Yes, condo inspections are a key step to protecting yourself from unexpected repairs and hidden debts within your home.
Buying a condo can be a wise investment. Provides reduced maintenance and access to shared equipment without the maintenance of single-family homes. However, assuming that the Homeowners Association (HOA) covers it, everything can make you vulnerable to unexpected repairs and hidden debts within your unit. So, condo inspections are an important step in protecting yourself before you buy.
This Redfin article breaks down exactly why condo inspections are important, what inspectors are looking for, and how to turn the flag red before signing with a dotted line.
In this article:
Why is condo inspection important?
What does a complete condo inspection include?
How much does it cost to test a condo?
Condo Inspection Checklist: What the Inspector is Looking for
Before scheduling the test
Condo Test vs Home Test: A Simple Comparison
Protect your investment with condo inspections
Condominium Testing FAQ
Why is condo inspection important?
It is a common misconception that HOA handles all maintenance and repairs in condos. This leads to many buyers to believe that inspections are not necessary.
HOA usually handles external maintenance and shared equipment, but everything within the unit’s walls is your responsibility.
Here’s why condo inspection schedules are well worth it:
Discover hidden issues: Condominium inspectors can identify issues such as leaks, wiring failures, and molds that may not be visible during casual walkthroughs. Clarify maintenance responsibilities: The inspector will explain which repairs fall under your HOA’s jurisdiction and which are yours. Protect your investment: Knowing the true state of your unit will help you avoid buying real estate that will turn into a money hole. Enhanced negotiation power: If an issue is discovered during an inspection, you may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price or repairs to the request before closing. It reveals that past maintenance is insufficient. The inspection may publish shortcuts or inappropriate fixes made by the previous owner. Supporting long-term budgeting: Understanding current requirements for appliances, HVAC systems, and plumbing can help you plan future maintenance costs.
What does a complete condo inspection include?
A complete condo inspection takes a glance at the finishes and supplies. This is a detailed assessment of everything in your unit that may affect your safety, comfort and future costs.
A qualified inspector can also thoroughly evaluate the interior of the condo and check adjacent areas, particularly if it may lead to future issues or special evaluations.
Here are what a complete condo inspection usually covers:
Inside the unit
Signs of cracks, stains, or structural problems such as walls, ceilings and floors, especially floods around kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors, and signs of deterioration electrical system such as outlets, switches and circuit panels, etc., for facilities such as water pressure, water pressure, drainage, etc., Piping Piping Piping Piping Piping Piping Piping Piping Piping Piping Piping Piping Piping Piping Piping Piping Piping (if properly installed and equipment included in the sale is included in the sale, if it is accessible, or other areas share the walls, check for damage and noise-related issues, check for caulking and grout in the bathroom or kitchen for signs of wear and gaps
Other areas that are often examined
A garage or basement directly connected or connected to a unit patio, deck, or balcony that is part of the unit’s crawling space or attic (if the unit is accessible and associated) any common area adjacent to the unit (such as corridors and stairs) is due to neglect or signs of potential future costs.
This is a general overview of what is usually included in condo inspections, but requirements may vary by state. In some cases, the inspector may need to cover additional areas. If you are applying for an FHA loan, please note that the Housing and Urban Development Authority (HUD) has its own specific inspection guidelines for apartments.
How much does it cost to test a condo?
Condo inspections are usually cheaper than a complete home inspection, as they focus on the interior of the unit rather than the complete structure. On average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500, depending on your location, the size of your unit, and the additional services you can request (such as testing a mold, radon, or sewer line).
Condo Inspection Checklist: What the Inspector is Looking for
The condo may look nice, but may be well prepared on the surface, but only professional inspections can reveal what is under the surface. The goal is to assess the overall condition of the unit, identify safety concerns, and identify any signs of damage, wear or poor maintenance.
This is what inspectors are focusing on:
Structural and Safety Concerns
Signs of water stains or leaks on walls, ceilings, or floors (past or present) Mold or mold, especially damaged bathrooms and windows, worn around smoke or carbon monoxide detectors or unstable stair railings or unstable stair railings
Piping and Water Systems
Low water pressure or slow drainage leaky faucets, pipes, or fixtures and functional signs of previous flooding behind sinks or appliances
Electrical System
Working outlets, switches, lighting fixtures and grounding of electrical panel conditions and proper signs and potential fire hazards Proper GFCI protection in kitchens and bathrooms
Heating, cooling, ventilation
Performance of HVAC Systems (internal and external units if applicable) Thermostat function and airflow, proper ventilation in the bathroom, kitchen, and attic (if present)
Internal condition and general maintenance
Window and door functions, sealing, and hardware appliance operation (if included in sales) Kitchen and bathroom caulking and grouting conditions DIY repair or neglected maintenance flooring signs of wear, and the presence of unpleasant odors.
Shared or adjacent areas
Entry points to garages, attics, and basements mounted at the entrance to the condition unit on soundproof or damage decks, patios, or balconies (for some of the units)
Before scheduling the test
Before jumping into your condo inspection schedule, there are several important steps you can take to better prepare yourself and protect your investment.
Check the HOA preliminary investigation and meeting minutes
We would like to ask for the latest preliminary survey from the Condominium Association and a year’s worth of meetings. These documents can reveal whether the building is well maintained and financially stable. Meeting minutes can also shed light on community dynamics, such as neighborhood conflicts and ongoing complaints.
Ask about special reviews
A special rating is an additional charge that is charged to the condo owner to cover unexpected repairs or upgrades. Ask if it was recently published or planned for the near future. Knowing this in advance will help you avoid the costs of future surprises.
A potential special rating is not necessarily that condos are a bad investment. Some HOAs keep monthly fees low and rely on occasional ratings to cover major repairs.
Learn what your monthly membership fee is
Low monthly membership fees may seem like perks, but they can be red flags, especially if the reserve funds are low or maintenance is postponed. These signs can refer to costly assessments in the future, so check the HOA’s finances and let the inspector know what to look for.
Understand what the HOA is responsible for
HOAs usually handle repairs and maintenance of shared spaces such as roofs, corridors and exterior walls, but in exactly where HOA’s responsibilities end. Understand what is covered by the HOA membership fee and what falls under your responsibility.
Check your condo master insurance
Not all damage is covered by your personal condo insurance. HOA’s Master Insurance typically covers building structure and common areas, but there may be gaps affecting the units. Reviewing this policy will help you determine if additional coverage is required and avoid costly surprises after closing.
Condo Test vs Home Test: A Simple Comparison
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Protect your investment with condo inspections
Condos may have less maintenance liability than traditional homes, but that doesn’t mean there is no risk. By taking additional steps, such as scheduling professional condo inspections, you’re well equipped to avoid costly surprises and invest in a condominium that’s truly worth the money.
Are you ready to take the next step? Connect with trusted real estate agents who can help you find the right home, guide you through the inspection process and ensure you have all the information you need to make a confident purchase.
Condominium Testing FAQ
What is a condo inspection?
A condo inspection is a specialized assessment of the interior condition of an apartment unit. The goal is to identify current or potential issues before the buyer completes the purchase.
If the HOA covers maintenance, do you really need a condo inspection?
yes. HOA covers common areas, but problems within the unit (piping, electricity, HVAC, etc.) are your responsibility. Condo inspections can help clarify these potential issues.
Who pays for a condominium inspection, who buyers or sellers?
In most cases, the buyer pays for a condo inspection. This is a valuable step to protecting your investment and identifying issues before closing.
Can I abandon my condo inspection and speed up the purchasing process?
It is possible, but skipping the test is dangerous. Without it, you may miss hidden issues that can cost thousands of dollars.
How do I find a qualified condo inspector?
Seek a referral from a real estate agent or look for an inspector who has been certified by reputable organizations such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) and Internachi.
