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Commercial vs residential building inspection: what are the key differences?
What you should take away from this comparison Inspecting a commercial building is not the same as inspecting a residential one. Commercial properties involve more complex systems and higher risks. Key differences include: Flat roofs, reinforced foundations, heavy...
Choosing a structural engineer in Montreal: guide 2025
In 2024, Montreal saw a 19% increase in new residential construction with 16,400 units built. The market is clearly active, but like buying a car without knowing maintenance costs, building or renovating without understanding the challenges can quickly get...
Your complete guide to condo fees in Quebec
Buying a condo without understanding how condo fees work is like buying a car without asking about maintenance. It’s not the purchase price that hurts, it’s everything that follows if you didn’t do your homework.Key takeaways from this condo fees guide Condo fees...
7 common mistakes you can avoid with a commercial building inspection
You’re putting serious money into a commercial or industrial building. It’s only natural to want clarity before finalizing the deal or taking over operations. Skipping a commercial or industrial or building inspection can lead to costly surprises: from structural...
Roofs, facades, foundations – Critical points to watch as warmer weather returns
There’s no better time than the arrival of spring to check for any lingering effects of winter. Freezing temperatures, snow accumulation from storms, and exposure to salt can cause subtle issues that may worsen in the coming months. Taking a few precautions now can...
How to calculate a reserve fund for a brand-new condo building in Quebec
Since Bill 16 came into effect in Quebec, deciding how much money to set aside for a condo’s reserve fund has become a big concern for co-owners. In the past, Article 1071 of the Civil Code of Québec required condo corporations to contribute a minimum of 5% of their...
What are the steps of a facade inspection according to Law 122?
Your building is much more than a structure; it is a valuable investment and a safe place to live. Since the enactment of Bill 122 in Quebec in 2017, ensuring the solidity of your facade has never been more important. At Genispec, we have developed a four-step method...
Key updates on Quebec’s Bill 16
Adopted in December 2019, Bill 16 introduced major reforms to condominium management in Quebec. The new legislation aimed to tackle issues faced by co-owners and syndicates, emphasizing improved governance, financial planning, and building maintenance. Although...
Underground parking in Quebec: Best practices for maintenance
According to the Société Québécoise Des Infrastructures (SQI), a little over 40% of their 374 real estate assets, including underground parking facilities, required major repairs. This high percentage is explained by Quebec’s challenging climatic conditions. As a...