For each component of feature of a home I inspect, I identify it as:
Serviceable Functional with no obvious signs of defect. The item is capable of being used with normal wear/aging. Maintenance Repair This condition warrants 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 highly recommended. Safety Upgrade Upgrades are recommended for safety enhancement. This building may have been built before the era of current standards.
At Check It Out home Inspection, my job is to give an objective, accurate description of the state of a home or other structure. No more, no less.
New homeowners in Portland may not realize those home inspections aren’t just for before you buy a house. It is actually important to get regular home inspections while owning a home as part of your home’s maintenance. After a home inspection, you will know which parts of your home need maintenance and how badly maintenance is needed. Home inspections help you know which areas of your home need to be prioritized and which areas you need to keep a watchful eye on.
Check It Out Home Inspection remains open for Portland locals in need of home inspection services. Due to the outbreak of the CoronaVirus (COVID-19), we are taking ample precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. Click here to learn more about our Corona Virus (COVID-19) procedures.
Inspecting The Bathroom
Portland homeowners will receive a thorough inspection of all items in their bathrooms, including standard interior inspection services such as the wall, ceiling, and floor inspection. We will look for any damage to bathroom cabinets due to water or excessive wear. We will also inspect plumbing for signs of leakage and proper function. We will confirm that your water heater is properly installed and functioning properly as well. Water heaters are rated to last about 10 years, we will tell you the age and general condition of the water heater. Portland locals can read our sample inspection report for more information on bathroom 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
To the first-time homebuyer, these may sound like similar services, but they are quite different. The main difference between home inspection vs. home appraisal is that a home inspection describes the condition of the home while an appraisal describes the value of the real estate.
The Home Inspection Process
A home inspection is a visual, noninvasive examination of the condition of a home. During the inspection, all of the items typically used within a home are tested and/or operated to verify proper operation or installation. When a home inspector visits a home, they usually have a checklist that includes areas and systems to inspect. The areas on a home inspector’s checklist include Grounds, Exterior, Roof, Attic, Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundry Room, Bedroom, Interior, Fireplace/Wood Stove, Crawl Space, Basement, Garage, and Structure. The home inspection checklist also includes an examination of systems; Electrical, Heating and, Plumbing.
A home inspection is usually for a home buyer and recommended by a real estate agent, although there are home inspections for home sellers too. There are those that want a home inspection for peace of mind these are called maintenance home inspections.
The Home Appraisal Process
To a certain degree, a home appraiser evaluates the condition of a home, but not as thorough or as complete. The primary job of an appraiser is to determine the value of the entire real estate. An appraiser will gather information such as the property’s square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The final report will include comparable sales, statistics on current real estate market trends, and other information that went into calculating value.
In most home sales the appraiser is paid for by the buyer and usually required by the financial lender.
How Are They the Same?
Both services are performed before the sale of a home. Most importantly both services are impartial. Neither professional is paid based on a commission or sale of the home. Inspectors and appraisers have a high set of practices and standards towards certification. Finally, the real estate industry depends on unbiased property valuation from your appraiser and a neutral home inspection report from your inspector.
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 Is Licensed In Oregon and Washington
Check it Out Home Inspection is licensed in two states; Oregon and Washington. We are located in Portland, Oregon and provide home inspections in the Greater Portland area and SW Washington. As an Oregon Licensed Home Inspector, we are required to apply for our certification through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB).
This is the state board that defines the Standards of Practice for Oregon Home Inspectors. The rules they have established are archived in the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Database. OAR is an official compilation of rules and regulations having the force of law in the State of Oregon. The rules set by the Construction Contractor Board are in Chapter 812. OAR 812-008-0202 through 812-008-0214 are the set of rules which set forth the minimum standards of practice required by Oregon certified home inspectors.
Home Inspector Standards of Practice: Contracts and Reports
Below is a copy of OAR 812-008-0202 Contracts and Reports and establishes a standard of practice for all Oregon home inspectors.
(1) Home inspections undertaken according to Division 8 shall be based solely on the property conditions, as observed at the time of the home inspection.
(2) Oregon certified home inspectors shall:
(a) Provide a written inspection contract, signed by both the Oregon certified home inspector and client, prior to completing a home inspection that shall:
(A) State that the home inspection is in accordance with standards and practices set forth in division 8 of OAR chapter 812;
(B) Describe the services provided and their cost;
(C) State where the planned inspection differs from the standard home inspection categories as set forth in OAR 812-008-0205 through 812-008-0214; and
(D) Conspicuously state whether the home inspection includes a wood-destroying organism inspection and if such inspection is available for a fee.
(E) For the purpose of this rule, a home inspection shall be deemed completed when the initial written inspection report is delivered.
(b) Observe readily visible and accessible installed systems and components listed as part of a home inspection as defined by these rules unless excluded pursuant to these rules in OAR 812-008-0200 through 812-008-0214; and
(c) Submit a written report to the client that shall:
(A) Describe those systems and components as set forth in OAR 812-008-0205 through 812-008-0214;
(B) Record in the report each item listed in OAR 812-008-0205 through 812-008-0214 and indicate whether or not the property inspected was satisfactory with regard to each item of inspection; it will not be sufficient to satisfy subsection (2)(c) of this rule that the certified home inspector prepare a report listing only deficiencies;
(C) State whether any inspected systems or components do not function as intended, allowing for normal wear and tear; and how, if at all, the habitability of the dwelling is affected;
(D) State the inspector’s recommendation to monitor, evaluate, repair, replace or other appropriate action;
(E) State the Construction Contractors Board license number of the business and the name, certification number, and signature of the person undertaking the inspection; and
(F) Include on the first page of the contract and on the first page of the report, in bold-faced, capitalized type and in at least 12 point font, the following statement:
“THIS REPORT IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE PERSON PURCHASING THE HOME INSPECTION SERVICES. NO OTHER PERSON, INCLUDING A PURCHASER OF THE INSPECTED PROPERTY WHO DID NOT PURCHASE THE HOME INSPECTION SERVICES, MAY RELY UPON ANY REPRESENTATION MADE IN THE REPORT.”
(d) Submit to each customer, at the time the contract is signed, a copy of “Home Inspection Consumer Notice.”
(3) Division 8 does not limit Oregon certified home inspectors from reporting observations and conditions or rendering opinions of items in addition to those required in Division 8.
(4) All written reports, bids, contracts, and an individual’s business cards shall include the Oregon certified home inspector’s certification number.
What Do Check It Out Home Inspection Reports Look Like?
At Check it Out, your Home Inspection Report includes easy to read details on:
●The condition of every major component of your home, from the roof to the basement. This includes, but is not limited to, the grounds, roof, exterior, garage, electrical, plumbing, kitchen, bathrooms, living spaces, and outbuildings.
●Evaluation and description of the manually tested working order of all operable systems, i.e. windows, doors, faucets and sinks, heating and a/c systems, etc.
●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.
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.
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.
Some people call these maintenance inspections. I like to think of them as peace of mind for my clients. 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. Or, they can just help you plan ahead by knowing how much useful life your roof, HVAC, or other systems have left. We can’t guarantee when these may or may not fail, but we can let you know what to reasonably expect.
Warranty inspections, also known as “11-month inspections,” are a great way for owners of new homes to make sure their house gets the repairs it needs before the 12-month builder’s warranty expires. Having a third party verify defects can help the client feel more assured that the builder will do the repairs.
If you had your new home inspection with Check It Out Home Inspection, your 11-month inspection will be half the cost of your original inspection. I will assess and document any other defects that the owner would like the builder to fix. I will also inspect the attic, the crawlspace, and anything else not accessible to the homeowner.
If this is the first time I am inspecting the home, I will need to do a complete, full-price, home inspection that meets Oregon State or Washington State Standards of Practice.
