Olney · North Philadelphia · ZIP 19120

Olney Home Inspections.

Long blocks of brick porch-front rowhomes and twins built from the 1920s through the 1950s, near the busy 5th Street corridor — Olney is one of Philadelphia’s most diverse and affordable neighborhoods.

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

Olney is a neighborhood in upper North Philadelphia, east of Broad Street around North 5th Street and Olney Avenue, between Logan, Feltonville and East Oak Lane. Its housing is mostly brick porch-front rowhomes and twins built from the 1920s through the 1950s, many with rear driveways, plus some larger older homes near Fisher Park. That shapes the inspection: porch roofs and framing, flat roofs and party-wall flashing, basement water and grading, older electrical panels and wiring, boilers and furnaces, galvanized and cast-iron plumbing, renovation quality, and aging sewer laterals. ValueGuard’s ASHI-certified home inspectors serve Olney regularly, with photo-rich reports delivered the next business day.

Inspections from $429 — condos from $329. Save with a package:

Value Package · $829 · save $149 Value + Sewer Scope · $1,108 · save $199 Full Protection · $1,457 · save $249

See full pricing and packages →

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i. Why these homes are different

North Philly rowhomes, honest findings.

Most Olney homes are 1920s–1950s brick porch-front rowhomes and twins. Here’s what a thorough home inspection in Olney focuses on:

i
Party Walls & Shared Roofs
Rowhomes and twins share walls and rooflines with their neighbors. We look closely at party-wall flashing, how the roof ties into the homes next door, attic fire separation and signs of water moving between units.
ii
Flat Roofs & Roof Decks
Most Philadelphia rowhomes have low-slope roofs covered in rubber, modified bitumen or silver coating. We check for ponding, worn seams, failed flashing and leaks around roof-deck supports and hatches.
iii
Stone & Brick Foundations
Older rowhomes often sit on rubble-stone or brick foundations. Efflorescence, crumbling mortar, damp walls and patched cracks are common, and we document what is routine versus what needs attention.
iv
Wiring, Plumbing & Heat
Knob-and-tube or ungrounded wiring, undersized service, galvanized supply lines, cast-iron drains and aging boilers are common in homes of this age.
v
Renovations & Rear Additions
Flips and rear additions are everywhere in Philadelphia. We look for workmanship and structural problems in rehabbed kitchens, finished basements and added floors.
vi
Sewer Laterals
In Philadelphia the homeowner is responsible for the sewer lateral all the way to the city main, including the part under the street. A camera scope documents roots, cracks and offsets before you close.

← Swipe to see all six →

Know the big-ticket items before you buy

Olney homes are affordable, but porches, flat roofs, heating systems, electrical panels and sewer lines can be costly at 70 to 100 years old. Our inspectors show you what needs attention now and what to budget for, so you can negotiate with confidence.

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From our recent caseload

Recently inspected in Olney.

A few of the Olney homes our team has inspected recently. Swipe or use the arrows to see all two.


Brick twin on Marley Road in Olney Philadelphia — ValueGuard home inspection
No. 01
Recently inspected · Olney
Twin on Marley Road
A 1950s brick twin, where original roofs, windows and heating are reaching the end of their lives.

Inspection priorities

iRoof and flashing
iiWindows and doors
iiiHeating system age
ivBasement moisture

Porch-front rowhomes on North Fairhill Street in Olney Philadelphia — ValueGuard home inspection
No. 02
Recently inspected · Olney
Porch-Front Rowhome on North Fairhill Street
A 1930s porch-front rowhome, where the porch, roof and older systems are the main concerns.

Inspection priorities

iPorch roof and framing
iiFlat roof and party walls
iiiOlder wiring
ivSewer lateral

Photos from recent ValueGuard inspections in Olney.

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ii. The services that matter most

What to inspect in Olney.

Service i.
Home Inspection
A comprehensive evaluation of structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and major systems — calibrated to Olney’s 1920s–1950s brick porch-front rowhomes and twins — delivered as a photo-rich report the next business day. Condos from $329.
Service ii.
Sewer Scope Inspection
Strongly recommended for most Olney homes. In Philadelphia, the homeowner is responsible for the sewer lateral all the way to the city main, including the section under the street. Our camera travels the full line and documents what it finds.
Service iii.
Radon Testing
Philadelphia County is EPA Zone 3 on the county map, but radon varies house to house and older basements regularly test above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. 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 older basements, party-wall leaks and any home with signs of moisture. Both can be added in a single visit.

← Swipe to see all four →

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iii. Your local inspection team

Meet your Olney home inspectors.

When you book ValueGuard in Olney, you get ASHI-certified home inspectors with deep expertise in Philadelphia’s housing stock — from porch-front rowhomes to twins. Swipe or use the arrows to meet all 10 inspectors serving Olney and Philadelphia.


SH

Steven Haslam
Master Inspector — 7,000+ Inspections

An ASHI member inspector since 2007 with 7,000+ inspections across Greater Philadelphia. Highly experienced with Philadelphia’s full range of housing — from century-old rowhomes and twins to condos and new construction.

MK

Michael Kelley
Master Inspector — 20+ Years, 10,000+ Inspections

20+ years and 10,000+ inspections across Southeastern PA, and one of ValueGuard’s most requested inspectors. Former VP of Tri-State ASHI and an ASHI National Ethics Committee member, he is especially valuable for Olney’s porch-front rowhomes and twins.

DB

David Bollinger
Master Inspector — ASHI Since 2003

Inspecting residential and commercial properties across all five Greater Philadelphia counties since 2003. In very high demand from client referrals. Especially skilled at turning a complex inspection report into practical negotiation guidance for Philadelphia buyers.

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 Philadelphia construction.

TG

Tyler Gilger
Technical Service Manager — Master Inspector

One of the most thorough inspectors on the team — known for spending 5+ hours on a single property when the job demands it. Consistently praised for his ability to access difficult spaces and explain complex findings in clear, straightforward language.

TD

Todd Denney
ASHI Certified Inspector

Brings a background in carpentry, exterior renovations, and remediation to every inspection — with a deep working knowledge of home construction and what less experienced inspectors tend to miss. Licensed termite inspector.

JR

James Royer
ASHI Certified — President, Keystone ASHI

James brings deep local expertise to Olney and nearby East Oak Lane and Logan, where porch-front rowhomes and twins each demand a careful, experienced eye. Recently elected President of Keystone ASHI, he is among the region’s most credentialed and respected inspectors.

NO

Nick Ostrowski
ASHI Certified — Greater Philadelphia Local

ASHI-certified since 2016, Nick brings genuine local knowledge to every Olney inspection. Clients consistently describe him as thorough, patient, and excellent at explaining what every finding means for them as a buyer.

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 Philadelphia inspections.

CS

Cory Shalaway
Director of Technical Services — Master Inspector

As ValueGuard’s Director of Technical Services, Cory brings unmatched local knowledge to Olney inspections, from porch-front rowhomes to twins. Known for arriving early, communicating clearly, and delivering exceptionally thorough, photo-rich reports.

Schedule now
Meet our full team →

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iv. Services & pricing

Olney inspection pricing.

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

Service From Notes
Home Inspection $429 Single-family; size & age-based
Condo Inspection $329 Interior unit + accessible common areas
Radon Testing Add-on Recommended for every home
Termite / WDI Add-on Licensed & certified; required by most lenders
Sewer Scope Add-on Recommended for most Philadelphia homes
Mold Inspection Add-on Air sampling; key for older basements
Pre-Listing Inspection From $429 Sellers: list with confidence
Value Package · $829 · save $149 Value + Sewer Scope · $1,108 · save $199 Full Protection · $1,457 · save $249

See full pricing and packages →

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v. What Olney 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 1,300+ Google reviews →·See our reviews page →

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vi. Common questions

Olney home inspection FAQs.

How much does a home inspection cost in Olney, PA?
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Home inspections start at $429 for a single-family home and $329 for a condo. Final pricing reflects the home’s size and age. Packages save more: Value Package $829 (save $149), Value + Sewer Scope $1,108 (save $199), and Full Protection $1,457 (save up to $249). Get an instant quote online or call (215) 860-3150.
Is radon testing necessary in Olney, PA?
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We recommend it. Philadelphia County is EPA Radon Zone 3 on the county-level map, but radon varies dramatically from house to house, and older Philadelphia homes with stone foundations and basements can still test above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. The EPA recommends testing every home regardless of zone. Our DEP-certified technicians use tamper-resistant electronic monitors and deliver results within 48 hours.
What are the most common issues in Olney homes?
+
Common findings include flat-roof and flashing wear, party-wall leaks, damp stone or brick basements, older wiring and undersized electrical service, aging boilers and water heaters, galvanized or cast-iron plumbing, uneven renovation quality, and root intrusion or breaks in older sewer laterals. Our home inspectors explain what is routine for a home of its age versus what is worth negotiating.
What should I know about buying a rowhome in Olney?
+
Rowhomes share walls and roofs with their neighbors, so the inspection looks at the party-wall flashing, how your roof ties into the roofs next door, attic fire separation, and signs of water moving between homes. We also note conditions on the attached homes that could affect yours.
What should I look for in an Olney porch-front rowhome?
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We look closely at the porch roof, framing and columns, the main flat roof and party-wall flashing, basement water, older wiring and electrical service, heating equipment age, and the sewer lateral. Porches and roofs are often the most overlooked repair items.
Do I need a sewer scope in Olney?
+
For most Olney homes, yes. In Philadelphia the homeowner owns the sewer lateral all the way to the city main, and older clay and cast-iron lines are prone to roots, cracks and offsets. Repairs under the street can cost $10,000 or more, while a camera scope costs a few hundred dollars and documents the full line before you close.
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 Olney inspections run 2 to 3 hours depending on the size and age of the home.
How quickly can I schedule a home inspection in Olney?
+
Typically within 1–3 business days, often same-week. We inspect seven days a week and deliver reports by email the next business day — most of the time the same day. For tight contingency windows, call us directly at (215) 860-3150.
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vii. Serving all of Philadelphia

Also inspecting nearby neighborhoods.

Wherever you’re buying in Northwest & North Philadelphia or anywhere in Philadelphia, ValueGuard is your local home inspector.

Chestnut HillMt. AiryGermantownEast FallsRoxboroughManayunkWynnefieldEast Oak LaneWest Oak LaneLogan / Ogontz / Fern RockCedarbrookNicetown-TiogaOlneyAll Philadelphia Neighborhoods →

Ready when you are

Let’s take a closer look at your Olney 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 — Olney
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 Olney  ·  Serving Olney (19120) and all of Philadelphia, PA