WASHINGTON DC INSPECTIONS | VA HOME INSPECT

Washington, DC offers one of the most architecturally diverse housing markets in the country. As a home inspector, I’ve evaluated everything from 100-year-old brick rowhomes and Victorian townhouses to contemporary condos and custom infill homes. Each type of home presents its own inspection challenges:

• Historic Rowhomes in neighborhoods like Shaw, Capitol Hill, and Petworth often feature aging electrical systems, outdated plumbing, and signs of long-term wear that aren’t always visible to the untrained eye.
   
• Federal-style townhomes in Georgetown or Logan Circle may contain hidden structural shifts, moisture intrusion, or aging HVAC systems tucked behind plaster walls.
   
• Mid-century and 1980s single-family homes in neighborhoods like American University Park or Fort Lincoln may present original building materials that have reached the end of their service life.
   
• Luxury high-rise condos and new construction in areas like Navy Yard, NoMa, and Southwest Waterfront can look flawless on the surface, but even brand-new builds are not immune to poor workmanship, shortcuts during framing, or drainage flaws on rooftop terraces.

In DC, most residential real estate transactions are governed by the Regional Sales Contract—a standardized agreement used throughout the DMV region. This contract significantly influences the role and timing of home inspections.

Here’s how:

• As-Is Sales: Many DC homes are sold “as-is,” meaning the seller is not obligated to make repairs. This makes your home inspection even more critical because your only tool for negotiating or walking away is based on what the inspection reveals.
   
• Home Inspection Contingency: The contract often allows for an inspection contingency, giving buyers a defined period—usually 7 to 10 days—to perform an inspection and either renegotiate, request repairs, or void the contract based on findings.
   

We understand the language of the Regional Sales Contract and the fast-paced nature of DC real estate. That’s why our inspections are not just about finding problems—they’re about giving you clarity, options, and peace of mind when every hour counts.

VA Home Inspect offers a full range of inspection services tailored to the unique homes and market conditions in Washington, DC:

• Comprehensive Home Inspections – Full evaluation of structural, electrical, roofing, HVAC, plumbing, and safety systems.
   
• Radon Testing – Vital in DC basements and garden-level units, where radon gas buildup is more likely.
   
• Mold Inspections – Especially important in older homes with poor ventilation or past water intrusion.
   
• New Construction Inspections – From pre-drywall to final walkthroughs, we ensure your new home meets modern standards.
   
• Pre-Listing Inspections – Helping sellers avoid surprises and strengthen their listing strategy.
   
• 11-Month Warranty Inspections – Ideal for new homeowners nearing the end of a builder’s warranty period.

At VA Home Inspect, LLC, we proudly provide certified home inspection services in Washington, DC and its most sought-after neighborhoods. Whether you're buying a home, preparing to sell, or performing routine maintenance, we deliver detailed and reliable inspections throughout the city.

We serve a wide range of communities, including:

Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Logan Circle, Shaw, Navy Yard, Columbia Heights, Dupont Circle, Cleveland Park, Petworth, Brookland, Takoma, Foggy Bottom, Woodley Park, Tenleytown, Glover Park, Mount Pleasant, Kalorama, Southwest Waterfront, NoMa, Eckington, and Deanwood.

Whether you're searching for a home inspector in Capitol Hill, need a home inspection in Petworth, or are closing on a condo in Southwest DC, VA Home Inspect has the local knowledge and experience to help you make confident, informed decisions.