When you buy a condo, you’re looking for an investment. Something up to date that will be safe and homey. It seems safe to assume that a condo built recently won’t need repairs for quite a few years. Unfortunately, not all condominiums are built equally, and substandard workmanship can lead to issues quickly after you move in.
Here are the places in the building where owners run into some of the most common condo construction issues, according to Brick Underground:
Outside walls and windows
Poor construction often leads to leaks from outside moisture. Rain can get in faulty façades and improperly sealed windows, which can lead to damage and mold within your condo.
Flooring
Wood floors are trendy and beautiful. Often, though, poor quality materials and improper adjustment to the building climate means that the wood will expand and contract. This creates gaps in the flooring and moisture can cause warping and even mold.
Fire prevention
One of the most prevalent defects in condos is improper fire safety. This can include a lack of fire seals and separation between pipes, which can be a huge safety issue.
Ventilation
If ventilation throughout the building is not created properly, there can be more safety issues. Not only could this involve hazardous gases but can interfere with automatic operations elsewhere in the building.
Environmentally-friendly technology
Technology that makes your condo eco-friendly can be a huge draw for buyers, but if they are not properly constructed, they could end up costing you more money in the long run.
If you are shopping for a condominium, be careful about the quality of construction in the building. As a condo owner, you should be aware of potential issues and watch out for construction defects. You may be able to get compensation from the responsible party, like the construction company, to cover damages and repair expenses.