Originally Posted by
Matt Fellman
Just yesterday I did a condo and reported on a rotted deck and rotted beam holding up stairs to the unit and the one next door. These two parts are undoubtedly HOA responsibility but just given the potential safety risk I put them in the report. Of course, I very clearly stated that I didn't inspect any other outdoor components. I just couldn't walk by these two hazards without mentioning them.
Most problems and lawsuits stem from a misunderstanding and/or a lack of communication. As long as you tell your client what you're doing and not doing you'll be okay in most cases.
Even though condos are only interior inspections common sense tells me that the occupants have to get to the interior and are likely to use the deck attached to the interior.... therefore, I inspect those parts.
Correct.
And when you see a common item which is deficient, you need to include it in your report, such as you said with that stairs and I said with the roof. That applies to any common item you walk past and notice that there is something wrong with it which could cause harm, financially or injury-wise.