Buying a condo: inspection of the unit must be supplemented by syndicate documents.
A unit may appear sound while the building prepares major work. Conversely, a large fund does not prove every component is in good condition.
Inspection and documents answer different questions. One observes accessible condition; the others describe management, events and planned work.
Technical documents
Maintenance log, contingency fund study, specialist reports, plans, warranties and work history. Check whether recommendations were completed or deferred.
Management documents
Minutes, budgets, financial statements, certificates, losses and litigation may disclose recurring issues or upcoming decisions. Legal or accounting review may be required.
What the unit may reveal
Water intrusion around windows, equipment noise or vibration, vertical plumbing, ventilation and interior changes may guide questions for the syndicate.
Common portions
Access and authorization must be confirmed. Observing selected common components does not automatically amount to a complete building inspection or contingency fund study.
Sources and references
The following sources frame and support this content. The service agreement and the standard applicable to the assignment remain controlling.