Are you considering buying a Condo – Apartment or Townhouse? A Condo/Apartment/Townhouse Inspection Can Help Inform You On The True Conditions Of The Building, Make The Right Decision And Minimize Costly Strata Repairs.

At Pacific West Home Inspections, you will receive the following professional service and more:

• A Licensed Building Consultant Certified By ASTTBC With 25 Years Experience.
• Will Spend Several Hours On Site Documenting Present Conditions.
• Examine All Aspects Of Construction, Structural, Mechanical, Safety & More.
• Document All Visible Issues And Provide A Narrative Report With Photos.
• Fully Explain The Details Of The Report And Answer All Your Questions.

As your personal consultant, my priority is to provide you with unsurpassed professional services. I take care of your best interest and dedicate myself to serving and representing only you with integrity, professionalism, honesty and with high ethical standards. A close examination made by a expert can save you a lot of trouble and give you the much needed peace of mind with the reassurance your making the right choice.

At Pacific West Building Inspections, we have performed thousands of condo, apartment, and townhouse
inspections and for good reason.

Many do not see the value in having a condo, apartment or townhouse inspection performed. Condos,
apartments and townhouses are so different from low-rise homes, and this can lead buyers and real estate agents to conclude that they don’t require an inspection. There’s no roof to get on, no basement, no visible structure, and often no separate heating and cooling system, so what’s the point of an inspection?

While a condo does differ from a low-rise residential home, it still possesses the potential for issues, which a buyer should be made aware of. Electrical, plumbing and heating problems that crop up within the unit can surprise many new condo owners. I will be looking for evidence of what is happening in the unit above yours such as is there any leakage or moisture seeping into your unit? There may or may not be a complex heating system in your suite, but there are many other systems within your unit that will benefit from being assessed by a professional, like the electrical and plumbing systems. I will also check the appliances, both for functionality and safety. Are they working properly? Have they been recalled for safety issues?

At the end of your inspection, you will receive a detailed report of the issues that have been uncovered, with cost estimates and timelines for maintenance.

Along with a full detailed inspection of the unit we find it very important to also complete a general review of the strata common areas as the cost of repairs in these areas is shared by all owners within the strata, which can be considerable. A general review can give an indication of how well components are being maintained and whether they appear to be approaching a time for replacement or renewal. Cracks and flaking concrete in garage ceilings and pillars and any envelope work can potentially mean significant special levies, depending on how well the strata is operated. The introduction of depreciation reports has greatly helped in this area as it can provide buyers and inspectors with important information detailing the history of building components and condition especially when done by an Registered Reserve Fund Analyst such as myself. It is always recommended that the client read any and all strata documents and reports prior to any purchase. At Pacific West Home Inspections, I am happy to review the building aspect of any depreciation report as part of our service and of course a detailed comprehensive report with photos is always given after all inspections.

The following lists some of the common area items generally inspected with condos, apartments and
townhouses:

Interior Common Areas:

• Interior common areas including kitchen, bathroom, appliances, bedrooms, mechanicals, etc.
• Public common areas such as wall, ceiling, flooring finishing, stairs, doors, windows, lift systems such as elevators (strata documents should be reviewed for elevator upgrades recently deemed necessary, as these can be costly).
• All public facilities
• All mechanical rooms pertaining to heating, electrical, plumbing, etc.
• Under-ground parking for concrete cracks, flaking, water penetration, traffic membrane, etc.

Exterior Common Areas:

• Roof covering and components if accessible (obtaining prior approval from strata or caretaker usually required)
• Exterior wall sampling (envelope) for cladding type, wall penetration detailing and potential for water penetration
• Decks, balconies, sidewalks, retaining walls, stairs, parking lots, street lighting, roadways, etc.