From downtown Nashville high-rises to townhome communities in Franklin and Mount Juliet — know the condition of the unit you're buying and the parts you'll be responsible for.
Condos and townhomes come with a twist: you own some of the building, and the homeowners association owns the rest. A condo or townhome inspection focuses on everything inside your unit and the components you'll be responsible for, along with a visual look at accessible common elements that affect your space.
Mark Schumacher evaluates the unit's electrical panel and wiring, plumbing fixtures and water heater, heating and cooling equipment, windows, doors, interior finishes and appliances. In townhomes he also inspects the roof, attic, exterior walls and crawl space where they're part of your ownership.
Because shared walls, stacked plumbing and common roofs can hide problems that spread between units, Mark watches closely for moisture stains, firewall gaps and signs of leaks from neighboring units.
Attached homes share structure and systems, so these areas get extra attention.
Party walls and firewall separations, including attic firewall integrity in townhomes.
Leaks from units above or beside you, around windows and at balconies.
Condensers on roofs or pads, air handlers in closets and condensate drainage.
Railings, attachment, flashing and decking condition.
Many buyers assume the association takes care of everything. In reality, the unit owner is often responsible for the water heater, HVAC system, interior plumbing, windows and more — and those can be expensive to replace.
Your inspection report shows the condition of the systems you'll own, which helps you budget and negotiate. It also gives you documentation to bring to the HOA if Mark finds problems with common elements that are affecting your unit.
Pair the report with a careful review of the HOA's governing documents and reserve study, and you'll understand both the unit and the community you're buying into.
Mark inspects the unit and any components included in your ownership, such as:
Yes. Even though the HOA maintains common areas, you're usually responsible for the systems inside your unit. A failing water heater or HVAC unit is just as costly in a condo as in a house.
For townhomes where the roof and exterior are part of your ownership, yes. For condos, Mark notes visible issues with common elements that affect your unit, but the full building is typically the association's responsibility.
Often, yes. Townhome owners frequently own the roof, exterior walls and crawl space, so those inspections cover more of the structure. Mark will confirm the scope when you book.
Usually less time than a single-family home, since there's less square footage and fewer exterior components. Mark still takes whatever time the unit needs.
Simple scheduling and clear answers about the unit you're buying.
Call 561-301-7571 and let Mark know whether it's a condo or townhome and any access requirements.
Mark evaluates every owner-responsible system and notes common-element concerns that affect you.
A clear report helps you separate your responsibilities from the association's.
Need help explaining a finding to your agent or the HOA? Mark is a phone call away.
Licensed & Insured • InterNACHI Certified • 40+ Years in Construction • Serving Nashville & Middle Tennessee