Philadelphia is the city where ValueGuard was born. Since 1997, we have completed over 94,000 home inspections across Greater Philadelphia — more than any other inspection company in the region. Rowhomes make up 70% of Philadelphia’s housing stock, and 75% of them are more than 50 years old. Buying here means buying into history — and that history comes with knob-and-tube wiring, cast iron drain lines, flat roofs, party walls, and aging sewer laterals. Our ASHI-certified inspectors have been inspecting this city since 1997.
Inspections from $399 — condos from $299. Save with a package:
| Value Package · $799 · save $149 | Value + Sewer Scope · $1,078 · save $199 | Full Protection · $1,427 · save $439 |
See full pricing and packages →
i. Why this city is different
Philadelphia demands a different home inspector.
Rowhomes, party walls, flat roofs, and century-old sewer laterals. Generic inspectors miss what matters in Philadelphia. Here’s what we focus on:
Rowhomes & Party Walls
Philadelphia rowhomes share party walls with neighbors. Our inspectors evaluate parapet conditions, shared wall integrity, flat roof drainage, and moisture intrusion from adjoining properties — issues suburban-focused inspectors routinely miss.
Aging Systems in Older Homes
Homes built between the 1870s and 1950s dominate neighborhoods from South Philly to Germantown. We identify active knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized and cast iron plumbing at end of life, aging boilers, and lead water service lines.
Flat Roof Expertise
Most Philadelphia rowhomes have flat or low-slope roofs. Our inspectors are trained in built-up roofing, membrane systems, parapet flashing, internal drainage, and the moisture patterns that develop when flat roofs are neglected.
Renovated Flip Properties
Fishtown, Point Breeze, Kensington, and neighboring communities have seen waves of investor-renovated flips. We look beyond fresh paint and new finishes to evaluate whether electrical, plumbing, and structural work was done to code and properly permitted.
Century-Old Sewer Laterals
Even new construction often connects to clay or cast-iron lines from the 1900s. Under the Philadelphia Rule, you own the entire lateral — a sewer scope catches root intrusion, offsets, and collapses that run $3,000 to $12,500+.
Tight Contingency Windows
Philadelphia is a competitive market. Same-week scheduling and next-business-day reports mean your inspection never becomes the bottleneck on a deal. Seven days a week.
← Swipe to see all six →
The Philadelphia Rule
Under the Philadelphia Rule, homeowners are responsible for the entire sewer lateral — the pipe carrying waste from your home all the way to the municipal main, often located in the middle of the street. If that pipe cracks, collapses, or is infiltrated by tree roots anywhere along that path, you write the check: permits, excavation, new pipe, and street restoration. We’ve seen this story play out too many times. Don’t close on a Philadelphia home without a sewer scope.
From our recent caseload
Recently inspected in Philadelphia.
Eight homes from recent ValueGuard inspections across Philadelphia — Federal townhomes, Victorian twins, modern rowhouses, stone colonials. Same city, eight entirely different inspections. Swipe or use the arrows to see all eight.
No. 01
Modern New Construction Townhome
A four-story new build with bayed metal-clad pop-up, oversized casement windows, and an integrated garage — slotted between an original 19th-century twin and a brownstone. New construction in a historic block raises specific questions a pre-drywall or pre-close inspection answers.
No. 02
Classic Brick Townhouse
Red brick, navy shutters, marble steps — the architectural fabric of one of Philadelphia’s most coveted neighborhoods. Original details paired with systems that have been updated (or not) over a century.
No. 03
Victorian Twin with Porch Detail
A late-1800s West Philly twin with ornamental porch brackets, decorative cornice, and the distinctive painted woodwork these blocks are known for. Inspecting these homes means evaluating original systems alongside layers of renovation.
No. 04
Modernized Corner Rowhome with Pop-Up
A renovated corner rowhome with a black-clad third-floor addition and roof deck — a Graduate Hospital signature. Pop-up additions raise specific questions about structural support, weather sealing, and how the new envelope ties into the original.
No. 05
Tall Brick Rowhome with Arched Entry
A statuesque three-story Fairmount rowhome with the neighborhood’s signature arched stone-framed doorway, ornamental lintels, and original wrought-iron rails. Beautiful bones, century-old systems.
No. 06
Federal-Era Brick Townhouse
A historic Federal townhouse on a quintessential Society Hill block — original brick facade, paneled shutters, dentil cornice. Some of Philadelphia’s most beloved homes, and some of the most demanding to inspect well.
No. 07
Wissahickon Stone Colonial
A handsome stone colonial with Wissahickon schist exterior, slate roof, and three gabled dormers — the architectural signature of Northwest Philadelphia. Slate, masonry, and original framing require a different inspection approach.
No. 08
Renovated Brick Rowhome
A renovated brick rowhome on a typical Brewerytown block with the neighborhood’s signature radiating-brick arched window crowns. Investor-renovated flips here demand a careful eye on what’s behind the fresh finishes.
Photos from recent ValueGuard inspections across Philadelphia.
ii. The four services that matter most
Four services every Philadelphia buyer needs.
Sewer Scope Inspection
Under the Philadelphia Rule, you own the entire lateral from your home to the city main — often running under the street. A cracked or collapsed line can cost $3,000 to $12,500+. A camera inspection during your contingency is the smartest investment a Philadelphia buyer can make.
Termite Inspection
Philadelphia’s dense urban rowhouse blocks — wood framing packed together, shared party walls, and aging foundations — create ideal conditions for termite and wood-destroying insect activity. A certified WDI inspection is required by most lenders.
Mold Testing
Moisture intrusion is one of the most common issues in Philadelphia’s older housing stock — from basement seepage and flat roof leaks to condensation in poorly ventilated rear additions. Our certified mold testing covers air sampling and surface testing.
Radon Testing
Philadelphia County is EPA Zone 1 — the highest radon risk classification. Pennsylvania’s statewide average is 7.3 pCi/L, nearly double the EPA’s 4.0 pCi/L action level. PA DEP-certified technicians, tamper-resistant electronic monitors, 48-hour turnaround.
← Swipe to see all four →
Ready to book your inspection?
iii. Your Philadelphia inspection team
Meet your Philadelphia home inspectors.
When you book ValueGuard in Philadelphia, you get home inspectors who have walked thousands of the city’s rowhomes, lofts, condos, and new builds — and know exactly what to look for in each. Swipe or use the arrows to meet all 9 inspectors serving Philadelphia.
Schedule now
Meet our full team →
iv. Services & pricing
Philadelphia inspection pricing.
Starting prices shown. Final price confirmed at booking. See full pricing →
| Value Package · $799 · save $149 | Value + Sewer Scope · $1,078 · save $199 | Full Protection · $1,427 · save $439 |
See full pricing and packages →
v. What Philadelphia buyers say
From recent Philadelphia buyers.
★★★★★
Mike B. did an incredible and thorough job with my house inspection! No stone was left unturned in this 100+ year old house. He had a lot of Philadelphia-house experience, which was essential while looking at a more historical home.
Megan Kloss
Google · Inspectors: Mike B. & Tyler · Mar 2025
★★★★★
I found ValueGuard through my #1 search for a Philadelphia home inspection company. Michael was extremely thorough and professional — he explained everything step by step and never rushed or cut corners. I highly recommend ValueGuard and Michael Kelley if you need a reliable and detailed home inspection in Philadelphia.
Emmy Wan
Google · Inspector: Michael Kelley · Mar 2026
★★★★★
This was my second time using ValueGuard. Joe did an awesome job inspecting the house in the East Oak Lane neighborhood of Philadelphia. He was thorough and willing to answer all of our questions. I definitely recommend him.
S Sampsell
Google · East Oak Lane, Philadelphia · May 2026
← Swipe to see all three →
Read all 1,300+ Google reviews →
vi. Common questions
Frequently asked.
How much does a home inspection cost in Philadelphia?
+
How do I choose a good home inspector in Philadelphia?
+
What is the Philadelphia Rule and why does it matter?
+
Why is a sewer scope so important for Philadelphia rowhomes specifically?
+
Do I need a termite inspection when buying a Philadelphia home?
+
Is radon testing necessary in Philadelphia?
+
What should I watch out for in a renovated flip property in Philadelphia?
+
Can I be present during the inspection?
+
How quickly can I schedule in Philadelphia?
+
vii. Serving every Philadelphia neighborhood
Philadelphia neighborhoods we inspect.
Wherever you’re buying in Philadelphia, ValueGuard is your local home inspector.
Ready when you are
Let’s take a closer look at your Philadelphia home.
Book online in under 3 minutes — or call (215) 860-3150. Seven days a week. Report in your inbox tomorrow. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Schedule my inspection
Get instant quote
Meet our full team →
100 E Penn Square, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19107 · (215) 860-3150
Inspections 7 days a week · Office hours Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm, Sat 9am–4pm · ASHI-certified home inspectors · Serving every Philadelphia neighborhood, plus Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Berks & Lancaster Counties, PA and New Castle County, DE
