Home Inspection Costs in New York

Home inspections in New York usually cost $300-$400, depending on the size of the home.
Written by Patrick Price
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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Average home inspection costs in New York can range from $300 to $400, depending on the home’s size and location, as well as the home inspector's rates. 
Buying a home is as stressful as it is exciting. It’s critical that you get a thorough home inspection done before committing to such a large financial investment. If you skip this step, you’re likely to be unpleasantly surprised by any major issues with the house, such as plumbing problems, electrical faults, and structural weaknesses. 
To let you know what to expect from a home inspection, and to help you choose a dependable inspector,
Jerry
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What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a detailed examination of the structure and support systems of a house. Each home inspection should be performed by a qualified professional who will examine the entire house, inside and out. 
The support systems evaluated in an inspection include (but are not limited to) the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. Doors, windows, walls, floors, ceilings, roof, ventilation, and insulation should all also be examined. 
Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide you with an inspection report detailing any problems, flaws, hazards, or recommended repairs—you should include a copy of this report when making an offer on the house
MORE: How to settle into a new house

How much does a home inspection cost in New York?

The average cost of a home inspection in New York is  $300 - $400. Of course, it will vary depending on several factors, such as the home’s size, property value, location, and the inspector’s rates
Of these factors, the size of the home is the most important. In general, in New York, the price per square footage breaks down like this:
  • Homes less than 2,000 square feet: about $350
  • Homes between 2,000 and 4,000 square feet: about $550
  • Homes 4,000 square feet and above: about $800
Keep in mind that these figures are generalizations. As has been mentioned, there are quite a few factors that will affect the final cost of a home inspection. 
MORE: 10 best companies for home and car insurance

How to get a home inspection in New York

It’s crucial that you hire a home inspector that you can trust. Their judgment, integrity, and diligence are going to have a direct impact on your price negotiations—as well as your awareness of any potential problems with the house. 
Since the dependability of home inspectors is so important, several groups have been formed to vet and recommend inspectors. The
American Society of Home Inspectors
(ASHI) and the
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
(InterNACHI) are both excellent tools for narrowing down your search. Both organizations offer online search tools to browse inspectors that have been verified as being reliable. 
For home buyers/sellers in New York State, there’s also the
New York State Association of Home Inspectors, Inc.
(NYSHAI)—which is another great resource for finding qualified home inspectors. 
Here are a few of the best certified home inspection companies in New York:

What is covered in a home inspection? 

A standard home inspection should be a comprehensive examination of the entire home. Typically, this will include inspections of the following: 
  • Ceilings, floors, and walls
  • Windows and doors
  • Basement/foundation and structural components/supports
  • Heating and air-conditioning units
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical systems
  • The roof and attic
  • The insulation and ventilation
Keep in mind, though, that not every inspection is guaranteed to cover all of these items. There are some situations where exceptions will be made and items will be left out. If, for instance, any portion of the home is inaccessible or unsafe for the inspector to enter, that area will not be inspected. If this happens, the inspector should make note of the omission (and explain the reason for it) on the inspection report. 
In other situations, a portion of the home may not be inspected if it requires a specialized home inspection. If this is the case, you’ll need a specialist who has been trained in that particular type of inspection. Some of the common types of specialized inspections include: 
  • Inspections for mold and fungi growth
  • Inspections for pest infestation
  • Pool inspections
  • Inspections for radon and asbestos
  • Inspections for lead-based paint
  • Sewer/septic inspections
If the inspector decides that one or more of these are required while examining the home, they should let you know in the inspection report. If you suspect that a specialized inspection may be necessary, you can always check with the inspector beforehand to see if they offer that service. 
MORE: How to make a counteroffer after a home inspection

Who pays for a home inspection?

The home buyer is usually expected to pay for a professional home inspection. However, some sellers might agree to cover the cost during negotiations. Some sellers even decide to hire an inspector themselves before listing the house—this helps them decide on an asking price and reassure potential buyers of the home’s quality. 
Key Takeaway A home inspection is a detailed examination of a home to identify possible problems and any recommended repairs. The cost of the evaluation will vary depending on the location and the size of the house. 

Protect yourself with home insurance in New York

Getting a thorough home inspection is a vital step in ensuring that any home your purchase is in good shape. Once you’ve purchased the home, however, you’ll still need to protect against potential expenses with good
home insurance
—most mortgage lenders will actually require you to have coverage as part of the terms of the loan.  
But don’t worry. Finding good home insurance for an affordable rate doesn’t have to be a lengthy or expensive process—not when you have
Jerry
, the free insurance comparison super app
From start to finish, it only takes a few minutes to download the app, get your results, choose a policy, and get signed up! Jerry will handle all the logistics of getting your new coverage up and running—as well as helping to cancel your old policy if needed. 
Jerry
was wonderful! I used it for my auto and renters policies. I trusted it so much that I signed up my homeowners insurance under Jerry as well. All of the agents are amazingly nice and knowledgeable.” —Mary Y.
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FAQs

The length of the inspection will depend on the size and complexity of the house in question. Typically, though, a professional inspector can usually finish with a standard size home in two to three hours.
Many factors affect the cost of a home inspection. The size, location, value, age, and complexity of the home will all have an impact. Normally, the major deciding factor is the house’s total square footage.
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