If you’re new to buying and selling a home, you may not know the role of a home inspector. Here are a few frequently asked questions.
01 What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual, noninvasive examination of the condition of a home. The roof, siding, decks, interior areas, heating/cooling systems, bathrooms, kitchens, etc. are all included in a typical home inspection. A home inspection will tell you approximately where the roof and heating/cooling systems and water heaters are in their life expectancy. Health and safety issues are identified. During the inspection, all of the items typically used within a home are tested and/or operated to verify proper operation or installation. Appliances are inspected on a pass/fail basis.
02 What is the cost of a home inspection?
The cost will vary based on region and the size of the home. You can expect to pay somewhere between $400 and $600 for a home inspection. Prices are usually based on size and/or age.
03 What is covered in a home inspection?
At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect; Electrical, Plumbing, Roof, Structure, Interior, Exterior, HVAC, Garage, and Grounds. Click the following link to see a sample home inspection report.
We also offer One-Stop Shopping where you can schedule sewer scoping, radon testing, and oil tank searches 24/7 with a single click or call.
04 What is NOT covered in a home inspection?
A home inspection is neither an appraisal of the value nor a physical survey. The written report is not a compliance inspection nor certification of past or present governmental codes or regulations of any kind. While a home inspector may bring attention to insect or rodent damage they will not inspect for pests. A home inspector also will not test for mold, although they will bring attention to areas that are moist or recommend ventilation to decrease humidity. Auxiliary systems like cable, solar, water filtration systems, etc, are not inspected.
05 How long does a home inspection last?
My thorough home inspections are booked for 4 hours for a typical house—more for larger and/or older homes. Clients are welcome to be at the inspection, but especially should be present for the half-hour review at the end.
06 How long have you been a home inspector?
I have been a licensed home inspector for 7 years.
07 What are the credentials required for a home inspector?
I am licensed in both Washington and Oregon. I adhere to the Oregon and Washington State Standards of Practice (SOP). Click to view my Washington State Home Inspector License. Click to search for my Oregon State home Inspector License. A home inspector must also pass the National Home Inspector Examination and acknowledge home inspector standards of behavior.
About Check It Out Home Inspection
Go to the Check it Out Home Inspection homepage for a full list of home inspection services). We also offer One-Stop Shopping Home Inspection Services so you can schedule sewer scoping, radon testing, and oil tank searches 24/7 with a single click or call.
I started Check It Out Home Inspection to apply my 15 years of carpentry experience to home inspections. I worked in both new construction and remodeling, so I know houses inside and out — framing, foundations, plumbing, electrical, windows & doors, HVAC, you name it. I am proud to serve the entire Portland metropolitan area as well as the southwestern Washington/Vancouver area.
I look forward to meeting you at the inspection! -Karen