James Royer, ASHI Certified Master Home Inspector at ValueGuard Home Inspections in Philadelphia

Our Team · Home Inspector

James Royer, ACI

Keystone ASHI President · ValueGuard Master Inspector

The elected President of ASHI’s Keystone Chapter — and a ValueGuard Master Inspector. James brings a wealth of industry experience and a sharp eye for detail to every inspection, from single-family homes to large estates, and a reputation for thoroughness and clear communication.

or call (215) 860-3150

ASHI
Keystone Chapter President
10
Certifications & specialties
1,500+
Inspections completed

I. About

Elected by his peers to lead.

James Royer joined ValueGuard in 2022, bringing years of experience in the home inspection industry — and 1,500+ completed inspections — along with a wealth of knowledge and a sharp eye for detail on every job. As a certified and licensed home inspector — and now the elected President of the Keystone Chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) — James makes sure buyers and homeowners have the information they need to make informed decisions.

His areas of expertise include new construction, structural integrity, HVAC systems, plumbing and electrical assessments. Whether he’s inspecting single-family homes, condos or large estates, James is known for his thoroughness, clear communication and commitment to exceptional customer service — striving to give every client peace of mind with a comprehensive, accurate report.

✦ ✦ ✦

II. Why buyers trust him

The kind of inspector you hope you get.

A great inspection is about more than a checklist. It’s about the person walking your future home — how much they’ve seen, how carefully they look, and how clearly they explain it. Here’s what sets James apart.


Elected to lead ASHI’s Keystone Chapter
James’s peers elected him President of the Keystone Chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors — a mark of the professionalism and standards he brings to every ValueGuard inspection.

New construction & historic specialist
A New Construction Specialist who offers pre-drywall and phase inspections, and a Historic Home Specialist for older properties — James knows what to look for whether the home is brand-new or a century old.

Thermal imaging + aerial drone
A Residential Thermographer and FAA-certified drone pilot, James uses infrared imaging to reveal hidden moisture and heat loss, and aerial drone imagery to inspect roofs that can’t be safely walked.

A patient teacher on-site
Clients consistently praise James’s clear communication and his ability to turn a stressful process into an educational one — so you leave understanding your home, not just holding a report.

✦ ✦ ✦

III. Credentials

Certifications & specialties.

James is an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI) and the elected President of ASHI’s Keystone Chapter. He is a New Construction and Historic Home Specialist who performs pre-drywall and phase inspections, plus a Pennsylvania Compliant Home Inspector, Residential Thermographer, Mold Inspector, PA DEP Radon Technician, licensed termite inspector and FAA-certified drone pilot.

✓
ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI)Keystone Chapter President
✓
Pennsylvania Compliant Home InspectorPA standards of practice
✓
Residential ThermographerInfrared moisture & heat-loss imaging
✓
Mold InspectorMold & moisture assessment
✓
Licensed Termite InspectorWood-destroying insect (WDI) inspections
✓
FAA Certified Drone PilotPart 107 · aerial roof inspections
✓
New Construction SpecialistNew-build & pre-move-in inspections
✓
Historic Home SpecialistOlder & period-home expertise
✓
Pre-Drywall & Phase InspectionsCatching issues before they’re covered
✓
PA DEP Radon TechnicianState-certified radon testing

✦ ✦ ✦

IV. Areas served

Philadelphia & SE Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia
Bucks County
Chester County
Delaware County
Montgomery County
Berks County
Lancaster County

Single-family homes, condos and large estates across Greater Philadelphia & the surrounding communities.

Away from the job

Family, hiking & community.

When he’s not inspecting homes, James enjoys spending time with his family and hiking the region’s trails.

He also stays active in his local community — the same one he helps buyers put down roots in.

✦ ✦ ✦

V. Recent inspections

The homes James inspects.

A look at homes James recently inspected across Greater Philadelphia — from city rowhomes and historic properties to brand-new construction. Same inspector, very different inspections. Swipe or use the arrows to browse.


Home inspection by James Royer — historic red-brick rowhome with cornice detail in Fairmount, Philadelphia
No. 01
Fairmount, Philadelphia
Historic Brick Rowhome
A classic red-brick city rowhome with original cornice detail. As a Historic Home Specialist, James knows where older masonry, systems and additions tend to need a closer look.

Inspected by James Royer

Home inspection by James Royer — brick-and-clapboard center-hall colonial with black shutters in Havertown, Pennsylvania
No. 02
Havertown, PA
Brick & Clapboard Colonial
A tidy brick-and-clapboard center-hall colonial on a Delaware County lot. James checks the roof, systems and structure top to bottom for buyers of established suburban homes.

Inspected by James Royer

Home inspection by James Royer — brand-new construction stone-and-siding townhome in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
No. 03
Huntingdon Valley, PA
New Construction Townhome
A brand-new stone-and-siding townhome. As a New Construction Specialist, James inspects new builds — including pre-drywall and phase inspections — because new doesn’t mean flawless.

Inspected by James Royer

Home inspection by James Royer — white stucco Dutch Colonial with gambrel roof and dormers in Merion Station, Pennsylvania
No. 04
Merion Station, PA
Dutch Colonial
A white stucco Dutch Colonial with a gambrel roof and dormers on a Main Line lot. James’s thermal imaging and structural eye are a natural fit for these older, characterful homes.

Inspected by James Royer

Home inspection by James Royer — storybook stucco cottage with cedar-shake roof and mature gardens in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
No. 05
Bryn Mawr, PA
Storybook Cottage
A storybook stucco cottage with a cedar-shake roof tucked into mature gardens. Character homes like this are right in a Historic Home Specialist’s wheelhouse.

Inspected by James Royer

Recent inspections performed by James Royer across Philadelphia & Southeastern Pennsylvania.


✦ ✦ ✦

VI. What clients say about James

Clients ask for James by name.

Buyers consistently praise James’s thoroughness, clear communication and willingness to teach — part of a ValueGuard team with 1,600+ five-star reviews across Greater Philadelphia.

★★★★★

James showed us things we would never have thought to ask about and pointed out things we would have certainly overlooked. He’s known for thoroughness, clear communication and exceptional customer service — and he certainly lives up to it. He’s the real deal.

Thomas Romeo
Philadelphia, PA · Google review

★★★★★

James was very thorough and knowledgeable, and willing to point out and educate me on issues and potential future concerns. He was punctual, professional and very personable, and the report was detailed and easy to understand. I would definitely request James for all inspections in the area.

Torrey Jackson
Downingtown, PA · Google review

★★★★★

James inspected our new home and he was thorough, paid attention to detail, and very knowledgeable. He took time to answer any questions we had and was extremely personable and pleasant throughout. I highly recommend this company, and James in particular!

Hope Tammany
Phoenixville, PA · Google review

Read all 1,600+ ValueGuard reviews →

✦ ✦ ✦

VII. Common questions

Your questions, answered.

About James

How experienced is James Royer?+
James joined ValueGuard in 2022 with years of experience in the home inspection industry and 1,500-plus completed inspections. He is an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI) and the elected President of the Keystone Chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) — and is known for his thoroughness, clear communication and commitment to exceptional customer service on single-family homes, condos and large estates alike.
What licenses, certifications and memberships does James hold?+
James is an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI) and the elected President of ASHI’s Keystone Chapter, as well as a ValueGuard Master Inspector. He is a Pennsylvania Compliant Home Inspector, a Residential Thermographer, a Mold Inspector, a licensed termite (wood-destroying insect) inspector and an FAA-certified drone pilot (Part 107).
Does James have experience with older, historic homes and new construction?+
Yes — both. James is a New Construction Specialist who also performs pre-drywall and phase inspections on new builds, and a Historic Home Specialist for older and period properties. Across single-family homes, condos, large estates and new construction, his expertise spans structural integrity, HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, and as a Residential Thermographer and Mold Inspector he pays particular attention to hidden moisture and mold issues in older homes.
What areas does James serve?+
James inspects homes throughout Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Berks and Lancaster Counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Downingtown, Exton, West Chester, Phoenixville, Lansdowne, Glenolden and the surrounding communities.
Can I request James by name for my inspection?+
Yes. Request James by name when you book online or call ValueGuard at (215) 860-3150, and we’ll do our best to match your inspection with him based on availability and location.

The inspection

What does a standard home inspection with James include?+
A standard inspection is a thorough visual evaluation of the home’s major systems and components — roof, exterior and grading, structure and foundation, attic, insulation and ventilation, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and the interior (ceilings, walls, floors, windows and doors) — along with installed appliances. You receive a clear, photo-documented report the next business day.
What is not included, and what add-on services can I bundle?+
A general inspection is visual and non-invasive, so it doesn’t cover what’s hidden behind finishes or what requires specialized testing. James and ValueGuard offer add-ons that can be handled in the same visit, including radon testing, sewer scope (camera) inspection, mold assessment, termite / wood-destroying insect (WDI) inspection and infrared thermal imaging. Just ask when you schedule.
Does the inspection follow a recognized Standard of Practice?+
Yes. As an ASHI Certified Inspector, James inspects to the ASHI Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics and in compliance with Pennsylvania’s home-inspection requirements, which define exactly what is inspected and reported.
How is the roof inspected?+
Whenever it’s safe and accessible, James inspects the roof directly, walking the surface to evaluate the covering, flashing and penetrations. For steep, high or fragile roofs that can’t be safely walked, he is an FAA-certified drone pilot and can capture close-up aerial imagery of the entire roof rather than relying only on a view from the ladder and eaves.
Are the appliances and HVAC system tested?+
Yes. James operates the installed appliances and runs the heating and cooling systems through their normal controls to confirm safe, proper operation at the time of the inspection.

Scheduling & process

How long does a home inspection take?+
Most single-family home inspections take about 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the size, age and condition of the property. Larger or older homes and any add-on services can add time; James will give you an estimate when you schedule.
When should I schedule the inspection?+
Schedule as soon as your offer is accepted and you’re within your inspection contingency period — usually the first several days after going under contract. Booking early leaves time to review the report and negotiate if needed.
Can I attend the inspection, and can my agent?+
Absolutely — James encourages it. Attending lets you see any issues firsthand, ask questions on the spot and learn how your future home works, and your agent is welcome too. If you can’t make it, your report walks you through everything with clear notes and photos.
How much does an inspection cost?+
Pricing depends on the size, age and type of property and any add-on services you choose. For current pricing, see our inspection pricing page or request a free quote, and we’ll give you an exact figure before you book.
When and how will I receive my report?+
Your comprehensive, photo-documented report is delivered by email the next business day, written in plain language so you can act on it right away and share it with your agent or attorney.

Results & next steps

What happens if the inspection finds problems?+
Almost every home — even new construction — has some findings. James documents each one with photos and plain-language explanations and distinguishes safety or major items from routine maintenance. You and your agent then decide how to proceed, whether that’s requesting repairs, a credit or simply planning future upkeep.
Will James tell me whether to buy the home or estimate repair costs?+
James’s role is to give you a clear, unbiased picture of the home’s condition — not to make the decision for you or act as a contractor. He’ll explain each finding and its significance, but the buying decision is yours, and repair-cost estimates should come from licensed trade contractors.
Can James perform repairs on the issues he finds?+
No, by design. ValueGuard performs inspections only and never bids on or performs repairs, so there’s no conflict of interest. Your report is an honest assessment, not a sales pitch for follow-up work.
What are the limitations of a home inspection?+
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive assessment of the systems and components accessible on the day of the inspection. It doesn’t involve opening walls, and it’s a snapshot in time rather than a warranty or guarantee. Specialized concerns such as radon, mold or sewer lines are covered by dedicated add-on testing.
Do newly built or recently renovated homes still need an inspection?+
Yes. New construction and recent renovations commonly have missed details, incomplete work or code issues. An independent inspection by James gives you a professional set of eyes before you close — and a punch list the builder can still address.


✦ ✦ ✦

Ready when you are

Request James for your inspection. Book with ValueGuard.

Get a thorough, honest inspection from the elected President of ASHI’s Keystone Chapter — with a clear, detailed report you’ll actually understand. Schedule online in minutes, or call (215) 860-3150.

Schedule With James

ValueGuard Home Inspections
100 E Penn Square, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19107 · (215) 860-3150
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:00pm · Sat 9:00am–4:00pm · Home & commercial inspections throughout Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Berks & Lancaster Counties, PA and New Castle County, DE