What we inspect
Do you intend to buy or sell a property? Remember to choose a building inspector worthy of your trust.
The following is a complete list of all the elements of a property that IBB Inspection de Bâtiment checks during an inspection.
Basement, foundation, cargo area and structure
- Foundation inspection
- Basement inspection
- Crawl space
- Report observed indications of active water penetration
- Check the contact of wood near the ground
- Report observations of possible movement in the foundation such as cracks in the plaster, cracks in the bricks as well as on square door frames and staggered floors
- Report any observed cuts, noting the drilling of structural members that may present a structural or hazardous situation.
Roof and membrane
- Roof framing
- The condition of the roof membrane
- Ventilation and insulation
- Gutters and downspouts
- Chimney, skylights and other roof passages
- Report on the roof system with respect to leaks and structural integrity from easily accessible panels as well as its age and condition
Outdoors and surroundings
- The soil surrounding the house with respect to drainage and slopes
- The type of finish of exterior walls
- The allocated number of windows, doors and moldings
- Terraces, stairs, porches, balconies, balustrades, eaves, soffits and fascia
- Report the need for repair or structural problems.
Electric
- The wires and conduits of the external entrances
- The main disconnection of the house
- Description of the size of the service entrance
- Distribution panel and its overcurrent protection devices (circuit breakers or fuses)
- Service cables (copper aluminum) and conductor insulation
- Grounding and service link
- Test the GFCI sockets to see if they work and are installed correctly
- Report on the visible presence of aluminum conductive cables
- Check for openings in panels and any evidence of bow or excessive heat
- Inspect any test plug that is improperly connected or ungrounded
- Lack of sufficient circuits, missing cover plates or panels and / or loose boxes
- Any electrical conditions that seem hazardous to the home or occupants
Indoor areas
- Allocated number of doors and windows
- Walls and ceilings, steps, stairs and handrails
- Report any immediate repairs to balustrades, handrails, steps, stairs and areas requiring such service
- The proper operation of any automatic garage door and its adjustment / reverse configuration
- Report of any defect in the photoelectric sensor
- Check the condition of the windows tested and report which ones are not working, which have defects and are allowing outside air to enter or have lost their thermal window seals
Heating and cooling
- Heating system using normal operating controls and a description of the energy source and heating method
- Describe all observed fuel storage systems and the presence of shut-off valves
- Report, if necessary, the repair of an inefficient heating system
- Report when the heating or cooling system is not accessible
- Operate, where possible, the permanent cooling system using the operating controls
Attic, ventilation and insulation
- Insulation of unfinished spaces
- The presence of ventilation in the attic
- Mechanical ventilation systems and verify if the outdoor installation is adequate
- Report on the effective or ineffective installation of the insulation system
- Note the deficiencies in the ventilation system that have been observed visually
- Report water penetration in the attic, skylights and plumbing vents
- Determine condition of air vents and their effectiveness
Plumbing system
- Determine whether the plumbing supply is public or private
- Check for the presence and identify the location of the main water shutoff valve
- Inspect water heating equipment including appropriate drain connections
- Check for the presence of thermostatic relief valves and energy supply systems
- Inspect all accessible toilets and ensure their flushes are working properly
- Inspect all accessible sinks, tubs and showers and verify that their drainage is functional
- Inspect the indoor water supply, including all appliances and faucets, as much as possible by running the water
- Inspect drain pumps and operate them where they are accessible
- Inspect and report the need for repair of any piping or fitting leaks
- Inspect and report poorly secured, damaged, leaking or malfunctioning toilets
