Condo Inspection in Manhattan

The purchase of a home, building, condominium, or coop is a major investment. A thorough evaluation helps you understand the expenses of owning a condo, and can be helpful in negotiating the sale price. Just one of the reasons that you should choose a licensed, professional condo inspector, is to evaluate the structure, electrical, and/or mechanical systems of a condo prior to purchase. The State of New York has laws in place to make sure the general public is protected, when it comes to selecting inspection services.

There are many reasons why you should make an appointment for a condo inspection. One reason is along with the condominium inspection, the inspector will include a written report, completed and delivered in a timely manner. During a condominium inspection the inspector makes a note of different things like poor sheet rock taping, the quality of workmanship, checks the paint job for quality and completion, checks the intercom system, checks the cabinet installations and stability, also windows, window panes and their stability. The inspector also checks the bathroom for proper installation of all facilities as well as other imperfections such as missing tiles, grout, caulk, leaks in and around the bathroom and kitchen. Additionally, a check for electrical voltage loss, correct wiring and other safety issues as well as checking hardwood flooring for acceptable condition and installation. The inspector looks for imperfections, undesirables and defects in the condominium, which he/she documents. The report is comprised of the inspector's findings, repair estimates and repair suggestions. Usually, a sponsor or developer of a condo will want this report, to develop what is called a punch list, so that the repairs can be addressed immediately and prior to any closing.

Many potential purchasers often assume that a one-year warranty and/or the fact that a New York City inspector conducted an inspection, that they don't need there condo inspected by there own inspector. This is simply not the case. City inspections and private inspections are not the same at all. In fact, you will see that hiring your own inspector gives you much more detailed results than that of the city inspector. Typically people feel that a condo inspection is important for new constructions only, this is untrue, and condo inspections are just as important in an old development or building. In older condos the inspector usually attempts to further inspect building components of major importance including brick facades, structural walls, foundation, roofing systems as well as other areas. Nothing is perfect; there are always things the inspector will have to report. It is important to receive a condominium inspection whether you are buying or live in an old or new construction.

Keywords: