Electrical issues are among the most frequent deal-breakers in a real-estate transaction. Here’s what the inspection reveals, what a buyer or insurer can demand, and how to prepare.
Electrical issues carry weight
Whether you’re buying or selling, the state of the electrical installation can lower a price, delay a transaction or complicate insurance. A check by our team puts the cards on the table — before things stall.
The top defects we find
Aluminum wiring
By far the most important component to evaluate. It changes everything in a negotiation (see below).
Panels that need replacing
Some brands should simply be changed for safety reasons (list just below).
Service entrances
Frequently at issue: an aging entrance, rusty mast, or capacity too low for the house.
Small fixes
Missing GFCI outlets, unsafe installations… Often small things that are fixed fairly easily.
The panels we recommend replacing
As soon as we see one of these panels, we strongly recommend changing it:
- Federal Pioneer / Stab-Lok
- Commander
- Fuse panels
- Old GE panels
Aluminum wiring
Aluminum wiring is a very, very important component. It doesn’t “kill” a sale by itself — but it’s a considerable negotiating argument. Because if the buyer wants to rewire everything, it’s a major undertaking.
A real case: a house entirely wired in aluminum. The buyer wasn’t comfortable with that type of wiring and wanted to rewire it all — a bill of about $40,000. He was very glad to have paid for our inspection to know that before signing, and to adjust his offer accordingly.
About 2 hours, checking everything that matters
An inspection takes about two hours. We genuinely check everything that could pose a risk to occupant safety and building integrity — from the panel to the service entrance, through the wiring and protections.
Pre-purchase inspection ≠ certificate of conformity
Pre-purchase inspection
An inspection with a quote attached, so you can negotiate your purchase price with full knowledge.
Certificate of conformity
A document required by an insurer. Not the same thing, and not the same purpose.
An electrical file in good order
CMEQ-certified company holding an RBQ licence, serving Greater Montréal, Laval, the North Shore, the Laurentians and Lanaudière. We inspect, we document, and we price the fixes.
Buying or selling soon?
Have the installation checked before it becomes a roadblock — or to negotiate from strength. Free quote.
What people ask us
How long does a pre-purchase electrical inspection take?+
About two hours. We check everything that could pose a risk to occupant safety and building integrity.
Which electrical panels are red flags?+
Federal Pioneer / Stab-Lok, Commander, fuse panels and old GE panels. We generally recommend replacing them.
Can aluminum wiring lower the purchase price?+
Yes, it’s a considerable negotiating argument. Rewiring everything can cost a lot — in one real case, about $40,000. Knowing before you sign changes everything.
Pre-purchase inspection or certificate of conformity?+
The pre-purchase inspection helps you negotiate your price. The certificate (or attestation) of conformity is a document required by an insurer.
Do you provide a document?+
Yes: a clear report with a quote for the fixes, which you can use in your negotiation.
