House-hunting for a condo is great for those who value location and amenities without the added work of maintaining a property. This said, opting out of doing all the yard work does not exclude you from doing your own due diligence. Just as houses have home inspections to ensure a purchase, the same can apply to the purchase of a condo. However, what is looked at in a condo versus a detached home is slightly different. Our condo inspection checklist will help you stay vigilant while your condo is being inspected for purchase by a professional.
Here’s our Condo Inspection Checklist Essentials
Ceiling and Floors
When deciding if a condo is right for you, be on the lookout for any spotting on the ceilings or floors. This could mean that there is a problem with either the roof or water leaking into the building. Another thing to be wary of is spacing between baseboards and floors as lose tiles or wood planks can be caused due to previous floor or water damage in the condo.
Windows and Walls
Be aware of cracks in the walls as this can indicate an issue with the foundation. When walking around the condo, pay attention to the feel of the floors. If you feel sloping it could be that the floors are warped or damaged. This could represent a superficial and relatively quick fix, or an underlying bigger problem, such as water damage.
When looking at windows and walls look carefully for any spots you may see – this could be a sign of mould damage. Test by opening and closing the windows. You must hear the windows seal when shut as this prevents air from entering or leaving the unit.
Electrical System and HVAC
Though an important part of your condo inspection checklist this is best left to a professional to inspect, there are a few things to keep in mind while going through this part of your condo inspection checklist. Find out if your heating and air conditioning is part of a central system or belongs to your specific unit. From there your professional will check the filters and the ducts, as well as the general functioning of the unit. When it comes to the electrical parts of your home, your electrician will test if all the outlets work and if there are any fire hazards which could give you serious reasons to not purchase the condo.
Kitchens and Washrooms
It is a well-known fact that these two rooms tend to be the most expensive rooms to renovate in a home. Therefore, when inspecting your potential future condo, it is important to be aware of the fixtures and appliances in both rooms. Make sure there are no gaps in the caulking, that all cabinets and drawers are easy to pull out and in good condition. The appliances should also be clean and in working condition.
The exterior of the Condo
A good pro-tip to add to your condo inspection checklist is to pay attention to the exterior of your unit. While many think this has nothing to do with their condo, it actually provides good insight as to the level of maintenance the unit gets or needs. Make sure that there are no cracks or water stains on walls, that there is adequate lighting and that during the winter months the walkways are free from snow and ice. If your building has grounds it is ideal if they are well-maintained and manicured.
Looking at the Condo Amenities
The common areas in a condo building are as important to your lifestyle as the suite itself. It is a great bonus to have amenities such as pools and gyms, but it is also important to know how well they are maintained. It should also be noted that your hallways, walkways and lounges are also important common areas that should be well taken care of.
Condo Documents
In the Status Certificate the condominium corporation will provide any reports of any upcoming exterior or maintenance upgrades. You can therefore inquire about estimated major structural costs, as well as the fees incurred and the repairs to be made. Poor maintenance can be a sign of a lack of funds. A low reserve fund can also be problematic in the event of any future work that will be needed.
I hope this condo inspection checklist provides you with the tools you need to feel confident when purchasing your suite. For more information, take a look at my Condo Buying Guide, or get in touch with me directly!
