Most homebuyers think a professional inspection is just for single-family homes, not condos. They assume that the Homeowners Association (HOA) takes care of everything in the condo building they’re buying, including potential problems within individual units.
But is this fact about condos for sale Brampton true? Does the condo association handle all maintenance meaning you can skip a home inspection? Let’s explore!
Can You Rely on the Condo Association for All Maintenance and Skip a Home Inspection?
We know it’s tempting to assume that the HOA handles all the maintenance in condos including repairs and upkeep inside each unit. But this is only partly true.
Condo associations typically maintain the common areas and exterior structures of the building. But when it comes to the inside of each condo unit, it’s a different story altogether.
Inside each condo unit, the responsibility shifts to the condo owners themselves. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, painting the walls or replacing appliances, these tasks fall on the shoulders of the individual condo owner, not the HOA. Because of this, skipping to inspect the Brampton condo for sale can be like taking a leap in the dark.
A professional inspection can uncover hidden issues that might not be obvious during a quick look around. These issues could reveal things such as mould, water damage, faulty wiring, or poor insulation.
Finding these problems in the condo early on can save you money later on repairs and replacements. Knowing exactly what shape the property is in also allows you to better negotiate with the seller.
Additionally, the inspection report helps you plan for future maintenance and repairs of the condo for sale in Brampton. It gives you a clear idea of what fixes or upgrades might be needed over time, helping you budget wisely and stay comfortable in your new home.
Lastly, some lenders might require a condo inspection before they approve your mortgage. This ensures the property meets certain standards and is a good investment for your loan. So, getting your new condo professionally inspected is a wise move.
Which Areas Are Inspected in a Condo Inspection?
Unlike a home inspection where the entire property is evaluated, in a condo inspection, only your individual unit will be checked. This is obvious since when you buy a condo for sale in Brampton, you typically own just the inside of the condo.
Here’s a breakdown of what an inspector will typically examine in the condo -
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Interior Inspection
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Walls, Ceilings, and Floors - The inspector will check for cracks, uneven floors, water damage signs, and peeling paint. They’ll also look for proper insulation in the accessible areas of the condo.
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Safety Features - These life-saving devices are a must in any condo. The inspector will check the presence of these devices, their proper functioning and placement.
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Plumbing - The inspector will examine pipes for leaks, test water pressure and drainage, and look for issues with faucets, showers, and tubs. They’ll also check for proper caulking around sinks and tubes to ensure there won’t be any water leaks in the future.
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Electrical System - The inspector will look for outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, and any signs of damage or faulty outlets and switches in the Brampton condo for sale.
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HVAC System - The inspector will check how the HVAC system is functioning, look for signs of wear and tear, and assess the system’s overall efficiency.
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Large Appliances - Some inspectors may check for major issues with big appliances in the condo such as ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines.
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Beyond the Walls (Sometimes)
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Attics and Crawl Spaces - If your unit has a dedicated attic or crawlspace, the inspector will take a peek to check for proper firewalls and any visible problems.
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Balcony or Patio - The inspector will examine the condition of the balcony/patio structure, railings, and any exterior doors or windows leading to it.
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Things Not Included (Usually)
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Common Areas - Generally, common areas like hallways, lobbies, elevators, pools, gyms, or laundry cannot be inspected. These areas are the responsibility of the HOA of the condo for sale in Brampton.
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Exterior Building - The roof, siding, foundation, and other exterior areas of the building are usually not part of a condo inspection. This is because they’re considered common areas of the condo building.
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Should You Skip a Condo Inspection?
You can technically skip a condo inspection as no law requires you to have one. So, the decision of whether to professionally inspect the condo or not rests on you.
Some buyers choose to skip it for various reasons such as saving time or money. However, just because you can skip it doesn’t mean you should.
This is because when you buy a Brampton condo for sale without an inspection, you might miss hidden issues in the property. For instance, there could be problems with the plumbing, electrical systems, or the structure of the condo.
Hence, if you buy the condo blindly without knowing about these existing problems, you may face large repair bills right after moving in. An inspection helps you identify these issues before so you can avoid unexpected expenses later on.
When Might You Consider Skipping a Condo Inspection?
While it’s not generally advised, there are a few scenarios where you might consider skipping the condo inspection:
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New Construction
If the condo for sale in Brampton you’re buying is brand-new, you can rest assured that everything will be in perfect condition. Builders of new condos usually offer warranties and building codes are strict. But keep in mind that even new constructions can have issues.
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Recent Inspection
If the seller provides a recent inspection report from a trusted inspector, you might decide it’s unnecessary to get another one.
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Low-Risk Property
If the condo is in excellent condition with no signs of issues and in a well-maintained building, you might feel comfortable skipping the inspection.
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Tight Timeline
If you’re in a hurry to close the deal and trust the seller’s disclosure, you might skip the inspection to save time.
Protect Your Investment: Get a Condo Inspection
Condo inspections aren’t usually as detailed as those for single-family homes. But this doesn’t imply you should skip this important step when buying a condo. This $400-$800 that you'll spend initially (average condo inspection price) will help you save thousands of dollars down the road on repairs and replacements. So, if you have found the perfect condo for sale in Brampton and are ready to buy it, make sure a professional inspects it before you sign the dotted line.