Key points
- Ask for the agreement and exclusions before paying.
- Describe the property and known concerns.
- Ask the inspector to separate observations from diagnoses.
Before booking: experience and fit
Ask whether the inspector regularly works with the specific condo format you are buying. A high-rise apartment, stacked townhouse, bare-land townhouse and new build can present different boundaries and systems. Ask how they handle a fan coil, dedicated hot water tank, heat pump, balcony or in-suite sprinkler components where present.
Ask for the inspector’s name, licensing or relevant credentials where applicable, insurance, sample report and typical turnaround. Credentials matter, but so does a clearly written agreement and an ability to explain limitations without overselling certainty.
- Have you inspected this type of condominium?
- Who performs the inspection and writes the report?
- May I see a sample report?
- When will I receive the written report?
Before booking: exact scope and access
Ask which spaces and systems the quoted service covers. Parking stalls, lockers, balconies, fireplaces, appliances and accessible common areas may be optional, limited or excluded. Clarify who arranges access and whether the seller will have utilities and equipment on.
Ask how inaccessible spaces, winter conditions, a shut-down cooling system or occupied rooms will be reported. A limitation should be visible in the report so you can decide whether to seek a return visit or another form of evidence.
- Are parking, storage, balcony and built-in appliances included?
- Do you enter accessible common areas, and with what limits?
- What will you do if a mechanical room is locked?
- Are any services, tools or return visits priced separately?
At the unit: evidence and significance
At the end of the inspection, ask the inspector to show you material findings. For each, ask what was directly observed, how urgent it is, whether it appears isolated or recurring, and what evidence would clarify the cause. A visual inspector should not have to guess at a concealed failure to make the finding useful.
Ask whether the issue affects safety, active damage, ordinary maintenance or comfort. A fogged insulated glass unit, a leaking supply connection and a stain below a shared roof are different kinds of decisions.
- What is the exact observation and location?
- What could not be tested?
- Is there active damage or a safety concern?
- Which qualified trade or specialist should investigate next?
After the report: responsibility and next steps
An inspector can flag that a component may be common property, but the condo plan, bylaws and legal interpretation determine responsibility. Ask what records would help: repair invoices, maintenance logs, minutes, engineering reports or the reserve fund study. If a seller says an issue was repaired, ask for dated evidence and whether the repair addresses the cause.
Before your condition deadline, ask the inspector to clarify any wording you do not understand. Your agent, lawyer, document reviewer, lender or insurer may need to address separate implications.
- Does this need a specialist estimate or diagnosis?
- Could it involve common property?
- What proof of a durable repair should I request?
- Which open questions are important before conditions are removed?
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
Should the inspector tell me to buy or walk away?
The inspector should explain observed conditions and limitations. The purchase decision also depends on documents, price, financing, insurance and your risk tolerance.
Can I ask Chris Tritter these questions?
Yes. Chris is our featured RealPartners-recommended Calgary inspection partner. Confirm his current availability, scope and agreement directly for your property.
Sources and further reading
Primary references for legal and financial background. Inspection scope and provider services should always be confirmed for the specific property.