Our home inspectors inspect a lot of townhomes. In fact, so far this year, we have inspected over 200! Recently, a client asked us to inspect 7 buildings containing 34 townhome units in Ankeny. In order to tackle this, we pulled in our entire team to perform these inspections. We have the manpower to handle even large property inspections. It was a fun day working together! Here’s our team’s fleet of vehicles lined up and ready to serve!
Townhomes present a unique blend of challenges and fascinating discoveries. While they share many similarities with single-family homes, the shared walls and often complex HOA structures can cause potential issues. We’ve seen everything from improperly flashed balcony connections leading to significant water damage in adjoining units. As well as, DIY electrical work that would make a seasoned electrician cringe. One recurring theme in townhomes is the “hidden” maintenance. Because the HOA manages so much of the exterior (like roofing and siding), individual owners sometimes neglect their own responsibilities. This can manifest as clogged dryer vents running for excessive time (see picture below), or neglected HVAC systems operating at dangerously low efficiency. Often, the most interesting findings are the subtle clues, the slight variations in temperature or moisture readings that hint at a larger, underlying problem.
Another recurring observation is the impact of renovations done without proper permits or understanding of building codes. Townhomes, due to their often tighter spaces, are prime targets for DIY remodels. We’ve encountered walls removed without considering load-bearing implications, plumbing rerouted in ways that introduce backflow risks, and even gas lines altered by individuals with no formal training. These “improvements” can lead to significant safety hazards and costly repairs down the line. It’s always a bit of a treasure hunt, trying to piece together the history of a townhome. We have to decipher the clues left by previous owners. Sometimes, it’s a simple matter of educating the current buyer about the potential issues, but other times, it’s about preventing a disaster waiting to happen.
Finally, the nuances of shared utility systems in townhomes often reveal unexpected quirks. We have found instances where improperly sealed penetrations between units allowed for the transfer of sound, odors, and even pests. Shared attic spaces, if not properly compartmentalized, can become conduits for fire spread. And don’t even get me started on the intricacies of shared plumbing stacks, where a seemingly minor leak in one unit can wreak havoc on multiple floors.
On a recent townhome inspection, Inspector Chris Wiemann found this issue with their AC units. See video below:
Townhome inspections are a constant reminder that even in seemingly homogenous structures, every property has its own story. It’s the home inspectors’ job to uncover it, one hidden defect at a time.