FAQ – Real Estate Transactions

Indoor Air Quality and Mold

When should a fungal (mold) analysis be performed?

A fungal analysis is recommended when there is uncertainty regarding indoor air quality or the presence of mold.

Common situations include:

  • Water damage or infiltration

  • Musty odors or persistent humidity

  • Visible signs of mold

  • Occupant health symptoms

  • Poorly ventilated or vacant buildings

It may also be relevant even in the absence of visible signs, to confirm or rule out an invisible risk in the context of a real estate transaction.

What does an air (mold) analysis determine?

A fungal analysis allows us to:

  • Assess the presence of airborne spores

  • Measure the extent of contamination

  • Compare indoor and outdoor conditions

  • Identify active or latent issues

It is a very useful tool that provides significant context about the condition of a building.

However, it has certain methodological limitations: results reflect fungal conditions at the exact time of sampling. They must therefore be interpreted within their broader context (building characteristics, history, and occupancy conditions).

Is it useful in a real estate transaction?

Yes, in several ways:

  • Clarifying non-visible risks

  • Supporting negotiations

  • Guiding next steps

The tests performed are generally non-intrusive, meaning they are conducted without opening the building envelope.

In some cases, results may lead to more targeted investigations. Any opening of building components is carried out only with the owner’s consent.

Asbestos

Is asbestos common in buildings?

Yes.

Asbestos is very common in buildings constructed or renovated between 1940 and 1990.

It can be found in:

  • Vermiculite

  • Plaster and joint compounds

  • Floor tiles

  • Stucco, mortar, and cement

  • Acoustic ceiling tiles

  • Adhesives and mastics

  • Pipe insulation

  • Many other materials

Is asbestos considered a hidden defect?

No.

Asbestos was a material compliant with construction practices at the time. Its presence is generally not considered a hidden defect.

What are the risks associated with asbestos?

The risk primarily arises when materials are disturbed.

Examples include:

  • Renovation

  • Demolition

  • Drilling or cutting

Intact materials generally pose a low risk.

Should asbestos testing be conducted?

Not systematically.

A common first step is to prepare a register of materials likely to contain asbestos.

Testing becomes relevant when:

  • Renovations are planned

  • Suspect materials are present

  • The level of uncertainty is high

What is the purpose of asbestos characterization?

It allows us to:

  • Confirm the presence of asbestos

  • Identify affected materials

  • Evaluate financial implications

It is a key tool for:

  • Planning work

  • Estimating actual costs

  • Adjusting property value

Why are asbestos-related works expensive?

In Quebec, asbestos work is strictly regulated (CNESST).

It requires:

  • Containment

  • Negative pressure systems

  • Specialized equipment

  • Decontamination procedures

  • Safe handling and disposal of materials

These requirements explain the higher costs.

ecoPlus Approach

What is your role in a real estate transaction?

We act as independent experts.

We help to:

  • Understand risks

  • Document the building condition

  • Support decision-making

Even when we are mandated by one of the parties involved in the transaction, we operate as independent experts with a factual and objective approach, aimed at understanding risks, documenting the building condition, and supporting informed decision-making.

Are you involved in negotiations?

No.

Our approach is objective, methodological, and unbiased.

We do not facilitate the transaction — we clarify the facts.

What is your added value?

  • Rigorous scientific analysis

  • Neutral approach

  • Measurable data

  • Field experience

Our objective:

to enable better-informed transactions and provide real peace of mind.

Contact us!