Think of a condominium inspection as a deep dive into everything inside the "envelope" of the home you will actually own and live in. Following the Standards of Practice from InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors), the focus is on a thorough, non-invasive evaluation of the interior living space and its dedicated mechanical systems. During the walk-through, an inspector operates the dedicated heating and cooling equipment, tests the electrical distribution panel along with representative outlets and switches, checks plumbing fixtures for active leaks and functional drainage, and examines the operation of permanently installed kitchen appliances. Every interior surface—walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors—is systematically evaluated for signs of past or present moisture intrusion, improper installation, or structural settlement within the unit.

The main distinction with a condo inspection comes down to where your individual ownership ends and shared ownership begins. Big-ticket structural and exterior components—such as the roof coverings, building foundations, siding, multi-story exterior envelopes, elevators, and central utility plants—are legally classified as common elements (or limited common elements). Under standard industry practices and association covenants (CC&Rs), the inspection and upkeep of those shared systems fall squarely under the responsibility of the Homeowners Association (HOA) rather than the individual unit owner. By focusing squarely on what you own from the drywall inward, the inspection gives you clear, actionable insight into the safety, comfort, and immediate maintenance needs of your future home.

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While condos and townhomes can sometimes look similar from the curb, the fundamental difference comes down to property ownership—and that directly expands the scope of the inspection. With a condominium, you legally own the interior airspace ("studs-in"), whereas a townhome typically involves "fee-simple" ownership, meaning you own both the physical structure itself and the parcel of ground it sits upon, sharing only vertical dividing walls with neighbors. Because your ownership interest extends beyond the drywall, a townhome inspection expands to include components that an HOA would otherwise manage in a condo setting. Where safely accessible and dedicated to the individual unit, we inspect the exterior cladding, siding, trim, windows, and doors, as well as the roof coverings, gutters, and downspouts directly overhead. We also evaluate the private foundation or slab perimeter, exterior grading and drainage adjacent to the unit, dedicated outdoor living spaces like private patios, balconies, and decks, and private attics or attached garages—giving you a complete picture of the full vertical structure you are purchasing.