West Chester · Chester County · ZIP 19380

West Chester Home Inspections.

The county seat of Chester County and one of the most walkable historic downtowns in the region — West Chester Borough is packed with 18th- and 19th-century brick and stone rowhomes, anchored by the courthouse, West Chester University, and the Gay/High Street core. The housing runs from Borough brick rowhomes and historic stone homes to single-level communities and colonial estates on the outskirts. Each era hides different things — aging sewer laterals, knob-and-tube wiring, masonry wear, and Zone 1 radon among them. A generic home inspector misses what makes these homes different. Our home inspectors don’t.

27+ years in Chester County · 94k inspections · 4.9★ Google reviews · Next-day reports · 100% satisfaction

West Chester is the county seat of Chester County — a borough of roughly 18,700 set in one of the most architecturally rich historic districts in Pennsylvania, anchored by the Chester County Courthouse, West Chester University, and a walkable Gay/High Street downtown. Its housing stock spans more than two centuries: 18th- and 19th-century brick and stone rowhomes in the Borough, historic stone farmhouses, single-level community homes, and colonial estates in the surrounding townships. Each carries its own structural story. ValueGuard’s ASHI-certified home inspectors in West Chester have been reading this market since 1997, and we’ve built our home inspections in West Chester around exactly these differences — whether you need a focused house inspection or a full pre-purchase home inspection, you want a house inspector who knows historic Borough rowhomes, stone homes, and new construction alike.

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 →

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i. Why these homes are different

Historic county seat, high-stakes inspection.

West Chester Borough is one of the most historically rich municipalities in Pennsylvania — a dense concentration of pre-1940 brick and stone rowhomes alongside historic stone homes and newer construction in the surrounding townships, each with distinct inspection priorities. A thorough home inspection in West Chester is essential due diligence. Here’s what our home inspectors focus on:

i
Historic Brick & Stone Rowhomes
West Chester Borough is packed with 19th- and early-20th-century brick and stone rowhomes and twins. These reward expert attention to deteriorating mortar, brick spalling, foundation moisture and settlement, party walls, and the original mechanical systems common to Borough properties.
ii
Knob-and-Tube & Older Wiring
Many Borough homes still contain original knob-and-tube or early aluminum branch wiring, plus aging panels — both insurance red flags and safety concerns. We document all remaining original wiring, panel type, and condition with photos so you know what you’re taking on.
iii
Radon Testing Recommended
Chester County, including West Chester, sits in EPA Zone 1 — the highest-risk radon classification — over the Reading Prong geological formation. Older stone foundations and Borough basements can concentrate radon more than modern construction. Radon testing is recommended for every West Chester purchase, and our DEP-certified technicians deliver 48-hour results.
iv
Competitive Market & Tight Timelines
West Chester homes move quickly. Same-week scheduling and next-business-day reports keep your inspection from becoming the bottleneck in a tight contingency window — without cutting any corners on a thorough inspection.
v
Aging Sewer Laterals
West Chester Borough has some of Chester County’s oldest sewer infrastructure — clay and cast-iron laterals from the early 1900s prone to root intrusion, offset joints, and collapse. Replacements easily run $8,000–$20,000. A camera sewer scope before closing is the only way to see the line’s real condition.
vi
Flat & Low-Slope Roof Sections
Older Borough rowhomes frequently have flat or low-slope roof sections alongside pitched areas. We assess membrane condition, drainage, and penetrations — problem spots that are easy to miss and expensive to ignore on an attached historic home.

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A sewer note for West Chester Borough buyers

West Chester Borough’s oldest streets have clay sewer laterals dating to the early 1900s. Root intrusion, offset joints, and partial collapses are common — and largely invisible without a camera. A sewer scope costs a few hundred dollars; a full lateral replacement can run $8,000–$20,000. On any older Borough home, it’s one of the most worthwhile things you can check before you close.

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From our recent caseload

Recently inspected in West Chester.

Three homes from recent ValueGuard inspections around West Chester — historic Borough brick rowhomes, a stone home on a wooded lot, and a single-level community home. One town, three entirely different home inspections. Swipe or use the arrows to see all three.


Attached brick Borough rowhomes (units 695 and 694) with black shutters and white-trim entries in West Chester, Chester County PA, inspected by a ValueGuard home inspector
No. 01
Borough rowhome
Historic Brick Rowhomes
A pair of attached brick Borough rowhomes with arched transoms and black shutters. Attached historic homes like these reward an inspector who knows party walls, deteriorating mortar and brick, flat-roof transitions, and the older wiring and sewer laterals common downtown.

Inspection priorities

iParty walls & shared-structure condition
iiBrick, mortar & foundation moisture
iiiKnob-and-tube / older wiring & panels
ivSewer scope + radon test (EPA Zone 1)

Historic stone home with a two-level wood deck and a standing-seam metal roof set on a wooded lot in West Chester, Chester County PA, inspected by ValueGuard home inspectors
No. 02
Historic stone home
Stone Home with Wood Deck
A historic stone home with a large two-level wood deck and a standing-seam metal roof on a wooded lot. Older stone homes reward attention to fieldstone foundations and pointing, the metal roof and its flashing, and the deck’s ledger, framing, and connections.

Inspection priorities

iStone, pointing & foundation moisture
iiMetal roof, flashing & drainage
iiiDeck ledger, framing & connections
ivSewer scope + radon test (EPA Zone 1)

Single-level stone-and-siding ranch home with mature landscaping in an established West Chester community, Chester County PA, inspected by a ValueGuard home inspector
No. 03
Single-level home
Stone & Siding Ranch / Villa
A single-level stone-and-siding home in an established West Chester community. Single-level homes have their own priorities — stone veneer and siding, the low-slope and hip roof areas, and the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical that often still date to the original build.

Inspection priorities

iStone veneer, siding & flashing details
iiLow-slope / hip roof & drainage
iiiHVAC, plumbing & electrical service life
ivSewer scope + radon test (EPA Zone 1)

Photos from recent ValueGuard inspections around West Chester.

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ii. The services that matter most

What to inspect in West Chester.

Service i.
Home Inspection
A complete evaluation of structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and major systems — tuned to West Chester’s mix of historic Borough brick and stone rowhomes, single-level community homes, and colonial estates on the outskirts, and delivered as a photo-rich report the next business day.
Service ii.
Sewer Scope Inspection
West Chester Borough has some of Chester County’s oldest sewer infrastructure — clay and cast-iron laterals from the early 1900s prone to root intrusion, cracks, and collapse. We camera-scope the full lateral from cleanout to main and document its condition before you close. Essential for any older Borough home.
Service iii.
Radon Testing
Chester County is EPA Zone 1, the highest radon-risk tier, and older stone foundations can concentrate it. Our PA DEP-certified technicians use tamper-resistant electronic monitors with 48-hour turnaround. Mitigation, if needed, typically runs $800 to $2,500.
Service iv.
Termite / WDI Inspection
Termite and wood-destroying-insect inspections are required by most lenders, and West Chester’s older wood-framed and masonry homes — many with crawl spaces and original wood trim near soil — are at elevated risk. We flag any active or prior activity with photos and include a certified WDI report.

← Swipe to see all four →

Ready to book your inspection?

Get instant quote
(215) 860-3150

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iii. Your local inspection team

Meet your West Chester home inspectors.

When you book ValueGuard in West Chester, you get ASHI-certified home inspectors with deep expertise in Chester County’s housing stock — from the Borough’s historic brick and stone rowhomes to stone homes to newer construction. Swipe or use the arrows to meet all 10 inspectors serving West Chester and Chester County.


MK

Michael Kelley
ASHI Master Inspector — 10,000+ Inspections

20+ years and 10,000+ inspections across Southeastern PA including Chester County. Former VP of Tri-State ASHI and a National Ethics Committee member. Advanced thermography and infrared-imaging skills make him especially valuable for West Chester’s historic and established homes alike.

DB

David Bollinger
Master Inspector — Springfield, Delaware County

A Springfield, Delaware County local, Dave is a Master Inspector with 23+ years and 8,000+ inspections across Greater Philadelphia, ASHI Certified since 2003. Clients describe him as exceptionally thorough, personable, and skilled at turning a detailed report into practical guidance for West Chester buyers.

TD

Todd Denney
ASHI Certified — Greater Philadelphia Local (CRET)

A Greater Philadelphia local, Todd brings hands-on construction expertise — carpentry, exterior renovations, and remediation — to every West Chester inspection. ASHI Certified since 2020 with 600+ inspections. Licensed termite inspector and Certified Real Estate Thermographer. Clients call him thorough, honest, and professional.

NO

Nick Ostrowski
ASHI Certified — Thermal Imaging Specialist

ASHI-certified since 2016, Nick brings genuine local knowledge to every West Chester inspection, with particular expertise in thermal imaging for catching electrical and moisture issues early. Clients describe him as thorough, patient, and excellent at explaining what every finding means.

TG

Tyler Gilger
Technical Service Manager — Master Inspector

ValueGuard’s Technical Service Manager and one of the most thorough inspectors on the team — known for spending 5+ hours on a single property when the job demands it. Chester County-based and deeply familiar with the region’s full range of housing stock, and praised for explaining complex findings in clear language.

SH

Steven Haslam
Master Inspector — 7,000+ Inspections Since 2007

7,000+ inspections since 2007 and one of ValueGuard’s most requested inspectors by name. His patient, educational approach — walking buyers through every finding in plain language — is especially valued by first-time buyers navigating Chester County’s older housing stock.

MB

Michael Baltrush
Master Inspector — 6,000+ Inspections

15+ years and 6,000+ inspections across Southeastern PA. Brings the kind of pattern recognition that only comes from inspecting thousands of homes across every era of Chester County construction.

CS

Cory Shalaway
Director of Technical Services — Master Inspector

As ValueGuard’s Director of Technical Services, Cory is known for arriving early, communicating clearly, and delivering exceptionally thorough, photo-rich reports. Deeply familiar with Chester County’s range — from mid-century homes to new construction.

JR

James Royer
ASHI Certified — President, Keystone ASHI

Recently elected President of Keystone ASHI, James is among the region’s most credentialed inspectors. Expertise spans historic homes, new construction, structural integrity, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems — with a reputation for thoroughness and clear communication.

JT

Joe Topper
Home Inspector — 2,500+ Inspections

Joe brings the ValueGuard standards of thoroughness, patience, and clear communication that clients expect across the entire team. Available 7 days a week for Chester County inspections.

Schedule now
Meet our full team →

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iv. Services & pricing

West Chester inspection pricing.

Starting prices shown. Final price confirmed at booking. See full pricing →

Service From Notes
Home Inspection $399 Single-family; size & age-based
Condo Inspection $299 Interior unit + accessible common areas
Radon Testing Add-on Recommended — EPA Zone 1
Termite / WDI Add-on Licensed & certified; required by most lenders
Sewer Scope Add-on Essential for pre-1960 homes
Mold Inspection Add-on Air sampling; key for older basements
Pre-Listing Inspection From $399 Sellers: list with confidence
Value Package · $799 · save $149 Value + Sewer Scope · $1,078 · save $199 Full Protection · $1,427 · save $439

See full pricing and packages →

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v. What West Chester buyers say

From recent buyers.

“
★★★★★

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

“
★★★★★

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

“
★★★★★

Michael did an excellent job. He arrived early, was thorough in every area, and took the time to explain each finding clearly. Completely understand why our agent recommended this company.

Dayna Marie
Google · Inspector: Michael Kelley

← Swipe to see all three →

Read all 1,500+ Google reviews →·See our reviews page →

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vi. Common questions

West Chester home inspection FAQs.

How much does a home inspection cost in West Chester, PA?
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Home inspections start at $399 for a single-family home. Older and larger West Chester Borough homes often take more time due to complex historic systems, which affects final pricing — you’ll have a firm number at booking. Condos start at $299. Packages save more: Value Package $799 (save $149), Value + Sewer Scope $1,078 (save $199), Full Protection $1,427 (save up to $439). Get an instant quote online or call (215) 860-3150.
Do I need a home inspector in West Chester who knows the local market?
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It makes a real difference. A home inspector in West Chester who knows the area understands that a Borough brick rowhome, a historic stone home, and a single-level community home each hide different issues — party walls and old wiring downtown, masonry and metal-roof wear on stone homes, and aging systems in established communities, all on top of EPA Zone 1 radon and old Borough sewer laterals. Our home inspectors have walked thousands of local properties, so whether you need a focused house inspection or a full pre-purchase home inspection in West Chester, the findings arrive with real context.
Do I need a sewer scope inspection in West Chester Borough?
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We strongly recommend it. West Chester Borough has some of Chester County’s oldest sewer infrastructure — clay and cast-iron laterals from the early 1900s prone to root intrusion, offset joints, and collapse. A sewer scope costs a few hundred dollars but can reveal problems worth tens of thousands, since a full lateral replacement runs $8,000–$20,000. It’s one of the most valuable add-ons for any Borough purchase.
Is radon testing necessary in West Chester, PA?
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Yes. Chester County, including West Chester, is EPA Zone 1 — the highest radon-risk classification — over the Reading Prong formation. Our DEP-certified technicians use tamper-resistant electronic monitors and deliver results within 48 hours. If levels come back elevated, mitigation is typically $800–$2,500 and can often be negotiated with the seller. Testing is recommended for every West Chester purchase.
What are the biggest issues in West Chester Borough homes?
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On the Borough’s older brick and stone homes we regularly document aging sewer laterals (clay or cast iron), knob-and-tube or early aluminum wiring, deteriorating brick and stone mortar, flat or low-slope roof conditions, and elevated radon. Many also have older HVAC and galvanized plumbing approaching the end of serviceable life. None are deal-breakers on their own — the point is to know what you’re buying and budget accordingly.
Should I worry about knob-and-tube or older wiring?
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It’s worth knowing about. Many West Chester Borough homes still contain original knob-and-tube or early aluminum branch wiring, which insurers increasingly flag and which can be a safety concern. We document all remaining original wiring, the panel type and condition, and any visible safety issues with photos, so you can budget for updates or raise them in negotiation.
Can I attend the home inspection?
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Absolutely — and we encourage it. Our home inspectors walk you through every finding in real time and answer your questions on the spot. Most West Chester inspections run 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the property’s size and age.
How quickly can I schedule a home inspection in West Chester?
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Typically within 1–3 business days, often same-week. We inspect seven days a week and deliver reports by email the next business day. For tight contingency windows — common on West Chester’s competitive listings — call us directly at (215) 860-3150 and we’ll do everything we can to fit your timeline.

vii. Serving all of Chester County

Also inspecting nearby communities.

Wherever you’re buying in Chester County, ValueGuard is your local home inspector.

West ChesterDowningtownExtonPhoenixvilleMalvernPaoliBerwynDevonWayneChester SpringsKennett SquareCoatesvilleOxfordAll Chester County Towns →

Ready when you are

Let’s take a closer look at your West Chester home.

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ValueGuard Home Inspections — West Chester
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 in West Chester  ·  Serving West Chester (19380) in Chester County — the Borough & surrounding townships