Look beyond the finishes in your condo.

A detailed look inside the unit

A condominium purchase involves both a home and membership in an association. An updated interior can still contain aging equipment or signs of moisture, while building-level questions may affect responsibilities and future expenses. These are related issues, but they require different kinds of review.

Investment Inspection’s condo inspection focuses on accessible unit components within the agreed scope. We consider their visible condition and operation using normal controls, where safe. Common areas and shared equipment require permission and may fall outside the unit inspection.

• Accessible electrical panels, visible wiring conditions, representative receptacles, and applicable safety devices.
• Accessible supply and drainage connections, plumbing fixtures, visible leaks, and water-heater condition.
• Accessible cooling and heating equipment, condensate drainage, visible ductwork, and normal controls.
• Accessible doors, windows, interior surfaces, and installed appliances included in the agreement.
• Visible moisture indicators and areas that may warrant further assessment.
• Accessible balcony surfaces and visible railing concerns, subject to permissions and scope.

Understand the unit and building boundary

Ownership and maintenance responsibility are established by the governing documents, not by where an item appears to sit. A drain line, window assembly, balcony, or air-conditioning component may have a different responsibility arrangement from the one you expect.

Ask the association for the declaration and relevant maintenance provisions. Where equipment is shared, confirm whether access is available and which party maintains it. A unit inspection does not establish the condition of every shared pipe, rooftop system, structural element, or concealed common component.

Visible rust staining, damaged concrete, recurring water entry, or balcony concerns deserve questions and, where indicated, review by an appropriate specialist. Observations made during a unit inspection do not certify the structural safety of the building.

Documents to request early

Ask your agent or attorney to help identify the documents relevant to the building and transaction. Availability, legal requirements, and deadlines depend on the property and current rules.

• The current budget, reserve information, and available financial statements.
• Relevant board meeting minutes and notices of approved or proposed special assessments.
• Applicable milestone inspection reports, follow-up engineering reports, and the status of recommended work.
• The structural integrity reserve study and funding information, where applicable.
• Association insurance information and clarification of your unit-owner coverage needs.
• The declaration, rules, renovation requirements, and maintenance responsibilities.
• Available permits, warranties, and invoices for significant work affecting the unit.

The physical inspection does not replace financial, legal, title, or insurance review. A document checklist helps you ask the right professionals the right questions.

A unit inspection is not a milestone inspection

Florida’s milestone-inspection law provides a structural inspection framework for applicable condominium and cooperative buildings, involving a Florida-licensed architect or engineer. Building age, applicable exceptions, local enforcement decisions, and other requirements affect the process.

We do not present a general condo inspection as a milestone inspection or a structural certification. Confirm a building’s specific obligations and deadlines with its association and local building department. Consult the current Florida milestone-inspection statute rather than relying on a generic age rule.

Planning the appointment

Before selecting a date, confirm the association’s entry procedures, permitted work hours, parking instructions, and any insurance-certificate or registration requirements. Arrange access to equipment serving the unit, including equipment located outside it when access is part of the agreed inspection.

Tell us whether the unit is occupied, vacant, or being renovated. Ask that electrical and water service remain available. If an association prevents access to a shared area, that limitation should be understood before the report is interpreted.

We serve condo buyers in Hallandale Beach, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and nearby communities. Call with the building address to discuss the unit, access, and inspection deadline.

Frequently asked questions