WHAT OTHERS SAY
"We feel confident that we will be able to plan for and implement repairs, improvements and scheduled infrastructure changes over time rather than re-act as "things" happen."
Marty, Condo President
What to Expect From Your Prairie Home Inspection Services:
The amount of time needed on-site to inspect a condominum building depends on the extent of the common elements. Feel free to contact us to find out how much we expect we'll need to evaluate and document your building. Our report preparation requires additional office time following the on-site inspection. Common Elements are the building components used by and maintained by all of the owners in your small to medium sized condominium building. The inspection of building common elements will include, but is not limited to, the following items, systems and components [assuming they are present and accessible]:Lot, Landscape and Hardscape:
- Fences, Garden Walls
- Paved walks, Drives, Parking Lots and Patios
- Retaining Walls
- Decks, Terraces
- Trees, Scrubs
- Surface drainage
Building Exterior:
- Exterior wall surfaces [Masonry, Tuckpointing, Siding, Stucco, Trim, etc.]
- Windows, Vents [if common*]
- Entries, Porches, Balconies [if common*]
- Soffits, Fascia
- Garages, Garage Doors
Roof:
- Roof Surfaces, Roof Penetrations
- Chimneys, Dormers, Vents
- Flashings, Gutters, Roof Drains
- Hatches, Roof Top Mechanicals
Structure, Insulation, Venting, Moisture;
- Foundation, Beams, Columns
- Seepage, Basement Flooding
- Floor, Wall, Ceiling and Roof Framing
- Basement and Crawl space environments
- Insulation and Ventilation
- Appliance Vents and Chimneys
- Common Area Ventilation
Elevator:
- Mechanicals
- Controls
- Elevator Cab Interior
Mechanical systems and Utilities:
- Boilers
- Forced Air HVAC [if common*]
- Heating, Cooling, Ventilation [common area distribution]
- Water Heaters [if common*]
- Water Distribution [common Piping and Fixtures]
- Electrical Service Entry, Service Panels, Common Area Wiring, Outlets, Lighting and Controls
- Emergency Lighting and Signage
- Wastewater Piping [common piping]
- Ground Water and Surface Water Management and Pumps
- Natural Gas Distribution [common areas]
- Laundry Connections and Equipment [if common*]
Common Area Living Space [lobbies, halls, stairwells]:
- Wall, Floor and Ceiling Surfaces
- Interior Doors, Hardware
- Stairs, Stairwells
- Furnishings
- Mailboxes, Intercoms
Garages:
- Interior Surfaces
- Garage Door Operators
- Garage Heating and Ventilation
* If maintained as a common element
Optional Services
Prairie Home Inspection Services, Inc. can also provide consultation, information and testing services for many of the environmental concerns that arise during a home purchase or with an existing home. These tests and evaluations are not needed in every home. We endeavor to assist our clients in making informed decisions about these addition services and whether they are appropriate for their unique circumstance.
Mold
We have the knowledge, equipment and testing services to identify mold and the conditions that can encourage mold growth. Mold testing is not needed in every home and should be done only on an as needed basis. We also recommend consulting Environmental Protection Agency: Mold for more information.
Asbestos
Asbestos was often used in building materials and insulation into the 1970’s. many of these materials remain in older homes. We have the knowledge, information and access to testing services for asbestos. We recommend consulting Environmental Protection Agency: Asbestos for additional information.
Lead
Lead was a common additive in paint [mostly exterior paint] prior to 1978, so older homes are likely to have at least some lead paint. We can provide the information, technical expertise and historical perspective to help you decide if a lead inspection is right for you. We recommend consulting Environmental Protection Agency: Lead.