General contractor · RBQ licence 5809-7098-01 · APCHQ member
Planning renovations or looking for a second opinion on work already underway? Call a building inspector who is also a general contractor. Our pre-renovation inspection gives you a clear picture of the structure, envelope and mechanical systems before you spend.
Jean-Yves Durand has completed 550 hours of college-level building inspection training, 300 hours with theAPCHQ to become a general contractor and 400 hours of real estate brokerage training. He can therefore identify a problem and assess the actual cost of correcting it. He also has over 10 years of construction project experience. Buying a home? For a pre-purchase inspection, visit our specialist website Inspection Bâtiment Expert.
We check the structure, load-bearing walls and building components before a major renovation.
We check that work in progress is properly carried out and complies with the code.
We inspect commercial premises and small commercial buildings before purchase or renovation.
We assess the condition of plexes and income properties before a purchase or renovation.
Before undertaking a major renovation, the home’s load-bearing structure must be checked, including the roof and floors. Want to open up your ground floor? We first determine whether the wall is load-bearing. We also work with a structural engineering firm to find the best solution and estimate its cost. A pre-renovation inspection helps avoid unpleasant surprises once the walls are opened.
Has your renovation started, but you have concerns? An experienced eye can confirm that everything complies with the Québec Construction Code. We check projects involving kitchens, bathrooms, basements,second-storey additions andhome additions. We then provide clear recommendations. If necessary, we can also take over and complete the work.
Looking to buy or maintain commercial or industrial premises? We inspect income properties, small shopping centres, multi-tenant buildings and buildings under five storeys, among others. You get a clear picture of the building’s condition and urgent repairs. Our sister companies also handle exterior work: paving and parking lots, interlocking pavers, retaining walls and curbs, as well as the French drain and service connections forsewer and water lines.
Looking to invest in real estate? Before making an offer, make sure the building is in good condition. We assess the structure, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, fire separations and soundproofing between units. We then give you a clear idea of the maintenance and renovations to plan for, ranked by priority.
The home’s age provides a starting point: after 25 to 35 years, some components reach the end of their service life. We ask the owner about maintenance and recent work. We then examine the foundation, framing, beams and floors for cracks, settlement or rot.
Exterior siding provides clues: cracking, warping, discolouration or a lack of ventilation behind the cladding. We also check the building envelope’s weathertightness, flashing, doors and windows. Finally, we look at the ground slope and gutters, which can affect water infiltration.
Before going onto the roof, we examine the shingles using zoom. If access is difficult, we take drone photos and videos. We also check attic ventilation, insulation and signs of condensation or ice dams.
First, we locate the main water shut-off valve and check its condition and accessibility in an emergency. We then inspect faucets, drains, the water heater and visible pipes for leaks and corrosion.
We check the condition of the electrical panel, circuit breakers and visible wiring. We also test outlets and switches for wear or loose connections. Finally, we identify fuse panels and outdated installations that need replacement.
Depending on your system—furnace, hot-water boiler, baseboard heaters or heat pump—we check the equipment’s age, maintenance and ductwork. A furnace over 15 years old deserves particular attention, even if it still works.
Wood-, gas- and oil-burning fireplaces and stoves pose a fire risk. We therefore check the chimney, cap and clearances from combustible materials. We also recommend regular chimney sweeping to prevent creosote buildup.
Inside, we look for water stains, mould and cracks in walls and ceilings. We also check bathroom and kitchen ventilation, the air exchanger and insulation in the attic and basement. Your pre-renovation inspection therefore also addresses air quality.
First, we discuss your project, the home’s age and recent changes.
Next, we inspect the structure, building envelope, roofing—with a drone if needed—and mechanical systems.
We then provide a clear report with photos and an urgency rating for each item.
Finally, we advise you on solutions and, if you wish, carry out the work.
Your general contractor in Laval supports you from start to finish. RBQ 5809-7098-01.
As a general contractor based in Laval, Travaux Experts carries out your pre-renovation inspections on the North Shore and throughout Greater Montréal, including Laval, Blainville, Boisbriand, Sainte-Thérèse, Rosemère, Lorraine, Bois-des-Filion, Mirabel, Saint-Eustache, Deux-Montagnes, Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, Pointe-Calumet, Oka, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Terrebonne, Mascouche, Repentigny, L’Assomption, Saint-Sulpice, L’Épiphanie, Saint-Jérôme and Montréal. We travel throughout the region. Every quote is detailed, with no surprises.
