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Code and Property Maintenance Inspection

An evaluation of a property against applicable property maintenance codes, for owners, landlords and municipalities across western Pennsylvania. Get a free estimate online.

Who is a code inspection for?

Property maintenance codes exist to keep buildings safe and livable. When a municipality cites a property, or when an owner simply wants to stay ahead of trouble, it helps to have a knowledgeable third party list exactly what stands out.

Landlords use these inspections to prepare units for rental inspection and keep older buildings in good shape. Owners who have received a notice use them to build a repair scope. Buyers of tired or vacant properties use them to understand what bringing the building up to standard will involve. Municipalities and organizations that manage properties may want an independent assessment too.

Many properties in western Pennsylvania are older, and small maintenance lapses tend to pile up: a rotted rail, a missing alarm, a leaking gutter. Catching them early keeps them small.

Because local rules differ, the most useful thing you can bring is the ordinance or notice that applies. If you do not have it, your municipal code office can tell you which property maintenance standard is in force, and Will will work from that.

What does a code and property maintenance inspection cover?

Will reviews the property against the standard that applies to it and documents deficiencies in these common areas:

  • Structural soundness, foundation and visible framing
  • Roof, gutters, exterior walls, siding, chimneys and weather protection
  • Doors, windows, locks and means of egress
  • Stairs, handrails, guardrails, porches and decks
  • Plumbing: leaks, drainage, water heating and sanitary facilities
  • Electrical hazards, panel condition and visible wiring defects
  • Heating equipment, venting and adequate heat
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
  • Light and ventilation in habitable rooms
  • Sanitation, trash, pests, weeds and general exterior upkeep

The inspection is visual and notes apparent deficiencies. It is not a legal determination of compliance, and only the municipality can issue official findings.

How it works and what you get

Call or use the contact page with the address, the municipality and your goal, whether that is answering a violation notice, preparing a rental or getting an objective view. Will inspects the property and documents each item with photos. The report arrives the same day or within 24 to 48 hours as a clear list of deficiencies and recommended next steps.

You can attend, and you can call with questions before or after. If you have a notice in hand, bring it so the report can address each cited item.

Why an independent veteran Certified Master Inspector?

Semper Fi is independent of agents, sellers and contractors, so you get an honest list. Will Kuhn is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a construction background, a Certified Master Inspector (CMI, CCMI), InterNACHI member, and holds CCPIA, IAC2 and MC/RC certifications. Errors and omissions and general liability insurance are in place.

To see what it may cost, get a free estimate online.

For owners with a deadline from the municipality, mention it up front. Reports arrive the same day or within 24 to 48 hours, which leaves time to start repairs, and Saturday is on call for same-day inspections when timing is tight.

Related inspections and pages

Occupancy inspectionBefore sale or move-inCommercial inspectionBuildings and portfoliosHome inspectionFull-scope reviewProperty recoveryUnlawful occupantsContact WillTalk through your property

Common questions

What is a property maintenance code inspection?
It is an evaluation of a building's condition against the applicable property maintenance code. The inspector documents items such as structural soundness, weather tightness, sanitation, egress, light and ventilation, and basic safety systems. The report lists deficiencies so owners can correct them.
Which code applies to my property?
It depends on the municipality, which may adopt its own property maintenance ordinance or a model code with local changes. Confirm the adopted code with your local code office. Will evaluates against the applicable standard you identify and notes what he observes.
Who hires a code inspector?
Owners who received a notice of violation, landlords preparing rental units, buyers of distressed properties and municipalities that want an outside evaluation. Anyone who wants an independent list of likely code problems before an official inspection can use one.
Is this the same as an occupancy inspection?
They overlap but are not identical. An occupancy inspection is about qualifying a property for a sale, rental or move-in. A code inspection is a broader review of ongoing maintenance and condition against the property maintenance standard.
Can the report help with a violation notice?
It can help you organize repairs. A written, photo-documented list of deficiencies gives you and your contractor a clear scope. It does not replace the municipality's own findings, and dispute or legal questions should go to your attorney.
How much does it cost?
Cost depends on the property's size and condition. Please get a free estimate online or call 878-300-6621. The estimate is free and carries no obligation.

Ready to schedule?

Get your free estimate online, or call Will directly at 878-300-6621.

Get a free estimateCall 878-300-6621