PUD is an acronym for Planned Unit Development. It differs from a condominium in that a PUD owns the land under the unit. Both forms of ownership have a HOA (Home Owners Association) that has restrictions over the use and alteration of the property, along with an obligation for maintenance of any common areas.

    But with a PUD—pronounced like “dud” but with a “p”—the HOA has minimal or no maintenance responsibilities for the exterior of the unit. The homeowner is usually, but not always, responsible for roof repair and replacement, for example, along with other exterior maintenance. So we inspect all components of a PUD like we would any regular detached single-family residence. A condominium inspection, which is less expensive and does not include the roof and exterior of the unit, would not be appropriate for a PUD buyer.

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  To learn more strategies for getting the best possible home inspection, here’s a few of our other blog posts:

• How can I make sure I don't get screwed on my home inspection? 

• How thorough is a home inspector required to be when inspecting a house?

• Should I trust the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement?

• Can I do my own home inspection?

• How can homebuyers protect themselves against buying a house over a sinkhole? 

• The seller gave me a report from a previous home inspection. Should I use it or get my own inspector? 

    To read about issues related to homes of particular type or one built in a specific decade, visit one of these blog posts:

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1950s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1960s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1970s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1980s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1990s house?

• What problems should I look for when buying a country house or rural property? 

• What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been moved?

• What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been vacant or abandoned?

• What are the most common problems with older mobile homes?

• What do I need to know about a condo inspection?

   Visit our HOME INSPECTION page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.