Starting October 1, 2027 , new regulations will govern the profession of residential building inspector in Quebec. This measure, introduced by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), aims to guarantee quality inspections for real estate transactions and to protect consumers.
A mandatory certificate to practice
Any inspector carrying out inspections for the purpose of a real estate purchase must hold a certificate issued by the RBQ. This certificate will attest that the inspector complies with the BNQ 3009-500 standard, which establishes professional practices for assessing the condition of a building.
Two categories of certificate
The regulations distinguish between two types of certificates:
Category 1 : Authorizes the inspection of residential buildings with 1 to 6 units, including private areas of condominiums.
Category 2 : Allows inspection of all types of buildings, including large residential buildings.
Required qualifications
To obtain a certificate, inspectors must have completed an attestation of college studies (AEC) in building inspection based on the BNQ 3009-500 standard.
Candidates seeking a Category 2 certificate will be required to undertake additional specialist training for large buildings.
A transitional period (from October 1, 2024 to August 2, 2027) will allow inspectors already in activity to comply with these requirements according to their current experience or training.
Recognition for inspectors from other provinces
Inspectors from other Canadian provinces or territories will have to pass an exam on Quebec regulations to obtain their certification.
Compulsory insurance
Inspectors must also hold liability insurance covering any damages related to their work:
$1,000,000 for Category 1 Inspectors
$2,000,000 for those in category 2
Why is this regulation important?
This new legislative framework aims to standardise the profession , improve transparency and ensure reliable assessment of residential buildings during real estate transactions. This represents a significant step forward for the protection of buyers and for the professional recognition of inspectors.
Conclusion
If you are a building inspector, it is crucial to start preparing for this transition now. The necessary training and insurance will take time to put in place, and it is best to act before the end of the transition period in 2027.
To learn more about training, eligibility criteria or the steps to follow to obtain a certificate, visit the Régie du bâtiment du Québec website.
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