Condo & Townhome Inspections
Clear Answers About the Home You Are Buying
A condo or townhome may have fewer exterior responsibilities than a detached house, but the systems and components inside the unit still deserve a careful, independent inspection. TMK documents visible conditions, explains priorities, and makes the scope clear before the appointment.
What We Inspect Inside the Unit
Electrical & Safety
Accessible panels and wiring, receptacles, switches, lighting, GFCI/AFCI protection where applicable, smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, and visible safety concerns.
Plumbing & Water Heating
Visible supply and drain components, fixtures, functional flow and drainage, leaks, water-heating equipment serving the unit, and readily accessible shutoffs.
Heating, Cooling & Ventilation
Accessible HVAC equipment and controls serving the unit, distribution, exhaust ventilation, and visible operating concerns within the inspection scope.
Interior & Installed Components
Walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, stairs, railings, built-in appliances, moisture indicators, and other visible and accessible components within the unit.
Unit Scope vs. Common Areas
A standard condo inspection is generally focused on the unit and the visible, accessible systems and components that serve it. Shared roofs, exterior walls, foundations, hallways, elevators, utility rooms, neighboring units, and other association-controlled areas are usually outside the standard unit scope unless access and a different scope are arranged in advance.
Townhome responsibilities vary by association. Before the inspection, review the agreement of sale and association documents to determine who is responsible for the roof, exterior, structure, attic, basement, garage, and shared systems. Tell us what the owner controls so we can confirm the appropriate scope.
Why a Smaller Unit Still Deserves an Inspection
Square footage alone does not determine risk. A compact unit can still contain unsafe electrical work, plumbing leaks, aging HVAC equipment, improper ventilation, water damage from another unit, appliance concerns, or repairs that were completed without proper workmanship. An inspection provides a documented snapshot of visible and accessible conditions at the time of service.
What to Review Beyond the Inspection
The physical inspection and the association’s records answer different questions. Buyers should also consider reviewing the resale certificate or disclosure package, bylaws, recent meeting minutes, reserve study, master insurance policy, pending assessments, maintenance history, and responsibility matrix with their agent and other appropriate professionals.
What You Receive
Photo-Rich Digital Report
Findings are organized with photographs and plain-language explanations so buyers and agents can quickly understand the visible conditions and recommended follow-up.
Direct Explanations
We explain material observations, answer questions, and identify when further evaluation by a qualified specialist is appropriate.
Scope Confirmed Up Front
We confirm the property type, accessible areas, selected services, preferred inspector, and requested time frame before the appointment is finalized.
Same-Day Delivery
Reports are normally delivered the same day, giving you useful information while your inspection contingency is active.
Before You Schedule
- Provide the full property address and unit number.
- Tell us whether the property is a condo, stacked unit, or townhome.
- Confirm which exterior, attic, basement, garage, and mechanical areas belong to the unit.
- Arrange authorized access to any unit-controlled spaces you want inspected.
- Let us know whether you need radon, WDI/termite, sewer, mold/air-quality, or other testing.
- Request your preferred day, time frame, and inspector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you inspect the roof and common areas of a condominium?
Not as part of a standard unit-only inspection. Association-controlled roofs, exteriors, foundations, and shared spaces are generally outside the unit scope unless a different inspection scope and authorized access are arranged before the appointment.
How long does a condo inspection take?
Timing depends on the unit’s size, age, condition, systems, accessibility, and selected services. Smaller units may require less time than detached homes, but we do not use square footage alone to determine how carefully a property should be evaluated.
Can you inspect a townhome’s roof, exterior, attic, or basement?
Often, yes—when those areas belong to the unit, are safely accessible, and are included in the agreed scope. Association responsibilities differ, so we confirm these details before scheduling.
Can I attend the inspection?
Yes. We encourage clients to attend when possible, ask questions, and see important systems and conditions firsthand.
Can ancillary testing be added?
Yes, depending on the property, building rules, location, and access. Options may include radon testing, WDI/termite inspection, sewer scope, and mold or air-quality testing.
Serving Philadelphia and the Surrounding Region
TMK provides condo and townhome inspections in Philadelphia and communities across Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, and Lancaster Counties, plus northern Delaware. New Jersey inspections are performed by Chris Burns, who serves Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Explore local coverage: Philadelphia · Chester County · Delaware County · Montgomery County · Bucks County · New Castle County · South Jersey.
Questions Before You Schedule?
Call or text Cainen: (610) 620-5857 · Tom: (484) 678-4464 · Chris: (215) 932-4487