Lakewood, OH Home Inspections for Century-Old Homes
149+ Lakewood homes inspected since 2017
Ohio-licensed home inspectors · ASHI & InterNACHI Certified · 1,300+ Google reviews, rated 5.0
Inspecting Lakewood’s early-1900s homes
Lakewood’s housing is some of the oldest we inspect. The median build year among the Lakewood homes we’ve inspected is 1918, and 91% were built before 1960. Many are tall, closely spaced wood-frame houses and two-family “up-and-downs” that have been renovated several times over a century, so we look hard at what’s original, what’s been updated, and how the two connect.
Homes this age have predictable weak spots, and we check every one of them:
- Knob-and-tube and mixed wiring: original knob-and-tube may still be live behind walls or in attics, often spliced into newer circuits. We note visible knob-and-tube, ungrounded outlets, missing GFCIs, overfused circuits and amateur splices; insurers often ask about it.
- Balloon framing: houses of this era often have wall cavities that run open from basement to attic, which can let fire and air travel. We look at framing where visible, plus past alterations and sagging.
- Old plumbing: galvanized supply lines, cast-iron drains and old lead service lines show up in homes this age. We check flow, visible corrosion and leaks.
- Sewer laterals: century-old clay lines can crack, settle or take on roots. A separate sewer camera inspection is typically worth adding.
- Lead-based paint: homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint; we flag peeling and chipping paint, and lead testing is a separate service.
- Foundations and basements: stone or block foundations, mortar loss, cracking, efflorescence and past water entry.
- Chimneys: deteriorated masonry, missing or damaged liners, and abandoned flues from old heating systems.
- Radon: 26% of Lakewood clients we’ve worked with add a radon test, and Ohio homes should be tested.
These are general considerations for homes of this era, not a summary of inspection findings.
What we see in Lakewood homes
1918median year built across 143 Lakewood homes we’ve inspected with year built on record
91% before 1960 · 3% 1960-1979 · 6% 1980 or later
Source: North Ohio Property Inspection’s own Spectora job records for Lakewood, OH addresses (homes we’ve inspected; aggregate counts only, as of Nov 2026).
Lakewood housing citywide (Census)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, tables B25034 (Year Structure Built) and B25035 (Median Year Structure Built), via Census Reporter (censusreporter.org/profiles/16000US3941664-lakewood-oh/), retrieved Nov 1, 2026. Citywide figures cover all housing units, not just homes we’ve inspected.
Price ranges
| Inspection | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Home inspection (single-family) | Typically $325–$575, depending on size and age |
| Condo inspection (interior of unit) | Typically $275–$450 |
| Very large or multi-unit homes | Call for a quote |
Pricing depends on the home’s size, age and the services you choose.
Add-on services
| Service | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Radon test | Typically $149–$235 |
| Termite / WDI inspection | Typically $90–$160 |
| Mold / air quality test | Typically $225–$350 |
| Sewer scope, water testing & other services | Call for a quote |
Call or text 216-343-7151 for an exact quote, or book online to see your price.
What clients say
Extremely thorough and professional. The inspection report was detailed, clear, and included helpful photos of major structural, electrical, and plumbing items. It gave me the exact information I needed to negotiate properly.Michael Juarez, 9/24/2026
This was an incredibly easy process. Mark was phenomenal and explained everything in terms I could understand!Brian Marsh, 9/28/2026
Inspectors were on time, knowledgeable, friendly and took the time to explain everything- made the process remarkably easy.Santo, 9/22/2026
Lakewood home inspection FAQ
How much is a home inspection in Lakewood?
Typically $325–$575, depending on the home’s size, age and the services you add. Call or text 216-343-7151 for an exact quote.
Do Lakewood homes still have knob-and-tube wiring?
Some do. With a median build year of 1918 among the Lakewood homes we’ve inspected, original knob-and-tube can still be in use in walls or attics. We note any we can see and recommend an electrician evaluate it.
Is a sewer scope worth it on a Lakewood home?
Usually, yes. Lines this old are often clay or cast iron and can crack or take on roots. A separate sewer camera inspection is typically worth adding.
Do you inspect two-family homes in Lakewood?
Yes. We inspect doubles and multi-unit homes; pricing depends on size and number of units, so call or text 216-343-7151 for an exact quote.
Should I test for radon in Lakewood?
Yes. Ohio homes should be tested, and 26% of our Lakewood clients add a radon test. A radon test typically runs $149–$235, lower when added to a home inspection. Call or text 216-343-7151 for an exact quote.
Can I attend the inspection?
Absolutely. Tag along and ask questions; your agent is welcome too.
How do I book?
Book online any time, or call or text 216-343-7151.
Also serving near Lakewood
Rocky River · Cleveland · Fairview Park · Bay Village · Westlake · Brook Park
North Ohio Property Inspection · Call or Text 216-343-7151 · Ohio home inspector licenses: OHI.2019005432, OHI.2024002540, OHI.2025003412, OHI.2026003607