San Juan County, WA
Home inspections in the San Juan Islands.
Glacier Creek Inspections travels to Orcas, San Juan, Lopez, and the other islands, and plans each trip around the ferry so you do not have to. Thermal imaging is included, and your report arrives within 24 hours.
What we look for on the islands
Island homes have their own set of issues.
Water, remoteness, weather exposure, and seasonal use all shape how an island home behaves. We adjust our inspection to match.
Wells, cisterns, and private systems
Many island homes do not have a municipal water connection. They rely on private wells, storage tanks or cisterns, rainwater collection, or hauled water, along with private septic systems.
We look at: visible plumbing, pumps and pressure tanks, water heaters, fixtures, and signs of leaks. Wells, water quality, and septic systems are specialized and usually evaluated separately by licensed specialists.
Homes that sit empty part of the year
Cabins and second homes can sit unoccupied for months. Without regular use and ventilation, moisture, mold, pests, and small leaks have more time to develop before anyone notices.
We look at: crawl spaces and attics, ventilation, signs of moisture or pests, roof and gutters, and the condition of systems that have not been used regularly.
Salt air, wind, and wet weather
Shoreline homes and exposed sites face salt air, wind-driven rain, and constant moisture. These conditions are hard on siding, windows, decks, railings, and fasteners.
We look at: siding and trim, window and door sealing, deck and stair connections, corrosion, drainage, and slopes near the home.
Power, fuel, and heating on your own
Remote island properties often rely on propane, wood heat, generators, or solar and battery systems alongside the main electrical service. These add safety items that mainland homes may not have.
We look at: the electrical panel and visible wiring, heating equipment, wood stoves and chimneys, fuel connections, and how backup systems are installed.
Planning your island inspection
We plan around the ferry, so you do not have to.
An island inspection takes more coordination than a mainland one. Call us when you are ready to book and we will work out the schedule with you.
- Call us with the island and addressTell us which island and the property address. We will confirm that we can serve it and work out the best day and timing around the ferry.
- Book earlyFerry space can be limited, especially in busy seasons, and your inspection period has a deadline. Reach out as soon as your offer is accepted.
- Have utilities on and access readyPower, water, and heat should be on so we can test systems, and for vacant homes, confirm the lockbox or key arrangement ahead of time.
- Get your report in 24 hoursYour digital report with photos and thermal images arrives within 24 hours, so you can keep your timeline moving from the mainland.
Islands and communities
Across San Juan County.
We serve properties on the main ferry-served islands and in their communities. If your property is on a smaller island or is hard to reach, call and we will confirm what is possible.
Services in San Juan County
The right inspection for your situation.
Buyer's Home Inspection
A complete evaluation of the home you are buying, so you know what you are getting before you close.
See buyer inspectionPre-Listing Inspection
Learn what a buyer's inspector is likely to find before you list, and fix and price with confidence.
See pre-listing inspectionMaintenance Health Audit
A checkup for owners, rental owners, and property managers, including seasonal homes, with a long-term maintenance roadmap.
See maintenance audit- Thermal imaging included
- Digital report within 24 hours
- Washington licensed, fully insured
Common questions
San Juan Islands inspection FAQ.
Yes. We serve San Juan County, including Orcas, San Juan, and Lopez Islands. Island inspections take extra planning around the ferry, so call us with the island and property address and we will work out the schedule with you.
Call us at (360) 927-4089 or send a request through the online scheduler with the property address in the notes. We will confirm timing around the ferry and your inspection deadline. Booking as early as possible gives you the most options.
A standard home inspection covers the visible plumbing, pumps, tanks you can see, water heater, and fixtures. Wells, water quality and quantity, and septic systems are specialized and are usually evaluated separately by licensed specialists. Ask your agent about scheduling them alongside the home inspection.
That is common on the islands. Make sure power and water are on and the heating can run, and arrange access ahead of time. We pay extra attention to moisture, ventilation, and signs of pests in homes that have sat unused.
Pricing depends on the home's square footage, its age, and travel distance, which includes the trip to the island. Call us at (360) 927-4089 for an exact quote before you book.
Ready when you are
Book your island inspection.
Call us with the island and address, and we will plan the day around the ferry.
Pricing is based on square footage, age of the home, and travel distance.