Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is simply an evaluation of the accessible systems and observable conditions of a home at the time of inspection—from the foundation to the roof—by a certified professional with an experienced eye. It is not a guarantee that all defects or needed repairs will be discovered. If problems are uncovered, the inspector may recommend further evaluation by a licensed specialist in that area. A home inspection should help you make an informed decision about purchasing a residence or what you need to do to prepare your own home for the market.

2. Who should order a home inspection? You should, if...

You’re thinking of purchasing a home
You’re getting your home ready for listing to sell
You’ve owned your home for a while and wish to know more about it: characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, potential defects, etc.

3. What does a home inspection cost?

Base price for a single family dwelling up to 2,000 sq. ft. is approximately $375.00.

Prices will vary for larger or older (vintage) homes, distance traveled to the inspection site, and multiple crawl spaces and outbuildings . Call or text me with these details and I will provide an exact price when I call you back.

4. What will the inspection cover?

As an Oregon Certified Home Inspector; and as the holder of a Residential Specialty Contractor License, my inspections are regulated by Oregon law and the Construction Contractors Board. I also conduct all inspections according to the standards of inspection and ethical practices of the Oregon Real Estate Inspectors Association (OREIA). This assures you, the customer, that I will conduct a thorough inspection of your home. My commitment is to give you a complete, honest assessment of the condition of the home at the time of inspection. Included in your home inspection checklist will be an evaluation of the following:

Site examination – yard, grading & drainage, driveways, walkways, retaining walls
Foundation
Crawlspace
Basement
Siding & trim/Exterior wall covering
Electrical system – service entrance, panels, wiring, switches & receptacles
Roof covering – including flashing, gutters, downspouts
Porches, decks, & balconies
Interior & exterior walls
Ventilation systems
Attic – roof structure, ventilation, apparatus, insulation
Ceilings
Floors
Doors
Windows
Fireplace
Chimney
Major built-in appliances
Plumbing system
Heating & Air conditioning (HVAC) systems
Water heater
Cupboards & countertops

5. How long will the inspection take?

Most inspections take 4 hours+ on-site, and post-inspection I typically spend 3-4 office hours generating your report. You can expect the final 40-50 page Residential Property Inspection Report with embedded, digital photos to be emailed to you by the next morning.

6. What else should I know about a home inspection?

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you consider having an inspection performed:

An inspection is not a guarantee, an insurance policy, or a warranty against possible future repairs.
If the report reveals problems, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should not buy or sell the house as is. This purchase may still be a good investment, especially because now you know its actual condition.
Inspections do not reveal all defects. Although inspectors do the best we can, sometimes we’re prevented from seeing everything because of physical obstructions, weather conditions, and previously hidden problems.

7. Should I be present at the home inspection?

You do not need to be present at the beginning of the inspection - your realtor will make sure I am able to enter the home and conduct the inspection. I do, however, strongly encourage you to be present when I'm finishing my inspection, so I may review my findings with you. You’ll remember much better what I point out on-site than what you just read in the Report.

8. What areas of Oregon do you serve?
I inspect homes in the greater Portland, Oregon metro area, from Beaverton-Hillsboro out to the Coast, east to Hood River and south to Salem.