Top-quality, Timely Home Inspection Services
Pre-purchase Inspections
A PRE-PURCHASE home inspection is a non-invasive (e.g. observed) evaluation of a property’s condition conducted before finalizing its purchase.
This type of inspection is designed to identify potential issues or defects before a buyer signs a contract to buy a home.
Pricing:
A pre-purchase home inspection is a fixed fee and is generally based on the size and age of the property. It includes a 2-3 hour onsite visual inspection, and a home inspection report (with photos and recommendations) provided to the client within 3-days of the inspection.
Marquis Home Inspections also offers radon testing for a separate fee of $150.
Benefits to the Buyer:
A pre-purchase home inspection provides the buyer with valuable information to help them evaluate their potential purchase and offer price.
Pre-listing Inspections
A PRE-LISTING home inspection is similar to a pre-purchase home inspection but the client is the seller. Typically, a pre-listing home inspection occurs before the seller lists the property for sale.
Pricing:
A pre-listing home inspection is a fixed fee generally based on size and age of the property. It includes a 2-3 hour onsite visual inspection, and a home inspection report (with photos and recommendations) provided to the client within 3-days of the inspection.
Marquis Home Inspections also offers radon testing for a separate fee of $150.
Benefits to the Seller:
A pre-listing home inspection provides the seller with information about potential concerns that a buyer may bring up in negotiations. It can also potentially provide time to rectify potential concerns before listing the house for sale.
Home Consultations
A home consultation may be useful for home owners who want to better understand the overall condition of their property.
A home consultation can be similar to a pre-purchase / pre-listing home inspection including a full report. Or it could be a general walk-though with verbal observations and recommendations.
Pricing:
Home consultation pricing is based on an hourly rate and is determined by the specific needs of the home owner and the amount of home inspector time needed.
Note:
A home consultation is not intended to replace the expertise of trade professionals such as HVAC specialists, Electricians, Plumbers, Roofers, Contractors, Pavers and Masonry specialists, and other specialists. If there is a specific issue with your home needing to be addressed, it is recommended that you contact the appropriate specialist. Marquis Home Inspections has a network of qualified specialists as needed.
Westchester Towns That We Serve
Marquis Home Inspections is located in White Plains, in the heart of Westchester County. We serve prospective home buyers and sellers who either live in Westchester County, or who are interested in buying a home in Westchester County. We are able to travel to all parts of Westchester and there are no additional charges for drive time.
Steps to a Home Inspection
Below are the steps of a home inspection that Marquis Home Inspections typically takes when working with clients.
New York State requires a formal written agreement (a contract) between the client (e.g. buyer, seller) and the home inspector in order for a home inspection to be legally performed.
Following a discussion with the client about their home inspection needs and agreement on price, Marquis Home Inspection will provide the client with a Home Inspection Agreement contract.
This contract must be signed before the home inspection is conducted. This can be completed beforehand (preferred) or onsite at the start of the inspection.
Clients can easily schedule a home inspection at this calendar link or by phone or by email. Home inspections are booked for three-hour blocks of inspection time (and typically take 2-3 hours).
When a home inspection is booked, you will receive a calendar invite to confirm the booking. Booking reminders will be sent to clients 48 hours and 24 hours prior to the inspection
On the day of the inspection, Marquis Home Inspections will meet the client at the inspection location at the scheduled time. Clients are encouraged to participate in the home inspection.
Other Participants: If the client would like others to participate in the inspection (e.g. real estate agents, family members, friends), the client needs to confirm with Marquis Home Inspections that they are in agreement with others to participate (for the reason that the information which Marquis Home Inspections provides to the client is confidential to the client).
Payment: Payment for the home inspection services will be made immediately following the physical inspection, either by cash, check (made out to Marquis Home Inspections LLC) or by Zelle. Not providing payment may result in Marquis Home Inspections withholding the release of the inspection report.
Marquis Home Inspections is committed to providing the client with their confidental written home inspection report within three days of the completion of the inspection.
The home inspection report will be provided to the client electronically via email with a downloadable link. This link is confidential to the the client. Following receipt of the report, the client may choose to share a copy of the report with others.
Home Inspection Reports & Client Satisfaction
Top Quality, Timely Reports: Marquis Home Inspections is committed to providing top-quality, timely reports based on New York State Home Inspection Standards of Practice. The reports are designed to provide you with actionable insights about your home components, systems and safety. Each report includes summaries of observations and recommendations including images to highlight key findings.
5-Star Client Satisfaction: Marquis Home Inspections is committed to providing exceptional customer support and ensuring clients are well informed about the inspection and the status of the home. Marquis Home Inspections will guide you through the home inspection process and answer any questions you may have. Following each home inspection, clients are encouraged to post a Google review and rating. This is not a necessary step, but your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Our goal is to earn your trust and confidence by doing great work (and hopefully earn your 5-star rating!)
What We Assess in Your Home Inspection
For conducting home inspections, Marquis Home Inspections follows the New York State Home Inspections Standards of Practice as well as the home inspection guidance provided by InterNACHI (the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors). Listed below is a condensed summary of the key areas that are included in a home inspection.
| Category | Summary of New York State Home Inspection Standards of Practice |
|---|---|
| Definitions | Component = An individual part (e.g., a breaker in an electrical panel). System = A combination of components (e.g., the electrical system). Readily Accessible = Can be reached without moving personal items, furniture or dismantling construction. |
| Purpose and Scope | The purpose of a home inspection is to give the client objective information about the property's condition at the time of the home inspection. The New York State Home Inspection Standards of Practice are minimum requirements — inspectors can do more, but not less. The home inspection report will state what was inspected, and explain any exclusions or limitations. |
| Minimum Requirements | Inspectors must look at readily accessible, visually observable, installed systems and components and report on: 1. Any that are unsafe, non-functioning, or significantly deficient. 2. Anything that requires major repair or further evaluation. 3. If a system/component wasn’t observed (e.g. a blocked attic hatch), the inspector must state why. |
| Site Conditions | Inspectors must inspect grading, drainage, vegetation, driveways, walkways, patios, and retaining walls and report on any adverse effects (e.g. soil sloping toward foundation, tree roots against walls). Inspectors are not required to inspect fences, outbuildings, or sprinkler systems, or conduct geological/soil testing. |
| Structural Systems | Inspectors must inspect the foundation, floor framing, wall framing, ceiling and roof structure and report on any visible deterioration (e.g., cracks, sagging beams, rotted joists). Inspectors are not required to calculate load-bearing capacity or move finishes (e.g. drywall) to see behind. |
| Exterior | Inspectors must inspect siding, flashing, trim, exterior doors, decks, stoops, porches, balconies, railings, eaves, soffits, fascias, must test a representative number of windows, and must inspect attached garages and carports. Inspectors are not required to inspect fences, recreational equipment, landscaping, or detached sheds. |
| Roof Systems | Inspectors must report on how the roof was inspected (e.g. from the ground, with binoculars, walked on, drone) and the types of roofing material and conditions. Inspectors must inspect gutters, downspouts, flashing, skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations. Inspectors are not required to inspect antennas, snow guards, solar panels, or hidden parts of chimney flues. |
| Plumbing Systems | Inspectors must inspect the interior water supply and distribution piping, fixtures, faucets, drains, waste and venting systems, water heater type, energy source, and venting, and check for for leaks, active signs of corrosion, adequate water flow. Inspectors are not required to inspect wells, septic tanks, water quality testing, private pumps, or fire sprinklers. |
| Electrical Systems | Inspectors must inspect the electric service drop, electric service entrance conductors, electric service panels, and grounding. They must test a representative number of switches, receptacles and fixtures. They must report on amp/voltage rating, electric panel location, and presence of GFCI outlets. Inspectors are not required to inspect alarm systems, intercoms, solar panels, and smart home/low-voltage wiring. |
| Heating Systems | Inspectors must test heating systems using normal controls, identify the fuel source (e.g. oil, gas, electric, etc.) and distribution type (e.g. forced air, hot water, radiant), and report on deficiencies in function or safety (e.g., no draft, cracked heat exchanger visible). Inspectors are not required to disassemble units or test safety devices beyond normal controls. |
| Air Conditioning Systems | Inspectors must test installed cooling systems (not portable units) and check visible components for leaks, damage or improper installation. Inspectors must report on the AC type (central, split system, etc.) and distribution method. Inspectors are not required to determine refrigerant levels or test window A/C units. |
| Interior | Inspectors must inspect walls, ceilings, floors, doors, stairways, railings, windows and report deterioration or safety hazards (e.g. loose railing, broken glass). Inspectors are not required to inspect paint, wallpaper, carpet, or cosmetic finishes unless these items are hiding an interior defect. |
| Insulation and Ventilation | Inspectors must inspect attics, basements, and crawl spaces for insulation, check ventilation in attic/basements, and report on missing, inadequate, or damaged insulation. Inspectors are not required to inspect or report on energy efficiency testing or conduct a vapor barrier analysis. |
| Fireplaces | Inspectors must inspect chimneys, flues, vents, and solid-fuel burning appliances and check for damage, blockages, creosote buildup visible from accessible areas. Inspectors are not required to test chimney drafts, ignite fires, or inspect inside chimney flues beyond what’s visible. |
| Attics | Inspectors must determine the attic structure (e.g. framing, sheathing), insulation, and ventilation type, and report signs of water (e.g. stains, sagging rafters) or missing insulation. Inspectors are not required to disturb insulation or enter unsafe attics. |
| Immediate Threats | If the Inspector believes there are immediate threats in the house to the health and safety to the inspected property's owners or others in the house (e.g. the smell of gas), the Inspector must immediately disclose such threats. |
What We Don't Do
It is important for our clients to understand not only what is included in a home inspection, but what is not included.
Marquis Home Inspections follows the New York State Home Inspection Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics for what a NYS licensed home inspector cannot do.
| WHAT WE DON'T DO | Summary Description (Please see NYS Home Inspection Standards of Practice for full details) |
|---|---|
| Limitations and Exclusions | Inspectors are not required to (1) Move personal items, furniture, or heavy objects (2) Enter unsafe or inaccessible areas (3) Determine life expectancy of systems (4) Check environmental hazards (mold, radon, asbestos, lead) (5) Verify building code compliance (5) Offer warranties or guarantees (6) do anything dangerous to their own safety while performing the inspection (e.g. walking on a roof, entering a home that smells of gas) |
| Engineering or Architectual Services | Home inspectors may not perform or advertise themselves as offering engineering or architectural services, unless licensed for those disciplines. |
| Property Boundries | Home inspectors may not define property boundaries or survey the land. |
| Home Appraisal | Home inspectors may not provide an appraisal or determine the home's value. |
| Cost Estimates | Home inspectors are not required to provide (1) the life expectancy of a system or component (2) the cause of the need for repair or (3) the methods, materials or costs of corrections. |
| Code Compliance | Home inspectors may not determine if something is “code-compliant” (meets regulations, codes) which is the role of building/code officials. |
| Financial Interest | Home inspectors may not inspect a home that they (or family member or partner) have a financial interest inthe property's sale or transfer. |
| Specialized Testing | Home inspectors may not conduct tests that require separate NYS licensure such as lead paint, asbestos, mold or water quality testing. Please note that in NYS, home inspectors ARE permited to conduct radon testing but radon testing must use EPA-approved testing methods. |
| Contingency Pricing | Home inspectors may not have compensation for their services be contingent on the inspection results or sale of the home. |
| Contractor Referrals | Home inspectors may not provide contractor referrals for a fee, or perform home repairs. |
| Delegation | Home inspectors may not delegate home inspection responsibilities to someone who isn’t licensed to perform those tasks. |
| Misleading/False Advertising | Home inspectors may not make false or misleading reports, statements, or advertising. Honesty in reports, advertising, qualifications is required. |
| Home Insurance Opinions | Home inspectors may not give opinions on the insurability of a property. |
| Declaring the Home Unliveable | Home inspectors may not condemn or declare a home unlivable. |