What we look at, and in what order
Water first, because almost every expensive surprise traces back to it. Grading against the foundation, downspout discharge, window wells, sump function, and any staining inside.
Then structure: foundation cracking, floor levels, beam and post condition, evidence of past modification without support, and roof structure in the attic.
Then the systems, by age and condition rather than by testing: panel capacity and wiring type, visible plumbing material, and the age of heating and cooling equipment. Anything requiring a licensed trade to certify gets flagged for that trade.
Era specific problems in Ottawa housing
In pre-1960 homes downtown and around Riverside Park we look for knob and tube remnants, cast iron drains near the end of their life, and uninsulated exterior walls.
In 1970s and 1980s stock through Nepean, Gloucester and South Keys we check for aluminum wiring, undersized panels, bathroom fans venting into the attic, and basements finished without a moisture strategy.
In newer builds the issues are different: builder grade finishes at end of life, poor attic air sealing, and grading that has settled toward the house.
Inspections before a renovation, not just before a purchase
Most of our inspection work happens before a renovation rather than before a sale. It answers the question that decides the budget: what is behind the walls we are about to open.
Finding an undersized panel or a failing drain stack at this stage means it is in the plan and the price, rather than a change order in week three.
What the written report gives you
- Findings by area: exterior, foundation, structure, systems, interior.
- Priority ranking: what needs doing now, soon, and eventually.
- Cost ranges: based on current Ottawa pricing, not national averages.
- Photos: so you can see what we saw.
- Trade referrals: where a licensed trade has to certify something.
- Plain language: written to be understood, not to sound technical.
Where building inspections sits in the bigger job
This work is part of our building consultant service, so it can run on its own or as one stage inside a larger project. When it is part of a bigger renovation we sequence it with the other trades rather than treating it as a standalone visit.
Clients booking this often pair it with renovation cost estimation, construction project management or design and planning consultation. One contract covers whichever combination you need, with a single schedule and one point of contact.
Building Inspections across the Ottawa area
We take this work on throughout the greater Ottawa area. Recent jobs have run through Nepean, Merivale, South Keys, Kanata and the surrounding neighbourhoods. The consultation is free wherever you are in the city.