Inspection Services Licensing in Quebec

Home inspection in Quebec is transitioning from voluntary to regulated. Starting October 1, 2027, residential building inspectors performing inspections for real estate transactions (pre-purchase inspections) must hold a certificate issued by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). To obtain this certificate, inspectors must complete an Attestation d'études collégiales (AEC) in building inspection from an approved educational institution, compliant with the BNQ 3009-500 standard. Until the mandatory certification takes effect, the Association des inspecteurs en bâtiments du Québec (AIBQ), established in 1992 with over 400 member inspectors, is the recognized voluntary professional association. AIBQ members must pass rigorous admission exams (75% minimum), complete 20 training units per year, and carry errors and omissions insurance.

Ask if they are a member of the AIBQ and hold errors and omissions insurance. After October 2027, verify they hold an RBQ building inspector certificate.

(1) No RHI (Registered Home Inspector) or NCH (National Certificate Holder) designation (2) No errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, which protects you if deficiencies are missed (3) Rushes through the inspection in under 2 hours for an average-sized home (4) Offers to perform or arrange repairs for deficiencies found during the inspection (conflict of interest) (5) Report lacks photographs or provides only a checklist without detailed explanations

(1) Do you hold the RHI designation from OAHI or NCH from CAHPI? (2) Do you carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance? (3) What does your inspection cover, and what specialty tests (radon, thermal imaging) do you offer? (4) Can I accompany you during the inspection to ask questions? (5) How soon after the inspection will I receive the report?

Yes, inspection services in Quebec are expected to carry liability insurance.

In Quebec, most contractors performing construction work must hold an RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence. You can verify any contractor's licence on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Always ask for the licence number and verify it before hiring.

Typical rates for inspection services in Quebec range from $100-$200/hour. Home size and age (older and larger homes take longer to inspect), type of inspection requested (standard vs. comprehensive with add-on services), number of specialty tests included (radon, mold sampling, water quality, thermal imaging), property location, and whether the inspection is for a purchase, pre-listing, or annual maintenance. Multi-unit or commercial property inspections cost more due to scale and complexity.