If a buyer prefers to purchase a condo or a townhouse instead of a single-family house, an inspection is still highly recommended. The inspection is slightly different from the usual home inspection for a free-standing residential building. It is essential to have an inspection to avoid overlooking these important factors:

ELEVATORS

  • Your safety should be prioritized, especially if you plan to get a condo on a higher floor. It is essential to have your inspector check for the elevator’s inspection reports, engineering, and maintenance history. You would not want to have bought a safe home but be stuck in an unsafe elevator.

HVAC SYSTEMS

  • It is possible that your HVAC system is managed by your Homeowner Association which only means that you need to get permission to have it inspected. Your inspector needs to have access to it, to ensure a thorough inspection and avoid overlooking possible issues.

SHARED FLOORS/WALLS/CEILINGS

  • You should have all shared areas checked before you move forward with the sale. An agreement between the HOA and neighbors about the repair might be necessary. All issues in the shared areas should be addressed before moving in.

THE ROOF

  • For a free-standing residential building, it is evident a home inspector would need to check its roof. For condos or townhomes, the roof is a shared area that is not part of your responsibility as a home buyer. It is still recommended to have your roof checked for damage and have your HOA take care of repairs. The roof is still part of the building where you live, and you would not want to have roof issues affect your home’s safety and functionality.

HOA MINUTES OF THE MEETING

  • Having a copy of the previous Homeowners Association minutes of the meeting will help you investigate if there were reported common issues that you need to be aware of and how they were addressed. Feedback from the residents who attended the previous sessions will also give you a sense of the property’s current condition.

Since buying a home is a big investment, checking these things before finally purchasing will give you peace of mind and ensure that you make the best choice possible.

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