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ABOUT CONDOMINIUM INSPECTIONS
Condo inspections are very similar to standard home inspections, and are an affordable and convenient way to ensure the value of your investment. People feel that a condo inspection is important for new constructions only, this is untrue, and they are just as important in an old development or building. A typical condo inspection requires up to two hours to complete, and should cost about the same as a complete home inspection, but should include a look at the whole building when possible. |
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| What a Condominium Inspection Should Include
ü All plumbing in kitchen, bathrooms and water heater along with location of main water shut-off valve. These are all checked for prior or current leaks and any corrosion. ü Heating and air conditioning are checked to ensure they are in working order and thermostats are working properly. ü The water heater is checked to ensure the temperature relief valve is installed and in some states safety strapping is required in case of earthquakes. ü Smoke detectors are tested for compliance and whether they are in working order. ü Fireplaces are checked for safety screens and if a spark detector is installed in chimney. ü Appliances in kitchen are checked to see if they are serviceable and in working order. ü Electrical system is checked to ensure overload protection is provided to breakers and that it meets all city and safety requirements. ü Washer and dryer hookups are inspected to ensure they are in working condition and meet all requirements. ü Bathrooms are inspected to ensure workability as well as to note evidence of current or past leaks and condition of pipes, tiling, grout or showers. ü Doors, windows or any skylights are inspected for serviceability and to determine whether the window panes are properly sealed. ü Flooring, carpeting or other surfaces such as counters are inspected for any damage or problem areas. ü Garage and garage door openers (if applicable) should be inspected to look for possible leaks from outside and serviceability of the opener. ü Attic access is inspected for any safety hazards or other problem areas.
An exterior condominium inspection should include the following: ü Any fencing or gates that surround the condo unit (if applicable) should be inspected for corrosion or serviceability. ü Landscaping and sprinklers that are inside your fenced area and are your responsibility. ü Driveways and walkways within your unit or part of your unit should be inspected to ensure there are no safety hazards or problem areas. ü Window frames, screens should be inspected to detect leaks of repairs required. ü Gutters and downspouts are inspected for serviceability. ü Siding on the unit is inspected for cracks or other possible repairs required. ü Doorbells are checked for workability. ü Foundations are inspected to ensure there are no problems. ü Grading and drainage are inspected to ensure there are no problem areas. ü Balconies or patios are inspected for any repairs required. ü Roofing is inspected to determine if there are any missing or deteriorating areas of tile, shingle or whatever type of roofing is installed.
As a condominium owner, you are responsible for everything within your particular condo unit however you are also part of a whole community of owners who are within your condominium complex. You will no doubt be paying a monthly homeowners association fee that will supposedly cover the costs of regular upkeep of any common areas of all the homeowners. These can include the landscaped grounds or the building in which your condo resides. It would also include a community pool, tennis court or other recreational features as well as a clubhouse if applicable. While these are all benefits of your communal living, they also can provide added risks that you might be responsible for with special assessments or increased association dues.
A careful inspection of the grounds, pool area, recreational equipment or other amenities is important to ascertain if this community association has kept up the maintenance of the property. If you would be living in a high rise building and won’t have any landscaping worries, you should find out if there is a doorman, janitorial services or other property management fees that you might be responsible for.
Therefore, it is important to know before you buy whether there are any potential problem areas in your condominium community complex like needed pool repairs or large anticipated expenditures such as a new roof. More importantly, it is essential to know if there are any lawsuits pending that might be potential financial risks to you.
Here are some questions to ask or observe: ü Does the pool furniture appear clean and well taken care of? ü Are there locks on the pool area, tennis courts or other community areas that will ensure that only homeowners are able to use the areas? ü Are the plants, shrubs and grass well maintained and inviting to ü Is trash collection in individual bins or a community one? ü Are there any “extra” fees that you might be surprised with? ü If there are problems with an elevator not working, who do you call? ü What exactly does your monthly homeowner’s association fee include?
Condominium living has many benefits that include owning your own little piece of paradise that you can call all your own, but along with it comes communal living that might or might not be ideal. It is always important to ask questions and ensure you know exactly what you are buying before you take that step and own a place that has problems that you could have minimized or corrected before you moved in. Don’t be afraid to ask first and ensure you know exactly what you are getting. The condominium remodeling process can vary from building to building. It is in your best interest to hire a reputable condo remodeling contractor regardless of whether or not the property in question is a recent condo conversion or has been lived in for 30 years. The same goes for apartment remodeling and complete apartment renovations as dealing with these types of construction projects requires an independent set of skills different than that of the average contractor. Lastly as you may have figured out, again, the same rules will apply when remodeling or renovating a co-op unit. | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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