Author: Check It Out Home Inspection

Home Inspection Services Portland Home Inspection

Inspection Services Offered By Check It Out Home Inspection

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

High-Quality Home Inspections Available In Portland

The purpose of a home inspection is to check the condition of a home’s exterior, interior, plumbing, and electrical systems, and structure, looking for defects, wear, and safety concerns. There are several reasons why Portland locals might want a home inspection. Check It Out Home Inspection offers the following services to Portland.

Pre-Purchase Inspections

During a pre-purchase inspection, Check It Out Home Inspection will take a visual, non-invasive account of the condition of the home. Most things in the home will be tested or operated and a report will be written about the conditions. Pre-purchase inspections help Portland homebuyers know if they are making the right decision when they choose to buy a home.
Click to learn more about pre-purchase home inspections.

Re-Inspections for Pre-Purchase Inspections

Once your home has been inspected, and the buyers have asked the sellers to do repairs, some buyers opt for a re-inspection. This lets the buyer know whether or not the repairs were done properly.

Sellers Home Inspection

There are times when a seller’s inspection can be very advantageous. This is a great way to have the house ready to be sold. The seller can choose to repair defective/worn components or choose to leave them and price the house accordingly. Often, a pre-sale inspection can help a house sell faster. The longer a house is on the market, the more it costs the seller in overhead. Fast sales can save sellers money.

Click to learn more about seller home inspections.

New Construction And Warranty Pre-Expiration Inspections

Portland homebuyers who are looking into buying a newly constructed home may want to get a new construction inspection when construction is complete, but before the final walk-through with the builder. This will allow Portland locals to address any issues found with their builder during that final walk-through. Portland homeowners whose warranty is close to expiring may want to have a home inspection done before the warranty is out of date. This will give them the opportunity to tell their builder about problems that need to be addressed before the warranty ends.

Click to learn more about new construction/warranty pre-expiration home inspections.

Peace Of Mind/Maintenance Home Inspection

Portland homeowners can ease their worries with peace-of-mind home inspections. After all, your home will need maintenance the entire time you live in it. Peace-of-mind home inspections allow you to know which parts of your home need maintenance most, and how best to spend your maintenance money.

Click to learn more about peace-of-mind home inspections..

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, including electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. 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. Schedule your home inspection online or by phone at 971-666-1184. Call today!

Check It Out Home Inspection provides service to the Greater Portland and Vancouver areas.

How Often Should I Get My Portland Home Inspected?

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

Portland homeowners may think of a home inspection as something that is done before the sale or purchase of a home. However, the truth is that this is not the only time you should have your home inspected. Regular maintenance or peace-of-mind home inspections are an important part of maintaining your Portland home.

What Is A Peace-Of-Mind Home Inspection?

In addition to pre-sale and pre-purchase home inspections, Check It Out Home Inspection offers what we call peace-of-mind home inspections. There are many systems and parts of your home that need to be maintained throughout the year, including but not limited to your electrical systems, plumbing, roof, home structure, interior, exterior, and more. Portland homeowners would be easily overwhelmed if they had to rely on their own estimation of the condition of every part of their home. With Check It Out Home Inspection’s peace-of-mind home inspections, Portland homeowners can ease their worries about ongoing or impending house issues.

How Often Should I Get A Peace-Of-Mind Home Inspection?

Generally speaking, Portland homeowners want to have a home inspection done every 5 years. However, if you have a crawl space in your Portland home you may want to consider having that checked professionally more often — every 2 to 3 years. If you’re curious about the details covered by Check It Out Home Inspection’s peace-of-mind home inspections, have a look at our sample report.

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, for example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (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.

Check It Out Home Inspection provides service to the Greater Portland and Vancouver areas.

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Why Get A Peace Of Mind Home Inspection In Portland?

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

Doubtless, many Portland homeowners think of an official home inspection as something that usually happens before the purchase of a home. However, Check It Out Home Inspection also provides peace-of-mind inspections to Portland homeowners as well. These are also known as home maintenance inspections.

Why Opt For A Peace-Of-Mind Home Inspection?

Your Portland home requires maintenance from the roof to the basement, and a peace-of-mind home inspection will help you to know just which parts of your home need maintenance the most. A peace-of-mind home inspection will ease your worries about ongoing or impending house issues that could lead to costly repairs down the road if not handled soon. Additionally, peace-of-mind home inspections can help you plan ahead by knowing the typical life expectancy of the roof and HVAC. After a peace-of-mind home inspection, Portland homeowners know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

Portland Homeowners Will Receive an Easy-To-Read Report On Their Home’s Condition Post-Inspection

Check It Out Home Inspection describes the condition of homes in Portland in an easy-to-read report. Portland homeowners will receive details on the condition of every major component — from the roof to the basement. The home inspection report includes an evaluation and description of the manually tested working order of most operable systems and a summary page that helps to prioritize items of concern such as major defects, deferred cost items (things that may need replacing/repairing within 5 years), safety issues, potential improvements, and items to monitor. Portland homeowners can view a home inspection sample report here.

About Check It Out Home Inspection

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

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, for example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (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.

Check It Out Home Inspection provides service to the Greater Portland and Vancouver areas.

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How Much Life Does My Heating And Cooling HVAC Have?

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

Check It Out Home Inspection offers peace-of-mind and home inspections for buyers and sellers. Whether you’re looking for vital information about the overall condition of the home prior to a sale, or simply want to ease your worries about ongoing or impending house issues, Check It Out Home Inspections offers experienced and professional services.

Learn About the Life Expectancy of Your HVAC

With Check It Out Home Inspection’s services, Portland homeowners can learn about the average life expectancy of their HVAC system. Check It Out Home Inspection will test heating and cooling equipment, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and gas fireplaces. Check It Out Home Inspection will also check for short cycling, look for proper handling of condensate, inspect insulation in unfinished accessible spaces such as attics, crawlspaces, and basements, and inspect fireplaces and chimneys for potential risks. After inspections are complete, Portland homeowners will know what to reasonably expect from their HVAC and be better prepared for the future.

About Check It Out Home Inspection

I look forward to meeting you at the inspection! -Karen

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, for example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (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.

Check It Out Home Inspection provides service to the Greater Portland and Vancouver areas.

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How Much Life Does My Roof Have?

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

Whether you’re in need of a peace-of-mind home inspection or a pre-purchase home inspection, an important aspect of any home inspection in Portland is inspecting the roof. During the roof inspection portion of a home inspection, Check It Out Home Inspection will:

Inspect shingles and flashing for proper installation and signs of failure or possible leakage.
Inspect skylights, vents, and other penetrations.
Confirm safe clearances to trees and utility services lines.

Roof Life Expectancy

A home inspection from Check It Out Home Inspection will let Portland homeowners know the life expectancy of the roof material and the roof’s general condition. Portland homeowners should keep in mind that, depending on the quality and material of their roof, roofs in Portland generally last for a period of 20-25 years. With Portland’s wet weather, delaying roof repairs or replacement can lead to many problems.

A lot of variables impact the life expectancy of a roof. The type of material, exposure, pitch, attic venting, number of roof layers, etc., are all varying factors.

How To Tell Your Roof Is Approaching The End Of Its Useful Life

A few common signs that the end of your roof’s useful life is approaching include:

Missing shingles
Curling or lifted shingles
Exposed fiberglass at the edges of shingles
Damaged rubber vent boots
Corroded flashings
Shingles not sealed to each other

About Check It Out Home Inspection

I look forward to meeting you at the inspection! -Karen

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, for example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (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.

Check It Out Home Inspection provides service to the Greater Portland and Vancouver areas.

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Do Home Inspectors Check For Rodents And Insects?

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

The primary role of a home inspector is to determine the condition of a home. This includes the structure, interior, exterior, and systems like electrical and plumbing. Most items in a home are inspected based on whether its condition is serviceable, requires maintenance, defective or a safety hazard. You read our previous post on definitions that are used to describe home inspection conditions.

Under Oregon’s Home Inspector Standards of Behavior and Standards of Practice Administrative Rules, it is not required to report on the presence or absence of pests such as wood damaging organisms, rodents or insects. However in our Sample Home Inspection Report, we have a line item for insects and rodents for these areas; Grounds, Exterior, Attic, Kitchen, Interior, Crawl Space, Basement, Garage, and Structure.

The line item in our sample report simply identifies if insects and rodents are noted. Although in some cases, like during the exterior inspection and again in the attic inspection, you will see additional notes on rodent prevention (see below).

And again, potential rodents are mentioned during the Attic inspection.

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, for example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (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.

Check It Out Home Inspection provides service to the Greater Portland and Vancouver areas.

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What Are The Definitions Used For A Home Inspection?

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

Our Sample Home Inspection Report contains the status of inspected areas and systems. Each area or system has a dedicated chapter in the report. These areas/systems include; Grounds, Exterior, Roof, Attic, Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundry Room, Bedroom, Interior, Fireplace/Wood Stove, Heating System, Crawl Space, Plumbing, Basement, Garage, Structure, and Electrical. We use ten primary definitions for the status of an inspected area or inspected system.

10 Condition Definitions in a Home Inspection Report

Serviceable: Functional with no obvious signs of defect. The item is capable of being used.

Maintenance Repair: This condition warrants additional attention and Maintenance repairs.

Fair Condition: Item is functional but in the upper range of typical service life for this component. May require repair or replacement at any time.

Poor Condition: The general maintenance and upkeep on this component is poor. Recommend further evaluation and repairs by a qualified contractor, familiar with this system. Recommend budget considerations for repair/ replacement.

Not Present: Item not present or not found.

Not Inspected: Item was unable to be inspected for safety reasons or due to lack of power, inaccessible, or disconnected at time of inspection.

Defective Item: needs immediate repair or replacement. It is unable to perform its intended function.

Safety Hazard: Correction of this condition is needed.

Safety Upgrade: Upgrades are recommended for safety enhancement. This building may have been built before the era of current standards.

Structural Geotech: Condition needs further review by a qualified structural engineer/geotechnical engineer.

Some Inspected Items Fall Into Multiple Definitions

In our sample home inspection report, some items or areas use multiple definitions to describe the condition. Take page 7 in the Grounds report we mention wooden stairs that fall into three definition categories; Maintenance Repair, fair Condition and Safety Hazard with an image included (see below).

This would mean that the condition of these stairs warrants additional attention and maintenance repairs, while it is still functional, it is in the upper range of typical service life for this component and is a current safety hazard, and correction of this condition is needed.

Recommendations, Too!

Our Home inspection reports do not only provide the condition of each area and system but often come with recommendations as well. Using the example above you can find this additional information and recommendation:

Rise and run on steps create a trip hazard. Worn finish. Earth to wood contact. Recommend monitoring for moisture damage.

Click to read one of our sample home inspection reports. It is a great way to preview the results you can expect from our Home Inspection services.

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, for example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (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.

Check It Out Home Inspection provides service to the Greater Portland and Vancouver areas.

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Do Home Inspectors Check For Mold?

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

Mold is not within the scope of a typical home inspection. A home inspection will determine risks of moisture which is conducive to mold. Mold thrives in warm, damp, humid conditions. Home inspectors are looking for moisture intrusion. Keeping gutters clean and well-drained are crucial to keeping basements and crawl spaces dry. A home inspector will also look at ventilation in the attic, crawl space, kitchen, bathroom, basement, and heating systems which can also impact mold growth.

Is Mold a Health Hazard?

We recommend the EPA report on Mold Moisture and Your Home. The report states that molds are usually not a problem indoors and clean up should be with soap and water. The dangers of mold have been sensationalized due to the rare instances of toxic black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum). Black mold spores, if ingested or inhaled, can cause a range of unpleasant and even dangerous symptoms in humans. Otherwise, depending on the sensitivity of the individual, molds can produce allergens. Allergic responses include similar symptoms an individual would experience for hay fever; asthma, red eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed.

How to Prevent Mold in the Home

Preventing moisture intrusion is the key to preventing mold. Again, according to the EPA Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips, here are some recommendations for preventing mold in your home.

Clean up after water leaks and spills immediately.
Clean and repair gutters regularly.
The ground around a house should slope away from the foundation.
Use bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans and make sure those fans vent to the exterior.
Make sure the crawl space has a good vapor barrier and good ventilation.
Run a dehumidifier in the basement, especially in older homes.

Should I Also Hire a Mold Inspector?

According to the EPA and Mold experts, If you see mold, you do not need a mold inspector. You can go straight to remediation. Proper testing for mold requires carefully controlled conditions that can only happen in a lab. Other complications include the difficulty of only testing the indoor air. This means the test will also include mold species that may be primarily outside your home.

Home Inspectors Check for Moisture

While home inspectors do not inspect specifically for mold, they do check for moisture and make recommendations to reduce humidity. In our sample home inspection report we mention moisture 38 times and make several recommendations to reduce humidity. Moisture and humidity are the largest factors that are conducive to mold.

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, for example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (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.

Check It Out Home Inspection provides service to the Greater Portland and Vancouver areas.

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Can My House Fail A Home Inspection?

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

Can a Home Pass/Fail an Inspection?

The short answer is no. Home inspections are not based on a pass or fail evaluation.

Think of it as a physical exam for your home. You can’t fail a physical exam—even if you are not as healthy as you should be. The purpose of a home inspection is to determine the current condition of your home.

A home inspection is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector is hired to describe a home’s physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need maintenance or major repair/ replacement. A home inspector will also identify health and safety issues.

What Does a Home Inspector Inspect?

A home inspector checks areas, components, and systems. Areas of inspection include Grounds, Exterior, Attic, Kitchen, Interior, Crawl Space, Basement, and Garage. Mechanical systems inspected include Electrical, Heating, Structure, and Plumbing.

How Does a Home Inspector Evaluate?

A home inspection is a visual, noninvasive examination. Items can be determined between a spectrum of being serviceable, fair, poor or defective. Serviceable means it is functional with no obvious signs of defect. Fair condition means it is functional but has some signs of age/use. Defective means the item needs immediate repair or replacement. Items can also be described as not present or not inspected. Usually, uninspected items are due to safety reasons or due to lack of power, are inaccessible, or disconnected at the time of inspection.

What Does a Home Inspection Report Look Like?

Click to see a sample home inspection report. A home inspection report is a very detailed report on the condition of the entire home. While each report style may differ from inspector to inspector, they will all document the day, time, address, people present, and weather conditions. The bulk of the report goes through each of the areas and systems providing photos and text to describe conditions found.

How Do I Find a Home Inspector?

Most Home Inspectors are recommended by your real estate agent. Your agent may also provide you with a few suggestions to pick from. It is in the best interest of all parties involved to get a neutral home inspection. Again, a home inspection is not about pass or fail. It is about identifying the current condition of the home and identify any issues before the purchase of a home.

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, for example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (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.

Check It Out Home Inspection provides service to the Greater Portland and Vancouver areas.

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Preparing For A Home Inspection: A Checklist

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

Home inspections are impartial and neutral. All states have what is called ‘Standards of Practice’ for home inspectors. As a Home Inspector who is licensed in two states, I adhere to the Standards of Practice in Oregon and the Standards of Practice in Washington. I am also a Certified Home Inspector by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). ASHI sets high standards for the home inspection industry.

The following checklist can help your home inspection go smoothly, from communications to preparing areas for access. Knowing what to expect will help you get the best possible home inspection experience.

COMMUNICATIONS

Notify the real estate agent.
Notify the seller.
Read, sign and send your pre-inspection agreement this will give you an understanding of the scope of the inspection.
You are encouraged to be there during the inspection (I book 4 hours for inspections).
Be prepared to be there at the end of the inspection for the review (the last half hour of the inspection).
Be prepared to pay at the time of inspection with cash, check or credit card (2.75% fee for credit cards). Your report will not be released without payment.

PROVIDING ACCESS

Provide access to the exterior, decks, patios, garage. Trees, bushes, trash cans, debris or other objects can prevent a home inspector from seeing all of the exteriors. I will need access to the roof, and the ability to inspect gutters, siding, trim, the outside of doors and windows.
Provide access to all rooms inside and areas including basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Especially closets that provide access to attics and crawl spaces.
Keep pets kenneled or boarded elsewhere temporarily until after the inspection.

KEEP SYSTEMS ON

Make sure gas, water, and electricity are all turned on.

BONUS ITEMS

Working light bulbs in all fixtures
A well-labeled electrical panel

Home Inspection Checklist for Real Estate Agents

We have a home inspection checklist for real estate agents too. Use this checklist to make sure your client gets the best possible home inspection.

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect. For example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (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.

Check It Out Home Inspection provides service to the Greater Portland and Vancouver areas.