Condominium Buyer's Guide: Physical Evaluation Checklist (For Resale Units)

Use this checklist to size up the physical state of the condominium.

Common Elements — Interior

Lobby is clean and in good repair.
Exterior doors, locks and security system are functional.
Recreational amenities (if any) are in good working order and clean.
Elevators are clean and functional.
Corridors are clean, well lit and odour-free; carpets are in good repair and paint is unmarked.
Stairwells are well lit; doors and door handles are functional.
Stairs have handrails and the stair edgings are marked for increased safety
Common basement or locker facilities are well lit, clean and dry.
No signs of water leaks or mold.
Parking structure does not show any evidence of leaks or concrete deterioration.
All areas meet your needs for ease of accessibility.

Garbage and recyclables are in receptacles or dumpsters.
Snow and ice are removed from walkways and parking areas if viewing in the wintertime.
Amenities are clean and in good repair, including recreational facilities (such as playground structures) and landscaping.
Exterior walls are not cracked, corroded or water-stained.
Balcony railings are rigid and rust-free and balcony slabs are not breaking up.
Roadways, sidewalks and parking areas are in good shape with no standing water.
Block heaters (if any) are functional.
Lighting in pathway and parking lot is good.
Walls have no water stains, corrosion, loose siding or white marks on brick.
Lawn and fences are in good condition.

Favourable initial reaction to odours upon entering the unit.
Exterior door to unit is in good repair, with unmarked paint and functioning latch and locks.
Drywall is not dented or broken.
Paint is unmarked.
Flooring (including tile, hardwood and carpeting) is clean and in good repair, with no stains, holes or burn marks.
Smoke detectors are on each floor.
Interior doors are in good repair and open and close easily; latches or knobs are functional.
Windows open, shut and lock easily; glass is unscratched; no noticeable drafts or mold; seals are in place.
No visible water-stain marks or damaged drywall around windows, near floors or ceilings.
All light fixtures are operational.
Appliances (if included) are functional, clean and in good repair.
Plumbing does not drip.
Toilets flush and refill properly.
Bathtub and shower walls are clean and solid.
Bathtub has solidly installed grab bars for safe entry and exit.
Floor of bathtub is non-skid.
Electrical sockets function.
Kitchen cupboards are in good repair with functional doors and no signs of pests (insects or mouse droppings).
Basement is dry and odour-free with no evidence of water damage (which would indicate previous flooding).
Basement sump pump is functional (if applicable).
Unit heating and air-conditioning systems are working, in good repair and not of an age to be replaced.
Exhaust fans in kitchen and bathroom are operational.

The neighbourhood is sustainable.
The area is safe.
The area has features and services you or your family requires (for example, public transit, convenient shopping, parks, good schools).