Fast Scheduling. Weekend Slots Available.
Two Decades of Hands-On Experience
Dogwood Home Inspection is owned and operated by Matt Shiff. Before home inspection, Matt ran his own masonry company, Hearthstone Chimney & Masonry, repairing and maintaining homes across Northern Virginia for 20 years.
That background means he knows how a foundation settles, how a roof ages in our weather, and what a chimney is quietly trying to tell you. Every inspection gets his full attention and a report that’s thorough, photo-rich, and easy to understand — usually in your inbox the same day.
When you have questions after the inspection, you call the same person who did the walk-through. Matt picks up.
On-Site Walk-Through With You Follow along and ask questions in real time. You’ll understand your home before you ever read the report.
Real Trades Experience An inspector who’s actually swung a hammer sees things a checklist never catches.
Reports Within 24 Hours A clear, photo-rich digital report — often same day — so you’re never left waiting on a decision this big.
Chimney & Masonry Specialist Most inspectors flag a chimney and move on. Matt can tell you what’s actually wrong and how serious it is.
An Inspector Who Picks Up Questions don’t end when the inspection does. Call or email anytime — the support continues.
First-Time Buyer Friendly Buying your first home is overwhelming enough. Matt takes the time to explain things without the jargon.
Whether you’re buying your first home, listing the one you’ve lived in for decades, or just want to know where you stand, there’s an inspection here built for you. Every one is performed by Matt himself — a 20-year tradesman who explains what he finds in plain English.
Call (540) 270-2501 to talk through which service fits your situation. Most inspections range $350–$650.
The full picture. Matt walks the entire property — roof to foundation, systems to structure — and documents what he finds with photos and clear descriptions. You’re welcome to follow along and ask questions on-site, and your photo-rich digital report lands in your inbox within 24 hours, often the same day. Then the support continues: call or email anytime with questions about what was found.
Best for: buyers who want to know exactly what they’re walking into.
Get ahead of surprises before your home hits the market. Knowing what a buyer’s inspector will find puts you in control — you decide what to fix now, what to disclose, and what can wait. Sellers who inspect first tend to negotiate from a stronger position and close with fewer last-minute headaches.
Best for: sellers who want to list with confidence and no surprises.
This is Matt’s home turf. Before inspecting homes, he ran his own masonry and chimney company for two decades — so where most inspectors flag a chimney and move on, Matt can tell you what’s actually wrong, how serious it is, and what it’ll take to fix. Available as a stand-alone service or as part of a full home inspection, it confirms your fireplace is safe to use and your chimney is structurally sound.
Best for: anyone with a fireplace, an older chimney, or a flag on a prior report.
In a fast-moving market, a full inspection isn’t always on the table. A walkthrough consultation gets a licensed inspector beside you and your agent to tour the home and talk through what we see in real time. No formal report — just an experienced set of eyes and honest guidance before you write an offer.
Best for: competitive offers where you still want a pro’s read on the home.
Most builder warranties run out at the one-year mark — and most homeowners don’t realize what’s covered until it’s too late. Scheduled just before your warranty expires, this inspection catches the issues that surfaced in your first year so the builder fixes them on their dime, not yours. If you skipped an inspection before closing, this one is essential.
Best for: owners of newer construction approaching the one-year mark.
Old homes deserve an inspector who appreciates them. Matt loves historic properties and understands older construction — plaster, balloon framing, original masonry, and the quirks that come with age. If you’re buying or restoring an older home, you’ll get an honest assessment from someone who knows the difference between charming character and a real problem.
Best for: buyers and owners of older or historic homes.
