As the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex continues to grow, many homebuyers are choosing townhomes and condominiums over traditional single-family homes. These options offer a convenient, low-maintenance lifestyle and often come with attractive amenities. However, when it comes to property inspections, townhomes and condos present unique considerations that every buyer, investor, and real-estate professional should understand.

1. Who’s Responsible for What

One of the most important distinctions between inspecting a condo and a townhome comes down to ownership boundaries.

• Condo owners typically own the interior of their unit only. The building’s exterior, roof, and common areas fall under the responsibility of the homeowners’ association (HOA).
• Townhome owners, on the other hand, often own both the interior and exterior of their unit (including the roof and sometimes small yard areas), though an HOA may still maintain shared walls, drives, and landscaping.

2. Structural and Shared-Wall Concerns

Townhomes often share one or more walls with neighboring units. During an inspection, we look for:

• Fire-rated wall integrity between units.
• Roof drainage or water intrusion along shared walls or parapets.

In condos, the focus shifts to interior systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.) since the structure itself is typically maintained by the HOA. However, inspectors still check for signs of leaks or structural movement that could originate from common areas above or adjacent to the unit.

3. HOA, Insurance, and Inspection Reports

Because HOAs handle portions of the building, it’s vital for buyers to review:

• The HOA bylaws and maintenance responsibilities.
• Any pending special assessments for roof, foundation, or exterior repairs.
• The master insurance policy, which outlines what’s covered under the association versus what the owner must insure individually.

Our inspection report can help clarify these gray areas by documenting what was observed and noting what should be verified with the HOA before closing.

4. Why a Specialized Inspector Matters

Not all inspectors are experienced with multi-unit properties. At SFR Inspections, we’ve inspected hundreds of condos and townhomes across Dallas, Frisco, Plano, Richardson, and beyond. We understand the nuances of shared systems, and the limitations of accessible areas — and we make sure our clients understand them too.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor expanding your portfolio, or a realtor helping clients navigate a purchase, a professional inspection can reveal important details before closing.

Schedule Your Townhome or Condo Inspection Today

Buying a townhome or condo in Dallas? Don’t skip the inspection — it’s your best opportunity to understand the property before signing on the dotted line.

📞 Call SFR Inspections at (972) 505-2424
🌐 Visit www.sfrinspections.com