August 22, 2023

Condo Unit Inspection Checklist: 10 Things to Check Before Buying

By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV

So, you’re in the market for a new property. Since buying a condo unit is a major investment and a significant milestone in your life, it pays to be meticulous when choosing one. After all, you don’t want to settle for a unit that doesn’t suit your needs.

A condo inspection is an essential step in home buying you can’t afford to skip. It provides a comprehensive understanding of your prospective property’s conditions to determine if it’s the right pick for you. Most importantly, it protects your rights as a condo owner and saves you from future headaches that could make homeownership less fulfilling.

Ready to check out your future home? Use the condo inspection checklist below to help you examine every nook and cranny for potential issues.

Condo Inspection Process

Different condo developers have their own inspection processes. Still, the general approach is the same throughout the industry. Let’s take Federal Land’s condo inspection process as an example so you know what to expect.

A Customer Service Handover Officer will assist you with pre-acceptance inspection. You’ll receive a checklist form to jot down all the issues you notice while visually inspecting the unit. You can make notes about the floors, windows, and any damage you find.

At the same time, you’ll have an opportunity to assess the unit’s utilities, including its plumbing fixtures (faucets, shower heads), electrical components (doorbell, lighting, switches), and mechanical provisions (toilet, exhausts, range hoods).

The Officer will also take note of every concern you have, even if it’s something as simple as an uneven door panel, a missing bulb, or a light scratch in the bathtub. Then, both parties shall agree on a deadline, at most six months from the inspection date, for Federal Land to address the problems. Meanwhile, if you have no complaints about the property, you may accept it as-is.

Don’t fret if you miss anything during the inspection! Federal Land will conduct another set of assessments to ensure the unit’s readiness, so you can pride yourself in acquiring a new, well-built condo unit!

Why do you need to conduct a condo inspection?

Whether you’re getting a studio or a one-bedroom property, condo inspection enables you to uncover flaws or potential problems in the purchased unit that may not be apparent at first glance. It’s an opportunity to evaluate the property’s integrity, from electrical and plumbing systems to its structural components, to determine whether it’s worth your investment.

As a buyer, remember to inspect the condo in person to see if there are any parts you want to renovate to suit your needs. While doing it alone or for the first time may be daunting, with no clue where to start,  a professional inspector will be available to help you perform a comprehensive property assessment.

Condo Inspection Checklist

Wondering where to begin the inspection process? Start with the following areas and fixtures to determine whether the condo unit meets your expectations and requirements.

1. Flooring

There’s arguably nothing more bothersome than an uneven floor. A poorly built floor is a safety concern because it can be a tripping hazard. Loose or cracked tiles can also cut skin and injure someone, especially if you have a toddler frequently crawling on the floor.

Given these concerns, assessing the unit’s flooring condition, durability, and hazards is essential. Check for visible damage or signs of defect, like cracks, scratches, and warping, to determine if repairs or replacements are necessary.

2. Ceiling

Are there water stains, discoloration, or bulging areas on the unit’s ceiling? They may indicate plumbing or insulation issues, which can lead to bigger problems down the line. For example, water damage usually promotes mold growth, compromising indoor air quality and risking the health of your household.

A faulty ceiling may also result from structural issues. In particular, uneven ceiling panels often come from weakened beams or joists. Since these issues undermine the unit’s integrity, identifying them during an inspection enables you to bring them to the developer’s attention for prompt action.

3. Walls

Walls are the primary structural component of condo units, and any issues in their foundation or construction will likely reveal themselves in the inspection. Closely examine walls to identify visible damage, ranging from hairline cracks to more apparent splits that worsen over time.

When assessing wall quality, look for signs of uneven surfaces, visible seams, improperly installed drywalls, and other poor construction conditions. These problems can affect your unit’s aesthetic appeal and point toward underlying issues regarding safety.

4. Plumbing

Plumbing issues like broken flushes, backed-up drains, and leaky pipes can lead to significant damage and costly repairs. Fortunately, inspecting the unit’s plumbing system lets you identify leaks, corrosion, and other signs of poor installation to mitigate future issues.

A comprehensive plumbing inspection involves checking if the faucets, sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs function properly and if the water supply is adequate. For the latter, plumbing code compliance is another consideration. Here, the inspector may check if the system is up to code and functioning within industry standards.

5. Electrical components

Inspecting electrical systems is critical to  a thorough property assessment. Faulty wiring and outdated components pose significant hazards, including electrical shocks, short circuits, and fires. So, it’s best to determine if the unit adheres to electrical safety standards.

An inspector or electrician will examine outlets, switches, and the main electrical panel for damage or improper installation. Red flags, such as loose or exposed wiring and improperly grounded panels, require immediate attention to prevent untoward incidents.

6. Doors and windows

How are the unit’s entryways and windows? Inspecting these components enables you to assess their functionality and safety. Doors should open and close smoothly without resistance. Meanwhile, windows should be secure to prevent accidents, especially if the unit is high above ground.

Checking doors and windows also helps you determine insulation capabilities. Higher units often endure strong winds, requiring sound insulation to keep drafts, unwanted noise, and moisture at bay. Remember to examine these fixtures for damage, such as cracked glass and rusty hinges, so the developer can replace them immediately.

7. Cabinetry

Cabinets and drawers are vital to your kitchen’s and bathroom’s functionality. As such, it’s advisable to assess their condition and ensure they can address your storage needs without fail.

Since you’re buying a new condo, these components must be in tip-top shape. Inspect their quality, durability, and hardware to determine if they warrant repairs or replacements. Opening and closing them must be smooth, and their hinges, handles, and knobs must be secure and rust-free.

It’s also necessary to examine cabinetry for moisture damage, especially those near kitchen sinks and in the bathroom. Water penetration can break them down rapidly, leading to further issues like mold growth, rot, and pests.

8. Kitchen

Kitchens are often the busiest area of a home since it’s the hub for meal preparation, dishwashing, eating, and occasional socialization. Best to thoroughly assess your prospective condo kitchen‘s condition and functionality before settling down.

Start by checking built-in kitchen appliances that come with the unit, which typically include an oven and range hood. Check if they’re in proper working order with no signs of damage or malfunction. Otherwise, you may raise this concern so the developer can replace them immediately.

Next, evaluate countertops and cabinetry for cracks, stains, etc. Pay attention to the kitchen plumbing to identify leaks, drainage issues, and other problems requiring prompt repairs. Finally, inspect the efficiency of the kitchen’s ventilation, which is vital to avoiding odor and moisture buildup when cooking.

9. Smoke detectors

Functional smoke detectors are essential for early fire detection. They sense smoke in the air and emit a loud alarm to alert everyone in the unit about a potential blaze. Inspecting these detectors guarantees they’re in good working condition and are ready to keep your condo and its occupants safe.

The placement of smoke detectors is a crucial factor, too. For maximum coverage, smoke detectors should be near bedrooms, along hallways, and in the kitchen, where smoke primarily originates. Also, they shouldn’t be near obstructions, like curtains and furniture, that may impede their ability to detect smoke effectively.

10. Balcony

Are you getting a condo unit with a balcony? To make the most of this amenity, ensure the area is structurally sound, safe, and compliant with local building codes.

During an inspection, examine the balcony’s structural integrity. Look for cracks, decay, or corrosion in the concrete or supporting materials that may compromise safety and stability. Examine the railing, which must be sturdy and secure to prevent accidents and falls. Also, confirm that the balcony has proper drainage to prevent pooling during rains and seepage that may lead to water damage.

Worry-Free Condo Living

A thorough inspection of your future condo unit lets you determine the property’s overall condition before buying it. Ultimately, these assessments can save you from potential headaches in the long term and make condo living a more enjoyable and worry-free experience.

Rest assured that every property from Federal Land is in excellent condition. As a trusted real estate developer in the Philippines, they offer well-built and thoughtfully designed condominiums to give the best value for your money.

Contact them to find your dream property today!