New York State Disclosure Law
The state of new York has enacted legislation requiring sellers of private homes to complete a disclosure information form regarding the condition of the property. We at Joseph Schmitt Consulting Engineers address the specific items in the disclosure form, along with many other items, within the limits of a visual inspection. We organize our report format, for the convenience of the buyer, to more closely correlate to the disclosure form.
As a part of our pre- purchase inspection services it is the intention of our firm to work closely with the buyer's attorney in order to assure that our mutual client has the most comprehensive picture possible regarding the condition of the property. Towards that end, we provide in our custom written reports, detailed descriptions of the specific problems encountered, as well as necessary corrective measures, including the estimated cost of those measures.
What is the difference between an Engineer and an Home Inspector?
Home inspectors who are not licensed engineers, by law and by expertise, are not qualified to provide this degree of information. Many licensed engineers do not provide the cost estimates, but our firm does.
Carbon Monoxide and other gas leaks have become an increasing concern to buyers. As a part of every inspection we will check for adequate supply of combustion air for all fuel burning equipment. We will also check, with a gas detection device, for the presence of such gases in the house and in the mechanical equipment areas.
We also check for, and alert our clients to, the possibility of other environmental problems; such as, asbestos insulation on heating pipes, buried oil tanks. lead paint and lead solder in water pipes.
Real Estate Attorneys
A home inspection provided by an engineering firm can include, as our reports do, specific information on the seriousness of any structural defect, as well as specific information on how to restore the structural integrity. This is providing engineer services.
A home inspecton provided by an inspection firm which is not headed by a licensed engineer cannot provide this information even if the actual inspector is a licensed engineer. In the event a significant structural defect is found, an engineering firm must then be engaged to make the full evaluation and reccomendations for corrective work.
