Building inspections
Building inspections backed by engineering expertise, supporting informed real estate decisions.
Understanding the true condition of a building
Buying, selling, or managing a property involves significant financial decisions. A professional inspection provides an objective and structured evaluation of the building's condition to help you understand risks, maintenance requirements, and future capital needs before committing.
Our inspections are grounded in over 20 years of building engineering experience and follow a structured methodology. Depending on the mandate, inspections may be performed by an engineer or a qualified professional under technical supervision. The approach focuses not only on identifying visible defects, but also on assessing technical issues and indicators of underlying problems.
Our objective is simple: provide clear, structured insight to support decision-making.
Property types we inspect
Our inspection services cover a wide range of properties, including:
Multi-unit residential buildings
- Small and mid-size multiplex buildings
- Large multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs)
- Condominium buildings (common areas and shared building systems)
Commercial and mixed-use properties
- Office buildings
- Mixed-use buildings (residential and commercial)
- Warehouses and industrial properties
Residential properties
- Single-family homes
- Condominiums (private portions)
- Duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes
Types of inspections
Before you commit, you need to understand what you are really buying.
Whether it is a home, a condominium, a small income property, or a building you intend to operate, our inspections go beyond a checklist. We provide a clear, objective assessment of the building's condition so you can evaluate risk, anticipate costs, and move forward with confidence.
Our goal is simple: give you the clarity to make informed decisions, strengthen your negotiating position, and avoid unexpected issues after closing.
Book an inspectionMulti-unit residential buildings
Multi-unit residential buildings are at the core of our practice and expertise.
Whether acquiring a small multiplex or a large apartment building, the inspection focuses on assessing critical components - structure, building envelope, mechanical systems, and common areas - to identify risks, required work, and financial impacts over the short, medium, and long term. This approach is particularly relevant for investors and asset managers planning capital expenditures.
What we inspect in multi-unit buildings:
From inspection to energy audit, an integrated approach
For multi-unit residential acquisitions in the Montréal metropolitan area, the inspection is often just the beginning.
Many investors acquiring multi-unit properties also need an energy audit to support CMHC's MLI Select financing. When the same professional or team handles both the inspection and the energy study, the analysis is based on direct knowledge of the building, including its mechanical systems, envelope condition, and operating characteristics, which improves the accuracy of recommendations and energy projections.
At Innoveum, this continuity is built into our practice. Clients who begin with an inspection can seamlessly transition into an energy audit, with no duplication of effort and a deeper understanding of the building informing every recommendation.
Learn about energy audits and CMHC MLI Select
Commercial and mixed-use building inspections
Innoveum provides inspection services for commercial and mixed-use properties, including office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, and mixed-use residential and commercial buildings.
Commercial building inspections require a different approach than residential work. Systems are more complex, deferred maintenance carries greater implications, and findings are structured to translate technical observations into operational and financial considerations.
What makes our commercial inspections different:
Whether you are acquiring a commercial property, evaluating a building in your portfolio, or preparing for a refinancing, a professional building inspection provides the technical foundation for informed decision-making.
What we inspect
Roof
- Roof type and roofing materials
- Drainage, gutters, and downspouts
- Vents, flashing, and skylights
- Chimneys and roof protrusions
Exterior
- Wall coverings and flashing
- Doors, windows, and exterior openings
- Terraces, staircases, porches, and railings
- Eaves, soffits, and fascia
- Surface drainage, grading, and lot conditions
Structural systems
- Foundations
- Structural walls and framing
- Floors and load-bearing elements
Building envelope
- Exterior walls and cladding
- Windows and exterior doors
- Balconies and exterior structures
Mechanical systems
- Heating systems
- Ventilation systems
- Air-conditioning systems
Plumbing
- Water supply piping
- Drainage piping
- Domestic hot water systems
Electrical
- Service entrance and electrical panels
- Distribution circuits
- Representative outlets and fixtures
Interior areas
- Safety equipment
- Walls, ceilings and floors
- Doors and windows
- Staircases and railings
- Visible signs of moisture infiltration or deterioration
Inspection process
Inspection agreement
Before the inspection, a service agreement defines the scope of the inspection and applicable standards.
On-site inspection
A qualified professional performs a visual inspection of accessible systems and components using a structured approach. Depending on the size and complexity of the property, the duration may range from a few hours to a full day for larger buildings.
Discussion of observations
At the end of the inspection, important observations and potential concerns are discussed directly with the client on site.
Inspection report
A written report including photographs and detailed observations is delivered within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the scope.
Standards of practice
Residential inspections follow recognized professional standards of practice, such as the APCHQ Standards of Practice published by the Association des professionnels de la construction et de l'habitation du Québec (APCHQ).
These standards define the scope of an inspection, the systems and components to be reviewed, the structure of the report, and the limitations of the inspection process. Innoveum follows these standards to ensure consistent and reliable inspections.
Commercial and multi-unit building inspections follow a structured methodology informed by industry practices and engineering standards, with reporting tailored to the needs of the client and the transaction.
Clear reporting. No surprises.
One thing clients consistently value is a report that is clear, structured, and easy to understand.
Our inspection reports include:
- Detailed observations supported by photographs
- Plain-language explanations of important findings
- Identification of systems requiring attention, with practical recommendations
- Recommendations for further evaluation by specialists when needed
- Cost context where applicable to help with budgeting and negotiation
The objective is not to overwhelm you with unnecessary technical detail, but to highlight what genuinely matters for your decision.
Professional liability & independence
Innoveum operates with professional Errors & Omissions (E&O) liability insurance, providing protection and confidence for clients.
Inspections are performed independently and without any financial interest in the property being inspected, ensuring objective and unbiased evaluations.
Schedule your building inspection
Make informed decisions with a thorough professional inspection. Whether you are acquiring a multi-unit property, evaluating a commercial building, or purchasing your next home, Innoveum provides the independent technical insight you need.
Request a consultation