The Complete Guide to Home Inspection in Baltimore: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know
April 28, 2025
I. Introduction
In a vibrant and historic city like Baltimore, buying or selling a home comes with unique challenges. From charming row houses to modern builds, properties here vary in age, structure, and condition. That’s why home inspections are a critical step in the real estate process. They help uncover hidden issues, protect your investment, and ensure peace of mind.
At Aaron’s Inspections, we specialize in existing home inspections, new home inspections, and EIFS moisture inspections. With years of experience in the Baltimore housing market, our team uses non-invasive methods to uncover both visible and hidden problems—while walking clients through every step of the process.
II. What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a detailed examination of a property’s structure, systems, and components. It provides buyers with insights into the home’s condition before making a purchase, and helps sellers identify problems that may need fixing before listing.
Types of Inspections:
- Existing Home Inspections evaluate older homes that may have wear and tear, aging systems, or outdated structures.
- New Home Inspections ensure that newly constructed properties comply with safety and code standards before occupancy.
At Aaron’s Inspections, we use non-invasive tools and techniques to assess properties—meaning we don’t damage surfaces or structures to find issues. This allows us to maintain property integrity while still delivering a comprehensive evaluation.
III. Common Issues Found During Baltimore Home Inspections
Baltimore homes—many built in the early 1900s—often come with legacy issues. Our inspections reveal problems that aren’t obvious to the naked eye but can cost thousands if left unresolved.
Typical Issues Include:
| Category | Common Problems Found | Potential Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Cracks, settlement, water intrusion | High |
| Roofing | Missing shingles, poor drainage, sagging | High |
| HVAC | Inefficient units, poor ductwork, lack of maintenance | Medium |
| Plumbing | Old pipes, low pressure, leaks | Medium |
| Electrical Systems | Outdated panels, exposed wiring, overloaded circuits | High |
| Exterior Structures | Rotting wood, damaged siding, improper drainage | Medium |
| EIFS Systems | Moisture behind stucco, mold risks | High |
Maryland Residential Building Codes and Baltimore City Permitting Regulations are crucial when reviewing these findings. Any violations or code-related concerns must be addressed before property transfers.
IV. EIFS Moisture Inspections: Why They Matter
EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish System, a multi-layered wall system popular for its energy efficiency and modern aesthetic. However, improper installation or lack of maintenance can lead to hidden moisture problems.
What Makes EIFS Risky?
- Moisture can get trapped behind the surface.
- Small cracks can lead to mold growth.
- Poor sealing around windows and doors accelerates water damage.
At Aaron’s Inspections, we specialize in EIFS Moisture Inspections using infrared thermography and moisture meters. Our non-invasive tools detect potential issues without harming your walls, helping to avoid long-term structural damage.
V. The Inspection Process at Aaron’s Inspections
Our inspection approach is clear, respectful, and client-focused from beginning to end.
Here’s What to Expect:
- Booking & Consultation
- Call or visit aaronsinspections.com to schedule.
- We’ll gather details about your home and its history.
- On-Site Walk-Through
- A licensed inspector will spend several hours examining the home.
- Clients are encouraged to join the walk-through to ask questions.
- Detailed Report
- Receive a digital report within 24 hours.
- Includes photos, severity ratings, and repair suggestions.
- Education & Follow-Up
- We explain every finding in plain language.
- Recommendations are given for further evaluation or immediate repair.
We rely on advanced tools like:
- Moisture meters to detect hidden leaks.
- Infrared scanners to find cold spots and moisture pockets.
- Digital platforms to deliver modern, visual reports.
VI. Tips for Homebuyers and Sellers in Maryland
Whether you’re buying your first home or selling your fifth, preparation and awareness go a long way.
For Buyers:
- Schedule the inspection before closing.
- Walk through the home with the inspector if possible.
- Ask questions—knowledge now prevents costly surprises later.
For Sellers:
- Consider a pre-listing inspection to fix problems in advance.
- Disclose all known issues to build buyer trust.
- Use your report as a marketing tool when selling.
Understand Your Report:
- Focus on safety issues and costly repairs first.
- Use the report to negotiate with confidence.
- Ask for contractor estimates when needed.
Helpful Resources:
- Maryland Department of Labor – Home Inspector Licensing
- InterNACHI – International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
VII. Conclusion
Home inspections are more than just a checkbox—they’re your first line of defense in protecting your home investment. Whether it’s spotting hidden mold behind EIFS siding or identifying critical foundation problems, Aaron’s Inspections brings years of Baltimore-specific experience to every job.
We pride ourselves on transparency, education, and thoroughness. With us, you’re not just getting an inspection—you’re gaining a partner who cares about your safety and satisfaction.
📍 Contact Us:
Aaron’s Inspections
Baltimore Peninsula, Baltimore, MD 21230
📞 (443) 572-1055
🌐 aaronsinspections.com