Buying a condominium is a huge investment of your time and money. Getting it thoroughly and professionally inspected will insure that you are buying something that will actually bring in money, not rob you blind from costly repairs.
There are two types of condo inspections: an interior inspection which will cover recent condominium renovation inspection and a complex inspection. The interior inspection is fairly self-explanatory. The inspector will go inside the condo and check the dry wall, check for unnecessary and damaging moisture, plumbing (including the garbage disposal), the electrical outlets and electric panels, cabinet and flooring installations, smoke alarms, locks, all appliances that are included with the condo, molding, caulking, sealants, windows, and furnaces and air conditioners.
The complex inspection is “all of the above” plus (if accessible) the roof, siding on your unit, storage room, basement and common areas of the building. They will be looking for any signs of wood rot, and pests including termites.
The inspector will sometimes take pictures so that the potential buyer, seller, and home owners association can see the issue and take an agreed upon action.
When choosing an inspector for a condominium it is important to note that different states have different requirements for their inspectors, so take your time to do the research. Find out the required qualifications and certifications for inspectors in your state, get estimates, and always ask for and check up on referrals. A bad inspection can cost you serious money for years after the condo purchase, just as a thorough inspection will save you tons of heartache (and cash!).
Qualifications will include education, training, experience, and certifications and memberships (examples of a membership will be highly regarded, inspector associations, etc.).
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Check with the local chamber of commerce and the Better Business Bureau for any unresolved complaints. Check to see that permits for condo remodeling were signed off on. This gives you the perfect opportunity to hear what previous customers who aren’t referrals have to say about the inspector.
Don’t be shy about asking the inspectors what their qualifications are, what they are certified to do, what type of report you will get, how long they have been in business, etc. This will be a job interview, and you are the one doing the hiring. It is your money on the line- never forget that. Qualified and certified inspectors have spent a lot of time and money getting their certifications and education, so they shouldn’t be shy about sharing what makes them the right inspector for you.
Having a complete and professional inspection on your condo is a decision you won’t regret.
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panels, cabinet and flooring installations, smoke alarms, locks, all appliances that are included with the condo, molding, caulking, sealants, windows, and furnaces and air conditioners.