Red brick ranches, big shade trees and the airport just down the road — Donelson is classic postwar Nashville, and Mark Schumacher knows exactly where its homes tend to hide trouble.
Donelson carries the name of John Donelson, a co-founder of Nashville, and sits about six miles east of downtown along U.S. 70 as part of Metro Nashville-Davidson County. Nashville International Airport is next door, the Stones River marks its eastern edge, and the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills stand on the old Opryland site nearby. Most of the neighborhood took shape right after World War II, so half-century-old red brick ranches line many streets, while the Bluefields Historic District holds homes from the 1930s. Newer infill houses keep appearing as sewer service expands. In older ranches, Mark looks hard at crawl space moisture, cast iron and galvanized plumbing, original electrical panels and aging ductwork. Donelson was also struck by the March 2020 tornado, which left many homes with newer roofs and rebuilt sections worth evaluating.
Mark Schumacher, the owner of SP&D, inspects every Donelson home himself. He is licensed by the State of Tennessee (License #1374), certified by InterNACHI as a Certified Professional Inspector, and seasoned by more than 40 years of construction in over 40 states for clients such as the PGA Tour and Ralph Lauren Polo. With 1,500-plus inspections behind him and only one booked per day, he has the time to crawl under a 1950s ranch and trace what he finds.
Donelson buyers get a clear report, honest explanations and an inspector who still answers the phone after closing day. Qualifying inspections include a 90-day home warranty and a 5-year roof leak warranty, and there's a discount for veterans, first responders and teachers. Give Mark a call at 561-301-7571 to schedule your Donelson home inspection.
Postwar ranches, 1930s Bluefields homes and new infill along Donelson's side streets — here's every SP&D service available in the neighborhood.
Buyer's, condo, townhome, VA and multi-unit inspections throughout Donelson.
New construction inspections for Donelson infill homes, from pre-drywall to the 11th month.
Radon, mold, air sampling, water quality, asbestos and lead paint testing for older Donelson homes.
Infrared scans, sewer camera inspections, moisture tracing and termite and WDO inspections.
Detailed roof, structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, crawl space and attic evaluations.
Pre-listing, rental, homeowner maintenance, consultation and re-inspection services for Donelson owners.
East-side homeowners say Mark is thorough without being alarmist and always willing to explain. Here's a sample of what they've written.
"Mark Schumacher from SP&D is by far the best home inspector I've had the pleasure of dealing with. Having him inspect the home we were about to buy was the best decision we made. He was so thorough, and detailed. He saved us from unexpected costs, pointing out issues that might've been overlooked by other inspectors. He answered all my phone calls, even on weekends, and fully explained all the issues. I would highly recommend him to anyone thinking of buying a home, to protect yourself with the best. His knowledge and experience is second to none. We will definitely use him again in the future."
— Johnny Azoulay
Google Review
"Mark did an excellent job. He was extremely thorough with great attention to detail. We had a poor experience with an inspector the last time we bought a home, so it was very important to us to feel confident that things were being handled in the best way possible. Mark was wonderful and took the time to go over every inch of the house with us and explain the things he'd found that needed attention. He was happy to answer our questions and was extremely knowledgeable about the subject matter. I would recommend him to anyone who is thinking about buying and needs an inspection. Thank you, Mark!"
— Sylvia Jones
Google Review
"I would give 10 stars if I could. Great job and complete inspection, very professional. Highly recommend their services."
— David Haverly
Google Review
From Hendersonville, Home Inspections by SP&D covers all of Donelson, from the airport area and Lebanon Pike out to the Stones River and Hermitage.
What Donelson buyers most often ask before booking an inspection.
It is. Donelson is part of Metro Nashville, an easy drive from our home base in Hendersonville, and Mark inspects homes here regularly. Call 561-301-7571 to reserve a date.
Common findings include damp crawl spaces, older galvanized or cast iron drain lines, outdated electrical panels, worn ductwork and roofs nearing the end of their life.
It's a smart add-on. A sewer camera inspection shows the condition of the line from the house toward the street, where tree roots and aging pipe can cause costly problems.
Yes. Mark reviews the visible workmanship on replaced roofing, siding and framing and notes anything that appears incomplete. Request the seller's repair records and permits as well.
Donelson is surrounded by communities Mark serves every week. Browse the neighborhoods and towns below.
TN License #1374 • InterNACHI CPI • 40+ Years in Construction • One Inspection Per Day • 90-Day Home Warranty