Income Property: 7 Inspection Points to Check before Buying a Duplex, Triplex, or Plex

In an older building, differential movements, floor sagging, and changes over the decades can be significant. Batimex Solution Inspections checks the following in particular:

• The foundation and visible cracks
• The straightness of walls and floors
• The presence of abnormal movement or deformation
• Any structural alterations (cut beams, modified load-bearing walls, moved columns)

A serious structural problem can involve costly repairs and sometimes the intervention of an engineer.

An income property must remain dry. The inspector pays particular attention to:

• The roof (shingles, membrane, flashings, flat roof drains)
• Exterior siding (brick, vinyl, aluminum, fibre cement)
• Masonry joints, lintels, and sills
• The slope of the land and gutters
• The condition of the visible foundation and the French drain

Recurring leaks or deteriorated masonry can lead to significant costs and tenant complaints. The Batimex Solution Inspections report highlights these issues.

In a multi-unit building, the issue is not only the condition of the systems, but also their separation and capacity. The inspection covers, as far as visible:

• Electrical panels (number, capacity, type of wires, disconnect switches)
• Electrical distribution in the units (grounding, outlets, signs of overheating)
• The heating system (central or individual, age, energy source)
• Water supply and drainage plumbing (materials, corrosion, old leaks)

An undersized or poorly distributed system can create conflicts between tenants and reduce the value of the building.

The safety of occupants is an essential aspect of apartment buildings. As part of its mandate, Batimex Solution Inspections checks:

• Sufficient and unobstructed exits
• Access to emergency stairs, balconies, and walkways
• The quality and secure attachment of guardrails
• Certain elements separating apartments, depending on the type of construction
• The presence and location of certain visible warning devices

Safety deficiencies may expose the owner to municipal intervention, claims, or refusal of insurance coverage.

Semi-basements, bathrooms without ventilation, old water leaks, overcrowded dwellings: all these factors increase the risk of moisture problems and potential fungal contamination.

Batimex Solution Inspections examines:

• Signs of moisture on walls, ceilings, and floors
• Persistent damp or musty odours
• The presence of suspicious stains in common areas and the units visited
• The presence of adequate ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens

Depending on the observations, air quality tests or samples may be recommended.

Terraces added over time, modified divisions, converted dwellings: income buildings often undergo several transformations. The inspection allows for the identification of:

• Stairs that are too steep or lack adequate guardrails
• Apparent modifications to load-bearing walls
• Finishes that appear to mask a problem (recent localized repairs)
• “Added” dwellings in spaces not originally intended for that purpose

If there are signs of undeclared or non-compliant work, the buyer must anticipate the possibility of upgrades or corrections.

The inspection by Batimex Solution Inspections is not only used to draw up a list of defects, but also to plan:

• The estimated remaining life of the roof, windows, and mechanical systems
• Short-term priority work (safety, leaks, critical elements)
• Desirable medium-term improvements (energy efficiency, comfort)

This information allows you to incorporate a realistic budget into your profitability analysis, rather than relying solely on current gross income.