The Purpose of a Home Inspection
The purpose of a home inspection is to assess the condition of the residence at the time of the inspection using visual observations, simple tools and normal homeowner operational controls; and to report deficiencies of specific systems and components.
See: Buying a Home for a step-by-step process.
With this in mind, we cannot visualize hidden items, systems or components and we cannot disassemble and risk damage to the homeowners property. We also are strongly advised not to disturb or move personal belongings due to liability. It is customary to move a small amount of personal belongings that may be blocking access to components if it is easy and safe to do so. This is why you and your real estate representative receive a reminder email prior to your inspection to have all the areas we need access to, to be clear of obstructions and made easily accessible.
Unexpected Repairs Should be Anticipated
A home inspection is not technically exhaustive and does not identify concealed conditions or latent defects therefore some defects are likely to be present and not reported on. Unexpected repairs should still be anticipated.
Credentials of a Home Inspector
Home Inspectors are state licensed and certified professionals. For Oregon, the home inspector is also required to be a CCB contractor which requires insurance and a bond.
Standards of Practice
Home inspectors must follow the states’ Standards of Practice(SOP). These detail the procedures required for a home inspector and provide a specific list of the items and components of a home that must be described, inspected and reported on. This is the bare minimum that is required by state law. These SOP’s should be reviewed by you so you are educated as to what will and won’t be inspected. These SOP’s are to be included in or accessible through the Home Inspection Agreement and the Inspection Report. They are also accessible through our website.
Report Sharing
Home inspectors are bound by a code of ethics in order to ensure the integrity and high standard of skill and practice in the home inspection profession. The inspection is conducted for you alone. No other person is to be informed of our findings or have access to the inspection report. State law binds us to these requirements however we do also send a copy of your inspection report to your direct real estate representative as stated and agreed on in our Home Inspection Agreement. This is done so that we don’t have to ask you to give us written permission to do so at every inspection thus saving time. Keep in mind that real estate professionals have other state requirements and you may have authorized the release of your inception report to others involved in you transaction.
Additional Inspections
Although there are SOP’s for Washington and Oregon, we at times go above the minimum standard in order to provide you with a better service. We utilize infrared cameras to better identify issues that may not be visible. We utilize drones for inspecting roofs when they are otherwise inaccessible or unsafe by utilizing a ladder to walk on the roof. For additional fees we can: test for radon gas in the home; we can visualize the interior of the sewer line from the home to the city connection with our sewer scope camera; and we can conduct the onsite observations and deliver a HUD Engineering Certification Report for manufactured home foundations.
Pricing
A recent nationwide study of over one million home inspection prices was recently published by Spectora. This study shows that the average price for a Home Inspection in the Greater Columbia River Gorge area is $592 which is nearly identical to our average home inspection price not including additional add-on services. So if your looking for a home inspection, please consider us at Columbia Gorge Inspections LLCs, the Premier Home Inspection Company in the Columbia River Gorge.
Contact Columbia Gorge Inspections
Shawn Johnson
Columbia Gorge Inspections LLC
Main: 509-593-3533
Mobile: 509-637-0143
