Condo Inspection Checklist: The 8 Things You Need to Check

Condos provide a compelling mix of easy access, facilities, and a sense of community. With years of experience in navigating the real estate market under my belt, I've observed directly the attraction of condominium living and the elements that make it so appealing.

For prospective buyers or renters considering a condo unit, conducting a thorough inspection is essential. This process, often referred to as the 'condo inspection checklist,' ensures that the unit meets your expectations and standards before making a commitment.

Join me as we explore the key factors to consider in this critical stage of the condo buying or renting process.

Quick Summary

• Thoroughly examining key areas like floors, walls, and major systems can help identify potential issues early, potentially saving thousands in repairs.
• Essential condo documents, such as the Status Certificate and Reserve Fund Study, provide crucial insight into the financial health and future costs associated with the building.
• 88% of home buyers in Canada have a home inspection done before purchasing a property while 96% of home buyers believe that a home inspection is a necessary part of the buying process.

1. Floors and Ceilings of the Property

Things to look out for in the interior are if there are any potential problems on the floors or the ceilings.

If you observe any spots or marks on the ceiling during condo inspections, it is a clear indication that the internal systems have problems. Or, there is some water leakage in the condo building.

Looking out for common areas between the flooring of the condo and the baseboards is also important. Any loose wood planks or tiles are warning signs for damage or leaks. Another thing to look out for is damaged sloping floors [1].

The floors and roof are one of the best indicators of the overall condition of the condo building. Making sure they are in good condition is your first port of call for the condo inspection. Thereby, you will have low monthly dues of upgrading to worry about

2. Walls and Windows of the Condo

When it comes to the walls of the condo, you should check for any deferred maintenance. Cracked walls imply problems with the foundation of the building.

Roughness in the walls or a rugged feel in the unit could be a result of some kind of water problem in the property.

As for the windows, spotting on them indicates mold issues. Make sure you open and close them at least a couple of times to make sure they do so smoothly.

When you shut the windows, ensure you hear a sealing sound. Fully functioning windows prevent the loss of heat out of the condos. They also help keep external noise not to mention weather out.

3. Kitchen And Washrooms

The kitchen and washrooms are one of the most expensive rooms if proper maintenance has been avoided here.

Firstly, check the fixtures as well as the appliances in the unit. There should not be any gaps or hollow spaces in the caulking. Also, ensure that all the fittings are correct for the furniture in these two rooms of the property as well.

Also, check if the cabinets and drawers are easy to pull out and close. The appliances should be properly cleaned, in good condition and well maintained. Problems with plumbing can be expensive and difficult. 

Hence, ensure that the water heater does not need major repairs. In addition, the flushes and sinks should have enough water pressure. Check if there has been any previous water damage.

4. The Electrical System And HVAC

Next up is the HVAC and electrical system. All of these will be checked by the professional building inspector through a technical audit. However, it doesn't hurt to double-check that the electrical outlets are in full working order. The main things to consider in the HVAC system are to make sure everything works and does so safely. Always call a trusted professional to take care of any electrical systems work, especially when dealing with electrics.

Finally, fire safety is a big priority. This is a very serious issue and shouldn’t be ignored from the inspection checklist under any circumstances. What you need to check for is any hazards that could cause a fire. Also, make sure there is a clear fire safety route along with working fire alarms.

"As a condo owner, you are responsible for the maintenance of your unit, including HVAC systems. An inspection can help identify issues before they escalate into costly repairs." — Surex

5. The Exteriors Of The Condo Development

At first glance, checking your condo exterior might not seem that pressing. However, it's essential because checking the condominium's exterior provides a deeper insight to determine the overall maintenance status of the building.

You need to do a thorough inspection to check that there are no stains, cracks, or any signs of water damage on the outside walls.  Also, there should be appropriate lighting. The walkways should be free from ice as well as snow in the winter months.

6. Condominium Amenities on Offer

If you want to maximize your lifestyle potential, then doing a good inspection by a professional building inspector of what amenities are on offer at your condo is key. In today's times, having facilities such as swimming pools, gym centers, air conditioning systems, and meeting rooms are fairly standard. What you should pay close attention to is if these facilities are clean and generally well-maintained.

Also, places such as the walkways, terraces, common areas, and lounges should be in good working order. After all, your condominium fees will include the use of these spaces. So, you want to make sure you are getting your money's worth.

7. The Essential Condo Documents

When purchasing or leasing a condo suite, obtaining and reviewing essential condo documents is crucial. These documents provide vital insights into the property’s governance, financial health, and rules. Here’s an overview of key documents and their importance:

1. Master Deed
   • This foundational legal document establishes the condominium community, outlining its boundaries, common areas, and individual units. It defines ownership rights and responsibilities, ensuring clarity about what is included in the purchase.
2. Bylaws
   • Bylaws govern the operation and management of the condominium association. They outline the powers of the board, voting procedures, maintenance responsibilities, and restrictions on unit usage (e.g., pet policies). Understanding these rules helps prevent future conflicts.
3. Rules and Regulations
   • These documents focus on day-to-day living within the condo complex. They specify guidelines on noise levels, parking, and use of common areas. Familiarity with these rules is essential to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
4. Financial Statements
   • These documents provide a snapshot of the condo corporation's financial health, detailing income, expenses, and reserve funds. A healthy reserve fund indicates that the association can handle future repairs without imposing special assessments on owners. Look for any outstanding debts or deficits.
5. Status Certificate
   • This comprehensive document summarizes key information about the condo corporation's legal and financial status. It verifies the current reserve fund amount, any pending litigation, and whether there are unpaid condo fees associated with the unit.
6. Meeting Minutes
   • Records from board meetings that detail decisions made and discussions held. Reviewing these minutes provides insights into ongoing issues within the association, such as maintenance concerns or disputes among residents.
7. Insurance Policies
   • Documents outlining the insurance coverage held by the condominium association. Understanding what is covered helps you assess whether you need additional personal insurance for your unit.
8. Reserve Study
   • An evaluation of the long-term financial needs for major repairs or replacements of common elements. This study helps determine if the association has adequate reserves to cover future expenses without relying heavily on special assessments.
9. Disclosure Statements
   • Statements that disclose known defects or issues within the unit. These statements provide transparency regarding any problems that may affect the unit's value or livability.

8. The Commute and Accessibility Around the Condo Location

Even if your condo looks perfect, the surrounding neighborhood plays a huge role in your daily comfort. To ensure a smooth lifestyle, assess the commute and accessibility of the area before committing.

1. Proximity to Essential Services:
   Check how close you are to grocery stores, medical facilities, pharmacies, and schools. Aim for easy access—within a 10-15 minute walk or short drive—for your daily needs.
2. Public Transportation Access:
   If you use public transit, ensure that bus stops, subway stations, or train lines are nearby. Check the frequency of services and calculate commute times with tools like Google Maps.
3. Walkability:
   Assess how pedestrian-friendly the neighborhood is. Can you walk to run most errands? Use tools like Walk Score to gauge convenience and promote a car-free lifestyle.
4. Traffic and Noise Levels:
   Visit at different times of the day to check for traffic patterns and noise. Proximity to main roads might be convenient, but it can also bring unwanted noise.
5. Safety:
   Look for well-lit streets and a sense of security. Use crime maps or talk to residents to gauge safety in the neighborhood.
6. Parking:
   If you own a car, make sure there’s reliable parking—either through dedicated spaces or easy street parking. Check for additional costs or permits required.

Cost Breakdown for Condo Inspection Issues

Here’s a concise breakdown of potential costs associated with common concerns and the implications of overlooking them.

1. Water Leaks and Moisture Damage
   • Repair Costs: Minor repairs can range from CAD 200 to CAD 2,000, while significant water damage could lead to costs exceeding CAD 10,000 if structural repairs are needed.
2. Electrical Wiring Problems
   • Repair Costs: Fixing faulty wiring or upgrading electrical systems typically costs between CAD 1,500 and CAD 5,000.
3. Plumbing Issues
   • Repair Costs: Simple leaks may cost around CAD 200 to fix, but major plumbing overhauls can escalate to CAD 7,000 or more.
4. HVAC System Malfunctions
   • Repair Costs: Repairs for heating and cooling systems can range from CAD 300 to CAD 2,500 depending on the issue's severity.
5. Structural Defects
   • Repair Costs: Addressing structural issues can be very costly, with expenses ranging from CAD 2,000 for minor fixes to over CAD 20,000 for major repairs.
6. Fire Safety Hazards
   • Repair Costs: Installing or replacing smoke detectors and alarms generally costs between CAD 150 and CAD 500.

Financial Implications of Overlooking Issues

• Immediate Repair Costs: Failing to address issues found during inspections can lead to emergency repairs that may exceed CAD 10,000. For instance, a leaking pipe could cause extensive damage requiring both repair and legal fees.
• Increased Maintenance Fees: Properties with unresolved issues may incur higher monthly condo fees due to increased maintenance needs—potentially adding an extra CAD 100 to CAD 300 monthly.
• Resale Value Impact: Properties with significant unresolved issues can depreciate by 10-20%, resulting in substantial financial loss when it comes time to sell.

FAQs

1. What are the essential condo documents I should ask for in Canada?

In Canada, ask for documents like the Status Certificate, which outlines the financial standing of the condo corporation, and the Reserve Fund Study, which details the funds set aside for future repairs. The Condominium Declaration is also crucial, as it outlines the building’s bylaws and rules, which are specific to Canadian condo regulations.

2. How long does a condo inspection take?

Condo inspection typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the unit's size and condition.

3. Should I be present during condo inspection?

While not required, being present during condo inspection allows you to ask questions and gain insights into potential issues directly from the inspector.

To learn more about pre-construction condos, new real estate in Canada, free market reports on the area listings or a quick checklist of inspection, feel free to get in touch with Precondo.

References:

1. https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/repairing-sloping-floors/