Originally Posted By: syared This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’m doing my first hi-rise condo inspection tomorrow. It seems like it would be pretty easy, but then again… What are some of the differences going to be? What should I look out for?
Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Steve,
I treat condos the same as I do Single Families. Except that I disclaim all common areas. I always inform my client that anything outside the unit would be considered the responsibility of the Association. However, I always make it a point to do an overall inspection of the common areas anyways.
The last high rise condo I did was in Boston and as I was walking through the underground garage, I found numerous stress cracks throughout most of the four foot wide support columns and outside walls. I recommended a Structural engineer evaluation of the entire foundation.
My client called two weeks later to book a re-inspection of the garage. I walked him through the garage and noticed that there were crack monitoring glass plates attached to areas throughout the columns and walls with bright yellow ?X?s? marking the concerned areas. The Engineers obviously left their tracks.
I always make it a point to inspect the Common areas no matter what.
Originally Posted By: syared This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks! How far do you go to inspect the common areas? Pool? Elevator? Drives?
On typical ground level condos my report states that I don't inspect the common areas, however I do it as a courtesy anyway. I make it a point to tell the clients about checking out the condo association and the condo management company for how well they do their jobs. That's where a lot of trouble can be found if it's not run well.
Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Steve,
Inspecting the common areas is no big deal at all. Most of the time I don't have access to the mechanical room and roof, but when I do, it's just a quick walkthrough as a courtesy to my clients.
Walking the roof takes approx. five minutes. Walking through the mechanical room takes another five minutes. Then if my client wants me to inspect their storage area and laundry room, I oblige. That's basically it.
I spend an additional fifteen minutes inspecting these areas with my clients and they become another satisfied customer.
