Professional Home Inspections in Washtenaw County, MI

Comprehensive Home Inspection Services Across Washtenaw County

Whether you’re buying a 1960s ranch near the University of Michigan, a newly built colonial in Saline, or a century farmhouse outside Chelsea, a certified home inspection gives you the full picture before you commit. Washtenaw County’s housing market moves fast — especially in Ann Arbor — and having a thorough, photo-rich report in hand within 24 hours is the difference between a confident negotiation and a costly surprise.

Total House Inspection provides InterNACHI-certified home inspections across all of Washtenaw County, including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, and Manchester. We offer flexible scheduling within 48 hours and deliver detailed digital reports the same day as your inspection.

Home inspector engaging with clients outside a house, highlighting the importance of home inspection services

Importance of Inspections

Home inspections play a vital role in the real estate process, serving as a safeguard for both buyers and sellers. They help identify potential issues that could lead to costly repairs down the line, allowing parties to negotiate repairs or price adjustments before closing. Furthermore, a thorough inspection can enhance a home’s appeal by ensuring that it meets safety and quality standards. By investing in a home inspection, buyers can avoid unpleasant surprises and make informed decisions about their property investments. Total House Inspection Inc. offers comprehensive inspection services tailored to the unique needs of Washtenaw County residents, ensuring peace of mind during the buying or selling process.

Types of Home Inspections We Provide in Washtenaw County

Buyer’s Home Inspection

The most common inspection. Scheduled during your purchase contract’s inspection contingency period, this comprehensive evaluation gives you the leverage to negotiate repairs, request credits, or walk away if needed. Average inspection time: 2.5 to 4 hours depending on home size. In Ann Arbor’s competitive market, we regularly accommodate next-day scheduling to keep your transaction on track.

Pre-Listing (Seller’s) Inspection

Selling in Washtenaw County? A pre-listing inspection lets you identify and address issues before your buyer’s inspector does. You control the narrative, price your home accurately, and significantly reduce the chance of last-minute renegotiation derailing the sale.

Older Home & Historic Home Inspections

Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti have substantial housing stock from the 1920s through the 1960s — especially in neighborhoods like Burns Park, Kerrytown, and Old West Side. These homes carry older systems that deserve close attention: knob-and-tube wiring updates, aging cast iron plumbing, wet basements, and outdated panel boxes. We inspect with an eye for what’s been deferred, patched, or renovated without permits.

Radon Testing

Washtenaw County has elevated radon concentrations relative to Michigan averages, particularly in areas underlain by glacial soils with higher uranium content. The EPA and Michigan DHHS both recommend testing for every home purchase. We use continuous electronic monitors for accurate 48-hour results.

Commercial Property Inspections

From Ann Arbor’s commercial corridors and mixed-use buildings near campus to industrial and light manufacturing properties in Ypsilanti and Milan, we provide commercial inspections for buyers and investors evaluating Washtenaw County assets.

Maintenance & Annual Inspections

For current homeowners who want to stay ahead of costly repairs — especially valuable for older homes in Ann Arbor’s established neighborhoods and for landlords managing investment properties near the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.

What is Covered in a Basic Home Inspection

A typical home inspection covers various major systems and components of a property, providing a detailed overview of its condition. Key areas assessed during an inspection include:

  • Roof: Evaluation of the roof’s condition, including shingles, flashing, and drainage systems.
  • Foundation: Inspection of the foundation for signs of settling, cracks, or moisture intrusion.
  • HVAC Systems: Assessment of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for functionality and safety.
  • Electrical Systems
  • Plumbing Systems

Total House Inspection Inc. specializes in these areas, ensuring that every inspection is thorough and informative. Their expertise allows homebuyers and sellers to understand the condition of the property fully, facilitating better decision-making.

Certified Inspectors

Hiring certified inspectors is crucial for ensuring a comprehensive and accurate assessment of a property. Certified inspectors possess the necessary qualifications and training to identify issues that may not be apparent to untrained eyes. They utilize advanced tools and techniques to conduct thorough evaluations, providing clients with detailed reports on their findings. Total House Inspection Inc. employs certified inspectors who are well-versed in local building codes and standards, ensuring compliance and safety for all properties inspected.

What Does a Certified Home Inspection in Washtenaw County Include?

A certified home inspection in Washtenaw County typically includes a thorough examination of various components, such as:

  • Structural Elements: Assessment of the foundation, walls, and roof.
  • Systems: Evaluation of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
  • Safety Features: Inspection of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other safety measures.

This comprehensive approach ensures that all critical aspects of the property are evaluated, providing clients with a complete picture of its condition.

Key Components of Residential Property Inspections in Southeast Michigan

Residential property inspections in Southeast Michigan focus on several key components, including:

  • Major Systems: Comprehensive evaluation of heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems.
  • Utilities: Inspection of water supply, drainage, and sewage systems.
  • Thermal Imaging: Use of thermal imaging technology to identify hidden issues, such as moisture intrusion or insulation deficiencies.

These components are essential for ensuring that properties meet safety and quality standards, protecting both buyers and sellers.

Radon and Septic System Testing: Importance and Local Regulations

Radon and septic system testing are critical components of home inspections in Washtenaw County. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can pose serious health risks, making testing essential for ensuring indoor air quality. Local regulations often require radon testing during real estate transactions, emphasizing its importance. Additionally, septic system inspections are crucial for identifying potential issues that could lead to costly repairs or health hazards.

Home Inspection Service Areas

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.

About Total House Inspection

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, St. Clair, Wayne, and Washtenaw counties.

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”

Curious What a Real Inspection Report Looks Like?

Take a look at a real sample report before you book — clear, photo-backed, and easy to read.

FAQ — Home Inspections in Washtenaw County, MI

Home inspections in Washtenaw County start at $405. Final pricing depends on the size, age, and type of property. Older homes in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti — which often have more systems to evaluate — may run slightly higher. Bundling a radon test and sewer scope with your general inspection typically lowers your overall cost compared to booking each separately.
Most Washtenaw County inspections are available within 48 hours of your request — including in Ann Arbor, where the market moves quickly. We know that inspection contingency windows are tight and we schedule accordingly.

Yes, and it's one of the most important add-ons for this area. Washtenaw County sits in a zone of elevated radon potential due to the glacial geology underlying much of Southeast Michigan. Radon is colorless, odorless, and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US — yet entirely manageable if caught. We use continuous electronic monitors for accurate, EPA-compliant 48-hour testing.

They require more thorough inspection, yes. Homes in Ann Arbor's historic neighborhoods — Burns Park, Old West Side, Kerrytown, Water Hill — are often 60 to 100+ years old. We look closely at aging electrical panels and wiring, cast iron or galvanized plumbing, foundation movement, basement moisture, and any signs that prior renovations were done without permits. None of these are automatic deal-breakers, but all of them affect your negotiating position and cost-of-ownership.

Highly recommended for any home built before 1980 in Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti. Clay lateral sewer lines from the mid-20th century are still in service throughout these cities, and root intrusion from the region's mature tree canopy is extremely common. A sewer scope can surface a $5,000–$15,000 repair before you close — for a $235 bundled add-on.
Yes. Rural townships in Washtenaw County — including Lyndon, Sharon, Manchester, and parts of Lima and Webster — commonly have properties on private well and septic systems. We recommend water quality testing for well properties. We can also coordinate septic evaluations with a licensed contractor if needed.
We inspect investment properties and multi-family homes throughout Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Investor buyers — especially those new to the market — benefit from knowing which deferred maintenance items are cosmetic versus structural, and whether rental conversions have introduced electrical or egress issues over the years. We treat investment property inspections with the same rigor as a primary home purchase.
Plan for 2.5 to 4 hours on-site. You're welcome and encouraged to attend the full inspection — or at minimum the end-of-inspection walkthrough, where your inspector explains all findings in plain language before you leave. Your digital, photo-rich report is delivered within 24 hours and easy to share with your agent or a contractor.

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.