A home inspection of a condo unit is a little different than one for a single-family home or townhouse. You are purchasing the interior of a condo unit, so the home inspector won’t check anything outside of it.
However, you can ask the home inspector to observe such features as elevators, stairwells, outside walls, the building's systems and the roof and offer an opinion of their condition.
Here's what you need to know about a condo home inspection:
How to hire a home inspector
It's important to find an experienced, qualified professional that you trust. There are several indicators of professional competency. Make sure your home inspector checks these boxes:
- Ask your agent for recommendations for professionals with experience inspecting condos
- Ask family and friends for references
- Check online reviews
- Verify that the inspector is licensed in your state, if applicable
- Check for certifications with home inspection associations, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors
- Interview candidates and ask to see samples of their reports
Prepare for the inspection
Inspections must be scheduled within a tight time frame. Make sure you meet the deadlines for getting one.
- Pay the inspection fee, typically $200 to $500 — less than a single-family house or townhouse
- Schedule the inspection seven to 10 days after the purchase agreement is signed
- Review homeowners association documents and bring them to the inspection to determine what aspects of the condo building are the responsibility of the HOA
- Make sure the purchase agreement has an inspection contingency so that if there are flaws/repairs in a condo unit you have the option of backing out of the contract
- Attend the inspection
What the inspector will examine
Make sure the inspector does a thorough review. Follow the inspector through the unit, asking questions about what they find and what they think about the overall condition of the condo unit. Here's what the home inspector will focus on:
- Floors, walls, and ceilings in a unit to look for cracks and mold
- Windows and doors for worn-out condition or loose fittings
- Appliances
- Safety features, including smoke alarms and fire sprinklers
- Electrical systems and plumbing that aren’t shared with other units
What happens after you get the report
The report shows you what may be wrong with the condo unit, giving you leverage in further negotiations with the seller. Be sure to sit down with your agent and devise a strategy for closing on the property — seeking a lower price or cash to address the issues.
- Receive inspection report, often several days after the inspection
- Review the report
- Share the report with your agent
- Share the report with seller’s agent
- Negotiate concessions with the seller for any flaws or repairs
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