Cory Shalaway, ASHI Certified Master Home Inspector at ValueGuard Home Inspections in Philadelphia

Our Team · Home Inspector

Cory Shalaway, ACI

Director of Technical Services · ValueGuard Master Inspector

A ValueGuard Master Home Inspector with 19+ years of experience and 4,500+ inspections behind him across Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. Cory pairs deep systems knowledge with thermal imaging and drone tools — and a knack for explaining it all so you actually understand your home.

or call (215) 860-3150

19+
Years inspecting
4,500+
Inspections completed
8
Certifications & specialties

I. About

Nineteen years of looking closer.

Cory Shalaway is ValueGuard’s Director of Technical Services and a ValueGuard Master Home Inspector, and an American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI®) Certified home inspector with over 19 years of inspection experience. He has performed more than 4,500 residential inspections throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Bucks, Chester, Montgomery and Delaware Counties.

Fully Pennsylvania State compliant, Cory has particular expertise in HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning), plumbing, electrical and wall systems / moisture intrusion. A Certified Residential Thermographer and FAA-licensed drone pilot who holds a BS degree, he is known for thorough, educational inspections and clear, easy-to-read reports — clients consistently describe him as patient, detail-oriented and genuinely looking out for their best interests.

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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 Cory apart.


19 years, 4,500+ inspections
Over 19 years and 4,500-plus inspections show up as pattern recognition — the small thing Cory catches today is the expensive surprise you avoid after closing.

Deep systems expertise
Cory’s expertise runs deep on HVAC, plumbing, electrical and wall systems / moisture intrusion — the systems that are most expensive to get wrong, examined by someone who truly knows them.

Thermal imaging + aerial drone
A Certified Residential Thermographer and FAA-licensed drone pilot, Cory 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 Cory’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.

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III. Credentials

Certifications & specialties.

Cory is an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI, member #248904) and fully Pennsylvania State compliant. He is a Certified Residential Thermographer, a New Construction Specialist who performs pre-drywall and phase inspections, a PA DEP Radon Technician, a Licensed Termite Inspector (#713784) and an FAA-licensed drone pilot.

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ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI)ASHI Member #248904
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Pennsylvania Compliant Home InspectorFully PA State compliant
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Certified Residential ThermographerInfrared moisture & heat-loss imaging
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Licensed Termite InspectorWood-destroying insect (WDI) · License #713784
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FAA Licensed Drone PilotAerial roof & exterior inspections
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New Construction SpecialistNew-build & pre-move-in inspections
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Pre-Drywall & Phase InspectionsCatching issues before they’re covered
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PA DEP Radon TechnicianState-certified radon testing

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IV. Areas served

Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Bucks County
Chester County
Delaware County
Montgomery County
Berks County

Single-family homes, condos and estates across Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Away from the job

Family & the outdoors.

When he’s not inspecting homes, Cory is usually outside — rock climbing, hiking or fishing.

Most of all, he loves traveling with his wife and young children.

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V. Recent inspections

The homes Cory inspects.

A look at homes Cory recently inspected across Southeastern Pennsylvania — captured from the air with his own drone, from stone Tudors and estates to brand-new construction. Same inspector, very different inspections. Swipe or use the arrows to browse.


Aerial home inspection by Cory Shalaway — large painted-brick colonial estate with landscaped grounds in Royersford, Pennsylvania
No. 01
Royersford, PA
Painted-Brick Colonial Estate
A large painted-brick colonial estate on landscaped grounds. Cory’s drone captures the full roof and exterior while his systems expertise covers everything inside, top to bottom.

Inspected by Cory Shalaway

Aerial home inspection by Cory Shalaway — grand stone Tudor with slate roof and multiple gables in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
No. 02
Bryn Mawr, PA
Stone Tudor Estate
A grand stone Tudor with a slate roof and multiple gables on the Main Line. Aging slate, stone masonry and complex rooflines are exactly where Cory’s drone and thermal tools earn their keep.

Inspected by Cory Shalaway

Aerial home inspection by Cory Shalaway — brand-new construction gray farmhouse with board-and-batten and stone in Wayne, Pennsylvania
No. 03
Wayne, PA
New Construction Farmhouse
A brand-new modern farmhouse with board-and-batten and stone. As a New Construction Specialist, Cory inspects new builds — including pre-drywall and phase inspections — because new doesn’t mean flawless.

Inspected by Cory Shalaway

Aerial home inspection by Cory Shalaway — gray siding and stone colonial with two-car garage in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania
No. 04
Chester Springs, PA
Stone & Siding Colonial
A gray-siding-and-stone colonial on a wooded Chester County lot. Cory checks the roof, systems and structure methodically so buyers know exactly what they’re getting.

Inspected by Cory Shalaway

Aerial home inspection by Cory Shalaway — brick-and-clapboard colonial with gambrel roof in West Chester, Pennsylvania
No. 05
West Chester, PA
Brick & Clapboard Colonial
A brick-and-clapboard colonial on a leafy Chester County lot — a ValueGuard inspection day. Established suburban homes get Cory’s full systems-and-structure workup.

Inspected by Cory Shalaway

Recent inspections performed by Cory Shalaway across Southeastern Pennsylvania.


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VI. What clients say about Cory

Clients ask for Cory by name.

Buyers consistently praise Cory’s thoroughness, patience and easy-to-read reports — part of a ValueGuard team with 1,600+ five-star reviews across Greater Philadelphia.

★★★★★

I spent time with Master Inspector Cory Shalaway while he inspected a home I’m thinking about buying. The level of professionalism and thoroughness was top notch, and the report and data they compile for you is a super useful tool. Great stuff indeed.

Art Brown
Elkins Park, PA · Google review

★★★★★

Cory was awesome and very patient, and explained everything thoroughly. He was detail-oriented and really seemed to be looking out for our safety and best interests. Our report was easy to read, organized and full of helpful information. We’re grateful for the education we received from our inspection!

L. Kilheffer
West Chester, PA · Google review

★★★★★

Our home inspection done by Cory Shalaway — a total pro and very knowledgeable inspector. He was extremely thorough, unbiased, friendly, even-paced and did not rush on any small matter. Great service all around and highly recommended!

Ryan V.
Drexel Hill, PA · Google review

Read all 1,600+ ValueGuard reviews →

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VII. Common questions

Your questions, answered.

About Cory

How experienced is Cory Shalaway?+
Cory is a ValueGuard Master Home Inspector with over 19 years of inspection experience and more than 4,500 residential inspections completed across Southeastern Pennsylvania. An ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI, member #248904), he has particular expertise in HVAC, plumbing, electrical and wall systems / moisture intrusion, and is known for thorough, educational inspections and clear, easy-to-read reports.
What licenses, certifications and memberships does Cory hold?+
Cory is ValueGuard’s Director of Technical Services, a ValueGuard Master Home Inspector and an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI, member #248904). He is fully Pennsylvania State compliant, a Certified Residential Thermographer, a New Construction Specialist who performs pre-drywall and phase inspections, a PA DEP Radon Technician, a Licensed Termite Inspector (#713784) and an FAA-licensed drone pilot, and holds a BS degree.
What kinds of homes and systems does Cory inspect?+
Across more than 4,500 inspections, Cory has evaluated everything from older and historic homes to new construction, single-family houses and condos. As a New Construction Specialist he also performs pre-drywall and phase inspections on new builds. His expertise is especially deep on HVAC, plumbing, electrical and wall systems / moisture intrusion, and as a Certified Residential Thermographer he uses infrared imaging to reveal hidden moisture and heat loss that a visual-only inspection would miss.
What areas does Cory serve?+
Cory inspects homes throughout Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Berks Counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Elkins Park, West Chester, Glen Mills, Collegeville, Drexel Hill, Swarthmore and the surrounding communities.
Can I request Cory by name for my inspection?+
Yes. Request Cory 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 Cory 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. Cory 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, Cory 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, Cory 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-licensed 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. Cory 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; Cory 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 — Cory 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. Cory 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 Cory tell me whether to buy the home or estimate repair costs?+
Cory’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 Cory 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 Cory gives you a professional set of eyes before you close — and a punch list the builder can still address.


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Ready when you are

Request Cory for your inspection. Book with ValueGuard.

Get a thorough, honest inspection from a ValueGuard Master Inspector with 19+ years and 4,500+ inspections — and a clear, easy-to-read report you’ll actually understand. Schedule online in minutes, or call (215) 860-3150.

Schedule With Cory

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