Many people ask, “Is it necessary to get a home inspection on the condo I am buying?  All the maintenance and repairs are handled by the condo board and are included in my condo fees so I really don’t see the point.”

The short answer is yes.  A condo, while cheaper and with the safety net of a condo corporation, is still a sizable investment and as such, is worth protecting.  The reality is that an inspection will often save you money in the long run.  Even though you aren’t directly responsible for paying for a new roof with a condo, there are still plenty of costly repairs you should be aware of.

A condo inspection is similar to a home inspection – it’s a visual examination by a competent, qualified inspector.  As there are many differences between condos and single-family homes, it’s advisable to find an inspector who specializes in commercial property inspections, also known as Property Condition Assessments, such as condominiums.

Your condo inspection should cover the following: heating system, electrical system, plumbing, windows, ductwork and vents.  A seasoned condo inspector will also check all the common elements such as the roof, central HVAC, structure, foundation, hallways, walls, floors, ceilings, and garage to make sure everything is in good shape.