Inspector Recommendation Please!!!

I don't know that you need an inspector. The building will have any records of issues in the walls (leaks, pipe breaks, etc) or structural concerns. The condition of the apartment itself should be relatively easy to gauge during a walkthrough. Look for things like water damage, soft spots in the flooring.

Remember that if you purchase an 'original condition' apartment you should assume EVERYTHING will have to be replaced. Also assume you will have to pay to have the electric upgraded--this can be especially costly when it's necessary to run it up from the basement. Personally I think hiring a building inspector for a co-op or condo is a waste of money.

Hi Dharma - You are certainly allowed to hire an inspector for a Coop purchase. S/he will inspect the building itself (roof, boiler, etc) as well as the apartment -- and give you a report of his/her findings. Because Coops typically have master insurance policies that cover the building, most folks don't typically hire inspectors. If you are planning to do work on the apartment -- i.e. renovations -- you may want to hire a contractor to come take a look (sometimes people use "inspector" and "contractor" interchangeably, but they are technically different). Hope that helps!

Jordan Cooper
Partner
Cooper & Cooper Real Estate
Residential Sales & Rentals
C: 917-853-9468
E: jordan.cooper@coopercooper.com

Dharma,

I am a contractor that would be happy to take a look for you. If you want me to look at it you can email me or call

primerenovations@mac.com

646-436-3942

www.primerenovationsnyc.com

This would be free of charge

I used All Aspects, Tom Walsh. 516 330 3614. He is excellent! Go to his Web site: theartofinspection.com

I used a certified inspector for my condo purchase and I say it is worth it. He identified 3 issues that I would have never caught on my own.

How much does an inspector typically charge?

I agree with bsmith.

I was quoted different prices. One quote was $200 an hour. Another was $450 with a written report. I would say $400 is about average as it takes about an hour for the inspection and 1 hour to write the report.

Good ones will cost more if you are buying more than $1.5-2mm apartment. At least a $1000. Worth every penny.