Home Inspector Faribault | Home Inspections – 507-721-3120
What Is a Condo Home Inspection?
A condo home inspection is a process in which you hire a certified home inspector to assess the health a condo unit. The inspector visits the property and identifies any current or developing problems. Some inspectors may also spend some time inspecting the common elements even though they are the responsibility of the condo building.
The Ins and Outs of the Condo Inspection Process
We often get asked how long condo inspections take.
In most condo home inspections, the process it takes between 1 to 3 hours. A typical 1 or 2 bedroom in a high-rise will take 1-1.5 hours. A terrace home or equivalent takes about 1.5-2 hours depending on the common elements available to the inspector.
The process is simple:
Your realtor will book a time slot with the inspector. Your realtor will push for an earlier rather than later time. In case there’s a problem and a renegotiation takes place, this gives more time for the process to unfold.
On the day of the inspection, your realtor will assist the inspector in getting access to the unit and showing him or her the property.
Inspecting the Big Stuff First
If the inspector has access to the roof and outside common elements, those checks will be done first. Getting a good look of the roof isn’t easy. Don’t get surprised if your inspector steps a few yards back and inspects with a monocular instead of climbing up. Some inspectors use telescopic poles with cameras mounted on them.
Once the inspection moves inside the condo, the inspector will assess the health of the building systems in your unit. Think air conditioner, furnace, water tank, etc.
During this phase, the inspector will need some space to work, however, most welcome the buyer to follow them and ask questions. This is an important part of the process where the inspector will give you maintenance recommendations so listen carefully.
If your unit has access to the roof, the inspector will climb into the attic and inspect the health of the insulation, whether mold is present and if there’s any animals nesting.
Next, the inspector will go over the windows. Even if it’s summertime during your inspection, the inspector still has tricks to find out if they are energy efficient, leaking outside air or condensating.
The electrical system will get a checkup to see if everything is up to code. The inspector may also check most, if not every outlet in the house.
The final major check is the health of the plumbing system. Every faucet, tap and shower will be turned on. The inspector is looking for a bunch of things, but most importantly leaks.
So that’s the big stuff. What next?
The Finer Details of a Condo Inspection
Once all this is done, smaller points will be covered. If the inspector has thermal imaging tools, they will be used to find out if there’s leaky pipes or electrical systems that are overheating behind the walls.
The final checks then cover finer details unique to each condo. Balconies, railings, counter tops being properly installed, the health of the kitchen appliances, if toilette bowls are properly installed, etc.
Your home inspector will also offer ancillary services to our customers while they are there including, FLIR Thermal imaging, Home Energy Audit, Mold Inspection, Pool and Spa Inspection and Termite Inspection.
Once the Condo Inspection Is Done
After the inspector is satisfied all potential problem areas were covered, he or she will prepare a detailed report. The inspector will take pictures of problems found for future reference.
Home Inspector Faribault | Home Inspections – 507-721-3120