Cole’s Inspection Services is a family-owned business that began its story more than two decades ago. The company was founded in 2000 by Michael Cole, who set out to deliver honest, reliable home inspections to families throughout the Hickory, NC, area. In 2003, his son Adam joined the business as a home inspector, eventually taking the lead and continuing their commitment to thorough, customer-focused service. Today, Adam and fellow inspector Mason make up a trusted multi-inspector team supported by office manager Barbara Cole.
One of the biggest advantages of working with Cole’s Inspection Services is our multi-inspector approach. Instead of sending one set of eyes, we send two licensed home inspectors to every appointment to ensure a more complete, accurate evaluation of your property. This method is uncommon in the industry, yet it allows us to maintain a high standard of detail while still offering two inspection slots per day for flexible scheduling. With more than 10,700 inspections completed, plus licensing, adherence to the NCLHIA Residential Standards of Practice, and a Certified Mold Assessor on staff, our team brings a wide range of expertise to every property we inspect.
As proud Hickory-area locals, we understand the unique challenges and construction quirks of Western North Carolina homes. From flood-prone neighborhoods to older foundations and moisture-heavy crawl spaces, we know what to look for because we live here, too. This local insight guides our inspections and allows us to provide helpful, informed recommendations that fit the region’s homes and climate. Being family-owned also shapes our philosophy: customer service always comes first.
Whether you’re buying your first home, preparing to sell, or investing in a vacation property, we’re here to help you feel confident in your decisions. We deliver digital reports within 24 hours, accept online payments, and always welcome clients to attend the inspection and ask questions. And our support doesn’t end after the inspection—if something in your report needs clarification or you want guidance on next steps, give us a call anytime. At Cole’s Inspection Services, we’re committed to making your homebuying experience clearer, safer, and more informed from start to finish.
Our home inspections give buyers a solid understanding of how a property’s major components are performing, and our two licensed inspectors team up to provide a more complete evaluation. We follow the North Carolina Licensed Home Inspectors Association (NCLHIA) Residential Standards of Practice and deliver a clear digital report within 24 hours to help buyers make confident choices.
Sellers benefit from our pre-listing inspection service by getting a head start on identifying issues with roofing, electrical, plumbing, or moisture before their home hits the market. We provide a detailed digital report with photos that allows homeowners to make repairs early, build trust with buyers, and avoid surprises during negotiations.
Homeowners who use our new construction inspection service receive an honest assessment of a fully completed build, including checks for insulation gaps, grading concerns, flashing problems, and wiring issues. We take time to review major systems and safety features and provide a report that supports repairs while the builder is still responsible.
During our 11-month/builder warranty inspection service, we look for settling cracks, leaks, moisture intrusion, HVAC concerns, and premature wear so homeowners can report issues before the warranty expires. We also create easy-to-use documentation for warranty claims and help prevent costly out-of-pocket repairs once the builder’s coverage ends.
With our environmental testing service, homeowners gain insight into indoor air quality, radon levels, mold presence, and water safety, which are important for long-term health. We rely on accurate testing equipment, a Certified Mold Assessor, and quick lab results to deliver helpful reporting for personal records, insurance, or real estate disclosures.
Businesses and property owners count on our light commercial property inspection service to evaluate roofing, structure, plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC performance. We provide a digital report in 24 hours that helps investors, landlords, and business owners plan ahead, understand maintenance needs, and make informed decisions.
Picking a home inspector should feel simple, and we make it that way with a blend of knowledge, reliability, and friendly service.
Our company brings a well-rounded set of credentials to the table, including proper licensing, Mold Assessor certification, full compliance with the NCLHIA Residential Standards of Practice. Our team brings licensed, certified knowledge to every inspection, including a Certified Mold Assessor on staff, and adherence to the NCLHIA Residential Standards of Practice.
We proudly offer military and first responder discounts as a small gesture of appreciation for those who serve our communities.
Because we’ve lived and worked in the Hickory area for decades, we understand the unique challenges each neighborhood can present, from flood-prone zones to common regional construction quirks.
We send two inspectors to every appointment, giving your property extra attention and allowing us to keep scheduling flexibly with two inspection slots each day.
With more than two decades in the inspection field, we’ve seen just about everything a home can hide. From brand-new builds to 100-year-old farmhouses, our experience helps us quickly recognize patterns, spot red flags, and give you practical guidance—not scare tactics—so you can move forward with confidence.
We don’t just inspect homes—we’ve built a track record. Having completed over 10,700 combined inspections, our team brings real-world insight to every property we step into. That volume of inspections means we know what’s “normal,” what’s fixable, and what deserves a closer look, so your report is grounded in perspective, not guesswork.
Business Name: Cole's Inspection Services
Address: Hickory, NC 28601
Phone: 828-326-9100
Business Hours:
Mon - Fri: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
Ask us about our Military and First responder discounts
Certified Mold Assessor
NCLHIA Residential Standards of Practice
#2169 (Adam Cole)
#4577 (Mason Kester)