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Of the one hundred and one different concerns you’ll have as the new owner of a condominium unit, the safety and security of your home will be paramount. Careful condominium inspection is an essential key to choosing wisely, and to feeling confident in your decision to purchase. As you go into the all-important researching phase, it’s useful to have a set of questions in mind as you pay your first visit to a potential condo.
Before you even enter the property, a successful condominium inspection will cover questions about the official details. Are you inspecting a property that is a part of a housing community, and if so, what are the community standards, rules, and  regulations? What will you as a condo-owner be held responsible for and what services can you expect to receive in return? Security measures are another natural starting point. Is this a gated community? Are there security staff members on duty during certain hours of the day, or are the locks electronic? What anti-theft measures are in place around the grounds and within the condominiums? Are the driveways and parking spaces well-lit? Pulling into the driveway for the first time may fill you with anticipation, but look around – what are the sight lines? Can you see clearly as you pull out into the road, or are there large blind spots? Is the condominium located on a busy city street or a quiet back road?
A front or back garden can be a delightful addition to a new home, but who will be responsible for maintaining and inspecting the property surrounding the condo and who will inspect the condominium remodeling and renovation? If the unit is a part of a condominium association, there may be professional, full time groundskeepers in charge of the landscaping and general property maintenance. If you are inspecting a condo that is being sold independent of any community, or that sits on a significant amount of property, it is important to consider the time you may have to commit to mowing an expansive lawn or trimming hedges. Consider the climate and location of where you would be living. Could there be heavy snowfall? Flooding? Are there large trees that may become liabilities or simply a time-consuming source of colorful fall leaves? Is the unit located at the end of a steep driveway that may become dangerous and icy in the winter?
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A thorough condominium inspection must consider the external state of the building, especially if you as the new owner will be responsible for any major repairs. Though it would be impractical to climb onto the roof or peer into the gutters, ask your real estate agent about work the previous owners may have had done and whether there are upgrades that will be required as part of a homeowner’s insurance policy. Inspect the foundation, and examine any handrails leading into the house. Is there a deck? Are its supports stable? Are there special safety considerations for any extraneous outdoor features such as a pool or a swing set?
Asking these questions before the condominium inspection proceeds indoors will give you a better overall sense of the property and whether it is the right fit. Knowing about the external security measures, potential outdoor work requirements, and any necessary repairs will create a foundation on which you can place your further impressions as you continue to examine the condominium. The interior of the unit is where you will spend the majority of your time. It’s where you will live your life. Therefore, it is important to inspect with an attention to detail. Consider the electrical wiring and the plumbing. What heating system is in place and how efficient is it? Does the unit use forced hot air, radiators, or radiant heat? Is the furnace oil, gas or wood burning? Is the condo insulated efficiently or will you lose precious energy and dollars through the windows? If you are inspecting condominiums in a hot climate, is there functioning air conditioning or are rooms equipped with ceiling fans?
Heating and cooling systems are more than a question of temperature regulation, but can also affect the quality of the air you will be breathing. Too dry, and you could suffer from inflamed sinuses and dry, cracked skin. Too moist, and fighting mold could become a full time job. As you look at the aesthetics and consider the floor plan and furniture arrangement, also check for loose tiles, dripping faucets, sagging linoleum, evidence of insect or mice infestations, or other indicators of problems you will have to address. How well do the appliances function? How is the lighting? Do the windows face south (in the northern hemisphere) or north (in the southern hemisphere) to capture the best natural daylight, or will you need to keep the lights burning and the electrical meter running even on bright, sunny days? And if condominium renovation was involved who is going to check that as well?
Indoor security, making sure your new home is safe and sound, is something that can be easily assessed on your initial inspection. Do the windows lock tightly and securely? Are there motion sensing lights positioned appropriately to clearly illuminate anyone who approaches the unit? Consider fire safety: note the location of smoke detectors or whether you will need to install them. If the condominium has two or more stories, how can you and your family escape? Are there multiple exit points? In addition to smoke detectors, think about adding carbon monoxide monitors. If the kitchen stove or condo heating unit uses propane gas, ensure that the previous owners have been diligent about upkeep and that there are no leaks running unchecked. If the condominium includes a basement or an attic, inspect these thoroughly for clues about the overall structural integrity as well as their potential uses for storage or living space. Will the basement flood? Are the holes in the attic walls that will let in bats or other animals?
While a condominium inspection may seem overwhelming to potential buyers, an initial overlook as outlined above does not require specialized knowledge, merely a willingness to be thorough. The preceding suggestions provide talking points that you can bring up with your real estate agent and perhaps even address to the previous owners. If you are able to walk away from a visit with even half of these questions answered, you will be more informed when speaking to home repair professionals, and in a better position to bargain knowledgeably when you find the condominium you want to purchase.
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