A thorough inspection is important, and should be completed no matter what type of structure you are purchasing. And purchasing a condo is an exciting step, but it can come with questions about what exactly are you responsible for - and what falls under the condo association jurisdiction. There are parts of a condo that are considered "common elements" (These are the responsibility of the condo association. The common elements may vary, so check the condo documents carefully. Common elements are generally the roof, windows, exterior and attic.) When scheduling your inspection, should the inspection company inspect the areas that are technically the associations responsibility? YES, and here's why:
Know Where Responsibility Lies
In a typical condo setup, the association covers the maintenance of common areas—think the roof, exterior walls, plumbing systems that service multiple units, and shared spaces like hallways or pools. But even though you might not own these areas directly, their condition still affects your investment and quality of life.
Hidden Issues Can Still Impact You.
Let’s say the building’s roof has damage or the siding shows early signs of moisture intrusion. Even though the association is responsible to handle and coordinate the repairs, those problems could lead to leaks or damage inside your unit. Understanding these issues early helps you:
Assess potential risks before you buy.
Avoid unexpected fees if a big repair is looming that might result in a special assessment.. Meaning, if a new roof is needed, for example, the association will issue an assessment to all owners in the building. Those owners are ultimately responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.
Negotiate more effectively by factoring in any upcoming maintenance or repairs.
A Thorough Inspection = Peace of Mind
Make sure the home inspection company that you choose IS inspecting the entire condo, the inside that you own and also, the common elements.
This way, you’re not left in the dark about potential red flags that could become your headaches later.
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