Michael Baltrush, ASHI Certified Master Home Inspector at ValueGuard Home Inspections in Philadelphia

Our Team · Home Inspector

Michael Baltrush, ACI

Master Home Inspector · ASHI® Certified

One of Greater Philadelphia’s most experienced inspectors — 20+ years, 7,000+ inspections, and a former township building inspector who knows exactly where problems hide. Buyers request Baltrush by name for a reason.

or call (215) 860-3150

20+
Years inspecting
7,000+
Inspections completed
9
Certifications & licenses

I. About

A background built on knowing the code.

Michael Baltrush is an experienced, accredited American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI®) Certified home inspector serving Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Over a career spanning more than 20 years, he has conducted upward of 7,000 residential and commercial inspections — giving homebuyers a clear, honest picture of the property in front of them.

Before his inspection career, Michael worked as a Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer for Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania, and holds a BS/BA in Architecture. That combination — municipal code enforcement plus a formal understanding of how buildings are designed and constructed — means he reads a home the way it was built, and knows exactly where trouble tends to hide. It’s why so many first-time buyers, repeat clients and real estate agents across the region ask for him by name.

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II. Why clients request 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 clients say sets Michael apart.


He knows where problems hide
Years as a township code enforcement officer, plus an architecture degree, mean Michael reads a home the way it was built — catching the issues a surface-level look would miss.

A patient teacher on-site
Clients consistently describe Michael as patient, approachable and genuinely helpful — walking first-time buyers through what everything means, and never rushing a question.

Thorough, every single time
7,000+ inspections in, Michael still examines every system methodically — because the small thing he catches today is the expensive surprise you avoid after closing.

Certified far beyond the basics
Home, commercial, plumbing, radon, termite, mold and thermography certifications mean a single visit with Michael can cover far more than a standard inspection.

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III. Credentials

Certifications & licenses.

Michael maintains a broad set of professional certifications and licenses across home, commercial, plumbing, radon, termite and mold inspection — so a single visit can cover far more than the basics.

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ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI)Member #249478
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PA Compliant Home InspectorPennsylvania standards of practice
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PA Termite InspectorLicense #704868
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Certified Residential ThermographerInfrared moisture & energy scanning
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Mold TechnicianIdentification & assessment
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PA DEP Radon TesterPA Dept. of Environmental Protection certified
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Sewer Scope InspectorCamera inspection of sewer lines & laterals
✓
FAA Drone CertificationFAA-certified aerial & roof inspection
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MoistureGuard CertifiedAdvanced moisture detection
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BS/BA, ArchitectureFormal building & design education

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IV. Areas served

Philadelphia & SE Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia
Bucks County
Chester County
Delaware County
Montgomery County

Away from the job

Mustangs and marathons.

When he isn’t inspecting homes, Michael is usually restoring a classic Mustang — the same patience and eye for detail he brings to every inspection.

He’s also an avid runner and competes in the Philadelphia Marathon each year.

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V. Recent inspections

The homes Michael inspects.

A look at homes Michael recently inspected across Philadelphia and Southeastern PA — from city rowhomes and stone twins to historic farmhouses and suburban colonials. Same inspector, very different inspections. Swipe or use the arrows to browse.


Home inspection by Michael Baltrush — stone-and-brick twin in Roxborough, Philadelphia
No. 01
Roxborough, Philadelphia
Stone & Brick Twin
A classic Philadelphia stone-and-brick twin with gabled dormer and enclosed porch — the kind of solid pre-war home where Michael’s eye for original masonry, roofing and older systems pays off.

Inspected by Michael Baltrush · July 2026

Home inspection by Michael Baltrush — turreted stone and stucco colonial in Media, Pennsylvania
No. 02
Media, PA
Turreted Stone & Stucco Colonial
A large stone-and-stucco colonial with a round turret, arched Palladian windows and attached garage in Delaware County — a big, system-rich home that rewards a thorough, methodical inspection.

Inspected by Michael Baltrush · July 2026

Home inspection by Michael Baltrush — historic stone farmhouse in Malvern, Chester County, Pennsylvania
No. 03
Malvern, PA
Historic Stone Farmhouse
An early stone farmhouse with stucco additions, slate roof and Gothic-arched dormer in Chester County. Old stone homes like this are exactly where Michael’s architecture background and decades of experience matter most.

Inspected by Michael Baltrush · June 2026

Home inspection by Michael Baltrush — suburban colonial with attached garage in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
No. 04
King of Prussia, PA
Suburban Colonial
A two-story colonial with attached garage on a landscaped Montgomery County lot. Even well-kept newer homes hide issues — Michael checks every system before you commit.

Inspected by Michael Baltrush · June 2026

Home inspection by Michael Baltrush — classic three-story brick rowhome in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia
No. 05
Northern Liberties, Philadelphia
Classic Brick Rowhome
A three-story red-brick rowhome on a one-way Philadelphia street with original cornice and brownstone sills. Party walls, flat roofs and century-old sewer laterals make city rowhomes their own kind of inspection.

Inspected by Michael Baltrush · April 2026

Recent inspections performed by Michael Baltrush across Greater Philadelphia.

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VI. What clients say about Michael

Rated 5 stars, again and again.

ValueGuard has earned 1,300+ five-star reviews across Greater Philadelphia — and clients who inspect with Michael keep coming back.

★★★★★

Mike Baltrush was AMAZING! Taught us so many things first-time homebuyers should know!

T. Piergrossi
Philadelphia, PA

★★★★★

Really nice experience with Michael! Very professional, patient and so humorous. Thorough examination and explanation, and he answered all of our questions and concerns. Will definitely choose them again.

Songlu Li
Google review

★★★★★

Michael was extremely professional, friendly and very detailed in his inspection — exactly what I needed for the inspection of an historic townhome in Philadelphia!

Susan Kelly
Google review

Read all 1,300+ ValueGuard reviews →

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VII. Common questions

Your questions, answered.

About Michael

How long has Michael Baltrush been a home inspector, and how many inspections has he completed?+
Michael has more than 20 years of professional inspection experience and has personally completed over 7,000 residential and commercial inspections across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Before inspecting full time, he served as a Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer for Bensalem Township, PA.
What licenses, certifications and memberships does Michael hold?+
Michael is an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI, member #249478) and a PA Compliant Home Inspector, and holds a PA Termite Inspector license (#704868). He is also a Certified Residential Thermographer, Mold Technician, PA DEP Radon Tester, Sewer Scope Inspector, FAA-certified drone operator and MoistureGuard Certified, and holds a BS/BA in Architecture.
Does Michael have experience with older, historic homes and new construction?+
Yes. Greater Philadelphia has one of the oldest housing stocks in the country, and across 7,000-plus inspections Michael has evaluated everything from historic rowhomes and stone farmhouses to newly built and recently renovated properties. His architecture background and code-enforcement experience are especially valuable on older homes, where the original construction and later updates need an experienced eye.
What areas does Michael serve?+
Michael inspects homes and commercial properties throughout Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Can I request Michael by name for my inspection?+
Yes. Request Michael 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 Michael 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. Michael 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, infrared thermal imaging and drone roof inspection. Just ask when you schedule.
Does the inspection follow a recognized Standard of Practice?+
Yes. As an ASHI Certified Inspector, Michael 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, Michael inspects the roof directly. For steep, high or fragile roofs he is FAA-certified to fly a drone for a close aerial view — so the roof gets a genuine inspection rather than a glance from the ground.
Are the appliances and HVAC system tested?+
Yes. Michael 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; Michael 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 — Michael 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. Michael 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 Michael tell me whether to buy the home or estimate repair costs?+
Michael’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 Michael 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 Michael 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 Michael for your inspection. Book with ValueGuard.

Get a thorough, honest inspection from one of Greater Philadelphia’s most experienced inspectors — with a clear report the next business day. Schedule online in minutes, or call (215) 860-3150.

Schedule With Michael

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