If you are considering a condo lifestyle, use this checklist to guide you:
Common Elements — Interior
- Lobby is clean and in good repair
- Exterior doors, locks and security system are functional
- Recreational amenities (if any) are in good working order and clean.
- Elevators are clean and functional
- Corridors are clean, well lit and odour-free
- Carpets or flooring are in good repair and paint is unmarked
- Stairwells are well lit; doors and door handles are functional
- Stairs have handrails and the stair edgings are marked for increased safety
- Common basement or locker facilities are well lit, clean and dry
- No signs of water leaks or mold
- Parking structure does not show any evidence of leaks or concrete deterioration and is well lit
- All areas meet your needs for ease of accessibility
- Security cameras and security entrance systems are functional
- Smoke detectors are on each floor
Common Elements — Exterior
- Garbage and recyclables are in receptacles or dumpsters
- Snow and ice are removed from walkways and parking areas if viewing in the wintertime
- Amenities are clean and in good repair, including recreational facilities (such as playground structures) and landscaping
- Exterior walls are not cracked, corroded or water-stained
- Balcony railings are rigid and rust-free and balcony slabs are not breaking up
- Roadways, sidewalks and parking areas are in good shape with no standing water
- Lighting in pathway and parking lot is good
- Walls have no water stains, corrosion, loose siding or white marks on brick
- Lawn and fences are in good condition
- Building windows and exterior balconies are in excellent condition
Unit
- Favourable initial reaction to odours upon entering the unit
- Exterior door to unit is in good repair, with unmarked paint and functioning latch and locks
- Drywall is not dented or broken
- Paint is unmarked
- Flooring (including tile, hardwood and carpeting) is clean and in good repair, with no stains, holes or burn marks
- Smoke and heat detectors within unit are oprational
- Interior doors are in good repair and open and close easily; latches or knobs are functional
- Windows open, shut and lock easily; glass is unscratched; no noticeable drafts or mold; seals are in place
- No visible water-stain marks or damaged drywall around windows, near floors or ceilings
- All light fixtures are operational
- Appliances (if included) are functional, clean and in good repair
- Plumbing does not drip
- Toilets flush and refill properly
- Bathtub and shower walls are clean and solid
- Bathtub has solidly installed grab bars for safe entry and exit
- Floor of bathtub is non-skid
- Electrical sockets function
- Kitchen cupboards are in good repair with functional doors and no signs of pests (insects or mouse droppings)
- Basement is dry and odour-free with no evidence of water damage (which would indicate previous flooding)
- Basement sump pump is functional (if applicable)
- Unit heating and air-conditioning systems are working, in good repair and not of an age to be replaced
- Exhaust fans in kitchen and bathroom are operational
Neighbourhood
- The neighbourhood is sustainable for unit resale
- The area is safe and walkable
- The area has features and services you or your family requires (for example, public transit, convenient shopping, parks, schools).
If the condo lifestyle appeals to you, contact your REALTOR®. You can also search for your new condo online at www.winnipegrealestatenews.com for all MLS® listings.
Want to visit condo open houses? Every Friday, pick up the weekly Real Estate News for the condo open house guide and plan your tour.