Home Inspection 101 provides a basic education on what you can and can’t expect from a New York State Home Inspection.

When shopping for a licensed New York State Home Inspector, it’s important to know what you can and can’t expect. While all inspectors are required to assess the same conditions, their experience, knowledge and attention to detail can make the difference between a thorough inspection that allows you to move ahead with a robust image of the condition of a property and one that is little more than pages of fluff.

What does a New York State home inspection include?

A New York State home inspection is a visual examination of the structure and systems of a home. It provides a summary of the condition of a property and identifies any areas that may need attention. 

All licensed New York State Home Inspectors are required to follow a checklist which includes the exterior and interior of the home. Structural integrity, mechanical and electrical systems, and safety check are included. 

Exterior Home Features Included

• Exterior walls, siding and other coverings, flashing, and trim, including on the eaves, soffits and fascia
• Doors, including garage doors and their operating systems
• Patios, walkways, driveways, decks, stoops or steps, balconies, porches, and any railings
• Windows along with their installation and trim

Major Systems 

• Roofing structure and condition
• Plumbing piping and fixtures
• Functioning of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)  This includes boilers and water heaters.
• Functioning of electrical systems, condition of service and visible wiring
• Water and sewage

Safety and Other Issues

• Gas leaks
• Improper installation of ductwork, flues, fixtures or outlets
• Hot electrical outlets
• There may be a need for an upgraded electrical system
• Leaky pipes in plumbing and heating systems
• Insufficient water pressure
• Signs of dampness can evidence hidden leaks
• Damage around electrical outlets and boxes
• Unusually placement or evidence of recently moved furniture and wall hangings can indicate attempts to hide problems

New York State Home Inspectors are not expected to do perform certain actions:

• Opening walls or lifting floor coverings to find hidden problems is not within the scope of a NYS Home Inspection.

• Systems that are shut down, not installed or otherwise inoperable can’t be inspected.
• Testing for asbestos, radon, lead paint and other hazardous substances is not included in the New York State Home Inspection.
• Specialized systems like underground septic and storage tanks, central vacuum systems and outdoor kitchen appliances are not included.
• Heating systems can only be inspected if they are not shut down and respond to thermostats.
• While a home inspector may note damage that appears to be caused by household pest species, they don’t specifically check for termites, carpenter ants, other insects or rodents. 
• Home inspectors don’t test or operate built-in gas appliances, grills, or solar heating systems. 
• Home inspectors can indicate aging systems or existing problems they see, but can’t predict when a system or component might fail. 

In addition, licensed New York State Home Inspectors may not offer or provide repair or remediation services for the problems they identify, nor can they funnel customers to one specific provider of such services.