Common Causes of Condo Damage

Your home is likely one of the most significant investments you’ve made in your life. Whether it’s a condo or a 10-bedroom mansion, we all want to protect our homes against possible damage. Understanding the causes of condo damage can help you look for signs early on so you can file a claim with your insurer if the damage needs to be repaired.

Here at Klotzman Property Damage Law, our condo insurance lawyers work to help clients get fair compensation. Keep reading to find out the common causes of condo damage.

What Is a Condo?

A condominium also called a condo, is a large property complex comprised of individual units, and each unit is owned separately. Condo owners jointly own shared common areas within the community, such as pools, garages, elevators, and outside hallways and gyms, to name a few. 

While some condos are found in high-rise buildings, detached condos can be found in some markets. The biggest difference between a condo and an apartment is ownership. While an apartment is a rented residence, a condo is owned.

What Is Property Damage?

Property damage can occur to all kinds of dwellings including condos. Property damage is any injury to real or personal property due to a person’s negligence, purposeful destruction, or an act of nature. Real property refers to the land you own, plus any buildings that are permanently attached to it. Personal property is anything you own that is not tied to the ground, like cars, technology, and equipment. 

What Are the Common Causes of Condo Damage? 

Let’s take a look at the most common causes of property damage that could happen to your condo.

Structural Damage

Since condos are usually in complexes or high-rise buildings, they can be exposed to structural damage. Structural damage can take the form of cracked or bulging walls, roof damage from the weight of snow or sleet, and electrical issues due to power surges. Condo owners need to know what kinds of damage their insurance policies cover to avoid paying for costly repairs.

Condo with structural roof damage

Water Damage

Identifying signs of water damage early on in your condo can save you from further damage to your home. Water damage can occur due to a burst pipe, a leak from your neighbor, or a damaged roof. Signs of water damage can be spotted by dark stains on your ceilings and walls and mold. Attending to water damage as soon as you notice the signs is crucial.

Fire Damage

One of the worst causes of property damage is a house fire. A house fire (or home fire) would include any fire damage to residential property due to an accident. There are several causes of house fires, namely smoking indoors, candles, electrical faults, heaters, and cooking. Most insurance plans offer coverage for fire damage but may differ in how much coverage is offered. So, it is crucial that you look over your plan to determine what is covered for your property.

Burglary Damage

Crime is an unfortunate cause of property damage. According to a 2017 report from the FBI, one burglary occurs every 22 seconds in the United States. Burglary refers to an unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft.

To prevent burglary and theft, you must ensure that your home is not an easy target. When you leave, lock your doors and close your curtains to prevent thieves from seeing your property or the layout of your home. You may also benefit from investing in a home security system.

Just like in stand-alone homes, you should regularly inspect your condo for any signs of damage to avoid dealing with a bigger issue. As a property owner, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what your insurance policy covers should you be a victim of property damage. Condo insurance policies typically cover damage to the interior of one’s own unit. 

Speak to Our Condo Insurance Lawyers Today!

Property damage is never easy to deal with regardless of the size of your home. Understanding the causes of condo damage can help you look for signs early on so you can file a claim with your insurer if the damage needs to be repaired.

Dealing with insurance claims for property damage to your condo can be difficult. If you have experienced any type of property damage in your condo, it is critical to take action. We can help you determine your options based on your insurance coverage. We will investigate, negotiate, and litigate your case to get you the results you deserve.

Here at Klotzman Property Damage Law, we advocate for fair compensation so you can properly restore and repair any damage.

Schedule your free case review today with our Hollywood property damage attorneys. When insurance companies fail, Klotzman Property Damage Law succeeds.