Clifton Heights Borough · Delaware County · ZIP 19018

Clifton Heights Home Inspections.

A compact, historic Delaware County borough with mill-town roots, just over the Philadelphia line — a walkable grid of porch-front twins, rowhomes, and American Foursquares, with newer infill twins mixed in. The housing leans heavily early-20th-century. Generic inspectors miss what makes these homes different. Ours don’t.

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

Clifton Heights is a compact, historic Delaware County borough with mill-town roots — a walkable grid of porch-front homes just over the Philadelphia line, with quick transit and highway access. The housing stock runs from early-1900s twins, rowhomes, and American Foursquares to stone-and-brick singles and a wave of newer infill twins. Each era carries its own structural story. ValueGuard’s ASHI-certified home inspectors in Clifton Heights have been reading this borough since 1997, and we’ve built our home inspections in Clifton Heights around exactly these differences — whether you need a routine house inspection or a full pre-purchase evaluation.

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 these homes are different

Compact borough, porch-front housing.

Clifton Heights packs a lot of housing history into about a square mile — early-1900s twins and rowhomes, porch-front Foursquares, stone-and-brick singles, and newer infill twins. A thorough home inspection in Clifton Heights means knowing which era you’re standing in. Here’s what we focus on:

i
Early-1900s Twins & Rowhomes
The bulk of Clifton Heights’ housing dates to the early 1900s — twins and rowhomes that need close attention to original wiring, galvanized plumbing, party walls, and shared rooflines. We separate normal aging from real concerns.
ii
Porch-Front Foursquares & Bungalows
Many Clifton Heights homes carry deep front and wraparound porches on stone piers. Porch structure, columns, framing, and roof flashing are common trouble spots that we always evaluate closely.
iii
Radon Testing Recommended
Delaware County sits in EPA Zone 1 — the highest-risk radon classification. Radon testing is recommended for every Clifton Heights purchase, and our DEP-certified technicians deliver 48-hour results.
iv
Aging Clay Sewer Laterals
The Borough’s older blocks rely on clay sewer laterals from the early 1900s — prone to root intrusion and collapse. A camera sewer scope is essential for pre-1960 properties; replacement runs $10,000–$20,000.
v
Termite, WDI & Moisture
Older wood-framed porches, sills, and stone-foundation basements create favorable conditions for termites and wood-destroying insects — and for moisture and mold below grade. We flag both, and mold testing is available the same visit.
vi
Older Stock & Newer Infill
Clifton Heights mixes century-old twins with recently rebuilt and infill homes. Newer construction needs its own checks — workmanship, grading, and what’s behind fresh finishes — so the inspection has to flex to the home.

← Swipe to see all six →

A note on Clifton Heights Borough sewer laterals

Clifton Heights Borough’s clay sewer laterals in many older blocks date to the early 1900s — prone to root intrusion, offsets, and partial collapse. A camera sewer scope inspection is strongly recommended for any pre-1960 Clifton Heights property, and worth a look even on newer infill where a new home ties into an older lateral. A scope costs a few hundred dollars; a lateral replacement runs $10,000 to $20,000.

✦ ✦ ✦

From our recent caseload

Recently inspected in Clifton Heights.

Three homes from recent ValueGuard inspections in Clifton Heights — a porch-front American Foursquare, an early-1900s mansard-roof twin, and a newer rebuilt vinyl twin. One borough, three eras of housing, three entirely different home inspections. Swipe or use the arrows to see all three.


Tan Foursquare bungalow with wraparound porch in Clifton Heights inspected by ValueGuard home inspectors
No. 01
Porch-front Foursquare
Foursquare with Wraparound Porch
A classic Clifton Heights American Foursquare — a deep wraparound porch on stone piers, a hipped roof with a center dormer, and a tall brick chimney. Recently refreshed, but the bones are early-1900s and reward a careful home inspector.

Inspection priorities

iWraparound porch structure, piers & porch-roof flashing
iiHipped roof & dormer flashing
iiiTermite / WDI at porch framing & sill plates
ivClay sewer lateral scope + radon test (EPA Zone 1)

Early-1900s Clifton Heights twin with mansard roof and dormer inspected by a ValueGuard home inspector
No. 02
Early-1900s twin
Mansard-Roof Twin
An early-1900s Clifton Heights twin with a mansard-style shingle roof, a front dormer, painted siding over the original, and tall evergreens pressed against the foundation. The kind of older twin where the details matter.

Inspection priorities

iMansard roof slopes, valleys & dormer flashing
iiOriginal knob-and-tube wiring & panel updates
iiiFoundation moisture from close plantings — mold testing
ivTermite / WDI + radon test (EPA Zone 1)

Newer white vinyl twin with gable porch portico in Clifton Heights inspected by ValueGuard
No. 03
Newer infill
Newer Rebuilt Vinyl Twin
A newer or fully rebuilt Clifton Heights twin — vinyl siding, symmetrical windows, and a gable porch portico. Newer construction has its own checkpoints: workmanship, grading, and what sits behind fresh finishes.

Inspection priorities

iNew-construction workmanship, siding seams & flashing
iiGrading, drainage & foundation waterproofing
iiiSewer lateral tie-in to the older Borough main — scope
ivRadon test (EPA Zone 1) + moisture & mold behind new finishes

Photos from recent ValueGuard inspections in Clifton Heights.

✦ ✦ ✦

ii. The services that matter most

What to inspect in Clifton Heights.

Service i.
Home Inspection
A complete evaluation of structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and major systems — tuned to Clifton Heights’ early-1900s twins and porch-front homes, and delivered as a photo-rich report the next business day.
Service ii.
Sewer Scope Inspection
Strongly recommended for pre-1960 Clifton Heights homes, where clay laterals are prone to root intrusion and collapse — and worth a look on newer infill that ties into an older main. Our camera travels the full lateral from cleanout to main.
Service iii.
Radon Testing
Delaware County is EPA Zone 1, the highest radon-risk tier. 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 & Mold Testing
Termite and wood-destroying-insect inspections are required by most lenders, and mold testing is key for Clifton Heights’ stone-foundation basements and shaded porch-front walls. Both can be added to your home inspection in a single visit.

← Swipe to see all four →

Ready to book your inspection?

Get instant quote
(215) 860-3150

✦ ✦ ✦

iii. Your local inspection team

Meet your Clifton Heights home inspectors.

When you book ValueGuard in Clifton Heights, you get ASHI-certified home inspectors with deep expertise in Delaware County’s housing stock — from early-1900s twins and porch-front Foursquares to mid-century colonials to newer construction. Swipe or use the arrows to meet all 10 inspectors serving Clifton Heights and Delaware County.


MK

Michael Kelley
ASHI Master Inspector — 10,000+ Inspections

20+ years and 10,000+ inspections across Southeastern PA including Delaware County. Former VP of Tri-State ASHI and a National Ethics Committee member. Advanced thermography and building-envelope certifications make him especially valuable for Clifton Heights’ early-1900s twins and stone-foundation homes, where hidden moisture and structural issues hide in plain sight.

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 negotiation guidance for Clifton Heights buyers.

TD

Todd Denney
ASHI Certified — Delaware County Local (CRET)

A Delaware County resident, Todd brings hands-on construction expertise — carpentry, exterior renovations, and remediation — to every Clifton Heights inspection. Licensed termite inspector and Certified Real Estate Thermographer with a deep working knowledge of what less experienced inspectors tend to miss. Clients call him thorough, honest, and professional.

NO

Nick Ostrowski
Master Inspector — Thermal-Imaging Expert

ASHI-certified since 2016, Nick brings deep local knowledge to every Clifton Heights inspection, with particular expertise in thermal imaging — clients often credit him with catching electrical and moisture issues before they become disasters. Thorough, patient, and excellent at explaining findings on porch-front and older Borough homes.

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. Delaware County-based and deeply familiar with the county’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 Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware County’s range — from historic borough homes to newer 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 Delaware County inspections.

Schedule now
Meet our full team →

✦ ✦ ✦

iv. Services & pricing

Clifton Heights 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 Borough 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 →

✦ ✦ ✦

v. What Clifton Heights buyers say

From recent buyers.

“
★★★★★

Dave is absolutely a pleasure. He is personable and educates the buyer. He saved me from buying a property with serious structural issues that would have cost as much to repair as the house was worth.

Amanda P.
Google · Inspector: David Bollinger

“
★★★★★

Todd from ValueGuard is the GOAT of inspectors. He was extremely professional, thorough and honest.

Delaware County Buyer
Google · Inspector: Todd Denney

“
★★★★★

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 1,300+ Google reviews →·See our reviews page →

✦ ✦ ✦

vi. Common questions

Clifton Heights home inspection FAQs.

How much does a home inspection cost in Clifton Heights, PA?
+
Home inspections start at $399 for a single-family home. Condo inspections start at $299. Larger or older Clifton Heights properties may take more time, which affects final pricing. 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 Clifton Heights who knows the area?
+
It makes a real difference. A home inspector in Clifton Heights who has worked the Borough knows that an early-1900s porch-front twin, a stone-foundation Foursquare, and a newer infill rebuild each hide different issues — knob-and-tube wiring, clay sewer laterals, porch-framing rot, and EPA Zone 1 radon. Our home inspectors have walked thousands of local Delaware County properties, so whether you need a routine house inspection or a full pre-purchase home inspection in Clifton Heights, the findings arrive with real neighborhood context instead of a generic checklist.
Is radon testing necessary in Clifton Heights, PA?
+
Yes. Delaware County is EPA Zone 1 — the highest radon-risk classification. Radon levels can vary dramatically from house to house, so testing is the only way to know. Our DEP-certified technicians use tamper-resistant electronic monitors and deliver results within 48 hours. Radon testing is recommended for every Clifton Heights purchase.
Do I need a sewer scope in Clifton Heights Borough?
+
Strongly recommended for any pre-1960 property. Clifton Heights Borough’s clay sewer laterals are largely from the early 1900s and prone to root intrusion, offsets, and collapse. It’s even worth a look on newer infill homes, where a new build often ties into an older lateral. A camera scope costs a few hundred dollars and can reveal problems worth $10,000 to $20,000 to address after closing.
Is mold testing recommended for Clifton Heights homes?
+
Often, yes — especially for the Borough’s stone-foundation basements, shaded porch-front walls, or any property with a history of water intrusion. Older Clifton Heights homes are prone to below-grade moisture, and newer finishes can trap it out of sight. Our certified mold testing covers air sampling and surface testing, and can be added to your home inspection in the same visit.
What are the most common issues in Clifton Heights homes?
+
Common findings include original knob-and-tube or early upgraded wiring, undersized electrical panels, galvanized plumbing, clay sewer laterals, porch-framing and column rot, stone-foundation dampness, and detectable radon. Older wood-framed porches and sills can also show termite or wood-destroying-insect activity. Our home inspectors flag each and explain what it means for you as a buyer.
Can I attend the home inspection?
+
Absolutely — and we encourage it. Our home inspectors walk you through every finding in real time and answer your questions on the spot. Most Clifton Heights 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 Clifton Heights?
+
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, call us directly at (215) 860-3150 — we’ll do everything we can to fit your timeline.

vii. Serving all of Delaware County

Also inspecting nearby communities.

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

AstonChichesterClifton HeightsCollingdaleDarbyDrexel HillFolcroftFolsomGarnet ValleyGlen MillsGlenoldenHavertownLansdowneLinwoodMarcus HookMediaMortonNewtown SquareNorwoodRidley ParkSharon HillSpringfieldSwarthmoreThorntonUpper DarbyVillanovaWallingfordWayneYeadonAll Delaware County Towns →

Ready when you are

Let’s take a closer look at your Clifton Heights 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 →

ValueGuard Home Inspections — Clifton Heights
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 Clifton Heights  ·  Serving Clifton Heights Borough (19018) and all of Delaware County, PA