Condominium Townhouse Inspections

[Joseph D. Skrypka]

Many inspectors will discount the cost to inspect a condominium townhouse because the exterior features (shingles, roof structure, windows, paint etc) are maintained by the condominium corporation, and, theoretically our liability is lessened.

However, our standards require us to inspect all of these areas and report on them.

If we do report on them, are we not opening ourselves to additional liability?

But if we don't report on them...... we are not working to the standards.

Can we specifically disclaim responsibility for the exterior defects, not report on them and still be working within the standards?

[rmaday]

Originally Posted by jskrypka

Many inspectors will discount the cost to inspect a condominium townhouse because the exterior features (shingles, roof structure, windows, paint etc) are maintained by the condominium corporation, and, theoretically our liability is lessened.

However, our standards require us to inspect all of these areas and report on them.

If we do report on them, are we not opening ourselves to additional liability?

But if we don't report on them...... we are not working to the standards.

Can we specifically disclaim responsibility for the exterior defects, not report on them and still be working within the standards?

You can report on whatever you want, as per your clients needs and wants. Nothing prohibits you from limiting your inspection to one, two, three components, etc. Just make sure your agreement spells out what you will and won't be inspecting. More importantly, make sure your client knows if you will or will not be inspecting "common areas" or areas that are the associations responsibility - and why.

There is a good (albeit lengthy) narrative in the1,000 narratives (at RRs wise old grandmother site) regarding exactly this.

[rmaday]

emphasis mine

Originally Posted by SOP

1.1. A Home Inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of said dwelling. Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the inspection process.

[Douglas Cossar]

Originally Posted by jskrypka

Many inspectors will discount the cost to inspect a condominium townhouse because the exterior features (shingles, roof structure, windows, paint etc) are maintained by the condominium corporation, and, theoretically our liability is lessened.

However, our standards require us to inspect all of these areas and report on them.

If we do report on them, are we not opening ourselves to additional liability?

But if we don't report on them...... we are not working to the standards.

Can we specifically disclaim responsibility for the exterior defects, not report on them and still be working within the standards?

Joseph:

I have done numerous condo town houses .

I report on the condition of roofs, windows, etc but I also include verbage that the condo corp is responsible for maintance etc. and advise the client as well.

[John Allingham]

If the buyer doesn't need the exterior inspected, I charge $50 less. Be careful though, some low condo fees cover only grass cutting and snow removal.

[Bob Elliott]

Just add a ryder to your contract at the bottom.

Get a Lawyer , if you feel the need. I just write it my self in plain English.

[Steven C. Meyer]

Originally Posted by jallingham

If the buyer doesn't need the exterior inspected, I charge $50 less. Be careful though, some low condo fees cover only grass cutting and snow removal.

I advise the client that I will visually look at and comment on the exterior/common areas , as it is something they have no control of, as it is the associations responsibility. That being said, IF the complex shows a lack of "pride of ownership", I will point that out, and advise them to check with the association as to (if) they have reserves for future/potential problems.

Know of a young couple (first time home buyers, just married) that purchased a condo. I doubt they had it inspected. In the first few weeks of ownership, they received notice of a cash call to replace the roofs.

Come to find out, it was common knowledge there was not enough in reserves, thus, the seller had to know about the cash call, but did not advise the buyer.

Common problem with condo associations, is they tend to keep their monthly dues low, enough to cover current expenses, but not enough to build up a reserve.

All condo buyers should look at the complete situation, ask if there are any unfunded repairs in the near future, and does the association have reserves to cover them.

[Bob Elliott]

Steven I always recommend my clients look over the minutes and and reserve funds, but remember no Lawyer will do that for you, and often it is lip service only when they say they will, but at least you warned them.

[Steven C. Meyer]

Originally Posted by relliott

Steven I always recommend my clients look over the minutes and and reserve funds, but remember no Lawyer will do that for you, and often it is lip service only when they say they will, but at least you warned them.

The buyer can request financials from the association, and the seller should have monthly and year end financials that are provided to all the owners. Any competent Realtor should be able to get those for the buyer. But, then, the key word here is "competent Realtor".

My take on the buyer is: you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink.

[Dominic J. Maricic]

I'm just thinking out loud here (as I live in a Condo). Why would you not inspect everything? I know that when I purchased my condo the inspector pointing out a few issues on the roof and fascia (both assocation responsibility). The notes were sent to the association and fixed before escrow closed. If the inspector hadn't looked at the roof I might have ended up with more serious issues.

[Douglas Cossar]

Originally Posted by Steven C. Meyer

The buyer can request financials from the association, and the seller should have monthly and year end financials that are provided to all the owners. Any competent Realtor should be able to get those for the buyer. But, then, the key word here is "competent Realtor".

My take on the buyer is: you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink.

Sellers of condo units in Ontario must provide a "Status Certificate" when selling a unit. The certificate includes disclosure of financial reports and any pending special assessments, among other things so the buyer knows what
they are getting into.

[ldapkus]

Originally Posted by dmaricic

I'm just thinking out loud here (as I live in a Condo). Why would you not inspect everything? I know that when I purchased my condo the inspector pointing out a few issues on the roof and fascia (both assocation responsibility). The notes were sent to the association and fixed before escrow closed. If the inspector hadn't looked at the roof I might have ended up with more serious issues.

Was he a NACHI inspector and did he utilize Home Inspector Pro report writing software???

[Rob A. Parker]

I do lots o f condo inspection here. The contract I use clearly indicates it is a LIMITED REVEIW OF THE INTERIOR ONLY and is also stated on the front page of the report. The client at the time of booking is made aware that the inspection will an interior in spection only and at less cost than a full inspection, but if the client wants a full inspection then they pay the full price.

[Bill Mullen]

This is included in all of my Condo Reports:

PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROPERTY IS IN A COMMON INTEREST DEVELOPMENT. Maintenance of the communal areas, systems, and components is typically the responsibility of a Homeowners (or similar) Association. Inspection of these areas is considered beyond the scope of this inspection. Furthermore, as the parameters of this unit, common areas, and exclusive use common areas, can only be determined by review of the Association's "Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions" CC&R's (again beyond the scope of this inspection), any comments that may pertain to said areas, have been made as a courtesy only, and should be addressed via the current owner of the Association.

Correction of common area deficiencies will be at the discretion of the Association. "BLUEWATER HOME INSPECTION" Shall not be responsible for erroneous comments or omissions concerning deficiencies involving communal areas, systems, or components. We recommend obtaining and reviewing a copy of the Association OPERATING BUDGET.

A properly prepared budget will include a RESERVE STUDY. The reserve study should be based upon an on-site condition evaluation, preferably by an independent third party. The study should provide information regarding the useful and remaining life expectancies, and replacement costs, of the major systems and components that the Association is obligated to repair, replace, restore, or maintain. Most reserve studies or budgets will also include a statement of the available funds as a percentage of the necessary funds ("percent funded"). It is also important to verify that the Association has adopted a sound funding strategy to cover future reserve expenses. Additional information should be obtained from the Association with regards to their knowledge of any: construction defects; disaster damage; the extent of repairs involving said defects or damage; and pending claims or litigation involving the Association. Furthermore, copies of prior board minutes should be obtained for review.

[Bob Elliott]

Dom , Condo's are different i n that access to common areas is not all that common at times.

I have not been allowed access, and had to sneak my way up to the roof.

Many times they are new construction for instance and the developer limits your time Inspecting.
It can be very frustrating at times.

Often times your best source of information is your ears , when you talk to other owners or the Maintanance guy.