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Condo Inspection Checklist
What to test yourself in a condo before you buy, and what to leave to the inspector.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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Buying a condo? This list is for you and whoever walks the unit with you. The HOA usually handles exterior maintenance, but who owns what varies by association, so check the governing documents rather than assuming. Redfin puts a professional condo inspection at $200 to $500; this list helps you do a first pass yourself and know what to point out. Test things yourself, then hand the rest to the inspector. It focuses on the unit's interior, with a few questions for the HOA and a look at balcony railings and shared walls.
Why these items are on the list
- Test every faucet's water pressure. Low pressure points to plumbing trouble, so run each one.
- Run all drains. Slow drains or backups show up once the water's running.
- Check under sinks for leaks. Look for stains or water damage beneath sinks and behind appliances.
- Look for ceiling water stains. Even small spots can signal a leak, past or present, so point them out.
- Look for cracks in walls. Check walls, ceilings and floors; cracks can point to structural issues.
- Check for mold and mildew. Bathrooms and the areas around windows are the usual spots.
- Test every outlet. Plug a phone charger into each one and flag any that are dead.
- Flip light switches and fixtures. Flickering lights are a warning sign worth mentioning to the inspector.
- Look at the electrical panel. Breakers should be labeled and working; old equipment is worth noting.
- Run heating and cooling. Check airflow from every vent and listen for strange noises.
- Check HVAC filter and age. A system over 15 years old needs replacement soon, per New Jersey Real Estate Network.
- Open and close all windows. Sticking can mean warping; check seals for drafts and condensation.
- Check doors and locks. They should close smoothly, lock properly and seal without gaps.
- Run every included appliance. Better to find a dud dishwasher now than after closing.
- Check bathroom and kitchen fans. Make sure they actually vent to the outside.
- Test smoke and CO detectors. Missing or damaged ones are on the inspector's list of safety concerns.
- Check caulking and grout. Look for gaps or wear around tubs, showers and the kitchen sink.
- Open every cabinet and drawer. Loose hinges and water damage inside are easy to miss.
- Check cell signal in each room. Some buildings block reception completely, so test it in each room.
- Listen along shared walls. Check for damage or noise coming through from the neighbours.
- Check balcony railing stability. Balconies and patios that belong to your unit are often part of the inspection.
- Ask what the HOA covers. Check the governing documents, since who owns what changes from one association to another.
- Ask about reserve funds. Weak reserves can lead to surprise special assessments on owners.
- Book a professional inspector. Redfin puts it at $200 to $500, depending partly on extras like mold, radon or sewer line testing.
- Bring a notepad and questions. Ask the inspector to explain what they're checking and why.
Tick it on your phone room by room, with a partner taking photos beside you. Whatever doesn't tick becomes a question for the inspector.
When to use it
Use it when you tour a condo you're serious about, and again before the professional inspection is booked.