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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.

ACHAT-RESIDENCE-SECONDAIRE
5 things to consider when buying a second home

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 inspectors reveal 5 important things to consider when buying a second home.

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Odeur Humidité Sous-sol
5 Tips to keep your basement from looking like a horror movie…

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 5 tips to keep your basement from looking like a horror movie…

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CHOISIR-FOND-PREVOYANCE-CONDO
Contingency fund study: how to choose a trustworthy company?

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. Read our article and see 3 criteria to consider in order to make a wise…

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ACHAT-PREMIERE-MAISON
3 reasons to take advantage of the exclusive My First Home program

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 exclusive My First Home program for your first home purchase!

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INSPECTION-IMMOBILIERE
Real estate investor: see how a good inspector can be a valued ally!

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 a look at it yourself. After all, you know your way around buildings. Read our…

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In-house survey: home inspection and building as seen by… you!

In-house survey: home inspection and building as seen by… you!

60: That's the number of home surveys that you - the faithful readers of our home capsule - have answered since the very first issue of our newsletter in April 2014. We asked you about a wide range of topics that are related to our field of interest, namely building. Stay tuned as we take a look at what has come out of your responses…

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Energy efficiency | See the energy efficiency of our homes in a few figures

Energy efficiency | See the energy efficiency of our homes in a few figures

Did you know that according to Hydro-Quebec, heating and air conditioning alone are responsible for 54% of a home's energy costs? This is the main reason why energy efficiency is at the center of so many conversations, subsidy programs and the focus of our building contractors. Read our article as we take a look at 3 important elements when it comes to energy efficiency in…

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Is your house too big for you?

Is your house too big for you?

A friend of yours is getting ready to move from the house she's lived in for 35 years to a condo. After all, her children have long since left the nest, her neighbourhood has changed and her long-time acquaintances have moved away. What about you, have you ever considered that maybe your home was no longer suitable for your needs? Read our article as we…

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TEST INFILTROMETRIE
A blower door test, but what is it?

A blower door test, but what is it?

Did you know that there is such an effective tool that Transition énergétique Québec - the government corporation set up to administer several energy efficiency programs - has made it its main tool, among others, for the Rénoclimat and Novoclimat programs? And what if we told you that our experts even use it to diagnose water infiltration problems. Stay tuned as we take a look…

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5 common problems encountered when buying an old house

5 common problems encountered when buying an old house

Older homes tend to offer residents a sturdier construction and aesthetically pleasing facades that you would be hard pressed to find in today's construction. But behind its exterior charm, an old house can hide a range of problems that can make many people regret their purchase. Stay with us as we look at 5 problems that come up when buying an old house.

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Moisissure
5 interesting facts about… mold!

5 interesting facts about… mold!

During your spring cleaning, you discover mold on your window frames. You clean up the mold, install your screens and forget about it. At least until fall when you remove your screens for the cold season. What do you find on your window frames? You guessed it: mold. Clean up the mold and then listen to our short clip as we present 5 interesting facts…

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How well do you know your house? Play the game!

How well do you know your house? Play the game!

Did you know that since the beginning of the pandemic, the average value of our homes in Quebec has increased by more than 30%! In such a context, it is easy to understand why more and more homeowners want to better plan the work and invest in the right places. But to do this, it is essential to know your home well. Watch our video…

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Bien Viellir à La Maison
Growing old in your own home. Is it possible?

Growing old in your own home. Is it possible?

"Aging at home" is the name given to the phenomenon describing the ability of older people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Of course, people who age at home do not require the necessary support services such as those offered in specialized centers. That said, stay tuned as we look at how a home can be adapted to the…

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Inspection Après Achat
Post purchase inspection: when is it too late to get an inspection?

Post purchase inspection: when is it too late to get an inspection?

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the average price of houses in the country has increased by 18% between 2020 and 2021. As we all know, the real estate market has been in turmoil lately and we have received hundreds of calls from clients who wanted a building inspection. Unfortunately for them, this request came after they had moved into their new home. Stay…

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PROBLEME-ACHAT-CHALET
3 common problems encountered when buying a cottage

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 the cottage or at home, take a moment to watch our vignette as our inspectors…

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5 tips to avoid being overwhelmed by your home inspection report

5 tips to avoid being overwhelmed by your home inspection report

We know that it can be intimidating to read any large technical document and a home inspection report is no exception. The home inspection report is the only tangible item that will remain when the inspection is complete and it is what you will base your decision on whether or not to go ahead with the purchase of your future home. Watch our column as…

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Entretien-maison-été
This summer, do your home maintenance inspection in 7 days!

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 home inspectors offer to do your home maintenance inspection in 7 days, one task at…

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Fonds De Prévoyance Pour Condo
Contingency fund study: do you know where the numbers come from?

Contingency fund study: do you know where the numbers come from?

You are a new condo owner and you decide to get involved in the management of your condo. You take a look at all the documents that you are given, including the contingency fund study, and your head quickly turns. You wonder how to find your way through all these figures? More importantly, where do they come from? Watch our short video (french only) as…

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INSPECTEUR-EXPERT-BATIMENT
Home inspector or building expert: who does what?

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 expert? Stay with us as our inspectors - and experts - explain the major differences…

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étude De Documents De Copropriété
Co-ownership documents and purchase of a condo: 3 options for you

Co-ownership documents and purchase of a condo: 3 options for you

The purchase of a condo is for many an interesting option when it comes to making a first real estate purchase. According to Statistics Canada, 1 out of 5 condo owners is under the age of 35. Many people wonder what the differences are between buying a condo and a house? Should you have a condo inspected? Stay with us as we explore 3 options…

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Infiltration Eau
5 common sources of water infiltration in a basement or crawl space

5 common sources of water infiltration in a basement or crawl space

Did you know that according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, approximately 40% of all claims are related to water damage? In Quebec alone, this represents more than 600 million dollars in damages! A simple way to minimize damage from water infiltration is to be constantly vigilant. Stay tuned as we present 5 common sources for water infiltration in your basement or crawl space.

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Replacement And Window Repair
Change or repair your windows? See more clearly and make the right choice

Change or repair your windows? See more clearly and make the right choice

If you live in a house where air drafts are part of it, you might think you’re literally throwing your money away. So you consider replacing your windows, but are they actually responsible for your discomfort and your high heating bills? If saving money is your main goal, there may be other more effective and less costly methods to achieve it. Read our article to…

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