How to Hire Inspectors in NYC
A practical consumer guide to vetting mold assessors, asbestos inspectors, and home inspectors in New York City — licence verification, what to ask, and official resources. Informational only — verify all licences directly with the relevant authority.
How Do You Vet a Mold Assessor in New York State?
New York State requires mold assessors to hold a licence under Article 32 of the NY Public Health Law, administered by the NYS Department of Health. Licences are available for mold assessors (who inspect and write assessment reports) and mold remediators (who perform remediation work). The same individual or company cannot perform both assessment and remediation on the same project for projects above 10 sq ft. Verify a mold assessor's licence number through the NYS DOH mold programme page before engaging their services. Ask for the licence number in writing.
How Do You Vet an Asbestos Inspector in NYC?
Asbestos investigators and project monitors in NYC must hold current NYC DEP accreditation. Before engaging an asbestos inspector, request their DEP accreditation number and verify it through the NYC DEP. For projects requiring federal AHERA compliance (schools), inspectors must also hold EPA-approved training credentials. The EPA's guidance on asbestos professionals explains the different categories of accreditation and what each authorises. Be aware that asbestos inspection and abatement must be performed by separately accredited parties.
How Do You Vet a Home Inspector in New York State?
Home inspectors in New York State must be licensed by the NYS Department of State. Verify a home inspector's licence through the DOS licence lookup before engaging their services. A home inspection covers the visible and accessible elements of the property — structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and insulation — but is not a pest inspection, lead inspection, or asbestos survey. For comprehensive due diligence on an older NYC property, separate specialist inspections are recommended in addition to the standard home inspection.
What Questions Should You Ask Any Inspector Before Hiring?
Before engaging any inspector, ask: What is your licence or accreditation number, and with which authority? What does the inspection cover and what is explicitly excluded? Will you provide a written report, and what will it contain? What is the turnaround time for the report? What is your fee and does it include any follow-up? Do you carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance? Can you provide references from recent clients? The FTC's home-improvement guidance and the BBB are useful resources for checking a company's track record before committing.
Disclaimer
This page is an independent informational resource. Content cites NYS DOH, NYC DEP, NYS DOS, EPA, FTC, and BBB as primary sources. Informational only — verify all licences directly with the relevant authority. This is not a contractor referral service. Last updated 2026-06-26.