Condo Inspection: What You Need to Know

A two-part reality

Buying a condo means a residential inspection that differs from a single-family home, because the property splits into two distinct parts: the private portion, which belongs exclusively to you, and the common areas, managed collectively by the condo board.

That distinction has real consequences for what can be inspected, who's responsible for repairs, and which documents you need to review before buying.

It also means a condo purchase involves two parallel due-diligence tracks running at once: a physical inspection of what you can access, and a paper trail review of what you can't. Skipping either one leaves a real gap in your understanding of the property.

Private portions: what belongs to you

Inspecting the private portion covers your unit's interior: electrical and plumbing systems specific to the unit, finishes, doors, windows, and any signs of moisture or mold. The inspector also checks individual equipment like a wall-mounted heat pump or baseboard heating, where present.

Unlike a house, several structural or mechanical elements — roof, facade, elevator, central heating system — fall outside your private inspection, even though they directly affect your quality of life and your unit's value.

Common areas: what to check differently

Ask for access to key common components for a full picture: roof, indoor parking, central mechanical systems, building envelope. A visual walkthrough of common areas during the inspection helps spot signs of neglect or deferred maintenance that affect every owner in the building.

Beyond the physical inspection, two documents are essential before buying a condo: the contingency fund study, which shows whether the board is saving enough for upcoming major repairs, and the maintenance logbook, which tracks the building's repair history. Our article on the contingency fund study and Bill 16 explains why this document has become essential for many Quebec condo corporations.

It isn't always possible to inspect everything within the tight deadlines of a promise to purchase, especially in large towers with multiple management teams. Talk to the board or the manager early in the process to secure the access you need without delaying your transaction.

New versus older buildings: different concerns

A building's age significantly changes what deserves attention during the inspection and the document review.

Questions to ask the board

Before finalizing the purchase, request the minutes from recent board meetings, the current contingency fund contribution amounts, and the schedule of planned major work. An underfunded contingency fund can translate into a hefty special assessment shortly after you buy — a financial surprise best anticipated in advance.

Also ask whether there are any ongoing disputes between the board and a contractor, an insurer, or an owner. An undisclosed dispute can carry significant financial consequences for every owner, including you once the transaction closes.

In Laval, where the condo stock ranges from older conversions to newer developments, this document review step matters just as much as the physical inspection itself. Not sure if we cover your building's area? Check our full list of areas served.