Chronicles from our experts
Our blog articles allow you to learn more about construction and renovation. How to prevent problems with your building and how to fix them? Where to invest money and properly maintain your house or building? What are the myths and urban legends on housing that you may have heard ? Our inspectors and experts share their knowledge to enable you to make well-informed decisions.
3 advantages of an intergenerational home!
We're talking about it, we're talking about it and we're talking about it: house prices are higher than they've ever been, and it's getting harder and harder for young buyers to become homeowners. Mini homes, container homes, condominiums, mobile homes: all possibilities are considered, and nothing is left to chance…
What are the common areas in a condo?
When we decide to buy a house, we have to own everything: from the land to the plumbing, from the roof to the interior finishes. But it's a different story when we opt for a condominium or condo. In that case, we're the owner of some elements, and co-owners of…
Excavating and water infiltration: 3 steps to getting back to normal
Buying a new house is not the same as buying an existing one, and the older the house, the more there is to consider. You won't be surprised, then, to learn that buying an ancestral home presents specific challenges and considerations because of its age, of course, but also because…
3 cases where a door blower test went beyond the residential setting!
A fan for energy efficiency? If you've taken part in the Rénoclimat energy efficiency program, you may have guessed that I'm referring to the the door blower, the instrument used to check the airtightness of your home. But did you know that this instrument isn't just useful for residential buildings? Stay…
3 tips for better condo management!
According to the Société d'habitation du Québec, there will be some 366,000 condominium units in 2022, divided among some 7,500 syndicates. That's a lot, but the problem is that the housing stock is aging, with an average age of 30 years. So how do you take good care of your…
What exactly is the Novoclimat certification?
Did you know that 7,281 units in 1,470 buildings were built to Novoclimat certification standards between 2017 and 2021? What's more, these buildings have saved no less than 98,896 Gigajoules of energy annually! Do you know about Novoclimat certification? Read our article as we explain what Novoclimat certification is and…
Construction defect or hidden defect? What’s the difference?
Hidden defects, construction defects, faulty workmanship: the world of construction and real estate isn't always perfect, and building problems can occur, even with a new house. But is it a construction defect or a hidden defect? How can you tell? Stay with us as our building experts break down these…
Foundation footing drain: how do you know if everything is working properly?
The french drain, or foundation footing drain, is a drainage mechanism used to protect the foundation of a house from excessive water pressure. In other words, the drain allows rainwater to drain away as it accumulates in the soil. But how do you know if there's a problem with your…
Chronicle from our experts No100 | Once upon a time, there was Legault-Dubois…
As a home buyer, there's a lot to consider throughout the buying process. So much so, in fact, that you may overlook some of the problems that can arise when living in a new home. While the pre-purchase inspection reveals many hidden secrets about your future home, some problems may…
Is your water heater on its last legs?
You're about to wash the dishes or take a shower when you realize that the hot water doesn't seem to be there... Intrigued, you try to remember where your water heater is hiding and go to have a look. Only, once there, you realize that you have absolutely no idea…
3 things to watch out for when moving into a new home…
As a home buyer, there's a lot to consider throughout the buying process. So much so, in fact, that you may overlook some of the problems that can arise when living in a new home. While the pre-purchase inspection reveals many hidden secrets about your future home, some problems may…
About to move? Keep an eye out for these 3 common hidden defects!
Buying a new house is not the same as buying an existing one, and the older the house, the more there is to consider. You won't be surprised, then, to learn that buying an ancestral home presents specific challenges and considerations because of its age, of course, but also because…
MLI: do you know what those three little letters stand for?
If you're one of those who invest in real estate, you're well aware that it's becoming increasingly difficult to obtain the financing required for the construction and even renovation of rental buildings. Fortunately, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has created the MLI Select program, which offers a number…
What should you think about when buying an ancestral home?
Buying a new house is not the same as buying an existing one, and the older the house, the more there is to consider. You won't be surprised, then, to learn that buying an ancestral home presents specific challenges and considerations because of its age, of course, but also because…
Appraisal or inspection? Get the most for your money by choosing the right service
You've owned a magnificent bungalow in the greater metropolitan area for several years, but since the departure of your children, the house seems too big. So you're thinking of putting it up for sale. A friend suggests you call in a building inspector to find out the market value. But…
Water damage: Avoid costly and harmful water damage to your house
Every year in Quebec, in spring, thousands of basements are flooded. The main cause: improper design and malfunction of the sump and its pump. Learn how to avoid cleaning costs and mold damage with simple tips and easy prevention methods explained by our experts.
Maintenance inspection: what is going on in your home?
If you own a home, you know there's always something to maintain or repair. Stay with us as we look at how a maintenance inspection can be an important tool in keeping your home in better shape, for longer.
Cigarette odor in the apartment: how to deal with the situation for good!
Imagine the following situation: you live in a condo or apartment and are sometimes invaded by a strong smell of tobacco. You have some work done to put an end to this situation, which, to your great misfortune, soon reoccurs. An unpleasant situation, isn't it? Well, that's exactly what one…
Attic: do not let this mysterious space make you sick
A study by Chalmers University found that 72% of homes with cold attics have excessive humidity and a strong presence of mold. In other words, only 1 in 4 houses does not have attic related problem. What about you, do you know if your attic is in good shape? Fortunately,…
Buying a first home? 3 new tips to follow so you won’t miss anything!
So it's official, you’ve decided to buy your first house. Beware! It is easy to get carried away by the sheer excitement of the moment, but much more difficult to stop and rationally assess the situation. And that's when bad decisions and problems occur. Read our article to discover 3…
What is a prepurchase home inspection? 9 steps to a better understanding!
Although the importance of a pre-purchase inspection during a real estate transaction is well established, we realize from the many calls we receive that the content of such an inspection is much less well known. If this is the case for you, read our article as our home inspectors explain…
What is the role of a building expert?
With the panoply of reports and articles that have appeared on the subject, there's no denying that the inspector's trade is much better known today than it was just a few years ago. But even today, the term home inspector is still too often a catch-all. Can you tell the…
Pre purchase home inspection: 3 common mistakes to avoid for a successful real estate transaction
The Quebec Federation of Real Estate Boards (QFREB) reveals that about thousands of units (house, condo, duplex, etc.) change hands in the three months before July 1 in the metropolitan area alone. Of all these buyers, too few realize what a pre-purchase inspection actually is and understand its value and…
DIYers: do not solve a problem by creating one worst
When she contacted us for a water infiltration problem, our client expected the problem to be solved in a jiffy. Unfortunately, water infiltration are often the result of another, deeper problem and this was exactly the case for our client. But the quick response of our client allowed her to…
Sell your house fast and easily: 3 tips to reduce your stress
Your family’s growing or your eldest son’s leaving the nest, and you’ve decided to move. So you put your current home for sell and quickly receive an enticing offer. That’s when the potential buyer mandates a pre-purchase inspector to check your house. This inspection reveals a major water leakage problem…
Contingency fund study: is the inspection necessary?
You own a condo and have been hearing about Bill 16 for some time now. You do some Internet research on the subject, then contact a few service companies to carry out your contingency fund study. You're amazed at the differences between the services on offer, and wonder: is inspection…
Hidden defect: The first 3 steps when a problem is discovered.
Mr. Lachance loves his new home. Settled in just over a year ago, he decided to remodel the basement. When he made an opening in a wall covering the foundation, he discovered that the concealed materials were completely rotten. Water infiltration seems to be responsible for the damage. What should…
Do I need to have the building’s condition assessed before I buy?
For the vast majority of us, buying a house is often the biggest purchase of our lives. But business owners and real estate investors must buy much larger buildings... and more expensive ones! That's when the question pops into their minds: should I have the condition of the building assessed…
Bad smell in your condo unit : the solution might not be where you think
Cooking odors, cigarette smoke or even vehicle exhaust: anyone who has ever lived in a condo or apartment knows full well the inconvenience that may cause odor diffusion problem. Often, after a short investigation, you realize that these odors come from a neighboring dwelling or underground garage. Read this review…
Water damage in a house: discover the consequences of sloppy work
Mandated for a problem of unpleasant odor in a kitchen, our expert was far from expecting this situation, so simple in appearance, to become one of our most complex of the season. And the customer even less. But if there is one thing that is confirmed with each case, it…
New home garantee plan: because new doesn’t mean perfect!
In the summer of 2021, 118 local families saw their lives derailed. The announcement of the bankruptcy of contractor Bel-Habitat meant the loss of their down payments on what was to be their brand-new home, down payments totaling $777,000 for a total of $17 million! Fortunately, thanks to the guarantee…
Water infiltration and condos: when cold symptoms lead to a building problem…
Our customers purchased their condominium unit in 2018. They quickly realized they were experiencing symptoms similar to a cold or allergies. It was after consulting their family doctors that their suspicions transferred from pollen to the building they lived in. Read our article (stay with us) and see how cold…
Multiplex inspection: 3 options for real estate investors
As everyone knows, buying a home is a major real estate investment - so major, in fact, that it's essential to take every precaution to ensure you make a wise purchase. You won't be surprised to learn that this is even truer when you're looking to buy a multiplex property…
Hidden defect: what is a hidden defect in a house?
Did you know that the percentage of home sales without a legal warranty has jumped from 17% in 2014 to 26% in 2021? And when we add to that the similar increase in purchase offers without inspections, it's no wonder we're getting so many calls from new homeowners fearing they're…
How to best benefit from the MLI Select program?
MLI: these three little letters mean nothing to the vast majority of us, but in this article we're talking mainly to real estate investors, who know them well. If you're a real estate investor and don't know what the letters MLI stand for, or if you'd like to better understand…
What is the difference between an asset management plan and a contingency fund?
Maintenance schedule, asset management plan, contingency fund, maintenance booklet: it is certainly difficult to find one's way through the terminology surrounding the world of condominiums. We know from experience that many people rightly confuse the asset management plan with the contingency fund. Stay tuned as we sort out these concepts…
Home inspector or building expert: who does what?
When it comes to having a home inspection before you buy a new house, most people know that the professional you need is a home inspector. But when you are faced with a water infiltration problem in your house or condo, who should you refer to? Another inspector or an…
5 situations where an building expert can help you… without visiting you!
Are you planning major work on your home, but have some technical questions? You are confronted with water infiltration and would like to discuss it with a professional? There are several situations where it can be useful to discuss with a building expert without the need to travel. Read our…
3 common problems encountered when buying a cottage
Due to the size of the territory we cover, it often happens that our inspectors are called upon to inspect second homes for our clients. Unfortunately, many people still buy cottages without first having them inspected and some see their peaceful haven turn into a real nightmare... Whether you're at…
This summer, do your home maintenance inspection in 7 days!
A home is a significant financial investment, and for anyone who wants to ensure that this investment retains or increases in value over time, we sometimes need to take a moment to maintain our buildings. But no one wants to spend their vacation working on their home. That's why our…
Selling your home? Have it inspected before and avoid future problems
You've been thinking about it for a while now and it's finally time to take action: you’re putting your house up for sale. You clean it through and through, paint the living room and have an asking price in mind. But suddenly a doubt arises: do you know your house…
3 reasons for buying a Novoclimat house
Buying a home is a pivotal moment in the life of any home or condo owner. And when it comes time to buy a new home, any conscientious buyer will want to take every step to get the most out of their real estate investment. A great way to do…
Failed renovations: a real case that had the effect of a cold shower
Imagine the following situation: You just had major renovations completed on your house, including the roof, when suddenly problems begin. Repetitive water infiltration forces you to spend thousands of dollars and contractors take turns without solving the problem definitively. Every expected rain raises your anxiety level as you fear further damage. You do not know…
5 things to consider when buying a second home
According to a 2021 report on recreational properties, one in four Canadians would consider buying a second home or cottage. This is due in part to the popularity of working remotely as well as the more affordable recreational property market compared to urban markets. Read our article as our home…
5 Tips to keep your basement from looking like a horror movie…
If you ask homeowners what the wettest place in their house is, chances are most of them will answer without hesitation: the basement. If you're one of them, you may be wondering if there's anything you can do about it. Read our article as our building experts present you with…
3 questions before buying a fixer upper home
It may seem interesting when choosing your next home to consider a "fixer upper" home to save a little money. This is even more true when the inventory of properties for sale is more limited, smaller. But not all fiser upper homes are created equal... Keep reading or watch our…
Contingency fund study: how to choose a trustworthy company?
You are an active member of your condominium corporation and you were mandated to learn about Bill 16 and contingency fund studies at your last meeting. You search the internet for a reliable company to conduct your study and, after visiting a few sites, you are more confused than before…
3 reasons to take advantage of the exclusive My First Home program
Whether you choose a condo or a house, taking the plunge and buying your first home is never an easy decision. Neighbourhood, inspection, mortgages, insurance: there are many things to consider and weigh. Read our article as we share with you 3 reasons why it's worth taking advantage of our…
Attic ventilation : Your attic needs fresh air
With the presence of stains and mold spots on the wood and rust on the nails, our inspectors come to suspect the presence of high condensation in the attics of the houses they visit. This condensation can be caused by several elements including an exfiltration of hot and humid air…
Real estate investor: see how a good inspector can be a valued ally!
You are a real estate investor and you have a beautiful building in your sights. You evaluate the potential and decide to make an offer to purchase. Since time is of the essence, you decide not to call on the services of a professional inspector and opt instead to take…