Home inspections in Manhattan aren’t very common, especially when buying an apartment. When buying a house in the boroughs you might be able to assume that the owners have had an inspection done on the home already but that isn’t the case here. As a buyer you want to ensure that you aren’t buying a money pit. This is why having a home inspection before making an offer is crucial.
No home is perfect. There are always going to be flaws, but you want to know what you’re getting yourself into. You might be expecting certain inadequacies with a fixer upper but what about a “move-in ready” home? It’s just as easy for a home that looks great on the outside to have hidden problems on the inside.
Don’t assume the seller is trying to pull the wool over your eyes. It’s very possible that they aren’t even aware of some of the issues, especially if they are beneath the surface. Even the nicest sellers could have faulty wiring behind the sheet rock or thinning insulation. Before making an offer it’s beneficial for all parties involved to find out the state of the home.
Make sure you hire a home inspector who is familiar with apartment buildings. Inspecting a free standing home and inspecting a unit in a larger building are two very different things. Most likely the inspector will not be able to get to the roof or the foundation to assess them so those aspects of the inspection are out.
An experienced inspector will know to look for things beneath the surface. If your inspector doesn’t do this automatically, you can request these services. Ask them to use a heat camera to check that wires aren’t overheating and at risk for fire. They also make tools to see where the walls are thinner and may be damaged from past fires or leaks. If the surface has been painted over you wouldn’t know these issues existed.
Have your inspector check all electrical outlets. When doing a walk through of your future home, you most likely didn’t plug something into every outlet to check if it works. They will make sure there are no broken outlets, sparking, or surges. They can also ensure that outlets in bathrooms and kitchens aren’t too close to the water source. If they are, you are well within your rights to ask the seller to have the outlets moved to a safe distance before you sign.
When it comes to the kitchen, an inspector will check all stationary appliances. The refrigerator must have a sturdy cable as well as a good seal between the door and the body. If you have a faulty rubber gasket the fridge won’t close properly resulting in the temperature falling and the fridge needing to pull more electricity to cool it. The stove is equally as important especially if it is gas-lit. Not only will the inspector need to make sure the cord is in good working condition but he will also need to check that the gas line is putting out at safe and efficient levels.
Finally, make sure to have your inspector check all windows and doors in your potential new home. Windows need to have locks and a good seal. This will help to prevent noise pollution, temperature changes, and break-ins. Doors should all close and lock easily. If you have to push a door shut with your weight behind it or pry it back open, it’s a sign that the door could be warped and damaged. These are all issues that you can demand be fixed by the seller before agreeing to any other terms.
Having a home inspection is well worth the money. The usually aren’t very expensive and they will really help you to be prepared for the kind of issues you’re getting in your new abode.
