Inspection clause checklist

The points to confirm, in transaction order, so the inspection condition truly protects your client. Tick them on screen or download the printable PDF.

Download the PDF

Before presenting the offer

Give the client, in writing, a list of more than one inspector who holds insurance, uses a recognized agreement and standard, and delivers a written report.
Check the real availability of at least two inspectors on the list for the address.
Identify complementary services for the property: well and septic, drain camera, pyrrhotite test or fill sampling, water analysis, radon.
Ask the seller for prior inspection reports as complete copies, the seller's declarations and, for a condo, the syndicate certificate.

When drafting the clause

Set a deadline covering booking, the inspection, report delivery, reading it, questions and obtaining quotes.
Place the inspection deadline a few days before the financing deadline, in agreement with the mortgage broker.
Add lab turnaround time when a test is planned (concrete, fill, water).
If the seller may refuse the inspector, provide for the deadline to restart after a refusal.
Confirm access conditions: notice to tenants, condo common areas, winter access to a cottage.

If the buyer wants to waive the inspection

Explain the risks concretely, based on the property itself, and remind the buyer of their duty of prudence.
Propose middle-ground solutions: a short but realistic deadline, an inspection done before the offer is submitted.
Record in the file the explanations given, the solutions proposed and the client's decision, with the date.

During the inspection

Buyer's broker present; seller's broker in the background, facilitating access without commenting on findings.
Documents available on site: declarations, prior report, work invoices.
Plan a verbal summary of the main findings at the end of the visit.
Never offer to pay the inspector.

After the report is delivered

Sort findings with the client: safety, short-term expenses, work to plan, maintenance.
Obtain written quotes from companies holding the appropriate RBQ licence; a counter-expertise if a finding is disputed.
Agree in writing on an extension before the deadline if checks remain to be done.
Send the mortgage broker any agreement changing the price, the work or the adjustments.
Flag sensitive items to the insurer early: oil tank, old wiring, wood heating.

Reminder provided by InspectionGPP. It doesn't replace OACIQ forms, your agency's directives or legal advice.

How to use the checklist with your clients

The checklist follows the actual order of a transaction. Go through the first two sections with the buyer before presenting the offer: that's when deadlines and complementary checks are decided, and when most problems can still be avoided.

The following sections serve as reminders during the conditional period. Keep a ticked, dated copy in the file: it's a simple, credible record of the advice you gave.

What the checklist doesn't replace

This reminder reflects the best practices presented in our broker guides, notably the OACIQ rules on recommending an inspector, waivers and providing a prior report. It doesn't replace mandatory forms, your agency's directives or legal advice.

Rules change: check the forms and requirements in force at the time of each transaction.

Frequently asked questions: Inspection clause checklist

Does the checklist replace the offer-to-purchase form?

No. It's a reminder that accompanies the form; it doesn't take its place.

Is there a French version of the checklist?

Yes. The French version of this page offers its own PDF to download.

Why keep a ticked copy in the file?

Because it shows, with a date, the checks and advice given to the client during the transaction.

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