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Condominiums

HARMSEN & ASSOCIATES has been surveying condominiums since 1980. A condominium may simply consist of the conversion of an existing apartment or duplex. It may also be a cluster of single family homes that meets the density required by the Growth Management Act (GMA) without creating an apartment complex. In essence, a condominium is the definition of 3 dimensional space. Vaulted or cathedral ceilings, sunken floors, skylights and stairways are some of the items that add challenge to accurate mapping of the condominium space.



"Air space" condominiums (air condos) are condominiums that look like more traditional subdivisions but are created under the condominium act. The owner of a duplex could possibly make good use of an air condo to split the property into two separate units. This type of condominium would divide the property as well as the building into two units. It would also provide enough 3-dimensional space to contain the building and to provide space for future building expansion.

The air condo is usually much more cost effective than the traditional 2 lot short plat. However, an attorney well versed with the condominium laws should be retained for assistance with Condominium Declarations. There are also financing considerations that need to be studied prior to the decision to pursue a condominium project.