Licensed Building Inspection in New York City
What This Inspection Covers
Our NYS DOS-licensed home inspectors perform comprehensive general building inspections following 19 NYCRR Part 197 (NYS Standards of Practice for Home Inspectors). Inspection covers: structural components, roofing, exterior, foundation, HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical, insulation, windows, and doors. Report documents the condition of each system with specific deficiency findings and recommended actions.
Who Needs This & When
A professional building inspection is standard practice when purchasing any residential property in New York State. Buyers use the inspection report to identify material defects before closing, negotiate repairs or price adjustments, and understand maintenance needs. Lenders may require a satisfactory inspection. Sellers sometimes order pre-listing inspections to avoid surprises during buyer due diligence.
Inspector Credentials
All building inspectors hold the NYS DOS Home Inspector License (19 NYCRR Part 197, Real Property Law Article 12-B). Inspectors carry E&O (errors and omissions) insurance required by NYS for licensed home inspectors.
What You Get
Written inspection report per 19 NYCRR Part 197 format, delivered within 48 hours. Includes: full system-by-system findings, photographs of all observed deficiencies, severity classification (safety hazard / major defect / maintenance item), and recommended specialist referrals where warranted. Report is suitable for use in real estate attorney review and lender review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a home inspection when buying a co-op or condo in NYC?
Yes — and it is especially important in NYC's as-is market. While co-op boards typically prohibit buyers from inspecting individual unit mechanical systems in common areas, a licensed inspector can evaluate everything within the unit: electrical panel, plumbing visible in the unit, HVAC equipment, windows, walls, floors, and ceilings. The inspection report documents pre-existing conditions — critical if issues arise after closing. Many NYC attorneys recommend a pre-signing inspection even when "as-is" language is in the contract.
What is the NYS Standard of Practice for home inspections?
New York State home inspection is governed by 19 NYCRR Part 197, which defines what systems must be inspected, how deficiencies must be reported, and what inspectors must and cannot include in their reports. Every licensed inspector must follow this Standard of Practice. The report format required by 19 NYCRR Part 197 includes a system-by-system structure with defined severity classifications. An inspection report that does not follow 19 NYCRR Part 197 may not be legally compliant.