A home inspection is a crucial element of the New York real estate landscape, offering buyers a glimpse into the property’s integrity and personality, while also revealing any areas of concern. Whether assessing centuries-old classics or newly constructed gems, a comprehensive home inspection provides clarity and transparency in the process of purchasing or selling a home, helping to facilitate informed decisions, transparent communication, and successful property transactions.
A typical inspection lasts two to three hours, and is typically performed on a single- or multi-family house or co-op/condo unit. For a co-op or condo, the home inspector may examine only the plumbing, heating and electrical systems that serve that specific dwelling.
The exterior of a home should be thoroughly inspected, including the roof, foundation, attic, and basement. The home inspector should check for evidence of leaks, cracks, rot, and other structural problems. The gutters should be checked to ensure they are free from obstructions and leaking, and the chimney and vents should be inspected for safety and proper function.
Inside the home, the inspector should carefully inspect all of the electrical wiring, checking for issues like bare or overheated conductors, and make sure that all light switches are working properly. They should check all of the mechanical appliances (like the oven, dishwasher and washing machine), ensuring that they are functioning how they should, and make note of any repairs or upgrades that may be needed.
Basements and attics should be inspected for leaks, mold, insulation issues, and improper ventilation. The home inspector will climb into any crawl spaces to complete the inspection, and will also look at the roof for signs of damage, rot or other potential concerns.
During the inspection, the home inspector should turn on the water and run the toilets, showers, and sinks to verify that they function correctly. They will also check all of the kitchen appliances (including the fridge and freezer), making sure that they are functional, safe and up to code. They will also test all of the outlets to make sure that they are working, and that there are no ground fault circuit interrupters (which protect against electrocution or electric burns) in the bathrooms, garage or outside.
It’s important for the buyer to be present for the inspection so that they can ask questions, and get a first-hand explanation of the home inspector’s findings. This will help to clarify any issues that the inspector may have and give the buyer an opportunity to address any questions or concerns the home inspector might have before they write their report.
During the inspection, the home inspector should also be on the lookout for any areas of concern that they cannot access, and may recommend further specialized inspections to determine if there are any hidden conditions that might require further evaluation or remediation. This is particularly true in cases where the home inspector is concerned about possible radon, lead paint or piping, or termite infestations. If these are found during a more thorough, specialized inspection, they can often be addressed prior to finalizing the purchase, and can prevent the need for costly remediation or repairs down the road.