“I believe in sharing my personal story so people know I’m a real person — and that I haven’t forgotten where I came from.”

— Jacob Knapp, Founder

Building Confidence Where Others Feel Fear

I’ve been building a lack of fear in attics and crawlspaces since 2006.

I served in the U.S. Army from 2006–2010, deploying to Iraq from 2008–2009 in the Adhamiyah District of Baghdad. That experience taught me discipline, accountability, and how to stay calm and methodical in environments most people would rather avoid.

Those lessons followed me home — and they follow me into every inspection.

U.S. Army, 2006–2010

Deployed: Iraq, 2008–2009

Continuing Education Through Experience

After my military service, I continued working overseas as a security contractor in Afghanistan from 2011–2018. Those years reinforced the importance of situational awareness, attention to detail, and never cutting corners — values that translate directly into how I inspect homes today.

Security Contracting, Afghanistan 2011 - 2018 

Becoming a Father Changed Everything

My daughter, Violet, was born in February 2019. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Becoming a father reshaped how I see homes. I no longer look at a property as just a structure — I look at it through the lens of safety, longevity, and protection for the people living inside it.

Family is the most important thing in my life, and I approach every inspection with that responsibility at the forefront of my mind.

Family Comes First — Always

After returning home, I became state certified and licensed in Virginia as a Home Inspector. I worked for another company for two years before deciding to build something of my own.

I started Virginia State Home Inspections because I didn’t want to miss out on my daughter’s life — and because I wanted to provide inspections done the right way: thorough, honest, and never rushed.

Virginia State Home Inspections was founded on 11/01/2017.

A Promise to Every Client

I’m here to help you make the best possible decision for your family by clearly explaining the true condition of the property you’re considering.

Here’s my promise to you:

• I will work incredibly hard on your behalf

• I will be honest and straightforward — even when it’s uncomfortable

• I will clearly explain what matters and why

• I will continue educating myself as building practices and standards evolve

I’m truly passionate about what I do, and I take pride in serving the Hampton Roads community. Together, we can make our homes safer by understanding and maintaining the systems that protect the people inside them.

I’m Different Because…

“I never wanted to be just another name in the home inspection industry.”

I built my business around one simple belief: family comes first.

That means your family — not the realtor, not the transaction — is my priority. You’ll see that in the time I take, the detail in my work, and the honesty in my reporting. I work for you, and I always have your best interests at heart.

I’m a hardworking family man who believes in doing things the right way. I want my clients to know they’re working with a real person — someone who values integrity, clear communication, and treating people with respect.

Outside of work, I’m just like many of you. I love life, my family and friends, animals, helping others, and traveling whenever I get the chance.

— Jacob Knapp

Thank you for seeing what we’re all about here at Virginia State Home Inspections! I hope to hear from you soon!