Buying a Condo? Get an Inspection.

You might think that buying a condo means that you don't need to have an inspection because the upkeep on a condo is done by the association. While it is true that condo upkeep is typically handled by its association, don't forget that associations are run like businesses and they prioritize keeping expenses low. This can lead to plenty of problems that you, as the owner, will have to suffer with and fight over. Its better to get ahead of the problem early and know exactly what needs to be taken care of before moving in.

Photo by Paul Szewczyk on Unsplash

Condos endure many of the same conditions that standalone homes do. They are subjected to wind and rain just like any other home. They are connected to the ground in some way, shape, or form. They have modern amenities inside like appliances, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical wiring. These similarities make them prime subjects for a home inspection. Don't be fooled and skip the inspection just because its a condo. They are subject to the same building codes as single family dwellings and, as such, should be inspected by the same standards.

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The association isn't going to tell you that the contractor who installed the attic insulation didn't install enough. Maybe the contractor ran out of insulation and filled in what they could with what they had left. Or maybe there were mathematical errors that led to improper levels of insulation. In any case, it is unlikely that you will ever be able to detect this issue unless you plan on climbing into the attic to measure it yourself. Such an oversight will cause your heating and cooling bills to be elevated and you may never know it.

They won't tell you that the braces which were used on the side deck were insufficient. Or that the porch stairs have uneven risers. A quality inspection will look specifically for proper support of porches, decks, and balconies. And insure that they are safe. They will look for sufficient height of the top rail, proper rise of the stairs and that they are not open, spacing of the spindles, and the floor.

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They won't tell you that there are appliances permanently connected extension cords.

This is an all-too-common occurrence, permanent appliances like dishwashers, garbage disposals, and refrigerators need to have their own dedicated electrical receptacle. They

cannot be plugged into an extension cord. These cords are not rated to carry electrical loads for indefinite periods of time and in most cases the load they carry when connected to these kinds of appliances is more than the wire is rated to accommodate.

Plastic dryer ducts, leaks, no high loop under the sink for the dishwasher, corrugated drain pipes, and handyman work are all common in condos. Handyman work is of particular importance. Remember when I said that associations are run like businesses and keeping costs low is a high priority for them? Well a handyman is usually cheap to hire, and even though some can do some very good work, cheap is cheap for a reason.

So, if you're buying a condo...hire a professional home inspector.

Thanks for stopping in, and as always, if you're in the market for a home inspector in North Carolina, go ahead and use my online scheduler to book your next home inspection!

Until we meet in person,

Zac.