Buying a home in Baltimore City comes with its own unique charm—and its own unique set of quirks. From historic rowhomes to quirky renovations and everything in between, Charm City homes tell stories. But before you commit to your next chapter, it’s critical to make sure you’re not buying a home with costly surprises lurking behind the walls. That’s where inspections come in.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or seasoned homeowner, these are the must-have home inspections you should seriously consider when purchasing a home in Baltimore City.

🧱 1. General Home Inspection

This is your baseline, non-negotiable inspection. A licensed home inspector will check the home's major systems, structure, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. They’ll point out visible issues and let you know if anything needs further evaluation.

👉 Why it's essential in Baltimore:
Baltimore’s housing stock is full of older homes—some over 100 years old. Even beautifully renovated properties can have underlying issues due to age or DIY work. A general inspection helps you see beyond the finishes.

🐀 2. Pest & Rodent Inspection

A pest inspection will check for signs of termites, carpenter ants, rodents, and other critters.

👉 Why it’s essential in Baltimore:
Some Baltimore rowhomes share walls, crawl spaces, and foundations. That means pests can travel easily between homes. Older foundations are especially vulnerable to termite damage.

🧽 3. Sewer Scope Inspection

A sewer scope involves sending a small camera into the home’s sewer line to inspect for cracks, tree root intrusion, or collapsed piping.

👉 Why it’s essential in Baltimore:
Many Baltimore City homes—especially historic ones—still have original clay or cast-iron sewer lines. Replacing a damaged line can cost upwards of $10,000. This inspection could save you major money (and headaches).

🧪 4. Lead Paint Inspection

A certified lead paint inspector checks for the presence of lead-based paint, which is common in homes built before 1978.

👉 Why it’s essential in Baltimore:
Most homes in the city are older and may have lead paint under newer layers. If you're planning to rent the property out, lead-safe certification is legally required. If you’re moving in with children, this is even more important for safety.

🌫 5. Radon Test

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause long-term health issues. This test monitors radon levels in the air, usually over 48 hours.

👉 Why it’s essential in Baltimore:
While radon isn’t as common in Baltimore City as in other areas of Maryland, certain neighborhoods—especially those with basements—can still have elevated levels. It’s inexpensive to test and worth the peace of mind.

💨 6. Chimney Inspection (if applicable)

If the home has a wood-burning fireplace or chimney, a level 2 chimney inspection by a specialist is recommended.

👉 Why it’s essential in Baltimore:
Historic Baltimore homes often have unused or decorative fireplaces that may be structurally compromised. If you’re planning to use it, you need to ensure it’s safe and functional.

🔌 7. Electrical Inspection (if red flags arise)

If your general home inspection reveals outdated wiring (like knob and tube or aluminum wiring), you’ll want a licensed electrician to take a deeper look.

👉 Why it’s essential in Baltimore:
Old rowhomes often have patchwork electrical systems from generations of renovations. A specialist can assess fire hazards and let you know the cost to bring things up to code.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip What Matters

When you fall in love with a home, it’s easy to look the other way on red flags. But inspections protect your future investment—and your wallet. The upfront cost of $300 to $1,000 in inspections is nothing compared to a surprise $20,000 repair down the road.

Baltimore homes have character. Make sure yours also has solid bones.

Ready to find your next Baltimore home?

We know these homes inside and out (literally). Let’s schedule a walkthrough—and we’ll help you make sure the inspections are just as solid as your offer.