Somerton · Far Northeast Philadelphia · ZIP 19116

Somerton Home Inspections.

Brick twins and rowhomes with garages, split-levels and single homes on larger lots at the city’s northern tip — Somerton is the most suburban corner of Philadelphia.

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

Somerton is at the far northern tip of Philadelphia, along Bustleton Avenue, Byberry Road and the Somerton regional rail station. Most of its housing was built from the 1950s through the 1980s: brick twins and rowhomes with built-in garages, split-levels, and single homes on larger lots than anywhere else in the city. That shapes the inspection: original or aging roofs, windows, furnaces, air conditioners and electrical panels; garages, driveways and grading; split-level foundations and lower-level moisture; and aging sewer laterals. ValueGuard’s ASHI-certified home inspectors serve Somerton 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

Far Northeast homes, careful inspections.

Most Somerton homes are 1950s–1980s brick twins, rowhomes, split-levels and single homes. Here’s what a thorough home inspection in Somerton focuses on:

i
Post-War Homes, Original Systems
Many homes here were built from the 1940s through the 1960s. Original windows, roofs, boilers and electrical panels are often near or past the end of their service life, and remaining life is a key negotiation point.
ii
Garages & Driveways
Built-in garages bring their own issues: garage-door safety, cracked slabs, fire separation between the garage and living space, and driveways that drain toward the foundation.
iii
Flat & Low-Slope Roofs
Post-war rowhomes and twins often have low-slope roofs covered in rubber or modified bitumen. We check for ponding, worn seams, failed flashing and shared roof lines with the house next door.
iv
Basement Water & Grading
Rear yards, driveways and window wells that slope toward the house are where we most often find seepage, efflorescence, failed sump pumps and downspouts discharging at the foundation.
v
Electrical, Plumbing & Heat
Older fuse boxes and panels, ungrounded outlets, galvanized supply lines, cast-iron drains and aging boilers or furnaces are common in homes of this age.
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.

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City address, suburban maintenance

Somerton homes have yards, garages and bigger roofs than a typical Philadelphia rowhome, and many original systems are now 40 to 70 years old. Our inspectors look at the remaining life of each and at drainage around the house, so you know what is coming due.

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ii. The services that matter most

What to inspect in Somerton.

Service i.
Home Inspection
A comprehensive evaluation of structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and major systems — calibrated to Somerton’s 1950s–1980s brick twins, rowhomes, split-levels and single homes — delivered as a photo-rich report the next business day. Condos from $329.
Service ii.
Sewer Scope Inspection
Strongly recommended for most Somerton 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.

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iii. Your local inspection team

Meet your Somerton home inspectors.

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

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 Somerton and nearby Bustleton and Parkwood, where twins, rowhomes, and singles 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 Somerton 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 Somerton inspections, from post-war twins and rowhomes to split-levels and singles. 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

Somerton 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 Somerton 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

Somerton home inspection FAQs.

How much does a home inspection cost in Somerton, 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 Somerton, 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 Somerton homes?
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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 twin or split-level in Somerton?
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Twins share a wall and roofline, so we look at party-wall flashing and shared drainage. Split-levels need attention to lower-level moisture and foundations. In both, original roofs, furnaces, air conditioners, windows and panels are common items near the end of their lives.
Do Somerton homes have built-in garages?
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Many do. We check the garage slab, door safety, fire separation between the garage and living space, and whether the driveway drains toward the house, a common source of lower-level water.
Do I need a sewer scope in Somerton?
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For most Somerton 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 Somerton inspections run 2 to 3 hours depending on the size and age of the home.
How quickly can I schedule a home inspection in Somerton?
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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 — 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 Northeast Philadelphia or anywhere in Philadelphia, ValueGuard is your local home inspector.

Northeast PhillyFrankfordJuniata ParkLawncrestOxford CircleBurholmeFox ChaseRhawnhurstMayfairTaconyWissinomingHolmesburgBustletonSomertonTorresdaleMorrell ParkParkwoodAll Philadelphia Neighborhoods →

Ready when you are

Let’s take a closer look at your Somerton 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 — Somerton
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 Somerton  ·  Serving Somerton (19116) and all of Philadelphia, PA