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Home inspection
Home Inspection in Washington, DC
For a Washington rowhouse, English basement, or condominium, plan the inspection around the spaces and systems included in your purchase. A photo report helps you plan your next steps.
Read client reviews Licensed and insured inspectors Serving all of Washington, DC
Schedule a home inspection Get a home inspection quote Call (703) 450-6398
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 a Washington 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 for Washington, DC properties
A Washington, DC home inspection starts with the property layout. Describe a divided rowhouse, lower-level residence, roof addition, or condominium unit when booking so the inspector can review the agreed accessible systems and record any limitations.
Rowhouses and finished lower levels
For a rowhouse with a rear addition or finished English basement, identify which floors and equipment are included. The inspector reviews accessible structure, roof drainage, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and signs of water entry. Shared walls and finished surfaces limit what can be seen, and the report explains those limits.
Coordinate entry to each included level and the rear exterior. Share known roof or lower-entry leaks.
Detached houses and individual units
A Brookland house and a downtown condominium need different access arrangements. For a house, identify attic, basement, and crawlspace entrances. For a unit, confirm the equipment that serves it and the association responsibilities. Common building systems require an agreed scope and appropriate access.
Provide the unit number, building entry instructions, and management contact where necessary.
Home inspections around Washington
The same inspectors cover Washington and every place listed below, each with its own page.
Home inspections by city
Washington DC
Home inspection questions in Washington, DC
Practical questions about planning a home inspection in Washington, DC, including scope, access, and the report.
What does a home inspection in Washington, DC cover?
The agreed visual scope covers safely accessible structure, roof, exterior, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, interior, attic, and site drainage. The report describes observed conditions and areas that could not be inspected. Confirm the scope for a condominium, multiple units, or detached structures when booking.
What is included when the home has shared systems?
Confirm the unit boundaries and association responsibilities before booking. The inspection covers the agreed accessible components serving the property. Roofs, elevators, central equipment, and other common areas may require a separate scope and access arranged through building management.
Can an inspection evaluate a finished addition?
The inspector reviews visible connections, accessible systems, and observed conditions in the included space. Finished walls and ceilings conceal parts of the work. Share renovation dates and known repairs; a visual inspection cannot certify concealed workmanship or permit approval.
Can I attend the final walkthrough?
Yes. You can attend the visit or join the walkthrough near the end. This gives you a chance to see findings in the property and ask questions before reviewing the written photo report. Coordinate your timing and any building access rules with the office.
Should I mention a previous leak that has been repaired?
Yes. Give the location, approximate date, repair details, and any recurring symptoms. The inspector documents visible conditions and related access limitations. A dry surface on the day of the visit does not establish that concealed materials are unaffected or that a leak cannot recur.
How should I prepare for a Washington, DC home inspection?
Arrange access to the attic or lower spaces, electrical panels, utility equipment, and every unit or structure in the agreed scope. Share known repairs and coordinate keys or management access before the appointment.
Confirm your Washington, DC home inspection
Share the property address, type and size to confirm the inspection price and scope. Ask about selected add-on services, access and timing before booking.
Explore Our Inspection Reports
- HD Photography
- Commentary & Recommendations
- Grading Scale
- Repair, Safety & Maintenance