| | If you are considering purchasing a condominium, it is a good idea to have a condominium inspection done for many reasons. Many people assume that a home inspection and a condominium inspection are the same, and this can be a big mistake. Condos have unique requirements, and differ significantly from homes because there are areas which are considered common areas that are used by all the occupants. Condominiums are similar to very upscale apartments, but they are purchased instead of rented. There is normally at least one association of owners, sometimes more, and this association can assess fees for the maintenance and upkeep of the entire building, including the roof, electrical systems, and anything other components that are shared by all of the unit owners. Normally the homeowners association for condominiums is responsible for the maintenance and repair of any component or area that is shared by more than one unit. A condominium inspection will inspect all the common areas possible, as well as the individual unit, and asses the overall condition of both. This association is also usually responsible for the condition of the roofs, landscaping, and all exterior components and finishes.
 A condominium inspection should be done to protect you if you are considering buying a unit. You should also carefully review the Home Owners Association Restrictive Covenants, because these will outline exactly what the HOA is responsible for and what the owners are responsible for if an issue arises. Some companies that do condominium inspections may only inspect from the interior drywall and in, and do not look at the exterior components of the building. This can lead to a false sense of security, because your unit may be in impeccable condition but the roof could have severe leaks and damage that may not be visible in other areas yet. A complete condominium inspection will inspect all components and aspects of the unit and the building, and this can save you a substantial amount if there are problems with any aspect of the building or unit. This should also include asking for permission to view the unit underneath the one being inspected, to ensure there are no water leaks or other problems that may not be visible in the unit.
A thorough condominium renovation inspection should include many different components. These include the roof and roof discharge areas, floors, walls, and ceilings of the unit and the common areas, the windows and doors of the common areas and the unit, signs of rot, water damage, and other repair issues, no matter where they are discovered, any major appliances, any attic areas, insulation through the entire building as well as the unit being inspected, and exterior claddings like siding. A complete condominium inspection will also include the foundation of the building, any basement areas, any common heating and air conditioning systems plus any of these systems in the unit, plumbing and fixtures, and any electrical systems including wiring, switches, electrical fixtures, panels, and outlets, plus many other aspects. Some inspection companies do not inspect the exterior of the building because they reason that it is covered by the home owners association, and is not included in the sale of the unit, but using these companies for your condominium inspection can end up being a costly mistake. Because condominiums are individual units inside the building, all unit owners are assessed an equal amount when repairs are needed, so the condition of the exterior could end up costing you more in assessments if there are conditions that need to be maintained or repaired. In addition, sometimes the exterior condition can affect your unit. If the roof starts leaking, this can lead to water damage in common areas and your unit, and can lead to mold and expensive repairs. You will be assessed a share of the cost to repair or replace the roof, but you are responsible for the costs needed to fix any damage to your unit.
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A condominium inspection is the best way to protect yourself and your finances, and this should be done before you purchase any unit. A complete and thorough inspection will cover all areas that are common or that may affect the unit you are purchasing. Most associations receive an assessed fee for routine maintenance and upkeep, but unexpected or severe problems and replacements may result in additional assessments. All unit owners will share in the costs of common components and areas, and because of this an inspection should evaluate these things, to prevent a big financial burden later on. For an inspector to gain access to areas outside of the unit you are considering, you may need permission from the association of the building. Be wary of any deal that does not allow a thorough and complete condominium inspection, and if access is denied to the inspector you may be better off finding another unit in a different building.
A condominium remodeling inspection can also prevent you from inheriting problems and financial burdens when you purchase the unit. If the purchased unit has had problems with leaks that have caused damage to another unit, you may end up being responsible, even if the leaks have occurred before you purchased the unit, and this can end up being very costly and time consuming. A professional condominium inspection that is thorough and complete can help make you problems, before you purchase the unit and end up on the hook financially.
If you are considering the purchase of a condo, a condominium inspection should be a critical requirement. Make sure you use an inspection that covers both the interior and the exterior of both the unit and the building. This can save you from expensive financial outlays and aggravation. Insist on the inspector having full access to any common areas and exterior components, as well as the inside of the unit, to ensure that everything is well maintained and there are no expensive repairs that are needed. A condominium inspection will help protect you and ensure that the unit and building are in good shape. Back To The
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