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

Our Team · Home Inspector

Michael Kelley, ACI

Master Home Inspector · ASHI® Certified

ValueGuard’s most-requested inspector — 20+ years and 10,000+ homes, an ASHI-certified master inspector with a construction and engineering background, former Vice President of Tri-State ASHI, and a U.S. Air Force veteran. Buyers ask for Michael by name for a reason.

or call (215) 860-3150

20+
Years inspecting
10,000+
Homes inspected
6
Certifications & licenses

I. About

A builder’s eye, an inspector’s discipline.

Michael Kelley is an ASHI Certified (ACI) master home inspector serving Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Over a career spanning more than 20 years, he has inspected over 10,000 homes — and brings an extensive background in construction management and plant engineering to every one, giving buyers a clear, honest picture of the property in front of them.

A recognized leader in the field, Michael is a former Board Member and Vice President of Tri-State ASHI and a member of ASHI’s National Ethics Committee. He specializes in moisture and thermal diagnostics — infrared thermography and MoistureGuard moisture detection — and in roofing, including steep-slope systems. It’s why he’s become ValueGuard’s most-requested inspector, sought out by first-time buyers, repeat clients and real estate agents across the region.

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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 makes Michael the inspector ValueGuard clients request most.


A moisture & thermal specialist
With infrared thermography and MoistureGuard certification, Michael finds hidden moisture, air leaks and roof problems others miss — especially on older and stucco homes, where trouble hides behind the surface.

A builder’s depth of knowledge
A background in construction management and plant engineering means Michael understands how systems are actually built and run — not just what a checklist says to look for.

10,000 homes of pattern recognition
Over 10,000 homes inspected in 20+ years. That experience shows up as pattern recognition — the small thing he catches today is the expensive surprise you avoid after closing.

Trusted at the highest level
Former Vice President of Tri-State ASHI and a member of ASHI’s National Ethics Committee — and a U.S. Air Force veteran. You’re getting an inspector the profession itself trusts.

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III. Credentials

Certifications & licenses.

Michael holds ACI master-inspector certification alongside residential thermography, MoistureGuard moisture detection, steep-slope roofing and a licensed termite inspection.

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ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI)Member #204462
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Pennsylvania Compliant Home InspectorPA standards of practice
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Certified Residential ThermographerInfrared moisture & energy scanning
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Licensed Termite InspectorWood-destroying insect (WDI) · License #74818
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MoistureGuard CertifiedAdvanced moisture detection
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Steep Slope Roof CertificationSloped roofing systems
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Historic Home SpecialistRowhomes, stone twins & period properties

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IV. Areas served

Philadelphia & SE Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia
Bucks County
Chester County
Delaware County
Montgomery County

Away from the job

Air Force veteran & father of two.

Michael is a proud U.S. Air Force veteran who served as lead meteorologist at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. — a role that rewarded exactly the precision and attention to detail he brings to every inspection.

Away from work, he’s a devoted father of two.

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V. Recent inspections

The homes Michael inspects.

A look at homes Michael recently inspected across Philadelphia and the Main Line — from Center City brick rowhomes to stone Tudors, clapboard colonials and new construction. Same inspector, very different inspections. Swipe or use the arrows to browse.


Home inspection by Michael Kelley — historic Federal brick rowhomes in Washington Square West, Philadelphia
No. 01
Washington Square West, Philadelphia
Federal Brick Rowhomes
A block of historic Federal brick rowhomes with fanlight doorways and shuttered windows in Center City. Older masonry, party walls and century-old systems are exactly where Michael’s thermal imaging earns its keep.

Inspected by Michael Kelley

Home inspection by Michael Kelley — stone and stucco Tudor with slate roof in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania
No. 02
Wynnewood, PA
Stone & Stucco Tudor
A grand stone-and-stucco Tudor with slate roof and half-timbering on a wooded Main Line lot. Stucco, stone and an aging slate roof all get Michael’s moisture-and-thermal scrutiny.

Inspected by Michael Kelley

Home inspection by Michael Kelley — white clapboard colonial with cedar-shake roof in Villanova, Pennsylvania
No. 03
Villanova, PA
White Clapboard Colonial
A stately white clapboard colonial with a cedar-shake roof and circular drive in Villanova. Wood siding and a shake roof are moisture-sensitive — right in Michael’s wheelhouse.

Inspected by Michael Kelley

Home inspection by Michael Kelley — large brick colonial with tall chimney in Maple Glen, Pennsylvania
No. 04
Maple Glen, PA
Brick Colonial
A large brick colonial with a towering brick chimney and dormered roofline in Montgomery County. Michael checks the masonry, roof and every system top to bottom.

Inspected by Michael Kelley

Home inspection by Michael Kelley — new construction colonial with turrets and stone accents in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
No. 05
Newtown Square, PA
New Construction Colonial
A newly built colonial with turrets, stone accents and a wraparound porch. New construction gets Michael’s full pre-move-in scrutiny — because new doesn’t mean flawless.

Inspected by Michael Kelley

Recent inspections performed by Michael Kelley across Philadelphia & the Main Line.

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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.

★★★★★

Michael Kelley arrived on time and was very helpful and informative. He was extremely thorough. His report was extremely thorough, complete with pictures, and was delivered in less than 18 hours.

J. Kristensen
Philadelphia, PA · Google review

★★★★★

It was a pleasure working with Mike and I’d hire him again in a heartbeat. He was thorough and took the time to educate me.

Matthew D
Conshohocken, PA · Google review

★★★★★

Mike Kelley from ValueGuard did a really excellent job with our home inspection. Everything was well documented and photographed in the report.

A Loeding
Doylestown, PA · Google review

Read all 1,300+ ValueGuard reviews →

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VII. Common questions

Your questions, answered.

About Michael

How experienced is Michael Kelley?+
Michael has more than 20 years of professional inspection experience and has personally inspected over 10,000 homes across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania. An ASHI Certified (ACI) master inspector, he brings a background in construction management and plant engineering, and is a former Vice President of Tri-State ASHI and a member of ASHI’s National Ethics Committee.
What licenses, certifications and memberships does Michael hold?+
Michael is an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI, member #204462) and a Pennsylvania Compliant Home Inspector, and holds a Pennsylvania termite license (#74818). He is also a Certified Residential Thermographer, MoistureGuard Certified, and holds a Steep Slope Roof Certification.
Does Michael have experience with older, historic homes and new construction?+
Yes. Across more than 10,000 homes in over 20 years, Michael has inspected everything from historic rowhomes and stone twins to loft conversions and new construction. His thermography and moisture-detection expertise is especially valuable on older and stucco homes, where moisture problems hide behind the surface.
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 and infrared thermal imaging. 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 — he holds a Steep Slope Roof certification for evaluating sloped roofing systems. For roofs that can’t be safely walked, he inspects from a ladder and the eaves and documents conditions with photos.
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