Condo glass panels may look great, but you'll pay more for heat and AC
Condo buildings consist of thousands of individual components. Over time, due to wear and tear, those components need repairs and replacements. Knowing how old the complex is and when certain components were last repaired or replaced will give you an idea of when they’ll likely need maintenance and replacements again.
One of the first major replacements a condo building will face is the roof. A roof usually lasts up to 10 years, and will need replacing after 15 to 18 years. Plumbing on the other hand will last you up to 50 years due to the improvements made on plumbing over the years.
Maintenance and repairs inside the unit are the owner's responsibility. These could include:
- Appliances
- heating/air-conditioning
- electrical fixtures
For a condo building to remain functional, it will require cyclical repairs and replacements. As time passes, these replacements will undoubtedly increase monthly condo fees for each unit. Glass panels will not last nearly as long as a concrete/brick built condo building. More frequent cleaning and replacement of windows will occur, which will result in an increased cost to unit owners.
When it comes to the longevity of a condo building, the same thought applies over and over again: A properly-funded & managed condo building may have a much longer life-span than a poorly run, neglected and mismanaged building.
It is highly suggested that condo unit owners actively participate in the management of their building to ensure the building isn't mismanaged.