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Confidence starts with a solid inspection. That’s why real estate agents, first-time buyers, and seasoned investors across Oakland County trust us.
Buying a home in Ferndale — whether it’s a 1920s craftsman bungalow off Pinecrest, a Tudor Revival near 9 Mile, or a colonial close to the Woodward corridor — comes with real questions. How’s the foundation? Is the electrical updated? What’s hiding in the basement? Total House Inspectionanswers those questions with a thorough, InterNACHI-certified home inspection delivered by local Southeast Michigan inspectors who know exactly what to look for in Ferndale’s older housing stock.
Ferndale isn’t a cookie-cutter suburb. The housing stock here is largely from the 1920s through the 1940s, and that history shapes every inspection we perform. Walk any block near downtown Ferndale, Pinecrest, or the Woodward Heights neighborhood and you’ll see classic Craftsman bungalows, Tudor Revivals, Cape Cods, and Colonials sitting side-by-side. Many have original features still in place — and original issues to match.
Here’s what our inspectors routinely encounter in Ferndale properties:
A general checklist won’t catch these. A local inspector who has walked hundreds of similar homes in Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Hazel Park, Royal Oak, and Oak Park will.
Every Total House Inspection in Ferndale follows the InterNACHI Standards of Practice and covers the visible and accessible components of the home. Your inspector will evaluate:
Some Ferndale homes — especially older properties or those with finished basements — benefit from additional testing beyond the standard inspection. These ancillary services are available on request:
We’re not the cheapest inspector in metro Detroit, and that’s by design. Here’s what you actually get:
The most common inspection. Conducted during your purchase contract’s inspection contingency period, this comprehensive evaluation gives you the leverage you need to negotiate repairs, request credits, or — if necessary — walk away. Average inspection time: 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on home size.
Selling your Ferndale home? A pre-listing inspection identifies issues before your buyer’s inspector does. You control the narrative, fix what matters, disclose with confidence, and reduce the chance of last-minute renegotiation that derails the sale.
If you’re building or buying new construction in or near Ferndale, we recommend a pre-drywall inspection to catch framing, electrical rough-in, and plumbing issues while they’re still easy to fix — and a final walk-through inspection before closing.
Ferndale’s downtown along 9 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue is full of mixed-use buildings, retail spaces, and small commercial properties. We provide commercial inspections for buyers and investors evaluating these assets.
For current Ferndale homeowners who want to stay ahead of problems. Especially valuable for homes 50+ years old.
Located in Troy Michigan, we inspect homes and commercial buildings in the following counties:
Please call us even if you are outside the area. We will make an effort to accommodate you, and your house inspection needs.
Total House Inspection is a Southeast Michigan home inspection company headquartered in Troy, MI. We serve buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and investors across Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, and Washtenaw counties — including every neighborhood in Ferndale.
Our team of InterNACHI-certified inspectors brings construction experience, building science training, and a relentless focus on clear communication to every property we evaluate. We’ve built our business on a simple promise: deliver the kind of inspection we’d want for our own family.
“Confidence Starts with a Solid Home Inspection”
Take a look at a real sample report before you book — clear, photo-backed, and easy to read.
Choosing InterNACHI certified inspectors in Ferndale, MI, offers numerous benefits. These professionals are not only qualified and trained but also adhere to high standards of practice. Their commitment to ongoing education ensures that they stay updated on the latest industry developments and best practices. Furthermore, customer satisfaction ratings for InterNACHI certified inspectors are typically high, reflecting their dedication to providing quality service. To schedule your certified home inspection, customers can use convenient online platforms or direct contact methods.
InterNACHI certification provides several specific benefits for homebuyers. First, it guarantees that the inspection will be thorough, covering all critical aspects of the property. Second, certified inspectors bring expertise and experience to the table, which can be invaluable during negotiations. Lastly, having a certified inspector conduct the evaluation can provide leverage in discussions with sellers, as buyers can confidently address any issues identified during the inspection.
Certification builds customer trust and reliability in the inspection process by establishing high standards of practice. Certified inspectors are required to maintain transparency in their reporting, which fosters trust between them and their clients. This transparency is crucial for both buyers and sellers, as it impacts their decisions regarding the property. When clients know that their inspector adheres to recognized standards, they can feel more confident in the findings and recommendations provided.
In Ferndale, MI, various types of home inspections are available to meet the needs of different clients. These include:
These options allow homeowners to choose the inspection type that best suits their needs.
We strongly recommend a sewer scope for any Ferndale home built before 1980. Many lateral lines are original clay or cast iron, and the mature tree-lined streets that make Ferndale beautiful also make root intrusion a real risk. Sewer line repairs can run $5,000 to $15,000 — a sewer scope catches the problem before you own it.
Pre-purchase and interior home inspections serve different purposes and are tailored to specific needs. Pre-purchase inspections are conducted before a buyer finalizes a property purchase, focusing on identifying any issues that could affect the sale. In contrast, interior home inspections may be performed for maintenance purposes, assessing the condition of the home after purchase. Understanding these differences can help homeowners choose the right inspection type for their situation.
Environmental tests, such as radon and mold testing, are essential components of a comprehensive home inspection. These tests help identify potential health hazards that may not be visible during a standard inspection. Radon testing involves measuring the levels of this odorless gas, which can pose serious health risks. Mold testing assesses the presence of mold spores, which can lead to respiratory issues and other health concerns. By including these tests in the inspection process, homeowners can ensure a safe living environment.
These specialized evaluations are often considered ancillary services, complementing the standard home inspection to provide a complete safety assessment.
InterNACHI Home Inspection Procedures & Ancillary Services
The home inspection process in Ferndale, MI, follows a structured, step-by-step approach to ensure thorough evaluations. The process typically includes:
This systematic approach ensures that all critical aspects of the property are thoroughly evaluated.
During each phase of the inspection, homeowners can expect specific activities and interactions with the inspector. The inspection duration may vary based on the property's size and complexity, typically lasting 2 - 3 hours. Inspectors will interact with homebuyers to explain findings and answer questions at the end of the home inspection process. After the inspection, a detailed report will be provided, summarizing the findings and any necessary follow-up actions.
Inspection reports are delivered in a clear and concise format, outlining the findings of the inspection. These reports typically include detailed descriptions of any issues identified, along with recommendations for repairs or further evaluations. Inspectors often review the report with clients, ensuring they understand the implications of the findings. This communication is crucial for helping homeowners make informed decisions regarding their property.
The costs of home inspections in Ferndale, MI, can vary based on several factors, including the property's size and the type of inspection conducted. Homeowners can expect to pay a reasonable fee for comprehensive evaluations, which often range from $400 to $700. Scheduling options are typically flexible, allowing homebuyers to choose a time that works best for them.
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Choosing local certified inspectors offers several advantages for homeowners in Ferndale, MI. Local inspectors possess specific knowledge of the area's building codes and common issues that may arise in properties. This expertise allows them to provide thorough evaluations tailored to the local market. Additionally, local inspectors often prioritize clear communication, ensuring that homeowners receive personalized service throughout the inspection process.
For more information about the comprehensive services offered by local experts, visit Total House Inspection to learn how they can assist you in making informed property decisions.