The two banks (Pre-purchase and Pre-handover)

Lumos distinguishes two narrative banks based on inspection context. Each bank aligns on a different regulatory framework and proposes phrasings adapted to it.

The Pre-purchase bank (BNQ 3009-500)

This is the default bank, applicable to any existing-building inspection in the context of a real estate transaction (sale, purchase, refinancing). Narratives are standardized per BNQ 3009-500, the standard governing visual inspection of primarily residential buildings in Quebec.

This is the bank you use for most of your inspector activity. It is available immediately, with no special configuration.

The Pre-handover bank (National Building Code and GCR Warranty)

A separate bank for new-building inspections, in the context of provisional handover or end-of-construction inspection. Narratives reference the National Building Code of Canada and the GCR Warranties (Quebec Residential Construction Warranty).

The BNQ 3009-500 standard does not apply to pre-handover inspections. The framework is different: you assess the construction’s conformity to the rules of the art and the builder’s commitments, not the condition of a second-hand building.

Prerequisite: enable the Pre-handover template

To consult and use the Pre-handover bank, you must first enable the Pre-handover template in your settings. Otherwise, the Inspection type > Pre-handover filter does not work.

To enable:

Open Settings > Report Template.
Navigate to /settings/report-template/templates.
Enable the Pre-handover template.

Once enabled, the template becomes available:

At inspection creation, in the Choose a template modal.
In the narrative bank, the Inspection type > Pre-handover filter shows matching narratives.

When to use which

Context	Bank
Pre-purchase inspection of an existing house	Pre-purchase (BNQ)
Pre-purchase inspection of an existing condo	Pre-purchase (BNQ)
Inspection before handover of a new dwelling	Pre-handover (NBC / GCR)
End-of-construction inspection of a major renovation	Pre-handover, to confirm based on legal context
Verification of a builder’s commitment	Pre-handover (NBC / GCR)

If unsure about the right framework, check with your professional association (APCHQ, AIBQ, Réseau-IBC) or consult an experienced colleague.

Coexistence

Your two banks coexist in the same account. You filter by Inspection type to only see the bank relevant to your current task. Narratives are distinct between the two banks — a Pre-purchase narrative is not the same as a Pre-handover narrative.