Nick Ostrowski, ASHI Certified Master Home Inspector at ValueGuard Home Inspections in Philadelphia

Our Team · Home Inspector

Nick Ostrowski, ACI

Master Home Inspector · ASHI® Certified

A trusted name in Greater Philadelphia home inspection for 23+ years — ASHI-certified, 4,000+ homes inspected, and founder of Strong Foundations Home Inspections. Nick brings deep experience and an uncompromising, 100% buyer-first philosophy to every inspection.

or call (215) 860-3150

23+
Years inspecting
4,000+
Homes inspected
7
Certifications & licenses

I. About

23 years. 4,000+ homes. One standard.

Nick Ostrowski is an ASHI Certified (ACI) master home inspector and a trusted name in home inspection across the Greater Philadelphia region for more than 23 years. Formerly the owner and operator of Strong Foundations Home Inspections, which he established in 2002, Nick has personally inspected over 4,000 homes — bringing unmatched experience, technical expertise and an uncompromising client-first philosophy to every inspection.

A member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI #261678), Nick has successfully completed the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) and is a licensed Philadelphia home inspector, Pennsylvania-compliant inspector, termite inspector and mold technician. What truly sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to inspector ethics and a strict, client-aligned approach that keeps every inspection 100% impartial and focused solely on protecting the homebuyer — and clients consistently praise his thoroughness, clear communication and ability to turn a stressful process into a confidence-building one.

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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 Nick apart.


Ethics-first and 100% impartial
Nick’s strict, client-aligned approach keeps every inspection focused solely on protecting the homebuyer. ValueGuard never bids on or performs repairs — so his report is honest advice, never a sales pitch.

Resale, new construction & warranty
Nick specializes in comprehensive resale inspections, new-construction pre-offer consultations and builders’ warranty inspections — and as a mold technician, he knows exactly where moisture problems start.

23 years, 4,000+ inspections
More than two decades and 4,000-plus inspections show up as pattern recognition — the small thing he catches today is the expensive surprise you avoid after closing.

A patient teacher on-site
Clients consistently praise Nick’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 & licenses.

Nick is an ASHI Certified (ACI) master inspector who has passed the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). He is a licensed Philadelphia home inspector, compliant with Pennsylvania standards, plus a licensed termite inspector, mold technician, MoistureGuard Certified and an FAA-certified drone pilot for aerial roof inspections.

✓
ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI)Member #261678 · NHIE passed
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Philadelphia Home Inspector LicenseLicensed in the City of Philadelphia
✓
Pennsylvania Compliant Home InspectorPA standards of practice
✓
PA Termite InspectorWood-destroying insect (WDI) inspections
✓
Mold TechnicianMold & moisture assessment
✓
MoistureGuard CertifiedAdvanced moisture-intrusion detection
✓
FAA Certified Drone PilotPart 107 · aerial roof inspections
✓
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
Berks County

Including Collegeville, Downingtown, Exton, King of Prussia, Limerick, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Royersford, Spring City, West Chester & all surrounding communities.

Before ValueGuard

He built his own name first.

In 2002, Nick founded and ran Strong Foundations Home Inspections, building a trusted independent reputation across the Philadelphia region over two decades and 4,000+ inspections.

He now brings that proven track record and deep market knowledge to the ValueGuard team.

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V. Recent inspections

The homes Nick inspects.

A look at homes Nick recently inspected across Greater Philadelphia — from city rowhomes to stone-front and brick colonials across Chester, Montgomery and Bucks counties. Same inspector, very different inspections. Swipe or use the arrows to browse.


Home inspection by Nick Ostrowski — two-story colonial with stone-front accents and covered porch in Exton, Pennsylvania
No. 01
Exton, PA
Vinyl & Stone Colonial
A two-story colonial with stone-front accents and a covered porch on a large Chester County lot. Nick checks the roof, siding, grounds and every system top to bottom.

Inspected by Nick Ostrowski

Home inspection by Nick Ostrowski — renovated painted-brick rowhome with green trim and arched transom in Philadelphia
No. 02
Philadelphia
Renovated Brick Rowhome
A crisply renovated painted-brick rowhome with new windows and restored trim. Recent renovations are exactly where Nick’s eye for missed details and unpermitted work pays off.

Inspected by Nick Ostrowski

Home inspection by Nick Ostrowski — stone-front colonial with red front door on a wooded suburban lot in Southeastern Pennsylvania
No. 03
Chester County, PA
Stone-Front Colonial
A stately stone-front colonial with a red-door entry on a wooded suburban lot. From roof to foundation, Nick gives large family homes a thorough, system-by-system inspection.

Inspected by Nick Ostrowski

Home inspection by Nick Ostrowski — three-story historic home with brick base, frame upper and rooftop deck in Norristown, Pennsylvania
No. 04
Norristown, PA
Historic Brick & Frame Home
A three-story historic home with a brick base, frame upper and rooftop deck. Older masonry, layered additions and century-old systems get Nick’s full attention.

Inspected by Nick Ostrowski

Home inspection by Nick Ostrowski — brick center-hall colonial with dormered wings on a manicured lot in Southampton, Pennsylvania
No. 05
Southampton, PA
Brick Center-Hall Colonial
A brick center-hall colonial with dormered wings on a manicured Bucks County lot. Nick inspects every system so buyers know exactly what they’re getting.

Inspected by Nick Ostrowski

Recent inspections performed by Nick Ostrowski across Philadelphia & Southeastern Pennsylvania.


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VI. What clients say about Nick

A reputation built over 23 years.

Across more than two decades and 4,000+ inspections, Nick has earned a reputation for thoroughness, clear communication and an honest, buyer-first approach — joining a ValueGuard team with 1,600+ five-star reviews across Greater Philadelphia.

★★★★★

Nick was fantastic. Extremely thorough, and he did a great job of giving me information on his key findings as he went through the property. I will be sure to recommend ValueGuard, and specifically Nick, for anyone needing home inspection services.

Noel Brinkley
Google review · Local Guide

★★★★★

This was my first home inspection and I had no clue what it involved. My inspector Nick performed a dynamite inspection — he explained everything clearly, didn’t rush, and answered all of our questions without hesitation. I truly believe this was money well spent!

Rahkeeta Rogers
Google review · Local Guide

★★★★★

Nick is an awesome inspector. I trust him as he is meticulous about what he does. Wouldn’t trust anyone else to do my home inspection.

Ranita Haynes
Google review

Read all 1,600+ ValueGuard reviews →

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VII. Common questions

Your questions, answered.

About Nick

How experienced is Nick Ostrowski?+
Nick has more than 23 years of professional inspection experience and has personally completed over 4,000 home inspections across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Formerly the owner and operator of Strong Foundations Home Inspections (established 2002), he is an ASHI Certified (ACI) master inspector and ASHI member #261678 who has passed the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE).
What licenses, certifications and memberships does Nick hold?+
Nick is an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI, member #261678), a licensed Philadelphia home inspector and a Pennsylvania Compliant Home Inspector. He is also a licensed termite (wood-destroying insect) inspector, a mold technician, MoistureGuard Certified and an FAA-certified drone pilot (Part 107), and has successfully completed the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE).
Does Nick have experience with older, historic homes and new construction?+
Yes. Across more than 4,000 homes over 23-plus years, Nick has inspected everything from historic rowhomes and stone twins to loft conversions and new construction. He specializes in comprehensive resale inspections, new-construction pre-offer consultations and builders’ warranty inspections, and as a mold technician he pays particular attention to moisture and mold issues in older homes.
What areas does Nick serve?+
Nick inspects homes throughout Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Collegeville, Downingtown, Exton, King of Prussia, Limerick, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Royersford, Spring City, West Chester and all surrounding communities.
Can I request Nick by name for my inspection?+
Yes. Request Nick 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 Nick 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. Nick and ValueGuard offer add-ons that can be handled in the same visit, including radon testing, sewer scope (camera) inspection, mold assessment and termite / wood-destroying insect (WDI) inspection. Just ask when you schedule.
Does the inspection follow a recognized Standard of Practice?+
Yes. As an ASHI Certified Inspector, Nick 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, Nick 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. Nick 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; Nick 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 — Nick 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. Nick 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 Nick tell me whether to buy the home or estimate repair costs?+
Nick’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 Nick 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 Nick 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 Nick 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 Nick

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