Townhouse Inspection

Townhouse Inspection

We conduct home inspections with the same meticulous care and attention to detail that we would apply if we were purchasing the properties for ourselves.

Whether you’re in the process of buying or selling a home, undergoing a home inspection is a crucial step. It enables you to uncover any possible issues with the property, empowering you to make well-informed decisions.

Why Comprehensive Inspections are Essential for Townhouses

Congratulations on discovering the townhouse of your dreams! At Inspectors on Call, we understand the excitement of finding your ideal home. However, before making a commitment, it’s crucial to ensure there are no hidden, potentially costly issues lurking within your prospective new residence. While closing on a house can be a significant investment, skimping on a thorough inspection can lead to regrettable expenses down the line. Despite common misconceptions perpetuated by some, including real estate agents, about townhouses not needing full inspections due to common area ownership by homeowners’ associations, nothing could be further from the truth.

At Inspectors on Call, we offer comprehensive inspections tailored to the unique needs of townhouse properties. While some may opt for “interior only” inspections at a discounted rate, excluding areas like attics, crawl spaces, exteriors, roofs, and parking garages, we recommend a “full inspection” for most situations. Our experienced inspectors ensure no stone is left unturned, providing you with a detailed assessment of your potential new home.

Key elements that demand close examination during our comprehensive inspections include:

  1. Roofs: Often overlooked yet potentially costly, roof issues such as damage from ice dams or aging shingles can lead to significant damages if left unaddressed.

  2. Exterior Maintenance: From retaining walls to siding and stucco-covered walls, thorough inspection is vital, particularly for older townhouses that may require invasive moisture testing.

  3. Decks: Exclusive enjoyment areas like decks and balconies often require owner-funded repairs and maintenance, making it crucial to identify any safety hazards such as improperly attached structures.

  4. HVAC and Electrical Systems: Access to utilities is essential for inspectors to evaluate these critical systems; coordination with the building superintendent may be necessary.

At Inspectors on Call, our commitment is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your townhouse’s condition. Our inspections mirror the scope and duration of a regular single-family home inspection, covering similar essential elements.

We pay particular attention to inadequately repaired issues and temporary solutions, indicative of inadequate maintenance by the townhouse association. Prospective buyers should also scrutinize the financial health of the association, as it bears responsibility for major repairs, necessitating sufficient reserves to cover potential damages.

Special assessments, levied by associations to address specific issues like roof repairs, can impose significant financial burdens on homeowners. Remember, despite the association’s responsibility for common area maintenance, individual owners foot the bill and must be prepared for unforeseen expenses. A comprehensive inspection from Inspectors on Call provides invaluable insights into the association’s management practices, ensuring informed decision-making for prospective townhouse buyers.