Prevent Costly Shared Structure Damage in Townhouses

Cost Savings

Checklist Tasks

• Inspect party walls for cracks or sound leaks to prevent neighbor disputes.
• Check exterior weep holes and drainage for blockages at shared foundations.
• Test window locks and seals facing common areas for break-in and HOA risk reduction.
• Examine attic firewalls for unsealed penetrations to maintain fire safety and compliance.
• Clean and lubricate shared garage doors or gates to avoid failures and noise complaints.
• Clear debris from roof valleys and gutters at property lines to prevent water damage.
• Test smoke detectors in shared hallways or entries for fire code and HOA compliance.
• Seal pest entry points along shared walls and coordinate extermination if needed.
• Review HOA vs. owner maintenance duties to avoid paying unnecessary repair costs.
• Inspect paint and caulking at wall junctions to block moisture transfer between units.
• Test unit water shutoff valves to ensure leaks can be isolated without affecting neighbors.
• Take date-stamped photos to document maintenance for shared repair disputes.