Home Inspections
A licensed inspector walks the property, roof to foundation, then writes a comprehensive report that says what matters, what can wait, and what to ask for. Enter the address and property type, and finish booking on the next screen.
What Does a Home Inspection Include?
Licensed, InterNACHI certified inspectors evaluate the structure and every major system of the house, from the roof to the foundation, following the InterNACHI Standards of Practice. Each finding is photographed, explained in plain language and rated by severity, so you can see at a glance what needs attention now and what is routine maintenance. The inspection is visual and non-invasive: nothing is opened up, and nothing you own is moved. Tap any area to see what is checked.
- Range, oven and wall oven run normally
- Dishwasher, disposer and microwave run
- Kitchen exhaust fan and the dryer vent exit
- Service entrance, meter and main disconnect
- Panels, breakers, grounding and bonding
- Sampled outlets and switches; GFCI, AFCI, smoke and CO detectors
- Siding, flashing, trim, eaves, soffits and fascia
- Every exterior door and window.
- Walkways, driveway, stoops, porches, decks and railings
- Foundation walls, slabs and the basement
- Any accessible crawlspace
- Signs of movement, water penetration and wood touching soil
- Vehicle door and opener on their normal controls
- Auto reverse and photo eye safety sensors
- Walls, ceiling, floor and the fire door into the house
- Grading and drainage at the foundation
- Retaining walls and vegetation against the house
- Downspout discharge, walkways, driveway and steps
- Heating and cooling run on their normal controls
- Energy source, method and thermostat location noted
- Visible ducts, filter, condensate drainage and equipment condition
- Floors, walls, ceilings, stairs and railings
- All accessible doors and windows opened and closed
- Accessible attic: insulation depth, ventilation and framing; fireplace and damper
- Sink, faucet, drain and disposer run
- Dishwasher connection checked for leaks
- Cabinets, drawers, counters, floors, walls, ceiling and exhaust fan
- Main water and fuel shut-offs located
- Water heater, its venting and TPR valve; pipe materials
- Every toilet flushed; every sink, tub and shower run
- Coverings, flashing, vents, skylights and chimney
- Gutters, downspouts, eaves and rake
- Roof structure from inside the attic where accessible
- Visible framing, beams, posts and joists
- Masonry walls and the chimney structure
- Settlement signs: cracks, out of square openings, unlevel floors
Every inspection follows a written standard of practice. Radon, termite, mold and water testing can be added to the same visit.
Most reports are delivered within 24 to 48 hours, with safety concerns and major defects listed first, so you and your agent know what needs attention right away. We perform residential home inspections across Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, southern Pennsylvania, and West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. Check your city, county, or ZIP code in our service area, then choose a date and time in our online scheduler.
How Your Home Inspection Works
Three steps from the first call to the finished report, and no time limit on questions once you have it.
Step 1
You place the order
Call our office or book online, whichever you prefer. Give us the property address and a few details about the home, and we will confirm the appointment and assign your inspector.
Step 2
Your inspector evaluates the property
Your assigned inspector arrives at the property and works through everything in the home, roof to foundation, recording each finding as they go. A walkthrough is optional: if you have questions, join the inspector at the end and they will go over what was found with you in person.
Step 3
Your report follows in 24 to 48 hours
The written report is delivered 24 to 48 hours after the inspection. If anything in it needs explaining, reach out. Questions about your report are welcome at any point afterward, whether that is the same week or years down the road. There is no cutoff.
Licensed, certified and insured
Our inspectors are licensed, insured and continuously trained, and every one is backed by general liability and errors and omissions insurance. These are the credentials that matter for a home inspection; the full roster of certifications, awards and association memberships is a click away.
InterNACHIInternational Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Every inspection follows its Standards of Practice.
Certified Master InspectorThe inspection profession's senior designation.
ASHIAmerican Society of Home Inspectors. We work to its ethical and operational standards.
BBB Accredited, A+Better Business Bureau accredited since 2019 with an A+ rating.
Angi Super Service AwardAwarded for 2025 on verified customer reviews.
Thumbtack Top ProTop Pro standing on Thumbtack, earned on customer reviews.
- Licensed and continuously trained inspectors
- General liability and errors and omissions insurance
- Every report peer reviewed before it goes out
- Passed the National Home Inspector Examination
See every credential we hold: inspector certifications and accreditations, awards and association memberships.
Home inspections by city and county
Our inspectors work out of Sterling, Virginia and cover Northern Virginia, central Maryland and the District. Every county and city below has its own page: local facts, the same twelve areas, the same inspectors.
Virginia
Counties we cover
Maryland
Counties we cover
Washington DC
Coverage
The whole city, river to river.
Every neighborhood in the District, from Georgetown to Anacostia. See our Washington DC page
Home Inspection Questions, Answered
What happens before, during and after a NextDay Inspect residential home inspection, in plain language.
How long does a home inspection take?
It depends on the size, age and type of the home, so we do not quote one number for every property. Our office can estimate the time for your home when you schedule, and you are welcome to attend for as much of the inspection as you like.
When will I receive my inspection report?
Most reports are delivered within 24-48 hours of the inspection as a PDF you can share with your agent, attorney or contractor. Every report is peer-reviewed before it goes out, and it opens with an executive summary that lists safety concerns first, then major defects, maintenance items and informational notes. See a sample home inspection report.
Should I attend the home inspection?
You do not have to! As long as we have access to the property, rest assured, our inspector will be sure to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the property.
What does a residential home inspection include?
A non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of the home, following the InterNACHI Standards of Practice: the roof, exterior, structure and foundation, heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical, attic and ventilation, fireplace, interior, and built-in appliances. Tap any of the twelve areas above to see what is checked in each.
What is not included in a home inspection?
A home inspection is not technically exhaustive. It does not uncover concealed or latent defects, determine code compliance, or predict how long a component will last, and it does not include items that are not permanently installed. Radon, mold, termite and water quality testing are separate services that can be added to the same appointment.
Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A home inspection is not a pass-or-fail test; it documents the condition of the home on the day of the inspection. The report identifies what needs repair or replacement and what should be monitored, so you can decide how to proceed.
How much does a home inspection cost?
Pricing depends on the property type and square footage. Build your appointment in the online scheduler to see the price for your home, along with any add-ons such as radon or termite, before you book. Our inspection packages bundle the most popular add-ons at a lower combined price.
Where does NextDay Inspect perform home inspections?
We are based in Sterling, Virginia and inspect homes across Northern Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, southern Pennsylvania and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Check your city, county or ZIP code on our service area page.
Do you offer home warranties with the inspection?
Yes. Homes inspected by NextDay Inspect qualify for optional home warranties covering the roof, structural and mechanical systems, mold and the sewer line for a period after the inspection. Warranties must be requested when you schedule; they cannot be added after the inspection is complete.
Do you work with real estate agents?
Yes. Agents can request inspections, reach the inspection team and view past reports from a personalized dashboard, and licensed agents in Virginia and Washington, DC can earn free continuing education credits by scheduling with us. Visit our agent resources page for details.
Have a different question? Read all of our FAQs or call (703) 450-6398.
Explore Our Inspection Reports
- HD Photography
- Commentary & Recommendations
- Grading Scale
- Repair, Safety & Maintenance