Townhouse Inspection in Rochester, MN

Home Inspectors Rochester MN | Townhouse Inspection (507) 721-0922

 

Think a Townhouse inspection is probably easier than a single-family home? Hardly. Inspecting a condo interior is largely the same as any home. But while the property is smaller, condo inspections can be trickier with more potential defects to suss out.

 

 

The certified inspector will conduct a visual inspection on all areas of the home including:

Windows, Doors and Wood Trim

1. Wood frames and trim pieces are secure, no cracks, rot or decay
2. Joints around frames are caulked
3. No broken glass (window or storm panes) or damaged screens, no broken doublepaned, insulated window seals.
4. Muntin and mullion glazing compound in good condition
5. Storm windows or thermal glass used
6. Drip caps installed over windows

Roof

1. Composition shingles: no curling, no cupping, no loss of granulation particulate,
   no broken, damaged or missing shingles, no more than two layers of roofing
2. Wood shingles or shakes: no mold, rot or decay, no cracked/broken/missing
   shingles, no curling
3. Flat roofs: no obvious patches, no cracks or splits, minimal blisters/”alligatoring”
   and wrinkles, no silt deposits (indicates improper drainage), sealed tar at flashings
4. Flashing around roof penetrations
5. No evidence of excess roofing cement/tar/caulk
6. Soffits and fascia: no decay, no stains
7. Exterior venting for eave areas: vents are clean and not painted over
8. Gutters: no decay or rust, joints sealed, attached securely to structure, no bending
   or sagging, no sections of gutter or downspout missing, gutters clean, no mud deposits
9. Chimneys: straight, properly flashed, no evidence of damaged bricks or cracked
   joints, mortar/cement cap in good condition

Attic

1. No stains on underside of roofing, especially around roof penetrations
2. No evidence of decay or damage to structure
3. Sufficient insulation and properly installed insulation (moisture barrier installed
   closest to the heated area of the house)
4. Adequate ventilation, clear path into attic for air entering through soffit vents, adequately sized gable end louvers, all mechanical ventilation operational
5. No plumbing, exhaust or appliance vents terminating in attic
6. No open electrical splices

Interior

1. Floors, walls and ceilings appear straight and plumb and level
2. No stains on floors, walls or ceilings
3. Flooring materials in good condition
4. No significant cracks in walls or ceilings
5. Windows and exterior doors operate easily and latch properly, no broken glass, no sashes painted shut, no decay; windows and doors have weather-stripping, “weep holes” installed
6. Interior doors operate easily and latch properly, no damage or decay, no broken hardware
7. Paint, wall covering, and paneling in good condition
8. Wood trim installed well and in good condition
9. Lights and switches operate properly
10. Adequate number of three pronged electrical outlets in each room
11. Electrical outlets test properly (spot check)
12. Heating/cooling source in each habitable room
13. Evidence of adequate insulation in walls
14. Fireplace: no cracking or damaged masonry, no evidence of back-drafting (staining
    on fireplace façade), damper operates properly, flue has been cleaned, flue is lined

Plumbing

1. Visible pipes: no damage, no evidence of leaks, no signs of stains on materials
   near pipes; drain pipes slope slightly down towards outlet to septic/sewage system
2. Water heater: no signs of rust, vented properly, sized to produce adequate
   quantities of hot water for the number of bedrooms in the house.
3. Water pump: does not short cycle
4. Galvanized pipes do not restrict water flow
5. Well water test is acceptable
6. Hot water temperature between 118 – 125 degrees Fahrenheit

Electrical

1. Visible wiring: in good condition, no “knob-and-tube” wiring, no exposed splices,
   cables secured and protected
2. Service panel: adequate capacity, all cables attached to panel with cable
   connectors; fuses or breakers are not overheating
3. No aluminum cable for branch circuits

HVAC

1. Appears to operate well throughout (good air flow on forced hot air systems)
2. Flues: no open seams, slopes up to chimney connection
3. No rust around cooling unit
4. No combustion gas odor
5. Air filter(s) clean
6. Ductwork in good condition
7. No asbestos on heating pipes, water pipes or air ducts
8. Separate flues for gas/oil/propane and wood/coal

Home Inspectors Rochester MN | Home Inspection 507-721-0922

Shared Wall and Party Wall Considerations

One of the most important aspects of a townhouse inspection that sets it apart from a standard single-family home inspection is the evaluation of shared walls, also known as party walls. In Rochester, MN, townhome developments typically feature shared wall assemblies between adjacent units. These party walls must meet fire-rating requirements and provide adequate sound separation. Our home inspector examines the visible portions of shared walls for signs of moisture intrusion, cracking, or evidence that the fire-rated assembly has been compromised by modifications such as added electrical outlets, recessed shelving, or unauthorized penetrations. Moisture along shared walls is a particularly common concern in Rochester because temperature differentials between heated and unheated spaces can cause condensation within the wall cavity.

Townhouse-Specific Inspection Items

Unlike a condo where the HOA typically maintains the roof and exterior, many townhouse owners in Rochester are individually responsible for their own roof section, exterior siding, and foundation. This means a townhouse inspection is often more comprehensive than a condo inspection. We evaluate the roof over your specific unit, your individual HVAC system, your electrical panel and service, your plumbing system, and all accessible exterior components. We also check for proper drainage and grading around your unit's foundation, which is critical in Rochester where spring snowmelt and heavy rains can direct water toward the building if grading is insufficient.

Rochester Townhome Developments

Rochester has seen significant townhome development in recent years, with new communities appearing in neighborhoods throughout northwest and southwest Rochester, as well as in nearby Byron and Kasson. Whether you are looking at a new-construction townhome or an established property, a thorough townhouse inspection protects your investment by identifying defects before they become expensive repairs. For more information about our full range of residential inspection services, visit our residential inspections page. Call (507) 721-0922 to schedule your townhouse inspection in Rochester, MN.