Whole House Inspections

Also known as a whole house inspection, it is a visual inspection of the prominently visible and accessible areas of the home and its components. It is a reasonable effort to assess durability and serviceability of the property in its present state. The inspection is performed in accordance with the Standards of Practice of the State of Oregon.

The Whole House Inspection process takes approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours on a typical single-family home. During that time, the inspector is assessing most all aspects of the home, including:

Exterior
The exterior of the building is designed to protect the interior components from mother nature.

Landscaping & topography (as they affect the building): * Grading and drainage, landscaping (retaining walls and other alterations to the property), trees and bushes.

Foundations: The foundation is viewed by many people as the most important part of the structure. It supports the entire home, its material contents, and the people in it. * cracks, settling, water leaks, overall condition

Siding: flashing and trim * proper installation, necessary maintenance

Windows & Doors: Window replacement can be extremely expensive. * age, quality, installation, moisture intrusion, general condition

Roof and Chimney: *Roofing Material, Flashings, Gutters and Downspouts, drainage, leaking

Gutter system: A normal rainstorm can produce hundreds of gallons of water on a roof surface, which can easily find its way into your basement or undermine the structure itself. * incorrect installations, maintenance failures, leaks, clogs, existing roof damage

Attached decks, porches, patios, steps, etc.

Plumbing System

Supply Lines, – * materials, support, insulation, leaks

Drain Lines – * materials, support, insulation, leaks

Water Heater – * age, type, safety, installation

Ventilation

Electrical System

Service Equipment, Amperage & Voltage Ratings, Main Panel, Sub-Panels, Wiring, Branch Circuit Conductors, Installed Outlets, GFI’s, Switches and Fixtures

Heating and Central Air Conditioning Systems

System Type, Operation, Safety, Venting, Dust Filters and Controls

Exception: The units can sustain permanent damage if operated when the outside air temperature has been below 67 degrees Fahrenheit within the past 24 hours. This temperature requirement allows only a small window of time in the Klamath Basin when we can include the central air conditioning inspection.

Interior Surfaces

Doors, Windows, Walls, Ceiling, Floors, Fireplace, Fixtures, Stairs and Balconies

Kitchen and Laundry Areas – * Counters, Cabinets, Sinks, Disposal, Built-in Kitchen Appliances – basic function (does unit respond to controls?)

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Living Room and/or Family Room

Attached Garage

Floor, Fire Wall, Interior and Exterior Doors, Door Opener, Ventilation

Attic and Crawl Space or Basement

General Structure: Framing

Ventilation

Insulation, presence or absence of visible insulation

There are a few general exclusions, for example: code compliance, cosmetic concerns, detached structures, operation or activation of systems that are shut down, moving personal possessions, hazardous environmental concerns, acoustics, odors, system adequacy.

There are also a few specific items we do not inspect, such as: swimming pools, spas, security alarms or other non-primary electrical systems and solar systems. For more detailed information on excluded items, please refer to the Standards of Practice of the State of Oregon or call us at 541-882-6588.

What you will get is a detailed, approximately 12-15 page report that reflects not only the components of the home that were not correct, but also identifies the positive qualities of the home. Whole House Inspections are never intended to nit-pick a home, only to identify and bring attention to the items in need of repair or maintenance.

A Whole House Inspection provides an unbiased opinion of the conditions encountered on the day of the inspection. Inspections frequently call attention to important safety issues and repairs the new homeowner will want to address in order to maintain the longevity of the home. Planning for future maintenance can be a valuable tool for homeowners in today’s economy.