My Professional Background


I am a Certified Professional Inspector® trained by InterNACHI*® — the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors — and a U.S. Navy veteran with over 30 years’ experience in the public and private sectors. I hold an undergraduate degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science with a minor in Forestry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a graduate degree in Business Management and Leadership from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri.


While serving in the Navy, I deployed on two 6-month deployments to the Persian Gulf during Operation Southern Watch. My military experience involved maintaining accurate equipment repair records and working as an electrician on F-14 fighter jets. These duties taught me attention to detail that enables me to spot defects in home systems, materials, installation, and workmanship that other inspectors might miss.


Over my career in public service spanning 22+ years, the vast majority of my experience has involved inspections and writing professionally as a Transportation Ecologist, Airport Biologist, and Rural Forester. Using a scientific approach to analyzing information helps me to accurately collect, interpret, and report findings during home inspections. My background in ecology also uniquely qualifies me to examine environmental features, surface drainage patterns and groundwater influence, vegetative growth near structures, moisture intrusion issues, etc., associated with your property.

My Qualifications

checklist

Work Experience


Over the course of my career, I have conducted thousands of reviews of infrastructure projects across Tennessee, worked with Georgia landowners developing forestry practices, addressed human-wildlife interactions at a Marine Corps Air Station, and have personally conducted hundreds of environmental inspections across Tennessee, Southwest Georgia, and coastal North Carolina.


I have written professionally my entire career and have significant experience serving as a liaison between federal, state, and private entities. I can help you navigate the complexities of a real estate transaction with a comprehensive home inspection and a report that you can rely on!

graduate

College Certifications


I received my professional home inspection training and certification through InterNACHI® School. The InterNACHI® School is the only home inspector school accredited by a national accrediting agency of the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and is also a Member College of the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) of Canada.


I also hold a Bachelor's Degree in Science and a Master's Degree in Business. 

Standard of Excellence


I follow Tennessee's Standards of Practice (link below) which ensures that you receive a detailed and accurate home inspection. I also abide by a strict Code of Ethics, which puts your interests first and protects your rights as a customer.


In addition to the Continuing Education (CE) requirements by the State of Tennessee to maintain a home inspector's license, InterNACHI also requires the following of their professional inspectors:


  1. Complete 24 hours of CE every year.
  2. Abide by the InterNACHI® Code of Ethics.
  3. Maintain an Official Education Record.
  4. Pass the InterNACHI® Online Inspector Examination every three years.
  5. Substantially adhere to the InterNACHI® Standards of Practice that apply to the inspection service or adhere to the local standards required by law.
  6. Maintain an All-Access Membership at InterNACHI®
TN Standards of Practice

Why Choose Me?

>20

Years of Relevant Experience

>4,000

Project Reviews and Written Responses

>200

Professional Inspections Performed

FAQ

  • How much does a home inspection cost in Tennessee?

    The average home inspection in Tennessee costs anywhere between $325 for small homes to $700 or more for larger homes. The actual cost is often derived from a formula that factors in square footage, age of the home, and driving distance to the property. 


    It is not uncommon for inspectors to calculate total square footage of a home in their price estimatations. This includes not only finished space, but unfinished space as well.


    At Higher Rock Inspections, we use a clear and simple method for pricing our inspections that considers only the finished space. We define finished space as fully completed and suitable for year-round occupancy (e.g., contains features like finished floors, walls, ceilings, and heating or cooling systems).  Unfinished areas (e.g., open basements and unfinished additions) are included in our inspection free of charge! 


    Most will agree that we owe a debt of gratitude to those who sacrifice and serve. As a way of showing my appreciation, I offer 10% discounts, with proof of eligibility, for public servants, military (including veterans), and first responders.

  • How long does a home inspection take to complete?

    My typical home inspection lasts between 3-4 hours. I want to ensure that I provide you with the most comprehensive inspection possible. 


    The report will not be completed onsite, aside from making pertinent notes and taking pictures, so that I can focus my attention on providing you with a high quality inspection and answering any questions you may have!

  • What is involved in a typical home inspection?

    When I inspect, I will be looking at the building site, including driveway, slope, drainage and environmental features; exterior; deck, porch, and balcony areas; roof; interior walls, ceilings, and floors; windows and doors; visible foundation and structural components; basement or crawlspace; plumbing; electrical system; HVAC system and ductwork; attic, insulation, and ventilation; and attached garage or carport. 


    I encourage you to attend your inspection so that I can describe my process, explain my findings, point out important maintenance issues, and answer all of your questions!

  • What are the most important questions to ask?

    One of the most important things to understand is what is actually involved in a home inspection. While home inspectors often use technology and tools to better identify issues, a home inspection is by definition a visual, non-invasive inspection of the home. Inspectors can not see through walls or behind furniture, beneath rugs, or inside inaccessible spaces (e.g., locked rooms). 


    To the extent possible, furniture should be moved away from walls, doors unlocked, and personal items removed before the scheduled home inspection. Any inaccessible systems, components, or areas will be noted in the report with a proper explanation as to why they could not be inspected. 


    Another important consideration is the differences 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. Cosmetic defects are just that- 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.