Building insights in under 1 minute
Condominium Insurance companies are now requiring inspections.
This list comes from a popular brand that Jake works for.
We have been in the business for 20 years and this is a proactive change from the insurance industry to require these inspections of your condominium or HOA. While your manager, reserve consultant, or building envelope consultant has been suggesting this best practice for routine inspections, now your insurance companies are making it a requirement for coverage, or renewal.
Here are some points to consider:
- “Qualified Inspector” – Pick someone who understands inspections, building codes, repairs and maintenance, and studies building failures for a living. You can continue to use our report in conjunction with your reserve study to update your records.
- Visual inspection vs Invasive inspection (removal of siding). Most of the items on the list are visual in nature, except for determining “Structural integrity” or looking for “defects and damage”. This requires siding removal to see the structure, or framing, and in the process, we can see if there is hidden water damage and defects under the siding. A small inspection sampling of 3-5 locations should offer enough sampling size to be able to determine that. Hidden damage may also have some insurance coverage benefits in WA, so that can be a good thing.
- The requests for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems seem to be general in nature, or something a generalist can do, verses a mechanical or electrical engineer who would be needed to redesign something. A general visual inspection of that system can tell if it’s working correctly or not.
- Insulation and attic ventilation requires an attic inspection sampling size, and some vent calculations performed to see if the current system is working well. We find a lot of under-ventilated attics out there. Same with crawl spaces.
- These types of inspections are great to keep your building in top shape, but now it appears mandatory for proper insurance coverage.
Here’s the list from the insurance company - (Do you think your building is ready?)
- A comprehensive building inspection is an in-depth assessment of a property's condition, typically performed by a qualified inspector or team of inspectors. This type of inspection covers a wide range of building components and systems to identify potential issues, safety hazards, and areas needing repair or maintenance. Here are some key elements that are often included in a comprehensive building inspection:
- Structural Integrity: Examination of the foundation, walls, ceilings, floors, roof, and other structural components to check for signs of damage, settlement, or other structural issues.
- Exterior Elements: Inspection of the building's exterior, including siding, windows, doors, eaves, soffits, and fascia. This may also include the condition of exterior features like decks, balconies, and porches.
- Roofing: Assessment of the roof's condition, including shingles, flashing, gutters, downspouts, and any signs of leaks or water damage.
- Plumbing Systems: Evaluation of the plumbing system, including pipes, fixtures, water heaters, and drainage systems to check for leaks, corrosion, and proper function.
- Electrical Systems: Inspection of the electrical system, including wiring, outlets, switches, panels, and circuit breakers to ensure safety and compliance with codes.
- HVAC Systems: Examination of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure they are functioning properly and efficiently.
- Interior Elements: Inspection of interior spaces, including walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows. This may also include checking for signs of water damage, mold, or other issues.
- Insulation and Ventilation: Assessment of insulation in attics, walls, and crawl spaces, as well as ventilation systems to ensure proper airflow and energy efficiency.
- Basement and Crawl Spaces: Examination of basements and crawl spaces for signs of moisture, pests, structural issues, and improper ventilation.
- Safety Features: Checking of safety features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment.
- Pest Inspection: Identification of any signs of pest infestations, such as termites, rodents, or other pests.
- Code Compliance: Ensuring that the building complies with local building codes and regulations.
- A comprehensive building inspection typically results in a detailed report that outlines the findings, including any defects, potential issues, and recommendations for repairs or further evaluation.