Chester County has some of the most diverse and challenging housing stock in the Philadelphia region. Since 1997, ValueGuard has completed over 94,000 home inspections across the area — more than any other inspection company. From 18th- and 19th-century fieldstone farmhouses in the Brandywine Valley to fast-growing new construction around Exton, Downingtown, and Chester Springs, the range here is enormous. That means fieldstone foundations, deteriorating lime mortar, aging cast iron plumbing, well-and-septic systems, and homes sitting on the radon-prone Reading Prong all turn up — and our ASHI-certified inspectors know exactly what to look for in each.
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 county is different
Chester County demands a different inspector.
Historic fieldstone homes, the radon-prone Reading Prong, well-and-septic systems, and a wave of new construction. Generic inspectors miss what matters in Chester County. Here’s what we focus on:
Historic Stone Construction
Chester County holds more 18th- and 19th-century stone homes than almost any county in Pennsylvania. We identify fieldstone foundation issues, lime mortar deterioration, and the moisture intrusion unique to Brandywine Valley masonry.
The Reading Prong & Radon
Chester County sits on the Reading Prong — a geological formation producing some of the highest radon concentrations in Pennsylvania. The EPA and PA DEP classify much of the county as Zone 1, the highest risk category.
A Wave of New Construction
Significant growth around Downingtown, Exton, and Chester Springs. We offer pre-drywall, pre-close, and one-year warranty inspections — because new construction is never immune to framing, insulation, and mechanical defects.
Well, Septic & Rural Systems
Across the county’s rural west — Honey Brook, Elverson, Landenberg, and the townships — private wells and septic systems are the norm. We know the questions these systems raise and can coordinate the right specialized testing.
Aging Sewer Laterals
Older homes — particularly in West Chester borough and the historic villages — sit on aging clay and cast iron sewer laterals prone to root intrusion and collapse. A camera inspection before closing is the only way to know what you’re buying.
A Competitive Market
West Chester, Downingtown, and Exton are among Greater Philadelphia’s most competitive markets. Same-week scheduling and next-business-day reports keep your inspection from becoming the bottleneck on a deal. Seven days a week.
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The Chester County Radon Warning
Chester County sits on the Reading Prong — one of the highest-radon-risk geological formations in Pennsylvania. The EPA and PA DEP classify much of the county as Zone 1, the highest risk category. Radon is colorless, odorless, and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and the only way to know a home’s level is to test for it. The Reading Prong affects new construction as much as historic homes. Our DEP-certified technicians use tamper-resistant electronic monitors for accurate 48-hour results. Don’t close on a Chester County home without testing.
From our recent caseload
Recently inspected in Chester County.
Six homes from recent ValueGuard inspections across Chester County — stone estates, historic borough townhomes, suburban colonials, and new construction. One county, six entirely different inspections. Swipe or use the arrows to see all six.
No. 01
Stone Estate Home
A substantial stone estate on a mature Malvern lot — the kind of property where masonry, original systems, and decades of additions all reward an inspector who knows where age hides.
No. 02
Historic Brick Townhome
A historic brick townhome in West Chester borough — period detail paired with a buried sewer lateral and aging systems that demand a camera and an experienced eye before closing.
No. 03
Suburban Colonial
A handsome suburban colonial on a generous Kennett Square lot — comfortable and well-kept, with a buried sewer lateral and a radon profile that both warrant a closer look before you buy.
No. 04
Stone & Vinyl Colonial
A classic stone-and-vinyl colonial in one of Exton’s established neighborhoods. Even comfortable, move-in-ready homes here sit on the Reading Prong — which is why radon testing belongs on every Exton inspection.
No. 05
New Construction Townhome
A brand-new townhome in one of Downingtown’s growing developments. New construction is never immune to defects — pre-close and warranty inspections catch framing, insulation, and mechanical issues before they’re sealed behind finished walls.
No. 06
Large Colonial
A spacious colonial on an open Avondale lot in the county’s rural southwest, where private wells and septic systems are common — and where a thorough inspection covers far more than the house alone.
Photos from recent ValueGuard inspections across Chester County.
ii. The four services that matter most
Four services every Chester County buyer needs.
Radon Testing
Chester County sits on the Reading Prong — one of the highest-radon-risk geological formations in Pennsylvania. The EPA and PA DEP classify much of the county as Zone 1. Radon is colorless, odorless, and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. Our DEP-certified technicians deliver accurate 48-hour results.
Termite Inspection
Chester County’s older wood-framed and stone homes — many with crawl spaces and wood in contact with soil — create favorable conditions for termites and wood-destroying insects. A certified WDI inspection is required by most lenders and essential for any purchase here.
Sewer Scope Inspection
Older homes — particularly in West Chester borough and the historic villages — sit on aging clay and cast iron sewer laterals prone to root intrusion and collapse. A camera inspection before closing is the only way to know what you’re buying.
Mold Testing
Stone homes and older fieldstone foundations are particularly susceptible to moisture intrusion and mold growth. Our certified mold testing covers air sampling and surface testing — critical for any Chester County home with a basement, crawl space, or stone foundation.
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iii. Your Chester County inspection team
Meet your Chester County inspectors.
When you book ValueGuard in Chester County, you get inspectors with thousands of local inspections behind them — from Brandywine Valley stone farmhouses to new construction in Exton and Downingtown — and the credentials to back it up. Swipe or use the arrows to meet all 10 inspectors serving Chester County.
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iv. Services & pricing
Chester County inspection pricing.
Starting prices shown. Final price confirmed at booking based on property size, age, and services selected. 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 Chester County buyers say
From recent Chester County buyers.
★★★★★
Cory and Michael were amazing! So glad ValueGuard was recommended to me. Scheduling was smooth and the inspections were thorough.
Kaity Quay
Google · Inspectors: Cory Shalaway & Michael Kelley
★★★★★
Incredible experience working with Nick! He was so thorough and patient with all my questions. Would definitely recommend ValueGuard and Nick to anyone looking for an inspector!
Anne Tran
Google · Inspector: Nick Ostrowski
★★★★★
James was incredibly knowledgeable and patient. He has great attention to detail and excellent communication skills. Would highly recommend.
Lindsey Kuhl
Google · Inspector: James Royer
← Swipe to see all three →
Read all 1,300+ Google reviews →
vi. Common questions
Frequently asked.
How much does a home inspection cost in Chester County?
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Is radon testing necessary in Chester County, PA?
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What should I know about historic Chester County homes?
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Do you inspect new construction in Exton or Downingtown?
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What about well and septic in the rural west of the county?
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Who are ValueGuard’s Chester County inspectors?
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How quickly can I schedule in Chester County?
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vii. Serving all of Chester County
Chester County communities we inspect.
From the Brandywine Valley to the borough of West Chester to the growing suburbs — wherever you’re buying in Chester County, ValueGuard is your local inspector.
Ready when you are
Let’s take a closer look at your Chester County home.
Book online in under 3 minutes — or call (215) 860-3150. Seven days a week. Report in your inbox tomorrow. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
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ValueGuard Home Inspections — Chester County
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 all of Chester County, plus Philadelphia, Delaware, Bucks, Montgomery, Berks & Lancaster Counties, PA and New Castle County, DE
