Why do I need a home inspector?
You are embarking on the largest purchase of the typical persons life. The more informed you are about the home, the more satisfied and secure you will be with your purchase. While you may be willing to live with certain defects, you will at least know if there are any present.

Should I have a new home inspected?
Yes, especially if it is a spec built house. These are commonly built as inexpensively as possible and it is common to find defects. It is easier to get the builder to make these repairs before he gets his money than after. We have found that houses between 2 and 7 years old seem to have the fewest defects of any age. Apparently the new house shake down is completed and the ageing process has not taken it's toll yet.

May I accompany the inspector during the inspection?
Definitely, you are encouraged to accompany our inspectors and ask questions. Premier Home inspectors will try to educate you about not only any defects found, but tell you about any unusual items found, that may flatten your learning curve as you get acquainted with your new home. Plan on the inspection taking about 3 hours.

Is there a testing and certification process to qualify home inspectors?
Yes, Oregon has a very strong certification process. Your home inspector should be certified and include their Oregon Certified Home Inspector number on the material that they give to you. All of the Premier Home inspectors are certified and members of and receive continuing education from the Oregon Real Estate Inspectors Association.

Should I receive a report showing the findings of the inspection?
Yes, Premier Home Inspection Service, Inc. will give you a complete comprehensive written report at the conclusion of the inspection.

What does a full home inspection include?
Premier Home Inspection Service inspections include a visual inspection of the entire house. We do not do any intrusive type inspections (unless arrangements are made in advance). The inspections will include the roof, siding, foundation, structural condition, functional check of the windows and doors, electrical, plumbing, heat and cooling systems, a functional check of the major kitchen appliances, the attic and crawl space and wood destroying organisms.

What is the cost of a home inspection?
Some inspectors vary their price by the square footage. Premier Home Inspection Service, Inc. uses a fixed price policy. We have found that the size of the house has little to do with how long it takes to do a complete inspection. Rather it is the condition, which is difficult to describe accurately before we see the house. Therefore we have set our price about in the middle of the price span. That is $335.00 payable at the completion of the inspection. Some inspectors will charge less, but they are typically beginners, trying to get business based on low prices and do not have the experience on which to base their findings.

How long have you been doing home inspections, and what are your qualifications?
Joe started doing home inspections January,1997 and Dan Schell has been with the company since October, 2005. Both have extensive backgrounds in home remodeling.