Key points
- Document deficiencies before and at possession.
- Understand the builder warranty and reporting process.
- Review the corporation’s initial budget and disclosure.
Inspect the finished unit
Schedule the inspection at a point when the unit is substantially complete, utilities are active and access is permitted. Check finishes, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, electrical devices, ventilation, heating or cooling controls and drainage. Photograph deficiencies and record precise locations.
A pre-possession walkthrough and an independent inspection serve different purposes. The walkthrough creates the builder’s deficiency record; the inspector may add a more systematic look at accessible systems. Confirm whether the builder allows a third-party inspector and how findings must be submitted.
Ask what the early condo budget assumes
The first operating budget may rely on estimates, and the corporation may not yet have a mature reserve history. Review the developer disclosure, proposed fees, completion dates, shared amenities, parking rights and warranty information. In Alberta, a new corporation has a legislated timeframe for its initial reserve fund study and plan.
Clarify whether occupancy and condominium registration occur at different times, and what payments apply during any interim period. Your lawyer can explain the contract and statutory documents for your purchase.
Keep a defensible record
Submit deficiencies through the required builder or warranty channel before deadlines. Preserve your inspection report, dated photos, communications and repair confirmations. Recheck completed work, especially water and ventilation issues.
Do not assume a builder’s promise or verbal conversation is enough. Written documentation makes future repair and resale discussions much easier.
Discuss the actual unit, not just the checklist.
A written inspection scope and property-specific report are the next step when you are making a Calgary condo decision. Meet Chris Tritter, our RealPartners-recommended inspection partner, and ask what he can assess for your unit.
Common questions
Does a warranty replace an inspection?
No. Warranty rights have scopes, procedures and deadlines. An inspection helps document observable conditions and questions to raise within that process.
Sources and further reading
Primary references for legal and financial background. Inspection scope and provider services should always be confirmed for the specific property.