Most common, for your kind of property

Homes in Québec: 347 inspections done by 32 inspectors.

The percentage is the share of inspections where the inspector noted at least one problem in that part of the house. For example, 76% for “Siding (Wood, Vinyl, Fiber Cement)” means 76 inspections out of 100. Open a line to see what is found there most often, and what to do.

Siding (Wood, Vinyl, Fiber Cement)76%
serious in 19% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Cladding too close to the ground
- Cracked mortar and blocked weep holes (brick)
- Exposed base of the walls (sill plate, rim joist)
What you can do
During the visit, walk around the house and look at the bottom of the walls: that is where water and moisture do the most damage.
Balconies, Decks & Terraces73%
serious in 38% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Missing, low or unstable guardrail
- Unprotected posts and supports
- Wood needing upkeep, missing joist hangers
What you can do
First a safety issue, especially with children. A guardrail is a quick fix; a rotten balcony structure costs much more.
Flashing & Solins72%
serious in 10% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Dry, cracked or missing caulking
- Sealant to redo around windows and doors
- Poorly installed flashing
What you can do
Worn caulking is routine, inexpensive upkeep. Letting it go lets water into the walls.
Foundation72%
serious in 37% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Cracks in the foundation walls
- Missing or damaged parging
- Efflorescence (white deposits) and exposed form ties
What you can do
Most cracks are harmless shrinkage cracks. Ones that widen, run in steps or let water in need a specialist’s opinion.
Exterior Windows65%
serious in 16% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Not enough clearance under the windows
- Fogged sealed units (failed seal)
- Windows at end of life, worn weatherstripping
What you can do
Ask how old the windows are. A fogged sealed unit can be replaced on its own, without changing the whole window.
Gutters & Downspouts64%
serious in 8% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Downspouts that drain too close to the foundation
- Gutters clogged with debris
- Missing or damaged gutters
What you can do
A small job with a big stake: roof water dropped at the foot of the wall often ends up in the basement. Downspout extensions cost little.
Electrical Outlets & Receptacles64%
serious in 38% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Outlets near water without GFCI protection
- Missing cover plates
- Exposed wires or open junction boxes
- Reversed polarity
What you can do
Usually small fixes, but they are about safety. Get a quote from a master electrician before you sign.
Grading & Drainage58%
serious in 10% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Ground sloping toward the house
- Downspouts to extend
- Foundation drain not checked or doubtful
What you can do
The ground should carry water away from the house. If the foundation drain is old, ask for a camera inspection: it is one of the most expensive jobs on a house.
Interior Walls54%
serious in 26% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Water stains on walls
- Cracks in drywall
- Cosmetic damage
What you can do
A crack or a mark is often cosmetic, but a water stain has a cause: ask where it came from and whether it was fixed.
Attic Insulation50%
serious in 14% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Insufficient insulation
- Uninsulated ventilation ducts
- Poorly insulated or sealed attic hatch
What you can do
Too little insulation shows on the heating bill and can cause ice dams. Adding attic insulation is one of the most cost-effective upgrades.

These are frequencies in similar homes, not a diagnosis of yours. Only an inspection can tell you what is really there.

All profile pages (50)

How I count

This edition rests on 347 residential inspections done by 32 inspectors in Québec.
The percentage gives the share of inspections where the inspector noted at least one problem with that component. It is not the share of homes that have the problem: an inspector only sees what is visible on the day of the visit.
"Serious" groups the problems the inspector marked as a hazard, urgent, or for a specialist.
I publish a profile only if it rests on at least 20 inspections by at least 3 inspectors. A component shows up if at least 3 inspections by 2 different inspectors mention it.
The sample reflects the homes these inspectors inspected, not every home in Québec. In some regions a few inspectors write most of the reports, so their way of noting things weighs on the figures. Properties outside Québec and commercial buildings are excluded.
The figures are recalculated every quarter.

76% of home inspections in Québec turn up at least one serious problem.

A hazard, something urgent, or work for a specialist. And on average, the inspector notes problems in 21 parts of the house.

Better to know before you sign.

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These figures are for information only. They come from real inspection reports, but they are not legal advice, a professional opinion on any specific property, or a guarantee. For a purchase decision, rely on the inspection of the home and, if needed, a notary or a lawyer.

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How I count

76% of home inspections in Québec turn up at least one serious problem.

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