Getting a single household and maintaining it may not be the cup of tea for everyone. That is why a condo and apartment are options many consider when looking to buy a house. Due to convenience, such housing types are perfect for those looking for low-maintenance houses. Since condos usually come with homeowners associations (HOA), many think that this is a great investment, as most repairs will be taken care of by the association. That is why a condo inspection is not as popularly chosen as opposed to a regular home inspection in Edmonton.
Need for condo inspections
One of the reasons people buy a condo is the lack of maintenance and when repairs come up, they are mostly on the HOA’s shoulders. However, this is a misconception. When issues arise within your unit or even a shared wall, the cost and responsibility are all on you. Therefore, getting a condo inspection is a must when considering purchasing a unit, as it can be a money pit when not handled appropriately.
Different types of inspections
Condo inspections are of two types: Interior only and full condo. The former covers the area within a unit and is limited when compared to a full condo check. However, for the most part, an interior-only inspection can bring out any issues within the unit and remains just enough when combined with a well-working HOA. Moreover, in high-rise condos, you may have no choice but to go for the limited inspection due to the limitation on the areas an inspector can reach. Full condo inspection, on the other hand, covers every part of your unit, including the crawlspace.
What do inspectors look for?
As discussed above, the areas covered in each type of inspection differ. Here is what inspectors look at during a condo inspection:
Internal only
- Cracked and warped walls
- Smoke alarms
- Water pressure
- Appliance and electrical issues
- Ceiling and floor problems
- Caulking in kitchen and bathroom
- Attic, door, windows
- Mold growth
Full-Condo
- Everything from the interior-only inspection
- Shared walls
- HVAC (interior and exterior)
- Siding
- Water damage and infiltration
- Parking lots and walkways
- Handrails and staircases
- Patios and decks
- Flooring and roofing
- Radon test
Preparing for condo inspections
Unlike regular inspections, condo inspection bills often end with the buyer. Therefore, before getting an inspector, do the necessary research on the place and its HOA. When you are satisfied with all the documents, you are all ready for an inspection.
Conclusion
Getting a condo can make a homeowner’s life easy. With lesser maintenance when compared to a full-blown suburban house and a reliable HOA, living in a condo can be a dream for many. However, necessary checks, considerations, and inspections are required before the purchase to have a dream condo with no worries.
