10 Crucial Things to Confirm Your Condo HOA Covers – Don’t Get Stuck With Surprise Costs!

Buying a condo in the Madison, WI area can be a smart move, less maintenance, convenient locations, and often great amenities. But before you fall in love with that sunlit corner unit on the west side or that sleek downtown loft, there's one essential step you must take: dig into what your condo association's HOA actually covers. At The Huemmer Home Team, we’ve guided countless condo buyers through the fine print, and we’ve seen firsthand how overlooked details can lead to unexpected costs and buyer’s remorse.

So what should your HOA fee really cover? Here are the 10 most important things to confirm:

1. Exterior Maintenance – Are siding, roofing, windows, and decks included? Some HOAs only handle common walls and shared roofs.
   
   

2. Landscaping & Snow Removal – In Madison’s four-season climate, this is critical. Confirm if plowing, shoveling, and lawn care are all handled.
   
   

3. Water & Sewer – Many HOAs include this, which can be a nice cost-saver, but not all do.
   
   

4. Garbage & Recycling – Who’s taking out the trash, and is it part of your dues?
   
   

5. Insurance Coverage – What parts of the building does the master policy cover? You’ll still need your own policy for the interior (“walls-in” coverage), but knowing what’s protected is key.
   
   

6. Parking & Garage Access – Are spaces deeded or assigned? Are they covered under the HOA or separate?
   
   

7. Common Area Maintenance – Lobbies, hallways, stairwells, elevators, and clubhouses need care, make sure it’s included.
   
   

8. Reserve Fund Contributions – Is part of your fee funding long-term repairs or replacements, or will there be surprise special assessments down the road?
   
   

9. Amenities – Pools, fitness centers, party rooms. Nice to have, but only if they're maintained and accessible.
   
   

10. Pest Control – Especially in multi-unit buildings, it’s worth confirming if this is proactively managed by the association.
    
    

Understanding your HOA’s coverage isn’t just a checklist, it’s a financial and lifestyle decision. The Huemmer Home Team brings deep experience in the Madison condo market and will help you ask the right questions, read between the lines, and avoid costly surprises.

Thinking of buying a condo? Don’t go it alone. Reach out to The Huemmer Home Team today—your trusted experts for smart, informed condo buying in Madison and beyond.

The Huemmer Home Team

LPT Realty

Amber Huemmer

608-279-5424