Know Your Home from Roof to Foundation

Schedule Your Inspection Call (931) 303-8385

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Higher Rock Inspections LLC

Serving Cookeville and the surrounding Upper Cumberland Region, Higher Rock Inspections is your source for quality home inspection services. With a focus on reliability, professionalism, and customer satisfaction, I provide a detailed inspection and report that you can rely on. For the best inspection at a fair price, look no further than Higher Rock Inspections!

My service area includes Alexandria, Algood, Baxter, Bloomington Springs, Byrdstown, Carthage, Celina, Clarkrange, Cookeville, Crossville, Dodson Branch, Gainesboro, Gordonsville, Granville, Jamestown, Lafayette, Livingston, McMinnville, Monterey, Rickman, Sparta, Smithville, Watertown, & more! I offer a variety of services including Home Buyer Inspections, Pre-Listing Inspections, 11th Month Warranty Inspections, Annual Maintenance Inspections, New Home Inspections, Pre-Drywall Inspections, Manufactured Homes, Insurance Inspections, and Thermal Imagery Inspections.

Meet Your Inspector

Greetings! I’m John, hailing from Cookeville, Tennessee. I grew up in rural East Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I am a born-again Christian and have been married to my wonderful wife, Cindy, since 2008. Our marriage has been blessed with 5 children – a verifiable handful!

My qualifications include certification as an InterNACHI Professional Certified Home Inspector and a licensed home inspector with the State of Tennessee. InterNACHI is the world’s largest residential and commercial inspection association and the only home inspector school accredited by a national accrediting agency of the U.S. Department of Education. I am also fully insured with E&O and General Liability Insurance.

My inspections are non-invasive, visual inspections of properties and the systems and components within a home. Inspections are completed in accordance with the Tennessee Standards of Practice for licensed home inspectors and InterNACHI’s Standards of Practice. My report includes a description of the systems in your home and recommendations for repair, monitoring, or further evaluation, as appropriate. My report is developed following the inspection and delivered to you in a timely manner- usually within 24 hours! From start to finish, my best inspection will give you what you need to make a confident decision!

Thorough inspections

Timely Reports

Realtor-approved

Competitive rates

Home Inspections Tailored To You

No matter the property size or condition, I bring expertise and attention to detail to every inspection. Whether it’s a starter home, new construction, or a historic charmer, I’ve got you covered.

Spaces/Systems I Inspect

Grounds

Exterior

Roofs & Attics

Interior

Electrical Systems

Plumbing Systems

HVAC Systems

Foundations & Structures

Basement/Crawlspace

Types of Inspections I Offer

Buyer’s Inspection
Seller’s Pre-Listing Inspections
11th-Month Warranty Inspections
Annual Maintenance Inspections
New Home Inspections
Pre-Drywall Inspections
4-Point Inspections
Insurance Inspections
Manufactured Home Inspections
Thermal Imagery Inspections

Schedule Your Inspection

“Thank you for your inspection service. I am in the Property Management business for 40 years and have reviewed hundreds of home inspection reports. Your report on my home was one of the most thorough I have ever seen. No aspect of the home was overlooked or glossed over. You took the time to review and understand how the home was constructed, methods used, and my expectations of the home builder, then incorporated it into your report. Your service was extremely prompt, thorough and thoughtful. I could recommend your service to any of my family, friends or professional contacts, without exception. Thank you again.”
~ Doug M., Homeowner

Best Inspection Results

I don’t just inspect homes, I educate my clients so they can make informed decisions, save on costly repairs, and negotiate the best sales price! Here are some examples of what my clients discovered thanks to my inspections:

Safety Issue- Tripping Hazard on Front Porch Entry Way
Fire Hazard and Moisture Concern- Dryer Vent Improperly Terminating in the Crawlspace
Structural and Foundation Issues- Floor Joist Not Supported and No Mortar between the Blocks!
Structural Issue- Insect Damage, Fungal Growth, and Wood Rot Observed on Floor Joists
Water Entry Points with Torn and Missing Shingles
Roofing Nails Pulling Loose on the Roof Cap Likely from High Winds
Water Entry Point- Loose Shingles at the Base of a Skylight
Structural Safety- Roof is Sagging along the Rake Edge from Rotted Sheathing
Hot Air Trapped at Roof Peak lacking a Ridge Vent. Soffit Vents Were Partially Blocked by Insulation
This New Home had no Attic Ventilation installed (e.g., no soffit vents, ridge vent, gable vents, etc.)
Evidence of a Roof Leak Observed in a Garage Apartment
Improper Repair Attempt to Address a Water Leak Around the Window
Safety Issue- The Deck is Not Attached to this New Home!
This Exterior Door should be Weather Stripped and Caulked for Improved Energy Efficiency
Unlevel Condenser Unit Can Restrict Refrigerant Flow and Damage the Compressor and Bearings
Supply Registers on One Side of Home had Little to No Airflow -Disconnected Supply Duct Observed
Temperature Differential Too High at Supply and Return Registers
Safety Issue- Inadequate Emergency Egress in the Master Bedroom of a New Home
Safety Issue- Bedroom Door Should Not Open to the Garage
Missing Insulation Between Studs in the Exterior Wall Cavity of this Bedroom
Fire and Shock Hazard- Hot and Neutral Reversed in a Newly Constructed Home
Safety Issue- Cut Wires in the Electric Panel with No Wire Caps Installed
Fire Hazard- Overheated Wire Observed on the Neutral Bus Bar in the Main Electric Panel
Water Damage to the Wood Floor at an Adjacent Wall from a Leaking Shower Pan
Soaked Drywall from an Active Water Leak in the Adjacent Bathroom
Clogged Pipe not Allowing the Bathtub to Drain
Leaking Toilet
Low Water Pressure During the Functional Flow Test in this Bathroom
Safety Issue- Missing Discharge Pipe on Water Heater
Health Hazard- Sewer Drain Pipe Actively Leaking Under Home
Broken Drain Pipe Near Connection to the Main Drain Line
Health Hazard- Disconnected Drain Line Dumping Waste Water Beneath Home
Foundation Movement That Needs Further Investigation by a Structural Engineer
Significant Foundation Movement Observed After Repointing Repair
Ongoing Foundation Issues with Undermining of Previous Concrete Repair
Guttering Lacks a 1/4″-1/2″ Drop Every 10 feet Resulting in Poor Roof Drainage
Clogged Gutter from Improper Slope and Leaf Debris
Downspout Extension Needed to Direct Rain Water Away from the Foundation
Moisture Wicking up the Masonry Wall Due to Water Pooling at the Home’s Foundation
Efflorescence on Blocks in a Crawlspace Resulting from Pervasive Moisture Against the Foundation

The wrong inspector can miss problems that drain your wallet later.

One overlooked issue, like a worn and leaky roof, faulty wiring, or a cracked foundation, can turn your dream home into a money pit. Since you’re investing so much into your purchase, you deserve the best inspection that catches what really matters.

I help homeowners, buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals get clear, comprehensive inspection reports they can trust.

No rushed checklists
No hurried inspections

Just honest reporting from a licensed, experienced inspector you can rely on.

Schedule Your Inspection

Roofer using nail gun for shingle installation on residential roof.

Go from property hunting to smart buying with ease

1. Book Your Inspection

Request a quote and lock in your inspection date; we’ll handle the scheduling details.

2. I Inspect Thoroughly

On inspection day, I will show up on time and carefully check every major system of the home.

3. Get a clear report

Typically within 24 hours or the next business day if on Friday, you will have a detailed, easy-to-read report that gives you confidence in your decision.

Schedule Your Inspection

A contemporary brick-faced residential home with a 'sold' sign in the window.

“We are so grateful for the home inspection conducted by the Higher Rock Inspections. The home inspection gave us a better understanding of what is going on with the house, and allows us to plan for future projects. I recommend this great company and we would definitely us them again in the future.”
~ Holly L., Homeowner
“Very nice and professional. Thank you for all the hard work!”
~ Crystal W., Home Buyer
“John at Higher Rock Inspections was great! He was able to come on short notice and was very thorough and personable. His final report was top notch!”
– Garrett G., Home Buyer

Got Questions?

I’m happy to help. If you can’t find the info you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me!

Call us (931) 303-8385

Schedule Your Inspection

My typical home inspection lasts between 3-6 hours, depending on the size of the home. I take my time and ensure that I provide you with the best inspection possible.

During the inspection, I will be documenting my observations and taking plenty of pictures. However, I will not be completing your report onsite. While I am at your property, my full attention is given to inspecting your home and answering any questions you have!

No, but you are certainly welcome! Most often, I encourage my clients to show up near the end of my inspection or at the wrap-up so that I can share what I’ve found and answer any questions. It is helpful to see the issues firsthand that you will see in the inspection report. Also, you can get a head start on pricing repairs and negotiating with the seller.

If you are unable to make it, we have you covered with a detailed report and high-quality photographs to explain my findings! Also, you are always welcome to call and discuss your report findings. My goal is for you and your family be informed and comfortable with your decision moving forward!

I will examine your home from top to bottom, including all its major systems and components, in accordance with the Tennessee Standards of Practice for home inspectors. This includes: interior and exterior features (e.g., property features, decks, walkways, walls and cladding, ceilings, windows, doors, etc.) ; HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning); basement, crawlspace, and visible structural components; fireplace or stove; roof, attic, and insulation; electrical; and plumbing system.

While I often use technology and tools to better identify issues, a home inspection is by definition a visual, non-invasive inspection of the home. That means I will not be able to see inside the walls or behind furniture, beneath rugs, or inside inaccessible spaces (e.g., locked rooms).

Where possible, move furniture away from walls, unlock doors, and remove personal items before the scheduled home inspection. I will note any inaccessible systems, components, or areas in the report along with a proper explanation as to why they could not be inspected.

A Thermal Imagery Scan is a non-destructive testing technique that uses thermal imaging to detect temperature variations on surfaces. This scan provides valuable information that would be extremely difficult or otherwise impossible to obtain with an ordinary visual, non-invasive home inspection.

Thermal cameras are designed to detect radiation or heat that is emitted from objects. This difference in temperatures can help me to identify areas of insulation voids, heat loss, moisture intrusion, and electrical defects. Thermal imagery provides me with clues that, utilized in conjunction with other tools (e.g., moisture meter, multimeter, etc.), can help detect issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Specifically, a Thermal Imagery Scan can help to identify:

Energy Loss: Detecting areas where insulation may be inadequate.

Moisture Issues: Locating leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing.

Electrical systems: Identifying potential safety issues associated with breakers and wiring in an electrical panel, wire bundle, or outlet.

HVAC Problems: Finding inefficiencies in heating and cooling systems.

Your report will provide an overview of the major systems inspected, their components, and observable conditions of these systems at the time of the inspection. My report will provide detailed descriptions and photographs of any concerns or repair needs that I observe with appropriate recommendations. I will especially highlight any conditions or potential concerns with systems or components that can be costly to repair or their failure could result in a safety issue.

It is important to understand distinctions in the classifications of defects that you could see in your report. For example, safety issues and major defects are ones that you will want to address as quickly as possible and they may require a professional contractor, electrician, HVAC technician, etc., to make the repairs. These tend to be costlier than repairs on minor defects that can often be made by the homeowner (e.g., cleaning gutters, weatherstripping/caulking a door or accessible window, etc.). Cosmetic defects are aesthetic issues such as a stain in the carpet or a scratch on the kitchen cabinet that do not affect the functionality of the component or system, but are nice to know about.

My reports are typically delivered within 24 hours of completing the inspection or the next working day if the inspection occurs on Friday. I take care to clearly explain my observations and provide appropriate recommendations for repair, further assessment, or monitoring in my reports. Furthermore, I encourage my clients to reach out to me as I am always available to answer your questions!