Roof ventilation plays a crucial role in the overall health of a building. It helps control humidity, prevent mold growth, and regulate temperature year-round — in both summer and winter. However, contrary to popular belief, excessive ventilation is not always a good thing. In fact, when poorly designed, it can…

Did you know that the first laws governing condominiums in Quebec were introduced back in 1969? About 50 years later, it was only natural that new legislation would be adopted to modernize and adapt this growing part of our real estate market. Today, three major laws regulate condominiums: Law 16,…

Window thermal panes are essential components for energy efficiency. They are made up of two or three panes of glass separated by a layer of insulating air or gas and sealed airtight. Their role is to limit heat loss, reduce condensation, and improve thermal comfort. However, over time, their performance…

Did you know that the number of transactions involving a condominium unit across 2024 increased by 21% compared to 2023? And one thing is certain: buyers of these condos are increasingly informed and vigilant. Still, some questions remain. For instance, one we hear often is: Are we paying enough in…

To enjoy it longer, avoid problems, and get your money’s worth—we all understand why it’s important to choose quality products. A high-quality water heater ensures increased durability, optimal performance, and enhanced safety. But it also needs to be properly installed! Stay with us as we speak with Annie Beaudoin from…

Did you know that the average number of condominium units built annually went from around 500 in the 1970s to over 1,200 per year between 2010 and 2020? And did you know that the first regulations governing condominiums date back to 1969? It’s no surprise, then, that new laws better…

Reserve fund study, condition inspection, maintenance logbook, asset management plan, divided or undivided co-ownership— the world of condominiums is filled with technical terms that can make it difficult to navigate. For example, the concepts of a logbook and a maintenance calendar are often used interchangeably, even though their meanings remain…

Through the many calls we receive at our offices, we notice that more and more people are considering filing a lawsuit for a latent defect when they discover an issue with their building. However, while many wish to take legal action, very few cases actually make it before a judge…

In 2022, the number of housing starts for condominium units dropped by 14% compared to 2021, reaching the lowest total in twenty years with only 6,937 units. Despite a 25% decline, two-thirds of these starts were located in Montreal. So, if you're thinking about buying a new condo, stay with…

Imagine the following situation: you're on vacation, eyes closed, lying on a beautiful southern beach when you overhear a nearby couple. The woman asks her partner: "Did we turn off the main water valve?" Suddenly, you’re struck by the same doubt. Unfortunately, it’s already too late... Stay with us as…

Did you know that Article 1068.2 of the Civil Code of Quebec, which came into effect in January 2020, states that anyone wishing to buy a condo has the right to request any document necessary to make an informed decision? But do you know which documents must be provided to…

It was in August 2019 that our client first noticed a musty smell in the basement. The odor intensified to the point that she decided to have a microbial analysis conducted—specifically, an air test for mold. The results for the basement were unambiguous... Stay with us as our experts explain…

The maintenance logbook is now a mandatory tool for all divided co-ownerships (condominiums) in Quebec. It serves as an essential reference to ensure the preservation of the building, to plan necessary work, and to protect the co-owners’ investments. But who exactly is subject to this requirement, and are there differences…

Everyone in Quebec knows that, since 2020, house prices have skyrocketed! Despite this, every month we still see listings of properties available at reasonable prices. Of course, most of these properties are either located in remote regions or are “perfect for handymen.” But what about abandoned houses? Is this a…

Did you know that the median selling price of a single-family home in Quebec was $277,000 in April 2014? Barely 10 years later, that average value has doubled, reaching $538,000. With this surge in the real estate market, it's no surprise that more and more first-time buyers are turning to…

In a condo, building insurance is a major issue for protecting both the property and its co-owners. In the event of a loss, adequate coverage ensures that the building can be rebuilt without placing a heavy financial burden on residents. This is where the concept of insurable value becomes essential…

You're comfortably working from home when someone knocks on your door. Upon opening it, a man informs you that he represents an insulation or post-disaster company. He explains that he just completed an inspection at a neighbor’s house and discovered mold in their attic. Then, out of the goodness of…

Your nephew has just received his driver's license. Confident, he asks you to lend him your new $ 50 000 sports car for the weekend. Of course, you hesitate to give him the keys to your shiny new toy. Why? Simply because your nephew lacks the skills of a more…

In the southern United States, where there's a lot of water in the ground, basements are rare. On the contrary, in the northern states and here in Canada, basements enjoy a well-deserved popularity due, among other things, to frost. But what about crawlspaces? What can they be used for? Stay…

When it’s time to choose a heat pump for a building, it can be tempting to assume that a more powerful unit will automatically deliver better performance—especially when a larger grant makes the option even more appealing. However, oversizing a heat pump can lead to several negative effects. Stay with…

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…

Our experts use a wide range of tools to find the cause of a building problem. One of these tools is the thermal imaging camera. But how can a thermal imaging camera help you? Stay tuned as we present 3 cases where a thermal imaging camera has helped us help…

A building’s airtightness plays a central role in its overall energy performance. By reducing uncontrolled air infiltration, it helps maintain stable indoor temperatures, lowers the load on heating and cooling systems, and ultimately leads to substantial energy savings. But is it the only — or even the best — way…

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…

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,…

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…

In Canada, the construction sector generates about 4 million tons of waste each year, according to Statistics Canada. On the other hand, Natural Resources Canada estimates that between 25% and 35% of a home’s heat loss comes from doors and windows. So, is it better to repair your windows to…

Volunteer self-management, autonomous management or external management: there are different models when it comes to managing a co-ownership. And with an estimated 7,500 syndicates of co-ownership in Quebec, it's easy to see why. But which model is best? What are the advantages of working with a condo management company? How…

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…

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…

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…

Anyone living in a co-ownership or involved in this unique field in one way or another has likely heard of Bill 16, as well as the reserve fund study and the maintenance logbook that stem from it. However, the syndicate’s certificate on the condition of the co-ownership is a less…

Frequent colds, bronchitis, skin irritation, itchy eyes, nosebleeds, etc. All symptoms that you or your family may be experiencing. Worried, you look for information and come to doubt the indoor air quality of your home and the potential presence of mold. You could then be tempted to ask for an…

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…

We’ve already talked about it: the world of condominiums is increasingly regulated. Just think of Law 141 on insurable value or Law 16 on the reserve fund study. But did you know there is also Law 122? Stay with us as we explore what Law 122 means for condominiums with…

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…

As we mentioned in a past column, summer is the most suitable season for mold formation in our homes, mainly in our basements. But what exactly is mold?

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…