Home Inspection Services in Oregon

I’ll be inspecting your new home by crawling under it, climbing on top of it, and getting into every safely-accessible nook and cranny possible. My methodical, top-to-bottom approach paired with years of experience and a keen eye for detail ensures that every system, room, and appliance is fully inspected and the risk of undiscovered issues is minimized. Specialized tools including an infrared camera and moisture meter are used when appropriate, to ensure that you get a thorough, complete and detailed understanding of the home’s condition. These tools can help detect moisture and other issues with the home that usually appear normal and would be nearly impossible to detect otherwise. Most inspectors don’t use these tools, leaving you and your investment at risk.

I encourage buyers to attend the home inspection so that I can provide a walk-through summary, explain my observations, and answer any questions you have about the home’s condition. The inspection and walk-through generally takes about 3 to 4 hours. Whether you are able to attend the inspection or not, you will receive a detailed report full of photos, explanations, and recommendations within 24 hours or sooner, to keep your transaction on schedule. 

Components Covered

A home inspection includes the following areas and systems of the home:

• Exterior and site
• Roof covering & roof structure
• Chimneys & fireplaces
• Foundation & crawl space / basement
• Attic, insulation & ventilation
• Electrical system
• Plumbing system
• HVAC (heating and cooling)
• Ceilings, walls, and floors
• Windows and doors
• Kitchen and appliances
• Garage (attached or detached)

Additional Inspection Services

Radon Testing

Radon gas is an invisible, odorless, radioactive bi-product of the decay of uranium and is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Elevated levels of radon are common throughout the Pacific Northwest and testing has become a standard part of the home inspection process. I offer radon testing as part of Front Porch’s home inspection services using highly accurate, fully AARST-NRPP certified radon testing machines with alpha spectrometry technology to precisely calculate the radon level in the home. Radon tests require 48 hours, and results are available immediately upon retrieval of the radon testing machine. When elevated levels are detected, steps for remediation are fairly easy and usually highly effective.

Sewer Scopes

Sewer line repairs can be extremely costly and having a sewer scope performed to identify any potential waste line deficiencies is recommended regardless of the age of the home. Front Porch Home Inspection has partnered with top rated specialists to provide this service if requested. I will happily arrange the sewer scope for you, and in most cases it will be performed during the home inspection period. You will receive a written report as well as a video link of the findings. 

Septic Tanks

Inspection of septic tanks requires a specialist and I am happy to refer you to someone who can provide this service. When the home has a septic system, it is common for the seller to pay for pumping the tank and for the buyer to pay for any desired inspections. Pricing varies depending on the size and configuration of the tank and will need to be discussed with the septic company. 

Oil Tank Scans

If a home or neighborhood existed on the site before 1985, an oil tank may be present. If the seller is unable to provide a DEQ certification that an oil tank has been decommissioned or removed, if there is a tank there may be environmental hazards that can cost thousands of dollars to clean up and the responsibility for that clean up falls on the current property owner. Front Porch Home Inspection will happily arrange for a specialist to scan the property to locate an oil tank if requested. 

ADU / Outbuilding Inspection

ADU’s and outbuildings can also be inspected for an additional fee

Mold Sampling

Mold can negatively impact the health of you and your family, but cannot be positively identified except through lab analysis. Mold sampling with specialized equipment is offered to determine if hazardous amounts of mold or mold spores are present in the home. Unless you are highly sensitive to mold, I generally recommend that this test be performed only if the presence of mold is discovered and often it can be negotiated for the seller to take care of remediation and follow up sampling. 

Well and Water Testing

In order to know if the well water in your home is safe for use and consumption, it’s important to have a certified professional inspector in Oregon test it for signs of lead and other harmful contaminants. Lead is dangerous for both contact and consumption and can sometimes be found in water lines or sources. I will happily refer you to a specialist who can perform this service for you.