Common problems in two-storey houses from the 2020s in Québec

Key figures

Foundation: a problem noted in 77% of inspections of two-storey houses from the 2020s in Québec.
Balconies, Decks & Terraces: a problem noted in 73% of inspections of two-storey houses from the 2020s in Québec.
Gutters & Downspouts: a problem noted in 73% of inspections of two-storey houses from the 2020s in Québec.

What stands out compared with Québec

Compared with all inspections in Québec, these come up more often here: driveway & Parking (41%, versus 27% across Québec), plumbing Vents (23%, versus 9% across Québec) and garage Structure (32%, versus 19% across Québec). On average, the inspector notes problems in 14 parts of the house, versus 21 across Québec.

Component by component

The percentage is the share of inspections where the inspector noted at least one problem in that part of the house. For example, 77% for “Foundation” means 77 inspections out of 100. Open a line to see what is found there most often, and what to do.

Foundation77%
serious in 6% 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.
Balconies, Decks & Terraces73%
serious in 31% 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.
Gutters & Downspouts73%
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.
Siding (Wood, Vinyl, Fiber Cement)68%
serious in 13% 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.
Grading & Drainage68%
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.
Flashing & Solins64%
serious in 7% 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.
Exterior Windows59%
serious in 15% 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.
Interior Walls55%
serious in 17% 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.
Main Electrical Panel45%
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Grounding not found or not visible
- Missing panel door or cover plate
- Poorly anchored service mast
What you can do
Ask for the age and make of the panel: some older models are refused by insurers. An electrician can confirm the grounding.
Electrical Outlets & Receptacles45%
serious in 40% 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.
Driveway & Parking41%
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Ground sloping toward the house
- Plants or trees too close to the building
- Sunken or cracked walkways and driveway
What you can do
Trim plants touching the walls and make sure water drains away from the house.
Interior Windows41%
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Missing opening limiter (child safety)
- Faulty opening mechanism
- Stains or mould at the bottom of the windows
What you can do
Open and close a few windows during the visit. Stains at the bottom of the frame often point to condensation.
Attic Insulation32%
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.
Garage Structure32%
serious in 29% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Cracked or heaving floor
- Cluttered garage, so a limited inspection
- Water stains, worn door seal
What you can do
Ask for the garage to be cleared before the inspection: what the inspector cannot see, they cannot assess.
Bathroom Plumbing & Fixtures27%
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Loose or rocking toilet
- Worn shower or tub seals
- Loose or leaking fixtures
What you can do
Look at the base of the shower and around the toilet: a worn seal lets water into the floor long before it shows.
Water Heater27%
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Water heater 10 years or older
- No drain pan
- Missing discharge pipe
What you can do
Check the date on the label. After 10 years, many insurers ask for a replacement, and a leaking tank can flood the basement.
Fire Safety Equipment27%
serious in 33% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Faulty automatic door closer
- Garage-to-house door that does not close on its own
- Missing or expired fire equipment
What you can do
The door between the garage and the house must close on its own to hold back smoke and fumes. It is a quick fix.
Plumbing Vents23%
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- No roof vent
- Uninsulated vent in the attic
- Poorly placed air admittance valve
What you can do
Without a vent, drains empty poorly and sewer smells can come back up.
Water Supply (Main Entry)23%
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Main water entry or shut-off not found
- Pipes exposed to freezing
- Low water flow
What you can do
Know where the main shut-off is from day one: in a leak, it is what saves the basement. In the country, ask for the well and septic records.
Roof Structure23%
serious in 20% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Stains or water marks on the framing
- Condensation and signs of mould in the attic
- Damaged framing members
What you can do
Stains in the attic can be old or active. Ask whether a leak was repaired, and have the attic ventilation checked.
Bathroom Ventilation23%
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Missing, weak or faulty fan
- Fan not vented outside
- Duct emptying into the attic
What you can do
Without good ventilation, shower moisture ends up as mould. Turn the fan on during the visit.
Sump Pump18%
serious in 25% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- No sump pump
- Basin without a lid or not sealed
- Amateur installation
- Orange deposits in the basin
What you can do
Ask whether the basement has ever flooded. A backup pump or a water alarm costs little next to water damage.
GFCI / Ground Fault Protection18%
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- GFCI outlets missing near water
- Missing weatherproof covers outside
- Faulty GFCI
What you can do
A GFCI outlet cuts the power when current leaks to ground. Near water and outdoors, it is essential and inexpensive protection.
Electrical Issues / Deficiencies18%
serious in 75% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Aluminum wiring (1960s and 1970s homes)
- Amateur electrical work
- Exposed or poorly protected cables
What you can do
Aluminum wiring is not banned, but some insurers refuse it or require an inspection. Check before you sign.
Interior Stairs & Railings18%
serious in 25% of cases
What is found and what to do
What inspectors note most often
- Missing, broken or unsuitable handrail
- Missing or incomplete guardrail
- Uneven step heights
What you can do
Simple fixes, but important to prevent falls.

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

55% of inspections of two-storey houses from the 2020s 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 14 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.