Condo/Co-op & Townhouse Inspection
The purchase of a home, whether a House, Co-op, Condo, or Town House will probably be the largest single investment you will ever make. In the purchase of a Condo or Town House, newly constructed or older construction, one of a buyer's major concerns is being confronted by costly problems after taking possession of the property. A 411 Co-op, Condo, or Town House Inspection is one of the best ways a buyer can effectively evaluate the property in which they have an interest. An inspection also points out the positive aspects of the property, as well as reviews some basic maintenance measures needed to keep the property in good shape. A 411 Property Inspection ensures that your decision is based on a thorough knowledge of the property so your decision can be made with confidence and peace of mind.We do it right so you can sleep tight!
Can't I Do It Myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a Professional Home Inspector. A licensed inspector is familiar with all elements of co-op, condo, and town house construction, all of the systems, and all aspects of proper maintenance. He understands how systems and components are intended to function, as well as how and why they fail. Even the most experienced contractors, plumbers, and electricians don't know all of the aspects of co-ops, condos, and town houses. Only a trained and Licensed Inspector can properly evaluate the prospective property and all of its systems.Another important fact is that most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about a property they really want, and this can affect their judgment. For the most accurate information you can get, it is best to get an impartial inspection done by a Licensed New Jersey Home Inspector.
What Does a Home Inspection Cover?
A Full Co-op Inspection and Condo Inspection includes the following items:
INTERIOR: Walls, Ceilings, Floors, Stairs, Doors, Windows, and Fireplaces.
KITCHENS: Countertops, Cabinets, Sinks, Faucets, Drain Pipes, Outlets, Dishwashers, Garbage Disposals, Exhaust Fans, and Floors.
BATHROOMS: Showers, Tubs, Cabinets, Countertops, Sinks, Toilets, Windows, Fans, and Floors.
HEATING AND COOLING: Furnaces, Boilers, Heater Combustion Pattern, Vent Pipes, Radiators, Baseboards, Air Conditioning, Ducts, Registers, and Heat Pumps. (Unless Heating and Cooling services are rendered by the building)
PLUMBING: Main Valve, Supply Pipes, Plumbing Stacks, Waste Pipes, Traps, Fixtures, Gas Meter, and Gas Pipes.
WATER HEATERS: Pressure-Relief Valves, Combustion Pattern, and Vent Pipes. (Unless hot water is supplied by the building)
ELECTRICAL: Main Panel, Subpanels, Wiring, Outlets, Switches, and Light Fixtures.
LAUNDRY: Plumbing, Dryer Vents, Outlets, and Sinks. (Within the unit)
EXTERIOR: Windows & Decks belonging to the property being purchased.
ROOFING: Material, overall condition, and Skylights. (If access to roof is provided)
A Full Townhouse Inspection includes these additional items:
ELECTRICAL: Service.
FOUNDATION: Walls, Bolting, Ventilation, and Sump pumps.
GARAGES: Garage Doors, Openers, Door Springs, Entry Doors, Floors, and Framing.
ATTIC: Framing, Ventilation, and Insulation.
* A Property Inspection is limited to the visible and accessible areas (described in the NJ Standards of Practice) of the property. The inspection can only find problems that exist at the time of the inspection. These conditions can change as soon as we leave the property. Your final walk through is your last opportunity to review the property and look for problems.
What Does NJ Require a Home Inspector Report On?
For more information on this topic please refer to the "NJ's Standards of Practice"How Long Will The Inspection Take?
The average co-op and condo inspection takes one to two hours depending on the size, age, and condition of the property. Town house inspections take two to three hours. If ancillary inspections are being preformed the inspection may take longer.Do I Need To Attend the Inspection?
No, but attending it is highly recommended. By attending you will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions about the condition of the property. As part of the inspection we will go over the property's systems and some basics on how to maintain them. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the property with the inspector.Can a Property Fail Inspection?
No, a professional property inspection is an examination of the current condition of the prospective property. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. Therefore, an inspector, will not pass or fail a property, but rather describe its physical condition at the time of inspection and indicate what may need repair or replacement.What If the Inspection Report Reveals Problems?
The fact is that all properties, co-ops, condos, and town houses have problems! To date I have yet to inspect a property that has not had multiple problems. If problems are found while inspecting a property, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the property, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may adjust the purchase price, repair the problems, or change the contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important. Just remember that all properties have problems and all properties will need minor and/or major repairs at some point.How Do I Get Ready For An Inspection?
The number one problem all Home Inspectors have is being able to access everything that needs to be inspected. The best way to avoid this is by having your Realtor contact the property owner and make sure they leave keys to every area to be inspected. All electrical panels, utility rooms, access hatches, crawl spaces, garages, and roofs must be unlocked, accessible, and not hidden behind furniture. Clutter and storage are also a problem with most units. The more clutter and storage a property has, the harder it will be for your Property Inspector to see everything needing inspection.Inaccessible areas, storage, and clutter will limit your inspector's ability to thoroughly evaluate the property and further evaluation may be necessary prior to closing.
My Promise
Choosing the right Inspector can be difficult. It is unlikely that we will meet until after you have engaged our services.Different inspectors have varying qualifications, equipment, experience, reporting methods, and yes, different pricing. Property inspection requires work, a lot of work. Ultimately, a thorough inspection depends heavily on the individual inspector's knowledge and effort.
If you honor me by hiring me to inspect your property, I guarantee that I will give you the best inspection money can buy.
To learn more, contact 411 Inspections Services today
at 201-530-1553.
