A condo is, obviously, different from your traditional detached home. But often there’s much more than condo association fees, shared walls, and elevators that separate an apartment from a home — including what goes on before you ever reach the settlement table. Here’s what makes a Nashville condo inspection much different from any other home inspection — and why it’s important to be aware of the differences before signing on the dotted line.
The Roof Still Matters
Inspectors often only inspect the interior of a condo, but make certain your inspector also checks the roof of the building. It’s the responsibility of the homeowner’s association, but if it looks like it’s not been repaired or maintained, it can mean there might be a likely hike in costs in the future.
Always Get a Radon Check
This odorless, colorless gas could wreak havoc on your health, which is all the more reason to have a radon test before purchasing a condo. Some projects have concrete imported from other countries that emits radon gas, and because high-rises can be more ‘sealed,’ gas like radon is unable to escape, which can cause real health problems.
Request the Minutes for HOA Meetings
The HOA minutes are your most important and reliable tool for understanding the workings and condition of the building where you’re interested in purchasing a condo. Make sure you get a full 12 months of meeting minutes, where possible. If the HOA doesn’t have this but has been meeting for 12 months, it’s usually a bad sign about the quality of the management. You don’t want to buy in only to realize that there was a major building fail that might need a special assessment after you move in
Check the Soundproofing
Or tile. Or drywall. Either way, inspecting walls, ceilings, and floors is most important when it comes to condo inspections, since these areas are often shared with neighbors or common spaces in a building. If the condo has hardwood flooring, have your home inspector ensure adequate soundproofing, as hardwood flooring is a known sound conductor, particularly from neighboring units above.
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