements, then fill out the grid provided by GCR – Garantie Construction Résidentielle and approved by the RBQ – Régie du Bâtiment du Québec. Click here for an example. It’s important to note that the form must not be pre-filled by the contractor!

If certain elements do not live up to expectations and need to be corrected or completed, the inspector will note them on the form by ticking the “Acceptance – with reservation” box. He will then agree with the contractor on a deadline for completion of the corrective work, and fill in the “Agreed completion date” section, which must not exceed 6 months from the date of the pre-acceptance inspection.

If everything looks good and no apparent defects are found, the “Acceptance – without reservation” box should be ticked. It is essential that all parties involved agree with the information given on this form before signing it.

However, if the syndicate does not carry out a pre delivery inspection, the presumed acceptance rule may apply. You see, the Regulation respecting the warranty plan for new residential buildings stipulates that acceptance of common portions is presumed to have taken place 6 months after receipt of the notice of completion of the work, when certain conditions are met (see inset).

If you need to plan the pre delivery of a private area, contact us. Our condominium specialists can advise you throughout the process… and beyond!