When, Why, and How to Hire a Home Inspector + New Listings with Open Houses

By Cait Etherington | From Get To Know Saturday, November 16, 2024

144 Vanderbilt Avenue, #4D (Douglas Elliman)

Outside New York City, if you're buying a home, you'll almost certainly undergo a home inspection prior to closing the deal. In New York City, unless you're buying a townhouse or any other type of single-family home, duplex, or triplex, home inspections are often skipped. Still, this doesn't mean you should rule out a home inspection. Even when buying a coop or condo, a home inspection can be a smart and even necessary step in the process.

When to Complete a Home Inspection

Whether you’re buying a multi-million-dollar brownstone or a duplex on Staten Island, you’ll definitely want to have a home inspection prior to closing. In fact, you’ll likely want to insist that the sale is contingent on the completion of a home inspection.

When buying a unit in a multi-unit dwelling such as a coop or condo, completing a home inspection is generally unnecessary for a simple reason. When you buy a home, you're buying the entire property, including the foundation, the roof, and everything inside the walls. When you buy a coop or condo, you're simply buying your unit. As a result, if the building's roof needs to be repaired or the heating system needs to be upgraded, you're not directly responsible, though any major repairs will likely impact your fees.

144 Vanderbilt Avenue, #4D (Douglas Elliman)

Why Undertake a House Inspection

If you’re purchasing a house, a home inspection is your only chance to ensure that the seller hasn’t failed to disclose any major problems with the property. Typically, inspectors focus on the following areas of the home:

Heating and cooling systems (e.g., what is the age of these systems, and are they compliant with current laws)
Plumbing system (e.g., is the plumbing system in good repair and compliant)
Electrical system (e.g., is the electronic work in good repair and compliant)
Roof (e.g., how recently has the roof been retiled)
Walls, ceilings, and floors (e.g., are there any signs of damage, including water damage or mold; is lead paint present, etc.)
Windows and doors (e.g., what is their age and will they need to be replaced)
Foundation (e.g., are there any signs of cracks or structural damage)
Pests (e.g., are there signs of rodent or cockroach infestations)

In addition to helping you avoid purchasing a home that may require ongoing or major upgrades, there is another reason to carry out a home inspection, and that concerns insurance. If a property's wiring or plumbing systems are decades old or were slapped together by a home handyman, the home may not be insurable. This is something that is definitely preferable to discover before you close the deal.

144 Vanderbilt Avenue, #4D (Douglas Elliman)

Why Undertake a Coop or Condo Inspection

In the case of a coop or condo, home inspectors have a lot less to inspect since many of the elements they inspect aren't part of the unit per se (e.g., the foundation, roof, and in many coops, even the windows). However, a home inspection may still be advisable under some circumstances.

Buying a renovated unit
It is common for owners to do renovations prior to putting their units on the market, especially bathroom and kitchen renovations. Unfortunately, sometimes apartment renovations, especially those carried out simply to raise the value of a home about to go on the market, cut corners since the aim isn’t to create a bathroom or kitchen that will age well over time but to achieve a high return on investment. If you suspect that the shiny white kitchen or bathroom you're about to purchase may have problems lurking beneath the surface, an inspection may be a good idea.

Buying in small, self-managed buildings
While many self-managed buildings are well managed and keep excellent records, in some smaller buildings (e.g., those with a dozen units or less), it can be difficult for real estate attorneys to do their due diligence. In this case, an inspection may be the safest way to ensure the building doesn't have any major problems. Of course, if the inspection will focus on the entire building and not simply on the unit you hope to purchase, the request will need to be clearly spelled out in the inspection contingency written into your home-purchase agreement.

Buying in a new condo
Somewhat surprisingly, new construction condos are often plagued with problems. From uneven water pressure to faulty wiring to vermin, new doesn't necessarily mean problem-free. As a result, home inspections are often also recommended when buying new condo units.

How to How to Hire a Home Inspector

If you're looking for a home inspector, the best place to start is with your real estate agent. In many cases, your agent will already have a list of trusted inspectors to refer you to. Another option is to do a search on the homepage for the International Certified Home Inspectors Association. If you type in the property in question, a list of nearby inspectors will appear. With over eight pages of inspectors working in the New York City area, the choice is yours.

A successful home inspection can help you sleep better at night.

Brooklyn

702 Greene Avenue, #2
$949,000

Bedford-Stuyvesant | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 934 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

702 Greene Avenue, #2 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This stately four-story Brownstone has two remaining opportunities to buy. Unit #2 at 702 Greene is a spacious and bright floor-through home in a newly renovated boutique condo building on a tree-lined street in Bed Stuy. This parlor level 934 square foot home features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, charming bay windows, three exposures, and is move-in ready! See floor plan and full details here.

321 Union Street, #1B
$1,999,000

Carroll Gardens | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,663 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

321 Union Street, #1B (Compass)

From the Listing: Apartment 1B at 321 Union Street is a modern, oversized, two-bedroom duplex with a fantastic, south-facing backyard on one of Carroll Gardens’ most coveted blocks. On a great, residential stretch of Union Street, enter through a private, gated vestibule into the large, open, living-dining space. This home features an open layout that seamlessly connects the gracious living and dining areas to both the lower level and the quiet, rear-facing bedrooms. The kitchen has room for several bar stools, a suite of stainless steel appliances, and tall cabinetry with plenty of storage. See floor plan and full details here.

144 Vanderbilt Avenue, #4D
$3,495,000

Clinton Hill | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 1,896 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

144 Vanderbilt Avenue, #4D (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Now offering private tours of our new model residence. Please contact our sales team to schedule an appointment. Revealing our first duplex: Residence 4D, a 1,896 SF, three-bed, three-bath home with an expansive 534 SF private rooftop garden and North, East and South exposures. The arrival experience starts outside of your front door, with a separate entry landing. See floor plan and full details here.

Downtown

160 East 2nd Street, #3BB
$439,000

East Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

160 East 2nd Street, #3BB (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome home!! Sunny real 1-bedroom apartment in prime East Village! This welcoming, quiet home boasts unbelievably low maintenance, lovely treetop views, strip hardwood floors, no wasted space, an updated bathroom, and a renovated kitchen with all stainless steel appliances! See floor plan and full details here.

Park Towers, #27B
$1,295,000

Gramercy Park | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths

Open House: Contact CityRealty to schedule an appointment

Park Towers, #27B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Welcome to this high-floor two-bedroom residence, expertly reimagined as an enormous loft-like one-bedroom, with twenty-four four doorman, incredible light, thanks to Southwest exposure, and private outdoor space. The grand proportions of the living space are bathed in amazing light, thanks to the open views that greet you from every window. Step out onto your private terrace to take in the breathtaking vistas, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

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Stewart House, #16P
$1,395,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

Stewart House, #16P (Compass)

From the Listing: Introducing 16P, a spacious 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom residence nestled in the vibrant heart of Greenwich Village within the prestigious luxury co-op, The Stewart House. See floor plan and full details here.

One Manhattan Square, #60G
$1,595,000

Lower East Side | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 688 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

One Manhattan Square, #60G (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to Unit 60G at 252 South Street, a one-of-a-kind custom-created loft on the 60th floor! Upon entering, you’ll be greeted an abundance of natural light, floor-to-ceiling windows, 5" wide stained oak flooring, and high 10" ceilings that create an inviting loft-like atmosphere throughout. The open kitchen features imported stone, custom finishes, premium Miele appliance package, central air conditioning and heating throughout, Bosch washer & dryer, and plenty of storage. See floor plan and full details here.

83 Walker Street, #5
$2,495,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,397 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

83 Walker Street, #5 (Compass)

From the Listing: Experience turnkey living in your 1,400-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom floor-through loft in Tribeca. The key-locked elevator opens to an open floor plan featuring high-character, architecturally interesting elements including high ceilings, wide-plank oak floors, exposed brick walls, and a wall of double-glazed mahogany framed arched windows. See floor plan and full details here.

43 Wooster Street, #2E
$3,850,000

SoHo | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,948 ft²

Contact CityRealty to schedule an appointment

43 Wooster Street, #2E (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Quintessential SoHo loft living awaits in this stunning oversized one-bedroom, two-bathroom, plus home office, residence featuring grand proportions and sophisticated interiors in a beautifully renovated historic elevator building. This generous floor plan can easily be converted into a true two-bedroom layout, as shown in alternate floor plan. Inside this nearly 2,000-square-foot showplace, ceilings dotted with recessed lighting soar over 12 foot high over dark hardwood floors and wide art walls. See floor plan and full details here.

One Kenmare Square, #8B
$3,999,999

SoHo | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,470 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

One Kenmare Square, #8B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Originally a four-bedroom, this home is currently configured as a spacious three-bedroom, offering a superb layout ideal for both relaxed living and elegant entertaining. The oversized loft- space features a show-stopping, open chef's kitchen, beautifully appointed with thick, book-matched Carrera marble countertops and top-of-the-line appliances from Bosch, Thermador, and Sub-Zero. Newly laid, wide-plank white oak floors throughout add warmth and sophistication, elevating this already extraordinary home. See floor plan and full details here.

Midtown

520 West 50th Street, #B4
$399,000

Midtown West | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

520 West 50th Street, #B4 (REAL BROKER LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen! This newly renovated, loft-like co-op offers everything you need for a vibrant New York lifestyle, plus the tranquility of a garden view. Step into a space flooded with natural light from oversized windows, highlighting beautiful hardwood floors and soaring high ceilings that create an open, airy ambiance. Located on the second floor of a quiet, well-maintained building, this co-op home combines privacy with convenience. See floor plan and full details here.

225 East 47th Street, #6B
$675,000

Turtle Bay/United Nations | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 740 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

225 East 47th Street, #6B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: No Board Approval - Sponsor SaleWelcome to 225 East 47th Street #6B, a beautifully renovated, spacious one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in a prime Midtown East location, with no subleasing restrictions after 2 years of ownership. This sun-drenched 740 sq ft apartment features a smart, open layout with large proportions and southern exposure, flooding the space with natural light throughout the day. See floor plan and full details here.

339 East 58th Street, #7CD
$975,000

Midtown East | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

339 East 58th Street, #7CD (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Welcome to this stunning and seamlessly combined prewar two-bedroom, two-bathroom home, situated in an elegant full-service cooperative on a picturesque tree-lined street in the heart of Midtown east. See floor plan and full details here.

The Mondrian, #32A
$1,720,000

Midtown East | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,300 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

The Mondrian, #32A (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to your new home at 250 E 54th St, a stunning corner unit condo at The Mondrian Condominium in the heart of Manhattan. This spacious 1,300-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bath residence boasts nearly floor-to-ceiling windows in every room, with expansive, absolutely breathtaking southern views and exposures that can't be beat. Upgrades to the home include a renowned remodel by Downsview Kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances, an elegantly tiled entryway, and updated bathroom vanities. See floor plan and full details here.

The Grand Sutton, #PH
$2,995,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Condop | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,100 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

The Grand Sutton, #PH (Compass)

From the Listing: Discover the extraordinary penthouse at 418 East 59th Street. Experience breathtaking city and river views from every room. This stunning duplex penthouse combines a prime location with sophisticated design and expansive living areas, featuring approximately two 330 sq ft of private outdoor terraces that showcase iconic skyline and river panoramas. See floor plan and full details here.

Upper East Side

The Waterford, #21F
$795,000

Yorkville | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

The Waterford, #21F (Kleier Residential Inc)

From the Listing: Fabulous sun-flooded corner 1 bedroom with stunning views of the city ! The open living /dining room offers two walls of oversized windows highlighting the breathtaking views ! Pass-thru windowed kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, ideal for entertaining. The large south facing bedroom has a huge walk-in closet with city and partial river views. Beautiful herringbone wood floors throughout, marble bath, and personal terminal A/C units make this a truly exceptional home. See floor plan and full details here.

The Empire, #4D
$2,395,000

Lenox Hill | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,011 ft²

Open House: Tuesday, November 19, 2024

The Empire, #4D (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Spacious and sun-flooded 2,011 sq. ft. home with 5 rooms, split 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a floor-through double-living room with large south-facing terrace in established Upper East Side full-service condominium. An entry foyer with a large outfitted coat closet leads to a gracious gallery with a marble powder room that connects to all main areas of the home, and opens to the expansive double-living room with north and south exposures that create a floor-through feel with abundant natural light throughout and is ideal for entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

114 East 72nd Street, #3C
$2,875,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

114 East 72nd Street, #3C (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This beautiful classic seven-room apartment in a prime Upper East Side location (off the corner of Park and 72nd Street) was renovated to create ample space for gracious living and entertaining. North and south exposures offer charming treetop views and natural light throughout the day. See floor plan and full details here.

Upper West Side

Lincoln Towers, #22S
$595,000

Lincoln Center | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath | 560 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

Lincoln Towers, #22S (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: High floor, south-facing, renovated alcove studio with wide open city views including Midtown and Hudson River sunsets. This bright 22nd floor home has a smartly renovated kitchen and bathroom in neutral tones which are sure to delight even the most discriminating buyer. The original parquet floors have been refinished with a high gloss sheen. See floor plan and full details here.

230 Riverside Drive, #10O
$980,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 626 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

230 Riverside Drive, #10O (Digs Realty Group LLC)

From the Listing: Newly Gut Renovated 1br Condo with W/D, Terrace and Views of Riverside Park and the Hudson River to the GWB and Beyond! Enjoy never-ending views and light from your living room and bedroom, and relax with morning cups of coffee on your private terrace while you watch the sun rise. See floor plan and full details here.

The St Paul, #4D
$995,000

Broadway Corridor | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 800 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

The St Paul, #4D (Compass)

From the Listing: Centrally located in the West 80s on a treelined block, 219 W 80th St offers a rare opportunity to own a real 2-bedroom, 2-bath CONDO in a charming pre-war elevator building with part-time doorman and low monthlies. See floor plan and full details here.

12 West 96th Street, #15C
$1,250,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

12 West 96th Street, #15C (Yoreevo LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to 12 West 96th Street, Apartment 15Ca stunning two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath in the heart of the Upper West Side. This sprawling oversized old New York wonder is the perfect opportunity to customize to your needs! See floor plan and full details here.

The Ansonia, #5131
$1,295,000

Broadway Corridor | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 955 ft²

Open House: Contact CityRealty to schedule an appointment

The Ansonia, #5131 (Compass)

From the Listing: Experience the unparalleled elegance of life at the legendary Ansonia. Apartment 5-131 is among the most spacious one-bedroom residences in this iconic building, boasting an expansive 955sf layout with soaring 10-foot ceilings. The home features a gracious corner living room offering northern and eastern exposures, accentuated by moulded ceilings. See floor plan and full details here.

175W95, #4E
$1,495,000

Broadway Corridor | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 962 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

175W95, #4E (Compass)

From the Listing: Limited Time Buyer Incentive: Sponsor to pay 5 years of common charges and real estate taxes for the next contract signed, with closing by 12/31/2024.

This beautifully designed two-bedroom offers open views to the west, north, and south. The living room features a wall of windows and a 111 sq. ft. private balcony. A brand-new finish package includes stunning wide plank white oak floors, brushed chrome hardware, and a dual Bosch washer/dryer. See floor plan and full details here.

Park Ten, #28A
$1,795,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

Park Ten, #28A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Incredibly rare opportunity to own a very spacious corner 1 bedroom 1.5 bath apartment with unobstructed park views from every window. Apartment 28A offers a front-row seat to nature's beauty and the dynamic city life with extraordinary vistas to the east and north. The living room and dining area is 27 feet in length and has direct park views. See floor plan and full details here.

Edith Apartments, #1D2D
$1,795,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,700 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

Edith Apartments, #1D2D (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to an exquisite co-op residence at 410 Central Park West, offering a blend of classic charm and modern luxury. This spacious 1,700-square-foot duplex home features three bedrooms and two beautifully renovated bathrooms, providing ample space for comfortable living. See floor plan and full details here.

The Wellesley, #5A
$2,450,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

The Wellesley, #5A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Exceptional and highly coveted pre-war Classic 6 on the Upper West Side. This sunlit home features high beamed ceilings and elegant herringbone wood floors. 13 windows with east and west exposures with natural light throughout the day. The generously proportioned living room offers charming views of West End Avenue, while the kitchen and den/library enjoy bright, east-facing views. See floor plan and full details here.

Claremont Hall, #36B
$3,200,000

Morningside Heights | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,514 ft²

Open House: Sunday, November 17, 2024

Claremont Hall, #36B (Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group)

From the Listing: Enjoy stunning Hudson River views from every room of 36B at Claremont Hall, a west-facing 1,514 square-foot residence that offers two bedrooms, two baths, and powder room, as well as a large 362 square-foot terrace. A gracious foyer leads to a large living and dining room with a grand U-shaped kitchen with island, and oversized windows that perfectly frame the Hudson River and vistas beyond. See floor plan and full details here.

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Contributing Writer Cait Etherington Cait Etherington has over twenty years of experience working as a journalist and communications consultant. Her articles and reviews have been published in newspapers and magazines across the United States and internationally. An experienced financial writer, Cait is committed to exposing the human side of stories about contemporary business, banking and workplace relations. She also enjoys writing about trends, lifestyles and real estate in New York City where she lives with her family in a cozy apartment on the twentieth floor of a Manhattan high rise.

Read Full Bio | Contact Cait Etherington

This is your member's center

In this article:

When to Complete a Home Inspection

Why Undertake a House Inspection

Why Undertake a Coop or Condo Inspection

How to How to Hire a Home Inspector

702 Greene Avenue, #2
$949,000

321 Union Street, #1B
$1,999,000

144 Vanderbilt Avenue, #4D
$3,495,000

160 East 2nd Street, #3BB
$439,000

Park Towers, #27B
$1,295,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Stewart House, #16P
$1,395,000

One Manhattan Square, #60G
$1,595,000

83 Walker Street, #5
$2,495,000

43 Wooster Street, #2E
$3,850,000

One Kenmare Square, #8B
$3,999,999

520 West 50th Street, #B4
$399,000

225 East 47th Street, #6B
$675,000

339 East 58th Street, #7CD
$975,000

The Mondrian, #32A
$1,720,000

The Grand Sutton, #PH
$2,995,000

The Waterford, #21F
$795,000

The Empire, #4D
$2,395,000

114 East 72nd Street, #3C
$2,875,000

Lincoln Towers, #22S
$595,000

230 Riverside Drive, #10O
$980,000

The St Paul, #4D
$995,000

12 West 96th Street, #15C
$1,250,000

The Ansonia, #5131
$1,295,000

175W95, #4E
$1,495,000

Park Ten, #28A
$1,795,000

Edith Apartments, #1D2D
$1,795,000

The Wellesley, #5A
$2,450,000

Claremont Hall, #36B
$3,200,000

This is your member's center

In this article:

When to Complete a Home Inspection

Why Undertake a House Inspection

Why Undertake a Coop or Condo Inspection

How to How to Hire a Home Inspector

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Select which properties are of interest to you:

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