ASK QUESTIONS - Read the minutes of the previous strata council meetings.  Use a high lighter pen and mark any references to water and moisture problems.  Find out how these problems were dealt with.  Bring them to the attention of your home inspector. 

Were there further investigations carried out beyond identifying one specific problem?  Has there been a building envelope survey carried out for the strata council and is it available for perusal?  If repairs were performed what assurance is there that they were properly done?  Are there any planned major expenditures for the building?

CHECK THE BUILDING'S DESIGN - Some buiding are less prone to leak than others.  In low-rise wood frame buildings the presence of adequate roof overhangs to protect the walls from rain is a positive features.  Obviously the less rain that hits the walls the less likely they are to leak.  Deck and balcony design are important.  Decks and balconies which rely on small drains which are prone to plug, decks over living areas, "solid" railing designs, balconies which slope toward the building are more likely to result in leaks.  Buildings with open walkways and stairwells are vulnerable to leakage and rot damage.

LOOK FOR PREVIOUS REPAIRS - Is there visual evidence of exterior wall patching? Has caulking been installed in some areas and not in others? Check the wall penetrations on the walls exposed to the weather.  If the buliding has a stucco covered exterior have any water resistant coatings been applied to subsequent to the original construction?  The presence of any of those conditions should generate further questions.

FIND OUT WARRANTY DETAILS - If purchasing a new unit, read and understand what items are covered and for how long.  Is there a warranty against water penetration?  How long does it last?  What assurance is there that the builder will still be around to make the repairs?  If the building is not new what time, if any, is left on the warranty?  If repairs have been carried out, are they covered by a warranty?

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTOR - Make your offer to purchase subject to a professional home inspection.  Hire a company whose inspectors are members of a Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors.  Go through the unit and the building with the inspector.  The process should take 2 - 2 1/2 hours and should include a written report.  A home inpsection is a visual inpsection and does not involve drilling holes and using instruments to check moisture levels inside walls.  The inspection is valuable but should not be considered a substitute for obtaining all available information about the building.

- article courtesy of James Dobney, RHI