what happens when a condo is "too old"? (Houston: insurance, condos)

[4eainfo]

i'm considering treehouse condo complex on chimney rock & i-10. the only downside is that the complex was built in 1961 which makes it ~50 years old. As a condo owner, what would happen under the following circumstances:

1. condo structural integrity "expires" after x number of years
2. disasters resulting in the destruction of the condo (fire, hurricane, etc)

thanks!

[Metro Matt]

I would imagine the city would condmn it, have it torn down & a new developer would buy the land & build something else to replace it, that's my best guess. This usually only happens in the projects though.

Its an ideal area to live for someone who commutes to Downtown, Uptown, & the Energy Corridor so I wouldn't worry too much.

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by 4eainfo

i'm considering treehouse condo complex on chimney rock & i-10. the only downside is that the complex was built in 1961 which makes it ~50 years old. As a condo owner, what would happen under the following circumstances:

1. condo structural integrity "expires" after x number of years
2. disasters resulting in the destruction of the condo (fire, hurricane, etc)

thanks!

Although that sounds old because Houston is such a new city - there are condos/townhomes/house in other parts of the country that are twice as old or more. The maintenance fee is there to continually repair issues. How well an individual community is being maintained varies. Don't just look at the one unit that you are considering - look around at the whole of it. Is the pool and other common areas being maintained well? How does the roof look? The landscaping? (I know landscaping isn't structural, but it's indicative of how other things are being maintained)

In the event of a fire, hurricane, etc. - insurance is there like on any other dwelling.

I think I know the community you are talking about - is it right at I-10? Some of those units are so close you can hear the roar of traffic inside.