What is a Condo Inspection Checklist?
A condominium inspection, like a house inspection, is optional but recommended. What sections are included on a condo inspection checklist?
Ceilings, flooring, windows, walls, electrical system, HVAC, plumbing, kitchens and bathrooms, outdoor and communal areas.
Let's look at this free condo inspection checklist so that you can do the condo inspection on your own if you are wondering how to inspect a condo yourself.
1. Inspect the Walls, Floors, and Ceiling
As you stroll through the condominium, pay particular attention to the flooring, walls, and ceiling; they can reveal a lot about the unit's overall condition.
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Any possible faults you notice may need a closer examination with the assistance of experienced house inspectors near you.
If the apartment has wood flooring, make sure there are no gaps between the flooring and the baseboards.
This flooring issue is mainly caused by physical damage or leakage. If these concerns are not addressed for an extended period of time, you may need to replace the whole flooring. This would also entail pricey repairs, giving you even more concerns to consider.
Another issue that is likely to arise with the flooring is its inclination to slope. This is one of the many concerning aspects of checking a condo since there are foundation problems.
Water is another reason why floor joists droop and gradually slope. You should inspect the plumbing lines beneath the flooring since spilling water can gradually erode the wood.
Cracks and peeling paint on the ceiling are common results of negligence and lack of upkeep.
Maintenance professionals can easily remove paint from the ceiling. However, fissures indicate a low level of building integrity.
Some condominiums feature wood ceilings, which might break due to poor-quality wood or excessive strain on the surface
In short, take note of this condo inspection checklist template in inspecting the walls, floors, and ceilings:
- Black spots and other indicators of mold
- Stains from water damage
- Signs of unexpected dampness
- Cracks on the ceiling or walls
- Sagging or uneven floors
- Paint is coming off the ceiling or walls
- Floorboard/baseboard gaps
2. Inspecting Doors and Windows
Doors and windows should be firmly closed, with no gaps. These openings can allow air to escape, which is problematic when trying to keep the interior warm or cool.
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They should also close entirely to provide the impression of seclusion. To maintain complete solitude, sounds or disturbances from inside the unit should be kept to a minimum.
Examine the windows carefully for any signs of mold. If you notice spots slowly growing on the glass, you know they have mold.
Apart from the mildew patches, the window should not make any creaking noises while closing. This is a common problem with hinged windows because the hinges corrode with time.
Look for visible moisture or fogging within the window. This signifies that the window's thermal barrier is broken. If this happens to the window, it will become inefficient.
Furthermore, no amount of Windex can restore it to clear glass. When this occurs, you can often hire a local business to repair the glass panels rather than the complete window.
Having a window or many windows with damaged thermal barriers may rapidly become a costly job.
3. Plumbing
After you've finished evaluating the floors and ceilings, you'll need to check the condo's plumbing system.
This must function smoothly to guarantee that residents of the condo have one of the basics for a comfortable living environment.
Because most plumbing components are hidden behind surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and below floors, you should engage an expert plumber to do this check.
The water heater is one component of the plumbing system that requires inspection.
It may not produce hot water in cold weather due to a lack of maintenance or repair. The water heater may have a leak, indicating old or damaged parts, or it may have reached the end of its useful life.
Next, inspect the fixtures, pipes, sink, and appliances for past water damage. The last repairmen who worked on the problem may have done so quickly, so examining them is critical to preventing them from deteriorating.
4. Kitchen and Washroom Areas
The kitchen and bathrooms within the condominiums would require regular repair, especially if a prior renter had occupied there.
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Everything may happen in the kitchen and lavatories, therefore it's critical to examine these places.
First, check to see if the cupboards and drawers open fast. Previous renters may have damaged them over time, making the hinges loose.
You may also inspect the tub and shower for broken caulking. It should not have any empty spots to prevent runoff water from passing through and remaining inside the gaps.
It is also advisable to inspect the fittings in each of these places to see if there are any problems.
The kitchen sink will also have caulking, so make sure you examine it. Food particles, as well as water, will remain inside these spaces.
Leaving them for an extended period of time can allow cockroaches and other tiny insects to infest these places.
5. HVAC and Electrical System
Most condominiums now have HVAC systems, which have fully replaced the previous window-type air conditioners. HVAC systems, like all other systems in a condo, require regular maintenance.
To prevent unexpected problems, every component of the HVAC system must function properly. The thermostats in HVAC systems are a typical source of failure.
A malfunctioning thermostat is a major problem, especially when the weather is very hot or cold and you need to adjust it to the proper temperature.
When you have your HVAC checked, the condominiums often include an HVAC access door and panel for maintenance professionals to use. This allows them to accomplish their work more easily and efficiently.
Once the HVAC has been thoroughly evaluated, move on to the electrical system. Electrical difficulties are among the numerous causes of home or structure fires.
Even anything as tiny as an exposed electrical cable might cause a fire. It may start a fire faster if it is near combustible materials and surfaces such as wood floors.
Damaged electrical outlets should also be repaired since they might harm appliances when plugged in. This is an element of the checklist that you should not overlook.
6. Condo Exterior
Aside from maintaining interior systems, making the exterior of the condo attractive is as important. Every time the structure is painted, it should receive a fresh coat.
This not only improves the appearance of the outside, but it also protects the surface from harm. The landscaping also needs maintenance.
Nothing beats witnessing a gorgeous and well-kept countryside every morning. Gorgeous scenery may improve a person's mood.
Adding stone paths or benches to the environment might help people rest and de-stress after a long day.
7. Inspecting the Included Appliances and Fixtures
A potential buyer's condo inspection checklist, like that of a single detached house, should include the unit's appliances and fixtures.
Not every unit will come with a refrigerator, stove, washer, and dryer. However, for those units that do, it is critical to ensure that they are clean, functional, and well-maintained.
The same is true for any chandeliers or built-in lighting fixtures. Repairing or replacing an item can quickly escalate into an unexpected expense.
8. Water Pressure
The inspector will check to ensure that the water pressure is appropriate. If it is low, there might be a variety of causes, including low water in the region or a problem with the water meter. It might also be clogged or damaged pipes, which require additional investigation.
9. Inspecting Cabinets, Drawers, and Built-ins
While you're in the kitchen checking appliances, open and close all of the cupboards and drawers.
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Make sure they haven't become crooked or mismatched over time. They should be flat and easy to open and close. Check to determine if the unit's other built-in shelving or cabinetry is level and in excellent shape.
10. Attic Inspection
The inspector will confirm that the water pressure is acceptable. If it is low, there might be several reasons, including a lack of water in the area or an issue with the water meter. It might also be clogged or broken pipes, which require further study.
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For more information about attic inspection, click here.
11. Commute and Accessibility to the Condo Location
Even if your apartment looks gorgeous on the inside, you may encounter a number of issues when you move in.
First, take a walk around the neighborhood. How near are you to food shops, hospitals, and schools?
Remember that condo living is designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable.
As a result, while purchasing a condo apartment, it is critical not to compromise on these fundamental components. This means that you or an inspector should conduct a thorough inspection.
Before purchasing, do special inspections and check for maintenance concerns. Buyers should be accountable for very little or no upkeep.
While budgeting is important, keeping an eye on your condo inspection checklist will ultimately decide your overall contentment with your new home.
Below, we have mentioned some of the condo inspection questions you may have in your mind.
FAQs
What is a condo inspection checklist?
A condo inspection checklist is a valuable resource for inspectors and experts from a variety of businesses. Inspection checklists are used to determine if a process, technique, equipment, or facility meets industry, regulatory, or internal requirements.
What are the 3 types of condo inspection?
Pre-Production Inspection, During Production Inspection, Final Random Inspection.
Are home inspections required in Canada?
It isn't required for obtaining a mortgage loan, but it can help you avoid costly headaches. Inspections are recommended in all Canadian provinces, regardless of the type of property.
Conclusion
The condo inspection checklist in Canada or any other country includes many important items, such as inspecting walls, ceilings, floors, cabinets, etc.
Here we have mentioned every single item you must have inspected in a complete condo inspection