ValueGuard PA Home Inspections

Starting at the exterior of the property, the inspector will visually inspect the roof, flashing, chimneys, gutters, and downspouts. The home inspector will then inspect the siding, trim, windows, doors, decks, walkways and driveways. Drainage issues, retaining walls and patios will be inspected as to any negative impact that they may pose on the building.

After the home inspector has completed his survey of the exterior he will inspect the visible framing members in the attic and basement for signs of structural defects and prior repairs.

The inspector will also visually inspect the electrical system, the heating and cooling systems, the plumbing, insulation, and appliances. While these areas are being observed the inspector will note any deficiencies in the interior components of the home.

In addition to noting any visible defects, throughout the inspection, the home inspector will explain how the various systems of the home operate and give you information on how to maintain the home. It is a good idea to bring a pad of paper and any questions that you may have to the inspection so the inspector can address your concerns during the on-site walk-through.

After the inspection is complete, the inspector will produce a written report that describes the systems and components of the home and reports the defects and repairs that were noted during the inspection.

In most cases, purchasing real estate is the largest investment that you will ever make. Gaining insight into the general condition of the building, major deficiencies in any of the components, the age of its systems and corresponding life expectancies, the need for repairs and the positive attributes of the property (i.e.: new roof, low maintenance exteriors and upgrades) gives you the necessary facts to make an informed buying decision.

The simple axiom is that the more you know about the property - the less your exposure to the risks inherent in purchasing the property.

Absolutely. Contrary to what many people think, brand new homes should be inspected regardless of whether they will be conveyed with a builder's warranty. Our inspectors routinely observe structural, heating, cooling, roofing, exterior, plumbing and interior defects in new homes that may go unnoticed by both the builder and purchaser until they become a substantial problem. ValueGuard will perform its standard comprehensive building inspection prior to settlement and produce a full written report detailing the inspector's findings.
When the building is completed, the inspector will inspect the exterior, roof, gutters, chimneys, flashings, siding, trim, doors and site. He will also inspect the finished heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing, and interior systems.

YES, if at all possible. Valuable information regarding the condition of the home and its systems can be gained from spending just a few hours with one of our home inspectors. Our inspectors welcome your questions throughout the inspection process.  Information on the proper operation and maintenance of the building and its systems is also given at the time of the physical inspection.

At ValueGuard we feel very strongly that you are our client, and we want you to have the most accurate and thorough understanding about the condition of your new home. If you cannot attend the inspection, your ValueGuard home inspector will complete the inspection, produce the written report and call you to discuss the home and the items contained in the report.

Plan on 2 to 2 1/2 hours, but the time can vary depending on the size, age and general condition of the home being inspected. Smaller properties may take less time, while large and complex properties take longer.

Our inspectors are quite thorough and never rush, so please feel free to ask lots of questions during the inspection!

And we won't keep you waiting at the end of your inspection for your inspector to write up the report. We will email your ValueGuard Home Inspection Report the next business day.

And, if you have questions after the report is delivered, our inspectors will be happy to answer them.

Please call our office at 215-860-3150 or 610-642-5500 or toll free 800-965-8520 if you have any pre-inspection questions.  Thanks!

Unlike many home inspection companies that use checklists or "cookie cutter" reports, ValueGuard home inspectors prepare a comprehensive narrative report that is custom tailored to the home that is being inspected. Each major system of the property has a separate section that explains the system, its positive attributes and system observations, including:

Simply stated, while nearly all home inspection companies tout their reports as the best, they are primarily designed to be easy for the inspection company to produce and deliver. ValueGuard specifically designed its report to be easy for the consumer to understand.

• Major Concerns
• Safety Issues
• Repair Items
• Improvement Items
• Items to Monitor

The report also includes an Overview section that discusses the more significant issues, the inspector's recommendations and a section on Maintenance Advice for the systems. Simply stated, while nearly all home inspection companies tout their reports as the best, all too often they are designed to be easy for the inspection company to produce and deliver. If requested at the time of the inspection, ValueGuard will provide Cost Estimates for the home at no additional charge. 

Due to the quality of the report we produce, it is often imitated by other home inspectors. To protect our intellectual property, we cannot publish our report in its entirety online.

If you would like us to email you a free copy of a ValueGuard Home Inspection Sample Report, please call us at 215-860-3150 or email us at info@valueguardusa.com. 

ValueGuard Home Inspection Special Online Pricing

Multi-Unit (Duplex, Triplex) Inspection Fee: $375 and up

Additional Inspection Service Fees:

Radon Test (CRM) Fee: $150
Radon Test Fee with a ValueGuard home inspection: $125 (Save $25!)
Wood Destroying Insect (Termite Certification): $85
Water Quality Testing: $175 and up
Well Inspection & Certification: $325 and up
Septic Inspection: $350 and up
Additional Fee for Update or Re-inspection: $120
Commercial Inspections: Call for price

Note: Detached garage, other outbuildings or special inspection conditions are extra.

Convenient methods of payment accepted:  Cash, Check, Visa, Master Card and Discover.

If you would like more information or to schedule an inspection please call us at 215-860-3150 or use the Live Chat button to the right if we are online or email us at info@valueguardusa.com.

VALUEGUARD WILL MEET ANY COMPETITOR QUOTATION ON A COMPARABLE HOME INSPECTION OR RADON TESTING SERVICE
*Competitor quote must be in writing and for specific property inspection.  Competitor inspector should be ASHI certified, licensed and fully insured.  Competitor radon testing must utilize CRM tamper-resistant electronic radon monitor.

We also accept personal checks, cash and money orders.

Yes.  ValueGuard USA is a "BBB Accredited Business".  Our Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating is A+

ValueGuard Home Inspections proudly serve Southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey and Delaware.

In Pennsylvania, ValueGuard performs inspections in the following counties: Berks County, PA; Bucks County, PA; Chester County, PA; Delaware County, PA; Lancaster County, PA; Montgomery County, PA; Philadelphia County, PA.

ValueGuard performs inspections throughout the City of Philadelphia. 

ValueGuard USA Inc.
345 West Lancaster Avenue
Haverford, PA 19041

Philadelphia:  215-860-3150
Southeast Pennsylvania:  215-860-3150

Toll-free Phone: 800-965-8520Email: info@valueguardusa.com

In New Jersey, ValueGuard performs home inspections in Atlantic County, NJ; Burlington County, NJ; Camden County, NJ; Cape May County, NJ; Cumberland County, NJ; Gloucester County, NJ; Ocean County, NJ; Salem County, NJ.   
NJ Phone:  856-429-4188

In Delaware, ValueGuard performs home inspections in Kent County, DE and New Castle County, DE.
DE Phone:  302-475-9010

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. This gas moves through the earth and enters buildings through cracks and/or holes in foundations and floors and accumulates. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Surgeon General have identified Radon gas as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Living in a home with elevated radon readings for a long period of time significantly increases your chances of contracting the disease. The risk is even more pronounced if you smoke or have ever smoked.

Testing for Radon is highly recommended. The EPA and Surgeon General recommend testing for all homes below the third floor for Radon. The EPA also recommends that all schools be tested. However, since Radon can get into any building, it is certainly advisable to test office and other buildings as well. 

You cannot see, smell or taste Radon; however, it may be a problem in your home or a property you are purchasing.  The only way to determine if you are at risk from Radon is to perform testing.  EPA recommends that homes with high Radon concentration above 4pCi/L be mitigated.  There are many straight-forward reduction techniques that will work in almost any home.

In Pennsylvania, ValueGuard Certified Radon Technicians utilize continuous electronic radon monitors which detect any unusual readings of radon, temperature and humidity caused by opening the surrounding windows.  Tilt and power sensors detect if the monitor is moved to a different location.  Hourly barometric pressure readings will even help detect unusual radon averages due to extreme weather conditions.  All data is reviewed for any sign of suspected tampering by a team of trained professionals.

The results are provided to our clients in a professional, four-page Certified Radon Report that provides the overall average Radon concentration, as well as hourly graphs detailing temperature, radon concentration and barometric pressure for the duration of the 48-hour test. At ValueGuard our Radon testing is reliable, accurate and easy to perform for our clients.

ValueGuard's Pennsylvania Radon technicians are certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Radiation Protection - Radon Division.

The price of a ValueGuard Certified Radon test is:

• $125 with a home inspection (a $25 Savings!)
• $150 without a home inspection.

ValueGuard uses only continuous rate electronic monitors to test for radon in Pennsylvania.  Our competitors charge up to $165 for this premium service.

We can generally schedule your Radon test with 24 hours notice!

Please call us at 610-642-5500 or 215-860-3150 to schedule your radon test.