From the historic homes of the Cove and St. Andrews to the established neighborhoods of the mainland and new construction across Bay County — Steve Hord and Cardinal Home Inspection bring more than 20,000 inspections and Florida-licensed, InterNACHI Certified Professional standards to every Panama City home.
Panama City is the heart of Bay County — the county seat and the largest city on this stretch of Florida's panhandle, set along the protected waters of St. Andrew Bay just inland from the Gulf beaches. From the moss-draped live oaks and historic homes of the Cove and the charming waterfront district of historic St. Andrews to the established mainland neighborhoods and the new construction rebuilding and rising across the area, Panama City blends old-Florida character with a community that has shown remarkable resilience and growth in recent years. 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 — is based just across the bridge in Panama City Beach and inspects homes throughout Panama City and all of Bay County.
A Panama City native himself, Steve brings a construction and maritime background and more than two decades of local inspection experience to every property. He has inspected homes of every kind across the area — from century-old Cove cottages and St. Andrews bungalows to mid-century ranches, bayfront homes, 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 Panama City inspection.
Buying or selling a home in Panama City comes with regional challenges an experienced local inspector knows to watch for. The bay-front humidity, salt air, intense sun, and tropical-storm exposure are hard on a home — testing roofs, windows, and exterior finishes, driving corrosion, and making moisture intrusion a constant concern. Many homes in the older districts carry era-specific issues like aging wiring, original plumbing, and past repairs, while newer and rebuilt homes raise their own questions about construction quality — and across the board, Florida insurers now scrutinize the wind-mitigation and four-point details so closely that getting them documented matters.
That's exactly why Panama City and Bay 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 local experience behind him, a BBB A+ rating, advanced thermal-imaging technology, 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 Panama City 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 Panama City and Bay 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 Panama City and Bay 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
Panama City, 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
Panama City, 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
Panama City, FL
Based in Panama City Beach at 3539 Preserve Blvd, Cardinal Home Inspection serves all of Panama City and Bay County — from the Cove and St. Andrews historic districts to the mainland neighborhoods and the communities along North Bay.
Answers to the most common questions Panama City and Bay 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 Panama City 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