# Condo inspection

> A condo inspection covers the unit you are buying and its systems, such as plumbing, electrical, heating, windows and appliances, plus any shared areas we can access. The rest of the building is covered by the condo documents, and we point out what to look for in them.

Your unit, its systems and the common areas we can access.

## Who it's for

Anyone buying an apartment-style condo or a townhouse in a condominium corporation.

## At a glance

- Time on site: About 1.5 to 2.5 hours for most apartment-style units
- Report: Usually within 24 hours, by email
- Price: From $349, plus GST, apartments up to 1,200 sq ft

## What's included

- Inside the unit: Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, closets and built-in appliances.
- Windows and patio doors: Operation, seals, signs of condensation or leaks.
- Plumbing: Fixtures, visible supply and drain lines, shut-offs and the water heater if in-suite.
- Electrical: The unit panel, outlets, GFCI protection and visible wiring.
- Heating and cooling: In-suite furnace, fan coil or baseboards, and air conditioning when the weather allows.
- Ventilation: Bathroom and kitchen exhaust, and dryer venting.
- Balcony or patio: Surface, railings, drainage and the wall and door around it.
- Shared areas we can access: A visual look at hallways, parkade, storage and other common areas we are allowed into.

## Not included

- The whole building: The roof, building envelope and shared systems are the condo corporation’s; the reserve fund study covers them.
- Reviewing condo documents: We point out what to look for; your lawyer or a document review service reviews them.
- Opening walls or moving furniture: The inspection is visual and non-invasive.
- Mould, radon or asbestos testing: Specialists can test for these if the report suggests it.

## How it works

1. **Send your details**: Tell us about the property, your timing and any condition deadline.
2. **We confirm**: We reply to confirm the date, the price and what the inspection covers.
3. **Inspection day**: We go through the home system by system. Join us for the walkthrough.
4. **Your report**: A clear report with photos and next steps, and answers to your questions.

> **The inspection and the documents work together**
>
> The inspection tells you about the unit. The condo documents tell you about the building: what needs work, how much is in the reserve fund and whether a special assessment is likely. Read both before your conditions come off. Our guide to [condo inspections in Edmonton](https://edmontonhomeinspector.com/blog/condo-inspection-edmonton) explains what to ask for.

## Condo inspection: common questions

### Do you inspect condos?

Yes. A condo inspection covers your unit and its systems, plus the shared areas we are given access to. The condo documents cover the rest of the building, so we point out what to look for in them.

### What condo documents should I review before buying?

Ask for the reserve fund study and plan, recent financial statements, board meeting minutes, the bylaws and an estoppel certificate. They show what the building needs, how it is funded and whether special assessments are coming.

### How long does a home inspection take?

Plan for about two to four hours for a typical detached house, and less for most condos. Larger or older homes, and homes with a suite, take longer. Leave time at the end for the walkthrough and your questions.

### What does a home inspection not cover?

An inspection is visual. It does not open walls, test for mould, radon or asbestos, scope sewer lines, or check that the home meets building code. If we see signs that one of these is worth doing, the report says so.