Residential Home Inspections
A complete, system-by-system evaluation of the home - built on 30 years of environmental health and safety experience.
A home inspection is the single best opportunity you have to understand a property before you commit to it. At Preferred Inspections, John Atkinson performs comprehensive residential inspections throughout Ohio and West Virginia in the Tri-State Area, walking each home from the roof to the foundation and documenting what he finds in clear, plain language. John is a Certified Professional Inspector (CPI) licensed for residential home inspection in both Ohio and West Virginia, and he brings over three decades as an environmental health and safety professional in construction and manufacturing to every job. That background means he reads a building the way a safety professional does - identifying not just what is broken, but what could become a hazard. The goal of every inspection is the same: to give you the informed confidence and absolute peace of mind to make a sound decision.
What's included
Structure, foundation & exterior
Foundation, framing, grading and drainage, cladding, decks, porches, and the overall structural condition of the home are evaluated for movement, moisture damage, and deferred maintenance.
Roof & attic
Roof covering, flashing, penetrations, attic ventilation, insulation, and framing are assessed for wear, leaks, and ventilation problems that drive premature failure.
Electrical system
Service entrance, panel and subpanels, grounding and bonding, branch wiring, and GFCI/AFCI protection are checked against safe operating standards - an area where John's safety background is especially valuable.
Plumbing system
Supply lines, drains, the water heater, fixtures, and visible shutoffs are inspected for corrosion, leaks, and material concerns.
Heating, cooling & ventilation
Furnace or boiler, air conditioning, distribution, and combustion safety are evaluated for condition, age, and proper operation.
Interior & built-in components
Windows, doors, walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, and built-in appliances are tested for function and safety throughout the home.
Why it matters
- •John's 30-year career in environmental health and safety means hazards that a checklist-driven inspector might overlook get identified and explained in context.
- •Homes across the Tri-State Area range from century-old construction to new builds; the inspection scope adapts to the age and systems of the specific property.
- •Every finding is documented with photographs and a clear priority so you, your agent, and any contractor know exactly what matters most.
- •Inspections are an education as much as a report - John walks you through the home so you understand the property you are buying or selling.
How it works
- 1
Schedule
Call or text 740.414.0008, or email John@preferredinspections.org to find a time that works for you and your transaction timeline.
- 2
On-site inspection
John inspects the home from top to bottom. You are welcome to attend, and the final portion of the visit is the ideal time to walk findings together.
- 3
Digital report delivery
You receive a detailed digital report with photographs, plain-language explanations, and prioritized recommendations you can share with your agent or contractor.
- 4
Post-inspection support
Questions after you read the report? John remains available to talk through findings with you, your agent, or a contractor.
Frequently asked
What areas do you serve?
Preferred Inspections serves Ohio and West Virginia in the Tri-State Area. John is licensed for residential home inspection in both states.
Should I attend the inspection?
Yes, attending - especially for the final walk-through - makes the written report far more useful. Seeing findings in person provides context a document alone cannot.
What makes Preferred Inspections different?
John brings over 30 years as an environmental, health, and safety professional and consultant in construction and manufacturing, plus his CPI credential, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and a deep commitment to education and safety on every inspection.
Related inspection services
Radon Measurement
EPA-protocol radon measurement - because the only way to know your home's radon level is to test.
WDO/WDI Assessments
Wood-destroying organism and insect assessments - the documentation lenders and buyers rely on.
Mold Assessments and Testing
Mold is a moisture problem first - we find the source, document the conditions, and tell you what's actually there.