State-Licensed · InterNACHI Certified · Certified Master Inspector
Knoxville home inspections from a team that knows the city’s housing stock.
From Fountain City bungalows to new construction in West Knoxville, Bent Nail inspects homes across every corner of Knoxville, then walks you through every finding on-site, in plain language, the same day.
Local to Knoxville
Knoxville’s housing stock spans a lot of eras, we’ve inspected all of them.
Knoxville’s neighborhoods range from early-1900s construction near downtown to mid-century ranch homes and fast-growing new subdivisions further out. Each era brings its own common issues, and knowing what to expect in a given neighborhood helps us inspect faster and more thoroughly.
Why Get A Home Inspection
An unbiased read on the house, before it’s yours.
We’re not building-code enforcers, we’re your second set of eyes. A home inspection costs a little time and money up front, and it can save you from inheriting someone else’s deferred maintenance, or from walking into a money pit with no way out. Findings often become negotiating leverage, repairs the current owner fixes before you close, rather than problems you inherit.
Our Services In Knoxville
Beyond the standard inspection.
East Tennessee brings its own risks, termites, radon, aging sewer lines, so we built out services to cover them directly.
Buyer’s Home Inspection
Full top-to-bottom examination of structure, systems, and components.
PestTermite Inspection
East Tennessee is high-risk for termites and other wood-destroying organisms.
Air QualityRadon Testing
NRPP-certified radon testing, common across the Knoxville area.
PlumbingSewer Scope Inspection
Camera inspection of the main line, catching root intrusion and cracks invisible from the surface.
ChimneyChimney Scope Inspection
Camera-based scan of the interior flue liner for cracks, gaps, and creosote buildup.
Air QualityMold Testing
Detection of active spores and hidden moisture intrusion.
What’s Covered
A typical Bent Nail inspection walks the whole house.
Every system, every major component, documented with photos and explained in the report and on-site.
Garage, Driveway & Walkways
Level, secure, and free of tripping hazards. We check the garage door opener’s auto-reverse safety feature, since photo-eye sensors mounted in the ceiling instead of near the floor is one of the most common defects we find in Knoxville homes.
Roof & Exterior
We use high-resolution drone imaging on most roof inspections, capturing detailed views of shingles and flashing without the risk of walking on, and potentially damaging, the roof. Decks get particular attention too: ledger board attachment, joist hangers, and baluster spacing, since the American Wood Council estimates over half of decks nationally need repair or replacement.
Attic, Insulation & Ventilation
Plumbing vent boots and the guttering system, your home’s primary defense against water intrusion. We also check attic ventilation: a poorly ventilated attic can cut a shingle’s life expectancy by up to 50%.
Foundations, Slabs & Floors
Slab or block-and-column, we look for cracking and settlement patterns, most commonly caused by water, the number one enemy of any foundation. Knoxville’s clay-heavy soil in many neighborhoods makes drainage and grading especially important to check.
Basements & Crawlspaces
Handrails and baluster spacing on basement stairs, floor joist sizing and spacing, crawlspace encapsulation or ventilation, and sump pump function where present, common in Knoxville’s older, hillier neighborhoods.
Plumbing Systems
Supply lines and waste drains. In Knoxville’s older homes, particularly near downtown and Fountain City, we regularly find S-traps instead of P-traps, which can let sewer gas back into the house.
Electrical Systems
Service entrance cable, meter base, panel grounding and bonding, wiring type, breaker sizing, and GFCI/AFCI function.
Heating & Cooling
Heat pumps, packaged gas furnaces, and split systems, all common across Knoxville. We document system age to help you plan for remaining service life, and check condensate drains, ductwork, and return filters.
Interior & Egress
Doors, windows, flooring, walls and ceilings, with special attention to bedroom windows meeting egress requirements for fire safety. Every receptacle and light switch gets tested, along with GFCI protection at kitchens and baths.
Appliances
Dishwashers, ranges, disposals, washers, dryers, refrigerators and built-in microwaves, checked for power and basic function.
Why Choose Bent Nail
Built to be understood, not just delivered.
- ✓Rated 4.9 out of 5 across 345+ verified reviews, from Knoxville buyers, sellers, and agents.
- ✓One of a small number of Certified Master Inspectors in the Knoxville area, a credential that requires a minimum inspection volume, ongoing education, and a background check, most inspectors never reach it.
- ✓Drone roof inspections on most homes, capturing every shingle and flashing detail without walking the roof.
- ✓Radon, pest, thermal imaging, sewer scope, and pool inspection, all in-house, no waiting on a third-party subcontractor to schedule a separate visit.
- ✓A full on-site walkthrough of every finding, not just an emailed PDF, so you leave the inspection actually understanding the house.
- ✓Major, minor, and safety issues clearly separated, so you know what needs attention now versus later.
Beyond Knoxville
We also inspect homes across the region.
Bent Nail is based in Oak Ridge and covers the wider East Tennessee market. See our full service area hub →, including Oak Ridge, Maryville, Farragut, Lenoir City, and Clinton.
Licenses, Certifications & Affiliations
Credentials that back up the report.
View our full list of certifications →
Verify our Tennessee home inspector license →
Bent Nail is also listed as an elite home inspector on Inspectopia.com.
Common Questions
What to expect from a Bent Nail inspection in Knoxville.
What is included in a home inspection?
A Bent Nail inspection covers the roof, exterior, and structure; foundation and crawlspace or basement; electrical and plumbing systems; heating and cooling equipment; attic insulation and ventilation; and interior components and safety concerns.
How long does a home inspection take?
The home inspection itself typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the home. Any additional services you add, such as radon testing or a sewer scope inspection, will extend that time, and we also build in time for a walkthrough with you at the end to go over the findings.
How much does a home inspection cost?
The average home inspection costs around $500, based on a typical 2,000 square foot home. Smaller homes typically cost less, since pricing is calculated based on the size and age of the home. For an exact quote, enter your home’s address and square footage on our quote page.
When do I get my inspection report?
Reports are delivered within 24 hours, often the same day as the inspection.
What additional testing can be added to my inspection?
We recommend three services for every home: a termite inspection, radon testing, and a sewer scope inspection. If the home has a well, we also recommend a well inspection and water test, and if it has a septic system, a septic dye test is a smart addition. Musty odors are worth investigating with an air quality test or mold test. If you’re purchasing a manufactured home, we handle the required HUD foundation certification as well. We also offer lead paint testing, asbestos testing, chimney camera inspections, boat dock inspections, and irrigation system inspections.
Are termites a common concern for Knoxville homes?
Yes. East Tennessee has heavy subterranean termite pressure. While the exact number varies by property and environmental conditions, local estimates suggest an acre of land may support approximately 10 to 14 termite colonies. That doesn’t mean every home is infested, but it does make a thorough termite inspection especially important.
Do you use drone technology for roof inspections?
Yes, drones are part of our standard roof inspection process. Every home is different, and depending on the pitch of the roof and the age and condition of the shingles, we’ll walk some roofs directly. What we’ve found is that our drones provide excellent images of the roof and any defects, without putting our inspectors at risk of falling.
Can I attend the inspection in person?
Absolutely, we love having clients join us. We just ask that you attend the walkthrough at the end rather than the full inspection, for a couple of good reasons. If you’re on site without your real estate agent, our inspectors are responsible for your safety while you’re there, and it’s hard to keep an eye on you and give the home our full attention at the same time. We also find that even the friendliest questions in the middle of an inspection can pull our focus at the wrong moment, and the last thing we want is to miss something because we got distracted. So we save the conversation for the walkthrough, where we’ll take all the time you need and answer everything you’re wondering about.
One Call Covers More
Our sister companies can help too.
Rn86 Solutions
Radon testing and mitigation across East Tennessee, run by the same certified team behind your inspection.
Visit Rn86 Solutions →
Q36 Pest Control
Termite and pest inspection and treatment, coordinated seamlessly with your home inspection timeline.
Visit Q36 Pest Control →Ready to schedule your Knoxville home inspection?
Pay now, or pay at closing. Call for details.