From the historic homes near downtown and the established neighborhoods off Highway 90 to the rural properties and new construction across the area — Steve Hord and Cardinal Home Inspection bring more than 20,000 inspections and Florida-licensed, InterNACHI Certified Professional standards to every Chipley home.
Chipley is the friendly county seat of Washington County — a historic inland town set along Highway 90 and Interstate 10 in the rolling countryside north of Panama City Beach. Known for its preserved historic downtown, its proximity to the springs and trails of Falling Waters State Park, and a relaxed rural pace, Chipley draws families and homeowners looking for small-town living, more land, and an easy drive to the coast. From turn-of-the-century homes near downtown to established neighborhoods and rural properties with acreage, Chipley offers a different kind of housing stock than the beach towns. Cardinal Home Inspection — owned and operated by Steve Hord, a Florida Licensed Home Inspector (HI1891) and InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector with more than 20,000 inspections completed since 1999 — inspects homes throughout Chipley and Washington County.
A Panama City native, Steve brings a construction and maritime background and more than two decades of regional inspection experience to every property. He has inspected homes of every kind across the Chipley area — from historic downtown houses and established family homes to rural properties on acreage and brand-new builds. Steve is known for encouraging clients to walk the home alongside him and for using advanced technology like thermal imaging to find issues other inspectors overlook. Backed by a BBB A+ rating and the full InterNACHI CPI credential, he brings the same careful, unhurried eye to every Chipley inspection.
Buying or selling a home in Chipley comes with regional challenges an experienced local inspector knows to watch for. Inland north Florida brings its own concerns — humid summers and heavy storms that test roofs, gutters, grading, and drainage, along with the realities of rural properties: private wells and septic systems, older outbuildings, crawlspace moisture, and homes that may sit well off the main road. Many Chipley homes are older and carry era-specific issues like aging wiring, original plumbing, and past repairs, while rural and acreage properties raise added questions about water quality, drainage, and structures a standard look might miss.
That's exactly why Chipley and Washington County homeowners choose Cardinal Home Inspection. You get a Florida Licensed Home Inspector (HI1891) and InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector with more than 20,000 inspections and 26 years of regional experience behind him, a BBB A+ rating, advanced thermal-imaging technology, sewer-scope and well-water testing for rural properties, a detailed photo-documented report, and an inspector who personally handles your inspection from start to finish — and welcomes you to walk the home right alongside him. When you're making one of the largest investments of your life, local expertise makes all the difference. Call Steve at 850-215-4700 (or text 850-624-5255) to schedule your Chipley inspection.
Every inspection is handled personally by Steve — thorough, photo-documented, and built on more than 20,000 inspections of experience. Here's what Cardinal offers across Chipley and Washington County:
A complete top-to-bottom evaluation of the home's structure, systems, and safety — for buyers and sellers alike.
Document your home's wind-resistant features for insurance premium discounts — essential on the Gulf Coast.
Roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC — the focused report many Florida insurers require on older homes.
Infrared scanning that reveals hidden moisture, leaks, insulation gaps, and electrical hot spots the eye can't see.
Camera inspection of the sewer line and septic evaluation — catching costly underground problems before you buy.
Environmental testing for your family's health — including FHA/VA mortgage-compliant well-water testing.
Real reviews from Chipley and Washington County homeowners who have trusted Steve and Cardinal Home Inspection with their biggest investment.
"Steve was fantastic to work with. He was thorough, professional, and took the time to walk us through the home and explain everything he found. The report was detailed and easy to understand. Highly recommend Cardinal Home Inspection."
— Bobby Black
Chipley, FL
"Steve did a wonderful job inspecting our home in Panama City Beach. He was thorough and affordable, and we felt completely confident in our purchase afterward. We could not have asked for a better experience."
— Whitney Long
Chipley, FL
"We've used Steve for three homes over the past 11 years and he's always been outstanding. His knowledge and attention to detail are unmatched. He's the only inspector we trust — a true professional every single time."
— Dark Arts Magic
Chipley, FL
Based in Panama City Beach at 3539 Preserve Blvd, Cardinal Home Inspection serves Chipley and Washington County — from the historic downtown and the neighborhoods along Highway 90 to the rural homesteads and acreage properties across the county.
Answers to the most common questions Chipley and Washington County homeowners ask before scheduling a home inspection.
A Cardinal inspection is a complete top-to-bottom evaluation of the home's roof, foundation, structure, electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, attic, and interior and exterior. Every finding is documented with photos — and advanced thermal imaging where conditions call for it — and explained in plain language.
On the Gulf Coast, very likely. Many Florida insurers require a four-point report on older homes, and a wind mitigation inspection can earn you premium discounts for wind-resistant features. Steve offers both and can bundle them with your inspection — just ask when you schedule.
For an average Chipley home, plan on about 2 to 3 hours on-site. Larger homes, waterfront properties with docks and lifts, or older coastal cottages may take longer. Steve never rushes — he takes the time the home needs.
Absolutely — Steve encourages it. He's known for walking the home right alongside his clients, pointing out findings firsthand and answering questions in real time. It's one of the most valuable hours you'll spend in the buying process.
You'll receive a detailed, photo-rich digital report with clear, plain-language explanations of every finding. It's easy to share with your real estate agent, and Steve is always available afterward to answer any questions.
The fastest way is to call Steve at 850-215-4700, or text 850-624-5255, or use the form on our contact page. We'll find a time that fits your closing timeline and get your inspection on the calendar.
Based in Panama City Beach and serving Bay County and the surrounding coastal panhandle. Click any area below to learn more about Cardinal Home Inspection there.
Call or text Steve today • FL License HI1891 • InterNACHI CPI • 20,000+ Inspections • BBB A+ Accredited Member • Serving Panama City Beach & Bay County