"Thorough, honest, and experienced home inspections — proudly serving Panama City Beach and Bay County with the integrity your biggest investment deserves."
Cardinal Home Inspection is built on the belief that the purchase of a home is likely the largest and most exciting investment most people will ever make. Our job is to remove the guesswork — and the emotion — so you walk into closing with clear eyes and full confidence in the property you're about to buy.
Owner and lead inspector Steve Hord has personally completed more than 20,000 inspections across Bay County since 1999. From the foundation to the roofline, we evaluate the whole home, document everything thoroughly with advanced technology, and explain what we find in plain language you can actually use.
Meet Steve Hord
From comprehensive home inspections to wind mitigation, four-point, and specialty environmental testing, Cardinal covers everything Bay County buyers, sellers, and homeowners need.
Top-to-bottom evaluations for buyers looking to avoid costly surprises — and for sellers who want to address issues before going to market.
Learn More →Crucial on the Florida panhandle coast — we document wind-resistant features that can earn you significant insurance premium discounts.
Learn More →A focused look at roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC — often required by insurers before they'll write a policy on an older home.
Learn More →Infrared scanning reveals hidden water intrusion, active plumbing leaks, missing insulation, and electrical hot spots the eye can't see.
Learn More →Camera inspection of sewer lines for root intrusion and settling, plus septic system evaluation — catching costly problems before you buy.
Learn More →Radon level monitoring and FHA/VA mortgage-compliant well-water testing — protecting your family's health and your financing.
Learn More →Foundation, framing, and settlement evaluation — telling you whether the cracks and slopes you see are cosmetic or a costly problem.
Learn More →Steve Hord founded Cardinal Home Inspection in 1999 and has personally completed more than 20,000 inspections across Bay County and the surrounding area. A Panama City native with a background in construction and maritime services, Steve brings a depth of hands-on, field-tested knowledge that few inspectors in the region can match.
Every inspection is delivered with the same standard: accurate, unbiased reporting backed by advanced technology, explained clearly so you understand a property's true condition. Steve routinely encourages clients to walk the home alongside him — asking questions and discussing repairs in real time. His wife, Teri Hord, manages the office and makes sure every client is scheduled, informed, and taken care of from first call to final report.
"Steve did my inspection and was very friendly and professional (on time too). He showed me things I never would have thought to look for myself. It was by far the most in-depth inspection I've ever had. He also has some incredible tech (gadgets) that I didn't know existed. Very cool. Thanks for everything!!!"
"Steve completed our home inspection on our PCB home. He was thorough and helped teach us along the way. We have since moved out of the area and bought several more houses. NONE of the inspections have been as thorough or affordable as Steve with Cardinal Home Inspection. Highly recommend!"
"We have used Cardinal Home Inspection for the past 11 years. He has inspected 3 houses for us and every time has been a great experience. He is honest and professional, and I absolutely trust his inspections 100%. They have earned a customer for life."
Answers to the questions Bay County buyers, sellers, and homeowners ask us most.
A Cardinal Home Inspection evaluates all the major interior and exterior components and systems of the home — including the roof, foundation, structure, heating, cooling, ventilation, insulation, plumbing, electrical, and the lot. Steve documents what he finds with photos and advanced technology, and explains it in plain language, so you understand the condition of the home and the priority of any issues before you make your decision.
A wind mitigation inspection documents your home's wind-resistant features — roof shape, roof-deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, and more. On the Florida panhandle coast, insurers use this report to apply premium discounts, so a wind mitigation inspection often pays for itself many times over. It's one of the most valuable inspections a Bay County homeowner can get.
A four-point inspection focuses on the four systems insurers care about most — roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. It's commonly required before an insurance company will write or renew a policy on an older home. Cardinal performs four-point inspections throughout Panama City Beach and Bay County.
Yes — Steve strongly encourages it. He routinely invites clients to walk the home alongside him so you can see issues firsthand, ask questions in real time, and discuss any needed repairs as he goes. It's one of the most valuable hours you'll spend before closing.
For an average-sized home, expect about 2 to 3 hours on-site. Larger homes, older homes, or homes with significant issues may take longer. Steve takes the time needed to do the job right — no rushed inspections, no skipped systems — and delivers a detailed digital report with photos.
Yes. Cardinal uses thermal infrared imaging to detect hidden water intrusion, plumbing leaks, missing insulation, and electrical hot spots. We also offer sewer scope and septic inspections, radon testing, and FHA/VA mortgage-compliant well-water testing. Ask about adding these services when you schedule.
Yes. Cardinal Home Inspection is a State of Florida Licensed Home Inspection company — license HI1891 — and Steve is an InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector (CPI). The business is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating and has operated continuously since 1999.
Cardinal Home Inspection serves Panama City Beach plus the surrounding Bay County communities — including Panama City, Lynn Haven, Callaway, Mexico Beach, Port St Joe, Chipley, Rosemary Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach. If you're not sure whether your address falls within our service area, give us a call — we're happy to confirm.
Call Steve at 850-215-4700, or text Steve at 850-624-5255, email cardinalhomeinspection@gmail.com, or fill out the form on our Contact page. Teri keeps the schedule and will get you booked quickly across Panama City Beach and Bay County.
Locally owned and operated from Panama City Beach — Cardinal Home Inspection serves communities across Bay County and the surrounding coastal region.
Cardinal Home Inspection proudly serves Panama City Beach plus the surrounding communities of Bay County and the coastal panhandle.
FL License HI1891 • InterNACHI CPI • BBB A+ Accredited Member • 20,000+ Inspections • Serving Bay County Since 1999
