In practice, both statutes move communities toward the same standard: demonstrate that structures demonstrate an


The litigation math in plain terms Early spending on inspection and targeted repair


written resident notices,


• Budget are safe, ongoing maintenance program, and


demonstrate that repairs proceed on a defined timeline after hazards are identified.


the fix-forward. Separate immediate hazards


from lifecycle repairs. Integrate inspection findings into the reserve study and adjust funding if needed.


• Coordinate permits early. Where repairs are required, prepare design documents promptly and submit permit applications within required timelines. Many jurisdictions experience seasonal backlogs; early submittal helps.


is minor


when compared with seven- or eight-figure outcomes after a failure. Documentation often determines outcomes before a dispute reaches a courtroom. Photo logs of waterproofing details,


signed board approvals,


contractor close-out materials, and re-inspection records form a defensible history. Delays tend to compound liability. Once a hazard is identified, inaction is often the detail that juries, regulators, and risk managers remember.


What qualified inspectors actually find


A trained inspector using minimally invasive methods can identify problems that are not visible from the exterior cladding. Typical findings include moisture intrusion and concealed rot, connectors


and fasteners, • Re-inspect repairs. After corrective work, document


compliance and update your records. Schedule any required follow-up inspections on your calendar so cycles are not missed.


• Address lender and insurer requests. Many transactions now require evidence of inspection and remediation plans. Provide board-approved reports and keep a record of responses.


Do not: 1. Rely on visual conditions alone in enclosed assemblies.


compromised waterproofing, corroded over-spanned or overloaded


components, and prior repairs that inadvertently trap moisture. Findings can then be prioritized into immediate, near-term, and longer-term work, aligned with manufacturer guidance and local codes.


How minimally invasive methods work


Where a wood structure is enclosed, inspectors frequently use small test ports and a borescope camera to view the condition of framing members. Moisture meters and infrared thermography can support decisions about where to open limited areas. For elements with exposed structure, common practices include a comprehensive visual inspection, probing of suspect areas, and measurement of deflection or looseness in guards and railings. The objective is to verify structural integrity, document any loss of capacity, and provide clear recommendations with photographs that a board or owner can understand.


Practical checklist for the next twelve months: • Engage


qualified professionals. Retain a licensed


structural engineer or a licensed architect with relevant experience.


• Plan access and communication. Provide clear resident notices explaining what will be inspected, when, how access will be handled, and what temporary controls may be installed if an element is unsafe.


• Create a documentation trail. Keep work orders, notices, photo and video logs, meeting minutes, and close-out reports in a central repository that future boards and managers can reference.


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2. Assume newer construction is exempt from moisture- related deterioration.


3. Reuse compromised flashings or hardware in repairs without professional review.


4. Postpone hazard mitigation once a risk is documented. 5. Mix assessment


Why now?


Beyond statutory compliance, inspections support resident safety, help stabilize insurance relationships, and simplify real


estate transactions. When associations or owners


can demonstrate a recent inspection, a defined plan for repairs, and orderly records, they tend to experience fewer hurdles with renewals, questionnaires, and buyer diligence. Conversely, when an inspection is overdue, or a hazard is identified without follow-through, enforcement actions and private-party claims become more likely, and timelines become more compressed and costly.


If you remember one idea from this article, it most


is that the expensive “repairs” are often not structural


components; they are verdicts and settlements that follow preventable failures. Routine inspections conducted on time, paired with timely corrective work, are the simplest way to reduce that risk.


invoices or unrelated issues into


association notices concerning inspection access. Keep communications focused and compliant.


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