Closer Look Inspections, Inc.

Owning a townhome can be an attractive option for many homebuyers, offering a blend of single-family home ownership with some of the conveniences of apartment living. However, townhomes that are not part of a homeowners association (HOA) come with their own set of challenges and potential pitfalls. We have seen the various issues that can arise when townhomes lack the oversight and collective management provided by an HOA. Here, we list and describe the key pitfalls of owning a townhome that is not part of an HOA. 1. Maintenance and Upkeep Responsibilities One of the primary benefits of an HOA is the collective management of exterior maintenance and common areas. Without an HOA, individual owners bear the full responsibility for maintaining their properties. This includes: Exterior Repairs: Owners must handle all exterior repairs themselves, which can be costly and time-consuming. Roof repairs, siding, painting, and other exterior maintenance tasks can quickly add up in both effort an...

In recent years, a significant number of townhome homeowners associations (HOAs) have undertaken the process of reclassifying their properties from townhomes to condominiums. While this shift might seem like a minor administrative change, it can have profound effects on buyers, particularly those who are only qualified for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. We have witnessed the unfortunate scenarios where buyers go through the entire home-buying process only to discover at closing that they cannot purchase the property due to its reclassification. Understanding the Reclassification The distinction between townhomes and condominiums lies in their ownership and management structures. Townhomes typically include ownership of the individual unit and the land it sits on, while condominiums involve ownership of the interior space of the unit, with common areas and land collectively owned and managed by the HOA. The reclassification process involves changing the legal definition and...

One of the more nuanced challenges we face involves dealing with townhomes and condominiums managed by homeowners associations (HOAs). Specifically, locating roof permits for these properties can be particularly difficult due to the complexities of ownership and responsibility. Here’s an explanation of why this issue arises and how it affects our inspection processes. Complex Ownership Structures In properties with an HOA, the lines of ownership—especially regarding common elements like roofs—are not always clear. Typically, in condominiums, the HOA owns all the common areas collectively, which includes the building exteriors and roofs. Townhomes might share some of these characteristics, depending on the specifics of the property and its governing documents. Why Roof Permits Are Important Roof permits are critical documents that confirm a roof's compliance with local building codes and standards. They are indicative of proper installation and maintenance practices, and they ensure...

Living in townhomes can present unique challenges when it comes to wind mitigation, especially in areas prone to high winds and storms. This week we are including some stories about how keeping Wind Mitigation features up to date is vital for the whole complex, not just the individual townhome. Shared Roof Damage in a Townhome Complex A group of townhomes with inadequate wind mitigation suffered extensive roof damage during a hurricane. Since townhomes often share walls and roof structures, the damage was not confined to just one unit but affected several homes in the complex, leading to complex insurance claims and disputes among homeowners. Increased Insurance Premiums for the Entire Complex In a townhome community, several owners neglected to upgrade their wind mitigation features. As a result, the entire complex faced higher insurance premiums. Insurance companies often assess risk based on the overall condition of a complex, and the lack of adequate wind mitigation in several unit...