It May Pay For Itself!

All condos, even brand new ones, have problems. Some are not so serious – others can be deal breakers. A professional home inspection will help you figure out the difference and can prevent you from making a costly mistake. Hidden defects which are revealed can usually be addressed before you close the deal, leaving you more comfortable with your purchase. It can also save you hundreds of dollars in repair work – more than covering the cost of the inspection itself.

Some of the systems that are addressed in a condo inspection include:

• Structural elements, foundation, framing etc...
• Plumbing systems
• Roofing
• Electrical systems
• Cosmetic condition, paint, siding etc...

A professional home inspection will generally cost between $180 - $700. The price will vary based on the size of the home, age, location and any specialized inspections (ie; Swimming Pools, Mold, Termites by CS, Septic Dye Testing, Radon Gas, Lead, etc). Because your condo purchase is such an important investment, it makes no sense to skip the inspection – yet many do. 

Each inspection should come with a written report describing what was discovered, if anything. A good report will separate minor repairs from major repairs. It may also include a list of things that the new owner might wish to fix, but are not necessarily a safety or structural issue at the time.

A comprehensive report will also include photographs of any major issues so that all parties can see exactly what the problem is. Keep in mind that no matter how good the inspector is, there are still areas that he or she will not be able to see in order to determine their condition. Items such as the studs, wiring inside walls, or plumbing lines that are not visible to the eye cannot be thoroughly inspected. So while a " Full House Inspection" is generally a good iidea, it is no guarantee that a home or condo is in perfect condition. However, it will cover the most important parts of your new home.

If you'd like help finding a reputable home inspector contact us at Condo Metropolis or check out the American Society of Home Inspectors

You'll find a useful video on the home inspection process on our blog.