Condos are a great choice for many individuals to purchase a low-maintenance real estate in highly sought-after areas, but this type of housing isn't without its own list of potential problems. The moist, salty air associated with oceanside locations, like those in Hawaii, poses an enhanced risk of certain structural issues, and if left unrepaired, the consequences can be life-threatening to residents as well as bystanders.

Whether you own your own condo or are in charge of maintaining an entire building of them, regular building inspections are needed to ensure that every unit meets the current building safety codes. Take a closer look at some of the most common safety risks associated with condos, below.

Building Inspections: 3 Areas of Importance to Keep Your Condo Safe & Compliant

1. Fire Safety

Fire safety is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a safe and compliant condominium. There should be well-placed smoke detectors throughout your home, including bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways. It's important to routinely check that each detector is operating correctly. Also, designate a specific area to mount or hold a fire extinguisher so that you can access it easily.

2. Railings

Corroded railings are another serious issue common to condos. Many condo owners think their railings are safe because the damage is hidden by aesthetic features such as paint, so rust and cracked caulking are virtually invisible. If you have an embedded railing on your balcony, the corrosion may even be hidden by the concrete itself. The best way to identify a problem is to schedule a building inspection every six months.

3. Spalling

Spalling, or cracked concrete, is another dangerous issue experienced by condo owners, and it occurs when steel structural pieces within the concrete corrode. With condos, this problem commonly occurs on the balcony as a result of the corroded railings mentioned above.

Such a situation not only puts anyone on the balcony at risk of falling, but it's also dangerous to pedestrians on the ground and tenants below because cracked concrete will fall off in chunks. While you may be able to see this issue once it becomes serious enough, if you stay on top of your property inspection routine, you can likely identify the problem much earlier.

Find out if your condo is up to code by contacting Construction Management Inspection in Honolulu, HI. The company specializes in commercial and residential building inspections to ensure that all structures are safe and compliant with the most recent standards. The construction management company also provides a variety of construction management services, so they can help manage the repair work on any of the issues that they find to ensure your condo is adequately up to code. Learn more about their specialty areas online, and schedule your consultation today by calling (808) 422-2132. You can also connect with the team on Facebook.