How Much Does a Condo Home Inspection Cost?
Professional inspection is one of the key steps in the process of buying a condominium. Home inspection is used to detect a problem that may be present in the unit by the buyer prior to the consummation of the deal. But what actually is the condo inspection cost? Typically, prices vary between $200-500, depending on the location, size, age, and depth of inspection. This article will go into the nitty-gritty of all you need to know about the cost of condo home inspection and what it entails.
What Is Meant by a Condo Home Inspection?
A condo home inspection is the professional inspection of interior elements and systems of a condominium unit and is conducted during the buying or selling of a condominium unit. Contrary to the agreement of a traditional home inspection (which covers both inside and outside features of a single-family house), a condo inspection covers primarily the features, which are under the jurisdiction of the owner, including electrical systems, plumbing features, HVAC units (when they are individually controlled), appliances, windows, doors, ceiling, walls, and flooring.
A shared area of a roof, exterior walls, hallways, and foundation is not usually subject to the scope of an inspection, as it is under the domain of the Homeowners’ Association (HOA).
What is the Average Condo Inspection Cost?
Home inspection in a condo unit ordinarily costs between 200 and 500 dollars, and this varies with the size of the unit, geographic location of the unit, the age of the building, as well as other services demanded. Smaller condos, such as studio or one-bedroom units usually tend to be on the lower end of the scale with approximately 200 to 300 dollars. Whereas bigger or luxury condos would be closer to 400 dollars or above.
Condos are usually less expensive to inspect than single-family homes since the inspectors only need to examine the interior elements of the unit, including plumbing systems, electrical systems, HVAC, and appliances.
Outside features, such as roofs and siding, are generally not part of the standard condo inspection. Additional service options such as testing mold, detecting radon or searching for pests may add up to $50-250 dollars to the overall price.
What Is Included in a Condo Inspection Checklist?
A condo home inspection checklist is a methodical outline applied by professional home inspectors to assess the general state of the condominium unit. The purpose of such a checklist is to make sure that all the critical components within the unit are closely inspected and that the current or possible problems that may alter the value, safety, or habitation of the condo are established.
The main checklist points that are included in a condo or mobile home inspection cost are as follows:
Surfaces and Interior Structures
- Walls, floors, ceiling (cracks, stains, water damage)
- Doors and door frames (alignment, security, hinges)
- Windows (locks, seals, drafts, ease of use)
Electrical Systems
- Circuit breaker panel, labeling.
- Outlet functionality and grounding.
- Light lamps, ceiling fans, and switches.
- KFCI in kitchens and bathrooms.
Plumbing Systems
- Faucets/ showerheads (leaks, pressure)
- Sinks, tubs, and toilets (drainage, functionality)
- Exposed pipes in the sinks and access panels.
- Water heater (where owned separately)
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
- Thermostat operation
- Heat and cooling efficiency.
- Status of duct and air filters.
- Signs of mold or musty smells
Kitchen and Appliances
- Ref, stove, oven, microwave (included)
- Dishwasher, garbage disposal.
- Countertops and cabinets(alignment, water damage)
- Exhaust fan and lighting
Bathrooms
- Operation of sinks, toilets, and tub/showers.
- Grout condition and caulking.
- Ventilation and exhausting fan capabilities.
Safety Features
- Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors.
- Fire sprinklers (where there are any)
- Security system (in place or not)
- Balcony/ deck railings (where included in the unit)
A detailed checklist of a condo home inspection gives a clear image of the state of the unit, thus enabling buyers to make informed choices. It also makes it possible to make sure that any repair required can be done before the purchase is finalized.
Average Home Inspection Cost by House Size
Home inspection prices usually go up as the size and complexity of the house increase. Large homes are more time consuming to inspect and have more systems to analyze, and they may have other structures such as basements or garages. Similarly, the new construction home inspection cost is less than that of older constructions.
A minor condo or townhouse is not expensive to have checked, whereas a bigger single-family home or a multi-story house can be really expensive. A table presenting the average cost of a home inspection according to the property size is given below:
| Home Size (Square Feet) | Estimated Inspection Cost |
| Under 1,000 sq. ft. | $200 – $300 |
| 1,000 – 1,500 sq. ft. | $300 – $350 |
| 1,500 – 2,000 sq. ft. | $350 – $400 |
| 2,000 – 2,500 sq. ft. | $400 – $450 |
| 2,500 – 3,000 sq. ft. | $450 – $500 |
| 3,000 – 4,000 sq. ft. | $500 – $600 |
| Over 4,000 sq. ft. | $600 – $800+ |
Pricing can also be influenced by other cost factors, including:
- Homestead age: An older house would need more thorough assessment, particularly in the areas of outdated plumbing, electrical installations, or foundations.
- Location: In cities or high-cost-of-living places, the rate of the inspection is usually higher.
- Special inspections: Additions such as sewer scope inspection, termite inspection or infrared scanning would cost an addition of between 75 and 300 dollars to the final cost.
To the majority of buyers, home inspection is a very crucial investment that assists them in identifying the problems that may be occurring in the home before closing the deal, saving money that could have been used in repairing the damage.
Conclusion
A buyer should understand the cost and scope of a condo home inspection. Although usually less expensive and thorough than a normal home inspection, a condo inspection nevertheless provides essential information regarding the state of the interior systems of a unit. The average condo inspection cost is between $200 and $500, and it depends on the size of the units and their location, as well as other services such as mold or radon tests.
Sabreez Home Inspection specializes in all kinds of professional home inspections, covering everything from condos and multifamily residences to termite and mold inspections. Contact us now for a free consultation or to schedule your inspection.
FAQs
Do lenders or mortgage companies require a condo home inspection?
Although a condo home inspection is not mandatory in order to buy a unit, most lenders strongly suggest or indirectly insist on one in order to secure their investment.
Is it possible to negotiate the condo price with the help of the inspection report?
Yes, an inspection report might be a strong negotiation device. A powerful report gives customers the bargaining power to defend their financial interests and save them the expenses of making expensive after-sales repairs.
Is it still necessary to have a condo inspection even when the building is new?
Absolutely. New construction condos may have defects under the carpet, such as bad workmanship, lack of insulation or systems that are installed in an unprofessional way.