Residential Building Inspections - About 2025-2029 Program

Whether you’re a future homeowner searching for the perfect home or a building contractor looking to stay updated on the latest regulations, the 2025-2029 Inspection Program comes as a transformative shift for Quebec’s residential construction industry.

What are the latest compliance requirements? How will these changes impact renovation and construction projects? How does the program benefit or challenge homeowners and contractors?

Learn all there is to know to stay compliant and optimize your projects.

Why the New Inspection Program, and Who Checks the Quality of New Builds? 

Source : Habikon Inc.

The goal behind this program is rather straightforward: to ensure better quality construction projects and protect buyers. 

The Government of Quebec has decided to address the growing concerns regarding the quality of new builds. The 2025-2029 Inspection Program stems from a pressing need to modernize the residential construction industry in Quebec, reinforce building safety, and protect the public from hidden defects and poor workmanship. 

The program’s purpose is well-defined:

• Improve transparency throughout the building process.

• Guarantee first-rate quality for new builds.

• Hold contractors accountable by improving the quality control process and implementing penalties in case of non-compliance with standards.

How Has the Inspection Program Been Updated, and What Is the Process?

Source : Intact Roofing

This new program leaves nothing to chance. Whether you’re a buyer or contractor, the changes implemented will affect how you manage projects moving forward. So, get ready to get the inside scoop!

A Guide to the Number and Types of Inspections Conducted

From here on out, there will be three mandatory building inspections. If you’re a contractor, prepare to add these to your construction schedule.

These inspections are designed to improve quality control and safety during critical stages of the building process.

These inspections can be done at the following stages:

1. Foundation: Ensure the base’s structural integrity and conformity with current standards.

2. Frame: Guarantee the quality of conformity of the building’s structural integrity.

3. Pre-wall closing: Inspect hidden elements before the walls are closed up, preventing potential problems.

4. Exterior finish: Assess the quality of the building’s envelope and ensure air and water tightness.

5. Finishes: Verify the quality of the interior finishes and ensure everything meets standards.

While these five stages are paramount, solely three inspections are required. Foundation, pre-wall closing, and finishes are usually the targeted inspections.

Where buyers are concerned, doing so ensures the home is built using the best practices. For contractors, it’s the perfect opportunity to attest to the quality of your work while minimizing post-delivery legal disputes.

Building Inspection Training in Quebec

To meet the ever-growing demand, the government plans to expand its team of building inspectors from 25 to 100 by 2029.

Furthermore, the 2025-2029 Inspection Program emphasizes the skills and professionalism of building inspectors. To ensure thorough and reliable inspections, the Program plans to strengthen training and certification requirements.

• Mandatory RBQ certification: As of October 1, 2027, all inspectors must hold an RBQ-issued certificate.

• Standard BNQ 3009-500: Inspectors must comply with standard BNQ 3009-500: Residential building – Inspection practices in a real estate transaction context. This standard outlines the established inspection practices to ensure thorough and consistent building inspection evaluations. 

• Mandatory continuing education: Continuing training will be mandatory to allow inspectors to stay updated with new operational standards, cutting-edge technology, and improved industry practices.

• Use of modern technology: Inspectors will be expected to use modern tech tools to complete their visual inspections, such as drones for roof inspections or thermal cameras to verify insulation.

How Does the Inspection Program Tie in with the Guarantee Plan?

In Quebec, new home buyers benefit from substantial protections thanks to the guarantee plans offered by organizations like the GCR (Garantie de construction résidentielle) and the APCHQ (Association des professionnels de la construction et de l'habitation du Québec). These guarantees cover a slew of aspects, from poor workmanship to hidden defects, for a pre-determined post-construction period.

The 2025-2029 Inspection Program strengthens existing protections by ensuring increased construction quality monitoring from the initial building stages. Mandatory inspections can detect and fix potential problems before they turn into costly hidden defect repairs.

By spotting potential problems from the outset, the Inspection Program helps minimize legal disputes between buyers and builders, with defects resolved prior to delivery.

The Inspection Program isn’t meant to replace guarantees but rather round them off by providing ongoing monitoring to address potential post-home delivery issues.

By aligning the Inspection Program and guarantee plans, new home buyers in Quebec reap the benefits of all-encompassing protection. 

What Buildings Are Targeted by the Program?

Source : Construction Lixy

Note that the three inspections per building program is set to be gradually implemented in Quebec by 2029, first targeting contractors with a low quality score. The GCR plans on expanding its operations over time, with the following specific goals:

A specific deployment plan is also in the works for co-owned properties and modular homes. A detailed plan will be shared at a later date.

What Is the RBQ’s Key Role, and What Does It Look For?

The RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) is the government organization responsible for overseeing building standards, codes, and regulations in Quebec. As part of the 2025-2029 Inspection Program, the RBQ plays a key role in ensuring standard compliance and public protection.

The RBQ’s Powers of Monitoring and Control

• Jobsite inspections: The RBQ has the authority to carry out surprise jobsite inspections to monitor compliance with both safety and quality standards. These inspections can be done at any time during the construction process.

• Transparency requirements: The RBQ requires that all inspection reports be available to buyers, ensuring a full and reliable overview regarding the state of the property. 

• Investigations and verifications: The RBQ can undertake investigations and verifications in the event of complaints or suspicion of non-compliance.

• Authority to issue directives: The RBQ can issue contractors directives to rectify problems that were identified during inspections or investigations.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with Standards

Bill 76 reinforced the RBQ’s authority regarding administrative penalties. In the event of non-compliance with standards, the RBQ can impose the following penalties:

• Fines: The RBQ can issue fines to contractors who fail to meet building standards.

• Suspend or revoke licences: In case of recurrence or serious breaches, the RBQ can suspend or revoke a contractor’s licence, preventing them from pursuing building construction or renovation endeavours in Quebec.

• Correction orders: The RBQ can order contractors to correct construction defects or ensure that buildings meet the required standards.

The RBQ acts as Quebec’s construction industry quality and safety watchperson. Its role in terms of monitoring and issuing penalties is paramount to ensure standard compliance and protect buyers.

The Pros and Cons of the 2025-2029 Inspection Program

Source : Soumission Rénovation

A Quality Guarantee for Buyers

If you’re planning on buying a new build, the 2025-2029 Inspection Program is a great option to consider. Here’s why:

Are you tired of hearing about hidden defects that are uncovered after the selling of the home? Courtesy of this new program, you’ll have peace of mind knowing:

• Construction defects were spotted and corrected before you moved in.

• You can bypass unpleasant surprises that may be costly to repair down the line.

In a nutshell, you’re buying with peace of mind.

Example of a typical hidden defect: Foundation water leak

New Requirements for Contractors

As of now, it’s no longer a matter of building but of building while complying with the Program’s strict standards. According to the GCR, here are the primary responsibilities of contractors:

• Building permit issuance: Submit accurate project start and finish dates and continuously update said information.

• Contract signing: Register the building when appropriate with the GCR.

• Project start date: Book an appointment with the GCR to schedule a pre-wall closing inspection. This inspection is now mandatory; builders need the GCR’s approval to close up walls.

• Wall closure date: Wait for the GCR’s authorization before closing up the walls.

• Project finish date: Correct all non-compliant features and send evidence to the GCR (photos, videos, attestation from a professional, etc.).

All these steps call for rigorous project management. The Program also introduces more stringent quality control criteria, meaning you might have to tailor your building practices. There’s no way around it: training becomes indispensable to ensure compliance with new requirements.

Examples of method adjustments for contractors:

To better illustrate the 2025-2029 Inspection Program's pros and cons, here’s an example regarding thermal insulation:

A Chance at Top Quality Builds

The 2025-2029 Inspection Program isn’t solely a series of new rules; it’s a genuine opportunity to increase quality and safety standards in Quebec’s residential building sector.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with new requirements; doing so will allow you to make a well-informed decision with complete peace of mind as a buyer or ensure building project success as a contractor.

FAQ on the 2025-2029 Inspection Program

Are home inspections mandatory?

Yes. New-build inspections are mandatory as part of the 2025-2029 Inspection Program to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

How much does a site inspection cost?

The cost of a new-build inspection ranges from $500 to $1,250 in Quebec and is based on the following:

• Region

• Size of home

• Inspection complexity

• Inspection agency 

Additional fees may apply for targeted testing (e.g., radon, asbestos).

Who pays to have a house for sale inspected, the buyer or the builder?

The buyer pays for an inspection as a way of protecting their investment. However, as part of the Program, the builder is required to correct construction defects exposed during mandatory inspections.

What happens in the event of a non-compliant report?

In the case of non-compliance, repairs must be completed to meet Program requirements. Financial penalties may apply should the contractor fail to meet compliance deadlines.

How do I find and book an appointment with a real estate inspector?

To find a qualified real estate inspector, consult the AIBQ (Association des Inspecteurs en Bâtiment du Québec) directory or ask real estate agents for referrals. Make sure the hired inspector is qualified and experienced. 

What’s the difference between a pre-sale, pre-purchase, or pre-delivery inspection?

• Pre-sale inspection: Requested by the seller prior to putting their house on the market. It allows for uncovering potential problems and repairing them ahead of time, ensuring transparency in the selling of the home.

• Pre-purchase inspection: Done by the potential buyer to asses the state of the property before finalizing the purchase. It’s meant to uncover hidden defects and negotiate the cost of necessary repairs.

• Pre-delivery inspection: Requested by the new property owners before taking possession of the home. It’s meant to ensure compliance with blueprints and building standards and spot defects in the finishes to request repairs before signing the closing agreement.

How do I request a building inspection in Toronto?

To request a building inspection in Toronto, head to the city's Inspection Request online portal. From there, you can either schedule an appointment, cancel or reschedule a booking, or view upcoming inspections.