Category: Home Inspector

Check It Out Home Inspection Offers 5-Star Services

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5 Star reviews for Home Inspector Karen Krieger

Fulfilling Your Home Inspection Needs In Portland

Check It Out Home Inspection offers professional home inspection services in Portland. Portland locals, remember that home inspection is an important part of both the process of buying a home and of owning a home. Check It Out Home Inspection offers thorough home inspection services and keeps our Portland clients informed about the state of a home’s interior, exterior, systems, and appliances. Call on Check It Out Home Inspection for pre-purchase home inspection services, pre-sale home inspection services, or maintenance home inspection services in the Portland area!

Check It Out Home Inspection Has A 5 Out Of 5 Stars

Portland locals can rest assured that Check It Out Home Inspection offers professional and thorough home inspection services. With 5 out of 5 stars on Google, our customers can feel confident that they are getting high-quality service.

We encourage our Portland customers to take the time to read through some of our testimonials. You’ll soon find why Check It Out Home Inspection is rated so highly for our home inspection services. Many realtors that we’ve worked for put in no uncertain terms why it’s worth hiring Check It Out Home Inspection. Realtors praise Check It Out Home Inspection’s home inspector, Karen Krieger.

One realtor, Esmeralda Callahan, says that Karen “genuinely cares” for the customers she works with. In addition to “tak[ing] her time to look at all aspects and intricacies of a home, [Karen] also does a fantastic job of connecting with all my buyers.” Another realtor, Ron Almberg, expresses that Karen takes time with his clients “to explain the things she sees and whether they are important issues to address before moving forward with a purchase and sale agreement or whether they are regular home maintenance issues that every homeowner must deal with.”

Portland customers can rest assured that not only will Check It Out Home Inspection’s Karen Krieger make a thorough job of the home inspection process but that she will also make sure that they are informed about the results of that inspection. Karen provides her Portland customers with the information they need to either make a decision about whether or no to buy a house, or where homeowners need to turn their attention to for home maintenance. Call on Check It Out Home Inspection today for professional home inspection services in Portland.

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.

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Home Inspection: Inspecting Plumbing

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

Get Home Inspections To Stay On Top Of Home Maintenance

Home maintenance is a never-ending task for all homeowners. It is important to know what condition your home is in from top to bottom so you can perform home maintenance as needed. This is why it is important for Portland homeowners to schedule regular home inspections for their homes. Check It Out Home Inspection is open for home inspections in the Portland area. If you need professional home inspection services, don’t wait to contact Check It Out Home Inspection!

Will The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prevent Me From Being Able To Have A Home Inspection?

In these difficult times, everyone must take special precautions to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As such, while Check It Out Home Inspection performs home inspection services, we will be adhering to special safety precautions. With these safety precautions, we aim to keep our clients safe and leave behind a clean environment after the home inspection process.

Inspecting The Plumbing

A thorough home inspection will include inspection of the plumbing systems in your Portland home. While inspecting the plumbing systems, we will check for any signs of leaks from supply lines and drains. We will note where the leaks are so that they can be fixed before they cause moisture damage to other parts of your Portland home. We will also assess plumbing fixtures, including faucets, showers, and toilets, to make sure that they function properly. Additionally, Check It Out Home Inspection will confirm that your water heater is functional and is properly installed.

With a proper home inspection, Portland homeowners can be better prepared to care for their home. Check It Out Home Inspection is eager to offer professional home inspection services in Portland.

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

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

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Home Inspection: Inspecting The Bedroom

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For All Your Home Inspection Needs In Portland, Contact Check It Out Home Inspection

Check It Out Home Inspection is eager to provide Portland locals with professional home inspection services. After all, home inspection is not something you’re done with after the purchase of your home. Portland homeowners should be prepared to seek out regular home inspection services in order to maintain their homes. Check It Out Home Inspection will note the condition of your home’s interior, exterior, appliances, and more. This allows you to know which areas of your home are in need of maintenance, and thus where to focus your attention. At this time, at Check It Out Home Inspection we are doing everything we can to make the home inspection process safe. We are following strict Corona Virus (COVID-19) procedures to keep clients safe from the risk of spreading the virus.

Inspecting The Bedroom

While inspecting your home’s interior, we will assess the condition of bedrooms within the home. We will check floors, ceilings, and walls for any potential safety issues. Doors and windows will be checked for proper functionality and egress safety as well. Check It Out Home Inspection will test smoke alarms and recommend they be installed if they are missing n bedrooms. We will verify that there is heating supplied to each bedroom. For more information on bedroom inspection, read our sample inspection report.

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

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

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COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

Home Inspections Available For Portland Area

Check It Out Home Inspection provides Portland with reliable, professional home inspection services. We realize, though, that we have entered uncertain times due to the CoronaVirus (COVID-19). We want to assure the people of Portland that Check It Out Home Inspection is continuing to offer our professional home inspection services while also taking measures to guard everyone’s safety.

Our COVID-19 Safety Protocols And Procedures

The inspector will wash their hands with their own soap and cloths about 4-6 times per inspection. Anti-bacterial wipes will be used on all “high-touch” surfaces, such as doorknobs, switches, and faucets at the end of the inspection. The inspector will wear an N95 facemask while inside the home. All of these steps will be taken whether the house is vacant or occupied. The inspector will also leave a note in the home stating these protocols.

As a further safety protocol, we are also currently asking clients and realtors not to be present during the home inspection process. We will be happy to do reviews using Zoom or a conference call.

Don’t put off your home inspection services! Home inspection is an important step before closing on a house, and a necessary part of home maintenance if you own a home in Portland. Call Check It Out Home Inspection today to inquire about our services.

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

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

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Home Inspection: Inspecting The Attic

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

Be Sure To Schedule Regular Home Inspections
Portland homeowners, just because you’ve closed on your Portland home doesn’t mean that home inspections are a thing of the past. Portland homeowners should be ready to schedule professional home inspections every few years. This helps Portland homeowners keep up with which parts of their home need maintenance. When you’re in need of a home inspection service in Portland, rely on Check It Out Home Inspection.

Inspecting The Attic

Check It Out Home Inspection offers thorough and professional home inspection services. We carefully go over each area of your home, noting which areas of your home need maintenance and how badly it needs maintenance. One of the areas we check is the attic of your Portland home.

In attic spaces, Check It Out Home Inspection inspects for issues with the roof framing and sheathing. We look for any signs of moisture penetration. Additionally, we check ventilation and make sure that vents aren’t blocked. We will check the amount and condition of your insulation and wiring. If there are any signs of rodents or insects, we will make note of it. We also check for mold and mildew on the bottom side of the roof sheathing. This is common in older homes in the Pacific Northwest due to poor ventilation and condensation. Portland homeowners can read more examples of what may be found during an attic inspection on our sample inspection report.

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

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

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Home Inspection: Inspecting The Roof

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

In Need Of Home Inspection In Portland?

Portland locals, are you looking for professional home inspection services? Then rely on Check It Out Home Inspection. We perform a thorough home inspection to ensure the state of your home. Many Portland locals will think that a home inspection is something done before the purchase of a home is completed. However, regular home inspections can be an important part of home maintenance, too.

Check It Out Home Inspection Covers All The Essentials

Portland homeowners can rely on Check It Out Home Inspection to check their homes from top to bottom, outside to inside. The areas we check include but are not limited to the interior, the grounds, and the exterior – including the roof.

Roof Inspection

Roof maintenance is extremely important when you own a home in Portland. Your roof is responsible for protecting you, your family, and your belongings from the elements. When Check It Out Home Inspection inspects your Portland home, we will check that your roof’s shingles and flashing have been properly installed. We look for any signs of failure or possible leakage so that these issues can be addressed as soon as possible. Roof moss is a common maintenance item that is called out. The most common type of asphalt shingle is rated to last about 20-25 years. We will do our best to tell you approximately where the roof is in its life expectancy so you can plan for replacement. Check It Out Home Inspection will also inspect skylights, vents, and other penetrations. We will confirm that your roof has a safe amount of clearance to surrounding trees and utility services lines.

After the home inspection is complete, Portland homeowners will receive an inspection report detailing which areas of the home are serviceable, which need maintenance, which areas are in fair or poor condition, etc. Portland homeowners can then address any issues as needed. Portland homeowners can read more examples of what may be found during a roof inspection on our sample inspection report.

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

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

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Home Inspection: Inspecting The Home’s Exterior

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

Check It Out Home Inspection Brings Professional Services To Portland

Home inspections are an important part of owning a home. Some Portland homeowners may mistakenly think of home inspections as something that only happens before a home is purchased. However, Portland homeowners must maintain their homes for as long as they live in them. Getting regular peace-of-mind home inspections is an important part of owning a home, too. These home inspections allow you to better maintain each area of your home and Check It Out Home Inspections is happy to help Portland families in need of home maintenance inspections.

Inspecting The Home’s Exterior

Check It Out Home Inspection will inspect your Portland home from top to bottom and outside to inside. This includes inspecting the exterior of the home as well. Areas we inspect on the home’s exterior include:

Siding
Eaves
Soffits
Fascia
Gutters
Downspouts

After an inspection, Portland homeowners can expect an inspection report, which will detail each item that was inspected. Items that are functional and capable of being used will be marked as serviceable. We will note what is in need of maintenance repair, what is in poor or fair condition, if there are defective items, if there are safety hazards or safety upgrades.

For example, if the siding of your house is loose and in need of repair, that is something that you will find noted in your inspection report. We will note if there is moisture damage, peeling or worn paint, and so on. By reporting on the damage and the severity of that damage, Check It Out Home Inspection can help Portland homeowners prioritize which areas of their homes most need repair and maintenance. Read more examples of what may be found during an exterior home inspection on our sample inspection report.

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

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?

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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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Home Inspection vs. Home Appraisal

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

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.

Click to see a sample home inspection report.

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.

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Schedule A Portland Home Inspection 24/7

Post author By Check It Out Home Inspection

A home inspection is a visual, noninvasive process where all of the items typically used within a home are tested and/or operated to verify proper operation or installation. Systems included are electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, HVAC, some appliances and grounds.

What’s Included In The Home Inspection For Each System?

Electrical

Home Inspection for Electrical Systems includes but may not be limited to checking for problems with bus or grounding. Assess wiring for general condition, signs of arcing, grounding, and proper use of ground-fault protection systems. Interior and exterior outlets are tested for proper grounding and polarity.

Plumbing

Home Inspection for Plumbing Systems includes but may not be limited to checking signs of leakage from supply lines and drains. Assess plumbing fixtures such as faucets, showers, and toilets to ensure they function properly. Confirm water heater operates and is properly installed.

Roof

Home Inspection for the Roof includes but may not be limited to inspecting 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.

Structure

Home Inspection for Structure includes but may not be limited to inspecting visible framing in home, garage, and outbuildings, including roof, basement, and crawlspace. Look for signs of settling or foundation failure. Look for signs of penetrations, leakage, mold, or infiltration by insects or rodents.

Interior

Home Inspection for Interior includes but may not be limited to inspecting the condition of floors, ceilings, and walls for deterioration, safety, and function. Confirm stairway and railing safety. Confirm windows and doors are in good working order, and that openings conform to safety standards.

Exterior

Home Inspection for Exterior includes but may not be limited to inspecting siding, eaves, soffits, fascia, and trim for signs of rot or other deterioration. Confirm gutters, downspouts, and other drainage systems, including sump pumps, are working properly. Inspect decks, patios, porches, and walkways for structural soundness and safety.

HVAC

Home Inspection for HVAC Systems includes but may not be limited to testing heating and cooling equipment, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and gas fireplaces. Look for proper venting and handling of condensate.

Appliances

Home Inspection for Appliances includes the inspection on a pass/fail basis for built-in appliances like the kitchen range, refrigerator, dishwasher, and food waste disposal. Washers and dryers are not tested.

The Grounds

Home Inspection for the Grounds includes but may not be limited to the inspection of walkways, railings, driveways, steps, and patios for safety issues, drainage issues, and signs of cracking, settling, or other failures.

About Check It Out Home Inspections

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.

You can schedule with us 24/7 with a click or a call below.