Kick Start Your Spring Maintenance with a Professional Building Inspection
The return of warm weather in May is a good time to start spring cleaning and maintenance. From clearing the drainage systems to checking the foundations and tuning up the air conditioning, spring is a good time to take stock and identify potential maintenance issues. Owners of industrial, commercial, multi-unit, and condo buildings have a multitude of responsibilities. Make sure you don’t miss a thing by enlisting the expertise of a building inspector.
A lot can happen to a building’s exterior in a year, particularly when you factor in the extreme weather conditions of our Montreal winters. A complete inspection of your building by a structural engineer will identify minor issues before they become major repairs.
Spring building inspection tips
May is the perfect time for yearly building inspection and maintenance because Montreal has freshly emerged from winter, making buildings easier to access for inspection thanks to longer, brighter days and lack of snow.
Industrial, commercial, multi-unit, and condo building inspections by Genispec structural engineers evaluate the condition of structural elements and all exposed elements of the building’s foundations as well as all mechanical, electrical, fire safety, and plumbing systems. Genispec also conducts facade inspections and underground parking inspections in accordance with the RBQ’s Bill 122.
As a quick reminder of the importance of regular building inspections, Genispec building engineers have come up with a few general questions and answers on the subject.
What is a building inspection?
A building inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of an industrial, commercial, multi-unit, or condo building, from the roof to the foundations.
Do I still need a building inspection if I’m not buying or selling a property?
A building inspection can identify issues that could become problems if not addressed and the structural engineer can suggest preventative measures that may help you forestall costly repairs in the future.
Can I do my own building inspection?
Even the most experienced property owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional building engineer. Inspectors are familiar with the various elements of building construction and proper installation. They are also well versed in building maintenance and safety standards. A building inspector knows how the building’s systems and components are intended to function together, how long they can be expected to last, and reasons why they may malfunction.
How do I find a reputable building inspector?
Ask friends or business acquaintances to recommend a building inspector or search online. Make sure to choose an inspector who is a member in good standing of a professional order such as the Québec Association of Building Inspectors (AIBQ), the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ), the Ordre des évaluateurs agréés du Québec (OEAQ), the Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ), and the Ordre des technologues professionnels du Québec (OTPQ). Remember to check for valid liability insurance.
What is the result of a professional building inspection?
The inspector will provide a complete report describing your building’s physical condition at the time of the inspection, indicating useful information on the maintenance work and minor repairs to plan and, if necessary, which components and systems need major repair or replacement.
A word about building inspection reports
To help you choose, you can always ask for an example of an inspection report before hiring your building inspector. Bad inspectors write bad reports. Problems are described briefly and vaguely, in terms that would apply to any property. Conversely, competent inspectors write in complete sentences. They describe problems in adequate detail, explain potential consequences, and recommend corrections, using words like “urgent,” “health risk,” or “anticipate high costs” to emphasize the significance of a problem. Plus, a reputable building inspector will be willing to provide you with a report copy.
About Genispec building inspectors
Every member of the Genispec Inspections team of engineers is also a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ). Consequently, they are qualified to carry out exhaustive building inspections. What’s more, thanks to our rope access inspection method, an inspection by a Genispec building engineer generates lower costs than conventional methods (30 to 50% on average).
Our inspections meet building code standards and go beyond minimum requirements by following not only the best practices of the AIBQ but also ASTM International, a standardization body working on a global scale. There’s no better way to kick start your annual spring maintenance.
Please do not hesitate to contact us. At Genispec Inspections, we will be happy to show you an example of our building inspection reports.