Buying a condo or co-op on Long Island is a different process than buying a single-family home — and the inspection is different too. Here’s what changes, what’s the same, and why you still absolutely need one.
What You Own vs. What the Building Owns
In a condo, you typically own the unit interior — walls, floors, fixtures, appliances — and share ownership of common areas. In a co-op, you own shares in the corporation that owns the building, not real property directly. What you own affects what your inspector can and should evaluate.
What Gets Inspected
The inspection focuses on the interior of the unit: electrical (panel or subpanel, outlets, fixtures), plumbing (supply lines, shut-offs, water heater if in-unit), HVAC (in-unit systems only), windows and doors, and all interior finishes. Roof, exterior, and common areas are typically the building’s responsibility — but if you can access the roof or mechanical rooms, your inspector will note what they observe.
Read the Building Financials
Before closing on a co-op or condo, review the building’s financials and board minutes. Underfunded reserves mean a special assessment is coming. Deferred maintenance on the building you can’t inspect is your problem after you move in.
The Inspection Boys inspect condos and co-ops across Long Island and New York City. Book at homeinspectionsli.com.
