Don’t miss a thing, from the windows to the walls and everything in between
A thorough condo inspection provides you with an overview of the unit’s overall condition. Is a condo inspection worth it? Absolutely. Much like home inspections for detached houses, going through a comprehensive condo inspection checklist can identify potential issues to bring up with the seller. While home inspections for houses encompass the whole property, condo inspections typically focus on the interior of the unit only. Keep this checklist in hand, and hire a pro for a closer look if needed.
As you walk through the condominium, pay close attention to the floors, walls, and ceiling: They can tell you a lot about the general condition of the unit. Any potential issues you discover could justify a closer look with the help of professional home inspectors near you.
Make note of:
Black spots and other signs of mold
Stains from water damage
Signs of unexpected moisture
Cracks in the ceiling or walls
Sagging or uneven flooring
Paint coming off the ceiling or walls
Gaps between floorboards and/or baseboards
The doors and windows are a critical part of a condo inspection checklist for buyers. Look for signs of mold on windows and window frames in particular. They may point toward water damage or leaky windows.
When looking at doors and windows, be sure to inspect:
Structural integrity
Ease of opening and closing
Window seal condition
Fogging up from the inside
State of the hinges, like rust
Gaps that allow outside air into the unit
Noise-blocking ability
Just like when inspecting a single detached house, a potential buyer’s condo inspection checklist should also include appliances and fixtures that come with the unit. Not every condo will include a refrigerator, stove, and washer and dryer. But, for units that do, it’s important to make sure they are clean, work as they should, and are well-maintained. The same is true with any chandeliers or built-in light fixtures. Repairing or replacing an appliance can easily become another cost you did not expect to pay.
While you are already in the kitchen testing appliances, open and shut all the cabinets and drawers. Make sure they haven’t gone crooked or misaligned over time. They should be level, opening and closing with ease. If the unit has other built-in shelving or cabinetry, check to see if they are level and in good condition, too.
Along with the kitchen, bathrooms are another crucial part of any home. The higher humidity, amount of plumbing, and built-in fixtures like the bathtub and toilet justify a very close look.
In particular, take the time to inspect:
Caulking around the tub and shower areas
Caulking around the bathroom sink(s)
Water damage behind or below the toilet
The fittings for the toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower
This is one factor that distinguishes the inspection cost of a condo from that of a house. Whereas a house inspection looks at the whole property, a condo home inspection checklist focuses on the interior of the unit. Home inspections for smaller condos can cost as little as $200, but the price will vary based on square footage and other factors. By comparison, a typical house inspection is closer to $400.
Major systems like HVAC and electrical belong to the condo building as a whole. Issues that arise with building systems become the responsibility of the homeowners association (HOA). But, there are at least three main reasons to include these systems in your condo home inspection:
You are still responsible for plumbing, electrical, and other systems in your individual condo unit, like pipe connections and frayed wiring.
Your individual condo unit may have its own HVAC system, rather than one that’s shared with the rest of the building.
Issues with the building’s major systems can become your responsibility, as you will still need to pay for your share of the repairs.
If you are lucky enough that your possible home-to-be has outdoor space, be sure to include it in your condo purchase inspection checklist. Check the tiles and flooring on your deck, patio, and balcony areas. Make sure these areas are draining well. Top-floor units may have access to an attic or a rooftop patio. Take a look there, too.
Along with building systems, remember to look at the common areas and elements in the condo building. They can say a lot about the HOA and how well the building as a whole is being maintained. Some of the questions to ask when looking for a condo include the condition of hallways, lobbies, and amenity areas. Check the exterior of the building, including the roof and landscaping.
Read up on the history of the building. In terms of what to look for in a condo document review, keep an eye out for persistent problems and recent repairs. They can speak to the overall upkeep and status of the building.
When you hire a professional for the job, they will provide you with a complete home inspection report of their findings. The report should describe the good, the bad, and everything in between. They may flag possible warning signs that warrant further investigation, so it’s important to read through this document carefully.
It’s equally important to complete a condo purchase inspection checklist for a new unit as it is to inspect a pre-owned condo. With a new condo, the developer should provide you with a pre-delivery inspection (PDI). It’s up to you if you’d like to get a second opinion from another home inspector. What to look for when inspecting a new condo may differ from looking over an older unit, but the main areas of focus are still largely the same.
