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Building Maintenance Handbook: Why It Becomes Essential When the Condo Board Changes
Since Bill 16, the building maintenance handbook has become a core document in condominium management. It no longer serves only as a record of past work. It helps organize maintenance over a 25-year period, documents the actual condition of common elements, and...
Facade Inspection in Quebec: A Legal Requirement, but Above All a Responsibility to Protect Your Building
A facade inspection is not only about meeting a regulatory requirement. It is also about identifying real risks before they turn into major repairs, special assessments, or a safety hazard for the public. Under Bill 122, this process also helps condo boards better...
How a Strong Reserve Fund and Maintenance Handbook Protect You Against Inflation That Changes Long-Term Forecasts
TL;DR – What You Need to KnowInflation makes long-term financial projections for a reserve fund uncertain over time.A reserve fund based on outdated assumptions can become underfunded even if contributions have been maintained.The main risk is an unexpected special...
Extending the lifespan of a building in Quebec: clear strategies to avoid unexpected costs
TL;DR - Key takeaways A building’s lifespan depends less on its age than on the quality of its planning. Hidden anomalies accelerate deterioration and drive long-term costs. A reserve fund study based on the actual condition helps prevent special assessments. The...
Why do new constructions increasingly contain hidden defects?
Key takeaways Hidden defects in recent buildings mainly result from fast-paced execution, insufficient quality control, and fragmented construction teams. These concealed issues directly threaten the value of condominiums and create unexpected funding needs. A...
Why 5% in Contributions Is No Longer Enough: The False Sense of Security in Reserve Funds
Key Takeaways The long-used rule of contributing 5% of the annual operating budget to the reserve fund no longer reflects current conditions. It doesn’t consider inflation, unexpected repairs, or the real state of building components. The result often includes special...
What Banks and Insurance Companies Now Expect from a Building Inspection Report
Key Takeaways Banks and insurance companies now require detailed engineer reports, not just visual inspections. They expect: a clear assessment of the building’s condition, a structural diagnosis signed by an engineer, and a 10 to 25 year budget forecast. Reasons:...
Bulging Walls, Cracks, and Loose Bricks: Visual Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore in Your Building
Key Takeaways Bulges, cracks, or bricks that detach are serious warning signs, not just aesthetic flaws. These issues can indicate structural risks or advanced deterioration. In Quebec, Bill 122 requires an inspection every 5 years for buildings with 5 or more...
Quebec’s Bill 16: new rules for condos starting August 14, 2025
It’s official. As of July 30, 2025, the Quebec government confirmed the effective date for Bill 16. Starting August 14, 2025, all divided co-ownerships (condos) in the province must comply with new legal standards under Decree 991-2025. “This regulation comes into...