Buying a condo sounds like a great idea. Who can deny the list of amenities it comes with, including a pool, gym, and other shared spaces? But along with all these perks comes the hassle of maintaining a single-family home in a condo. It has its own potential problems that you, as a buyer, must know before moving in.
That's where condo home inspection comes in to help you.
Condo buildings face some specific issues that houses don't. These issues include things like poor ventilation, leaks, noise transference between units, and deferred maintenance. These common problems are the cause of disturbance for homebuyers. When you identify these issues beforehand through a condo inspection, you can hold the owner responsible for addressing the found problems.
Sometimes, the deal ends up fulfilling the repair needs, and other times, with leverage over the deal price. If not both, you're free to walk away to other condo options.
We don't suggest you skip this whole post and start finding a condo inspection company. To get started on your hunt for a perfect condo. Instead, Noble Property Inspections suggests reading this blog till the end. Learn whatever it takes for you to move into a safe condo home with this
Do you think a condo home inspection is the same as a standard home inspection? Well, that’s not how it is. The inspection services tailored to condos make things different. Think it a bigger thing than what’s covered for a regular inspection.
A condo inspection checklist includes all those aspects included in a standard one, along with more and more elements. Such as roof, foundation, functioning systems, and others, with an in-depth assessment of everything. The inspector will review the documentation to spot any red flags—something like special assessments or unpaid bills.
During the thorough condo inspection, the inspectors examine all those aspects of the building that could impact your unit and living experience.
Here are some key elements the condo inspector will be looking at:
Water leaks and moisture issues are common in multi-unit buildings. If you leave these issues unchecked, they lead to several other nuisances like pests or mold. Your condo inspectors will look for any areas that point to current or past water damage in your unit or the building as a whole. This will ultimately help you identify both immediate repair needs and more expensive problems that may arise.
The inspectors will check the walls and ceilings for water stains or discoloration. They’ll look for warping or cupping of wood floors. And assess areas like under sinks, tubs, toilets, baseboards, windows, doors, and siding for any leakage or water intrusion signs. They’ll also check your place for musty odors.
Doors and windows are important elements that the inspector will examine closely during a condo inspection. They will check that the doors and windows in your unit are functioning properly. They’ll look for drafts, opening or closing issues, signs of damage, and more.
When you know and address the repair needs of your doors and windows, you’ll eventually avoid any pest attack or water pooling and sagging issues. The inspection isn’t limited to only the doors and windows of your rooms. But also cover the main lobby, stairwell, garage, and other shared doors.
The inspectors will properly assess the functioning of your garage doors and its elements. These elements may include hinges, cables, rollers, tracks, springs, safety sensors, and more.
Inspecting the condo roof gives a clear picture of its overall condition. Also, about its remaining life expectancy. The condo inspectors catch any concerning elements that could lead to problems like leaks. Before these issues cause interior damage. This helps you buyers anticipate costly roof repairs so you may set a fixed budget aside.
Your condo’s roof will be checked for proper drainage to prevent water ponding issues. The inspectors make sure that downspouts divert water away from the foundation.
During the condo home inspection, the roof flashing will be examined for any signs of deterioration or improper installation. This roof flashing includes areas around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other penetrations.
The roofing materials will also be assessed for damage, aging, and general condition. The inspectors will look for any missing, cracked, or curling shingles or tiles that can allow water intrusion. The underside of the roof and attic will be scanned for signs of current or prior leakage, like water stains or mold.
During the condo home inspection , the inspectors will assess the operations of various systems. These systems include electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. To ensure your shared building has actively running systems. The inspection also highlights any issues with your unit. These inspections reduce your chances of getting into an emergency repair situation or paying more bills.
Your professional condo inspectors will assess the heating and cooling system for proper operation. They'll check the condensation lines, blower, refrigerant levels, and vents and look for leaks. A well-working HVAC prevents mold and moisture issues.
The condo inspector will check the water pressure at all plumbing fixtures. And inspect for any leaky faucets or pipes. They'll run hot water to ensure proper temperature and volume. They'll also look for signs of stains or damage under sinks, tubs, and near toilets.
The inspectors also test for functionality and polarity of outlets, switches, and light fixtures. The electrical panel will be inspected for sufficient capacity, proper wiring, and grounding. This helps identify any fire hazards or systems nearing the end of their lifespan.
The next target on the condo inspection checklist is structural damages. The inspectors will provide insights into structural issues like leaks, cracks, caulking, or visible wear and tear. They will check various areas, including the foundation, roof, walls, floors, ceiling, kitchen, and bathroom, for any of these issues.
The condo inspectors also provide information about your condo's overall condition and maintenance requirements. Here are some areas the inspectors will look into for structural damage.
The inspector will look for cracks, bowing, or bulges that may indicate structural issues of any wall. They'll also check for holes, damage, or signs of water intrusion.
Ceilings will be examined for sagging, water stains, or signs of mold. These problems point to roof leaks or other water damage.
The kitchen will be checked for cracks in countertops, damaged cabinets, signs of pests, or any caulking. The inspectors will also test your kitchen appliances for proper function or outdated structures.
Bathrooms will be inspected for any signs of leaks around sinks, showers, and tubs. The inspectors will look for loose or damaged tiles or mold issues around bathtubs.
The inspectors will look for cracks or shifting in foundation walls that could signify structural problems. They may also recommend further evaluation by a structural engineer.
To sum it all up, a thorough condo home inspection provides invaluable insight that can't be gained from a simple walkthrough. When you have an experienced condo inspector, you can identify any issues in the building systems, structure, and exterior and provide awareness of maintenance needs and costs. Scroll through our blog section to learn more about inspections.
