Buyer's Inspections
11-Month Warranty
Annual Maintenance
Pre-Listing Evaluations
Lincoln Mertz, B.S. Mechanical Engineering & Certified Inspector

Meet Your Inspector

The Engineering
Mindset.

I’m Lincoln Mertz, and I approach every home inspection with the technical rigor of my Mechanical Engineering background. Raised on a local farm in the Flint Hills, I learned early on that details matter and a strong work ethic is non-negotiable.

I’ve combined that foundational upbringing with my engineering education to provide a unique perspective on the local real estate market. I don’t just check boxes; I apply a lifelong mechanical mindset to analyze the complex systems that keep your home running.

Whether you are a first-time buyer or moving into your forever home, I provide the expert clarity you need to protect your family. I treat every evaluation with the same integrity I’ve practiced since growing up here in the Flint Hills, where I now serve families in Manhattan, Junction City, and Wamego.

Lincoln Mertz, B.S. Mechanical Engineering & Certified Inspector

The Advantage

I see the things others might miss.

Systems Analysis

A home is an interconnected machine. I evaluate how your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems work together for efficiency and safety.

Structural Integrity

With an engineering background, I look past cosmetic flips to identify underlying foundation and framing issues that could cost thousands.

Actionable Insights

I don't just provide checklists; I provide homeowner education. You'll get the technical data you need to negotiate and a clear roadmap for your home’s future.

InterNACHI Certified 11th Month Warranty Inspections InterNACHI Certified
11th Month Warranty Inspections
InterNACHI CertifiedAnnual Home Maintenance Inspections InterNACHI Certified
Annual Home Maintenance Inspections
InterNACHI Certified Attic, Insulation, Ventilation & Interior InterNACHI Certified
Attic, Insulation, Ventilation & Interior
InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Professional Inspector
Chimney Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Chimney Inspector
Commercial Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Commercial Inspector
Deck Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Deck Inspector
Exterior Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Exterior Inspector
InterNACHI Certified International Association of
Professional Home Inspectors
Moisture Intrusion Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Moisture Intrusion Inspector
New Construction Inspector InterNACHI Certified
New Construction Inspector
Plumbing Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Plumbing Inspector
Radon Tester KDHE & InterNACHI Certified
Radon Tester
Residential Property Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Residential Property Inspector
Roof Data Technician InterNACHI Certified
Roof Data Technician
Roof Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Roof Inspector
InterNACHI Certified 11th Month Warranty Inspections InterNACHI Certified
11th Month Warranty Inspections
InterNACHI CertifiedAnnual Home Maintenance Inspections InterNACHI Certified
Annual Home Maintenance Inspections
InterNACHI Certified Attic, Insulation, Ventilation & Interior InterNACHI Certified
Attic, Insulation, Ventilation & Interior
InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Professional Inspector
Chimney Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Chimney Inspector
Commercial Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Commercial Inspector
Deck Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Deck Inspector
Exterior Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Exterior Inspector
InterNACHI Certified International Association of
Professional Home Inspectors
Moisture Intrusion Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Moisture Intrusion Inspector
New Construction Inspector InterNACHI Certified
New Construction Inspector
Plumbing Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Plumbing Inspector
Radon Tester KDHE & InterNACHI Certified
Radon Tester
Residential Property Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Residential Property Inspector
Roof Data Technician InterNACHI Certified
Roof Data Technician
Roof Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Roof Inspector
InterNACHI Certified 11th Month Warranty Inspections InterNACHI Certified
11th Month Warranty Inspections
InterNACHI CertifiedAnnual Home Maintenance Inspections InterNACHI Certified
Annual Home Maintenance Inspections
InterNACHI Certified Attic, Insulation, Ventilation & Interior InterNACHI Certified
Attic, Insulation, Ventilation & Interior
InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Professional Inspector
Chimney Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Chimney Inspector
Commercial Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Commercial Inspector
Deck Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Deck Inspector
Exterior Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Exterior Inspector
InterNACHI Certified International Association of
Professional Home Inspectors
Moisture Intrusion Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Moisture Intrusion Inspector
New Construction Inspector InterNACHI Certified
New Construction Inspector
Plumbing Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Plumbing Inspector
Radon Tester KDHE & InterNACHI Certified
Radon Tester
Residential Property Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Residential Property Inspector
Roof Data Technician InterNACHI Certified
Roof Data Technician
Roof Inspector InterNACHI Certified
Roof Inspector

Transparent Pricing

Inspection Packages.

Base pricing for local¹ homes up to 3,000 sq ft
+$25 per additional 1,000 sq ft | +$100 per additional unit²

Essential

The foundational Buyer’s Inspection for Manhattan area homes. A complete engineering-minded evaluation of all structural and mechanical systems

$400 Starting Price
  • Full Structural & Mechanical
  • Interactive Digital Report
  • Next-Day Report Delivery
Schedule Now
Most Popular

Preferred

Our most requested evaluation. This package bridges the gap between a standard inspection and a total home health assessment by adding rigorous safety testing for Radon and Wood-Destroying Organisms.

$600 Starting Price
  • Everything in Essential
  • + Radon Gas Testing
  • + Termite Inspection³
Schedule Now

Ultimate

Total clarity and peace of mind before you unpack a single box. This is our most exhaustive technical evaluation, engineered to identify deep-system vulnerabilities.

$850 Starting Price
  • Everything in Preferred
  • + Main Sewer Line Scope³
  • + Professional Roof Consult³
Schedule Now

Pre-Pay & Protect

Protection from Day One. Choose a $25 discount or a 90-day structural warranty when you pre-pay for your Buyer's Inspection.

View Incentives

Customize Your Inspection.

Every project starts with our Essential Inspection. From there, you can mix and match any add-ons to fit your specific property needs. Use our online scheduler for a real-time quote based on your exact square footage and address.

$100+
Radon
$100
Termite³
$250+
Sewer Scope³
FREE
Roof Consult³

Final pricing is calculated based on the specific address, total square footage, and selected ancillary inspections.

¹Local area includes Manhattan, Junction City, and Wamego. We provide regional service up to 60 miles from Manhattan (travel fees apply).

²Additional units include guest houses, mother-in-law suites, or detached living quarters on the same property.

³Mertz Inspections partners with many trusted local businesses, giving you multiple options for specialized evaluations. For your convenience, I handle all coordination and billing directly. you will receive only one comprehensive invoice for all services.

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The Process

A Comprehensive Evaluation
of your Home's Vital Systems.

Whether I’m performing an 11-Month Warranty Inspection to catch builder defects or an Annual Maintenance Check, my goal is to educate. While I perform the technical evaluation solo to ensure total focus, I invite you to join me for a walkthrough at the end, or we can schedule a video conference to review the digital report together.

01

Structural Systems

Analyzing foundations, grading, drainage, basements, and walkways to ensure your home is sound.

02

Roofing & Attic

Evaluating coverings, drainage, flashings, skylights, and chimneys for weatherproofing integrity.

03

Electrical Systems

Testing service panels, branch circuits, and safety devices like smoke detectors and GFCI outlets.

04

Plumbing Systems

Inspecting fixtures, water supply, DWV systems, water heaters, and fuel distribution lines.

05

Heating & Cooling

Assessing furnaces, A/C units, ducts, vents, and flues for efficiency and safe operation.

06

Built-in Appliances

Checking range hoods, ovens, dishwashers, disposals, and garage door operator safety.

07

Building Envelope

Examining siding, doors, windows, and decks to identify thermal loss or moisture intrusion.

08

Interior Finishes

Analyzing walls, ceilings, floors, and stairs for structural shifts or concealed water damage.

Professional Standards All evaluations are non-invasive, visual examinations performed in strict accordance with the InterNACHI Standards of Practice. This ensures a consistent, high-quality assessment of all accessible material defects within your home’s systems.

Book Your Inspection →

The Deliverable

A Smarter Report.

No more 50-page confusing PDFs. Our digital reports use high-def imagery and clear language to give you total clarity.

Mobile-First Design

Read your report on any device. Whether you are reviewing details at the hardware store or at your desk, your home's data is always accessible in a modern digital format or as a downloadable PDF.

THE PUNCH-LIST BUILDER

Turn your report into a negotiation tool. Easily select specific items to generate a clean document for repair or credit requests to share with your agent. After closing, it serves as your ultimate move-in to-do list to track and prioritize home projects.

NEXT-DAY DELIVERY

We deliver your full visual report fast, usually the day after the inspection. For those who can’t attend in person, our virtual briefings offer a face-to-face digital walkthrough to ensure you understand every finding before you sign.

Coverage

Serving Manhattan &
The Flint Hills Region.

Based in the heart of the Flint Hills, Mertz Inspections provides comprehensive engineering-informed inspections for families and homeowners throughout the region.

Manhattan

Core Area

Junction City

Core Area

Wamego

Core Area

Regional service available up to 60 miles from Manhattan.

Travel fees apply for properties outside of our core service area, calculated automatically by Spectora at booking.

60 Mile
Service Area

Social Proof

Trusted by Your Neighbors
in the Flint Hills.

★★★★★
5.0

Over 100 Verified 5-Star Reviews on Google & Spectora

"I really liked the report with pictures of items needing attention and the fact that his report could be turned into a punch list for the seller. Very easy to work with and understand."

Barbara Alley

SAINT GEORGE, KS • Homebuyer

"Lincoln is simply the best... He took the time to examine every detail, provided clear explanations, and made sure we understood any red flags and maintenance issues. His communication was prompt and helpful—he answered all our questions and made complicated concerns easy to understand."

Madeline Harder

Manhattan, KS • realtor

"We are currently serving overseas; Mr. Mertz gave us exactly the thorough and comforting inspection we needed purchasing our home."

Rachelle Telford

junction city, KS • active military

Common Questions

Transparency at every step.

Do I have to pay upfront?

No. I offer the option to pay at closing through your title company for your convenience. However, many clients choose to take advantage of my Pre-Pay Incentives by paying via your Spectora portal before the inspection.

How long does a typical inspection take?

A typical buyer's inspection usually takes between 2 to 3 hours depending on the size and condition of the home. My engineering-minded approach is thorough, ensuring every vital system is fully evaluated before we meet for the final walkthrough.

Do I need to be there for the entire time?

No. I prefer to perform the technical evaluation solo to ensure 100% focus on the data gathering. I invite you (and your agent) to join me for a 30-minute summary walkthrough during the final hour of the inspection, or we can review the results via a video conference later.

When will I receive my report?

Efficiency is key. You will receive your full, digital Spectora report (complete with high-resolution images and my technical findings) by the following business day.

What happens if I have questions after the inspection?

My job isn't done when the report is sent. I am available for follow-up calls or video chats to explain any technical findings so you can proceed with your purchase or negotiations with total confidence.

Do you offer Pre-Listing, 11 Month Warranty, or Annual Maintenance inspections?

Absolutely! Simply select 'Homeowner's Inspections' at booking, then specify your evaluation type (Pre-Listing, 11-Month Warranty, or Annual Inspection) under the 'Inspection For' menu.

Client Incentive

Pre-Pay & Protect.

Select your Buyer’s Inspection incentive below and apply the code at checkout to redeem.

Limit: One discount code per inspection.

$25 Discount

Simple and direct. Save $25 on your total fee when you pay before the inspection.

Discount Code: PREPAY

90-Day Home Warranty

Extended structural, mechanical, and appliance coverage at no extra cost.

Discount Code: WARRANTY

Ready to move forward
with confidence?

Join the hundreds of Manhattan and Flint Hills homeowners who trusted an engineering perspective for their biggest investment.