What to Expect from Your Home Inspection
Posted on: October 22, 2007
A home inspection is a visual assessment of specific items, areas and equipment.
The scope of the inspection is regulated by the State of Oregon “Home Inspection Standards”, Division 8 of the Oregon Administrative Rules. These Standards of Practice include a visual inspection and description of structural components, exterior elements, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, interior elements, insulation and ventilation, built-in kitchen appliances, and site features; although, these categories include exclusions to what an inspector is required to report on. I suggest you read the Standards of Practice carefully to fully understand what a report typically does and doesn’t cover.
Each inspection company has their own list of what they include. Some companies have excessively long lists that tend to make the house look worse than it is. The intent of an inspection is to determine if the major systems are in functional condition. It is not intended to be a complete list of every single minor defect. There is no perfect house! Our home inspection service is a visual inspection of the structural elements and systems which are accessible. This typically includes:
Foundation Roofing Exterior, walls, siding etc… Porches and decks Attic Electrical systems Plumbing systems Interior Doors and windows Heating and air conditioning systems Ventilation Fireplaces
The focus should be on the important areas and items where there may be significant defects that affect the value, safety or livability of a home; in other words, items that are serious enough that may affect your decision about buying the house.
Guidance from your agent will help you determine what repairs to ask for. This is where the services of a professional real estate broker can be of tremendous help.
More on common problems found during inspections will be spelled out in the next article.
Written by Ray Dluhy, owner of 4Site Home Inpectors, which is dedicated to providing you with valuable information about your new home. 4Site Home Inspectors thoroughly inspect all major components of the subject property to expose unknown defects and advise you about future maintenance about your home once the purchase is complete. Our company will give you the information you require to make an informed decision. Give us a call today at 503.347.1242 to schedule your next home inspection.