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Home inspection
Home Inspection in Ellicott City, MD
Whether the address sits on Main Street or higher ground above the valley, a licensed inspector's photo report tells you what to fix before you close and what can wait.
4.9 rating, over 4,000 reviews Licensed and insured inspectors Serving Ellicott City and all of Howard County
What our customers say
From our customer reviews.
They were available as a last minute request and did a thorough and extremely efficient job for my home inspection.
His knowledge and expertise gave me great confidence in understanding the condition of the home.
That level of responsiveness and professionalism truly helped keep the transaction moving smoothly and allowed me to meet critical deadlines on time.
Great service, very thorough inspection and highlighted items in a very approachable and organized manner.
What we check in an Ellicott City home
The inspection follows the same 12 areas, from the roof down to the grounds, within the agreed scope and safe access available. It is visual and non-invasive: finishes are not removed, and personal belongings are not moved. Select an 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 a sample of windows
- 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
- A sample of 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. Need additional testing? Explore radon testing, termite inspection, mold testing and water testing, then confirm your selected services and timing when booking.
Add a package to the inspection
Three packages built around the home inspection. Package prices are for the add-on services only and are added to the inspection price. The savings are against booking the same services one by one.
Home Essentials
The perfect starting point
Home Advantage
Most popular for homebuyers
Home Enhanced
The ultimate peace of mind
Warranties must be requested when you book, not after the inspection. Radon and thermal imaging can also be added on their own. Read more about each package.
What a home inspection actually involves
No jargon, no surprises. Here is the whole visit, start to finish, so you know what you are booking before you book it.
You book, we confirm
Online or by phone, in a few minutes. Your agent can book for you. Add radon, termite or a package at the same time, and we confirm the appointment with you before the visit.
The walk-around
Roof, siding, grading, decks, the garage and the grounds first. The inspector photographs what they find as they go, so the report shows you exactly where each item is.
Systems and accessible spaces
The inspector checks accessible electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling components and operates equipment with normal controls when conditions allow. The report identifies areas that could not be inspected and any recommended follow-up.
The walkthrough and the report
You see the main findings in the house itself. The written report follows online with photos, priorities and what to do about each item.
Home inspections across Ellicott City
An Ellicott City home inspection starts with the actual building and its access, whether the appointment is at a Main Street property or a house above the Patapsco valley. Tell us about prior water entry, additions, finished lower levels, and any shared spaces before the visit. The inspector evaluates visible, safely accessible components and documents findings for the property being inspected.
Older buildings and additions
For an older Ellicott City building, identify the residential spaces included in the appointment and arrange access to the cellar, attic, roof areas, and mechanical equipment where safe. The inspector looks for visible moisture staining, movement, electrical and plumbing concerns, and roof or flashing defects. Later additions receive attention at their connections to the original building. A standard home inspection cannot determine flood exposure or reveal conditions behind intact finishes.
Bring dates and records for water damage, repairs, or renovations. These records give useful context for visible findings but do not replace an inspection of current conditions.
Systems, drainage, and access
For a detached house, townhouse, or newer home, the agreed visual scope includes accessible structure, exterior, roof, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, interior, and attic. The inspector also observes grading and downspout discharge around the foundation. Finished basements, decks, garages, and converted rooms can change what needs access, so describe them when booking.
Clear access to the electrical panel, heating and cooling equipment, water heater, attic hatch, and lower level. Confirm who can provide access to any shared or locked area.
Home inspections around Ellicott City
Ellicott City sits in Howard County, and the same inspectors cover the whole county. Every place below has its own page.
Home inspections by city
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Ellicott City, questions answered plainly
Practical questions about scope, access, and findings for an Ellicott City home inspection.
What does an Ellicott City home inspection cover?
Within the agreed scope and safe access, the inspector reviews visible structure, roof, exterior, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, interior, attic, and site drainage. The report documents observed concerns and areas that could not be reached.
How should I prepare an older Main Street property?
Arrange access to the cellar, attic, roof areas, and mechanical equipment where safe. Share records for water entry, repairs, and additions, and tell us whether the building includes more than one residential unit or any commercial space.
Can the inspection establish flood risk or the cause of old water damage?
The inspector can document visible staining, moisture-related damage, drainage conditions, and repairs. A standard visual inspection does not establish flood risk, insurance eligibility, or the cause of a past event. Bring seller records and ask about a separate specialist evaluation if needed.
Can more than one unit be included in the visit?
Tell us at booking how many units and shared areas are part of the transaction. The appointment must be scoped for those spaces, with access arranged in advance. The report notes areas that were not accessible rather than assuming their condition.
Do I need to be present for the inspection?
You can attend the visit or join the closing walkthrough. Seeing the findings in place can help you understand priorities and ask questions before the photo report is delivered.
What should I bring to an Ellicott City inspection?
Bring repair and renovation records, seller disclosures, and any dates or photos of water entry. Make the electrical panel, mechanical equipment, attic hatch, and lower spaces accessible, and identify locked or shared areas ahead of time.
Explore Our Inspection Reports
- HD Photography
- Commentary & Recommendations
- Grading Scale
- Repair, Safety & Maintenance