Inspection Overview
A home cannot fail an inspection. A professional home inspection gives you an independent, unbiased view of any problems and their solutions, so that you will have all the facts you need to make a sound, informed decision.
Depending on the size and condition of the home, a thorough home inspection will usually take about three hours. Ideally, you will accompany me during the last hour or so, during which time I will go over my findings with you, so that you will have visual reinforcement of your written report.
I take our inspection reports seriously. Every inspection is a complete and thorough analysis of all the major systems and components in the home. The report includes a clear description of what I've found with any problem areas noted, so you can easily identify them. I am also available by phone or email for any other questions you might have after your inspection.
A full list of what is and isn't covered in a home inspection can be found in the Oregon Standards of Practice, Part 4. Generally, a thorough home inspection will include the following:
- Roof:
Shingles, flashings, chimneys, vents, trim and gutters, drip edges, skylights, downspouts, and other visible roof related items. - Attics:
Insulation, ventilation, rafters, joists and collar ties, trusses, wiring attachments, and other visible related items. - Plumbing and Fixtures:
Water pressure, water distribution system, hose bibs, sinks and faucets, bath/showers and toilets, sanitary system, and other plumbing system components. - Interior:
Floors and ceilings, walls, stairs (if applicable) and banisters, finishes, sinks, cabinets, shelving, built-in appliances, smoke detectors and safety-related items, and other visible interior-related components. - Heating and Cooling Systems:
Furnace, air cleaning parts, ductwork, electronic monoxide testing, electric gas sniffer testing, air conditioner and lines, and other visible related HVAC components. - Electrical Systems:
Service entry and clearances, service panel, switches and outlets, visible wiring and junction boxes, grounding system, and other related electrical components. - Basements, Crawl Spaces, and Foundation:
Insulation, ventilation, posts, vapor barriers, utility attachment, structural items, floors and walls, and columns. - Exterior:
Siding materials, attachments, windows, doors, sashes and lintels, vents, entryways, and other visible exterior related components. - Decks and Porches
- Fireplaces
- Overall Structure