Are all home inspectors created equal?
 
Home inspectors operating in the state of Oregon are required to be state certified. That means they have passed a series of written examinations to determine their competency and knowledge of the systems and components that make up a home.
 
While it may be fair to say that many home inspectors possess the same general knowledge, the reality is that an inspector's overall knowledge of a home can vary as much as their personality. Inspectors come from many different work and educational backgrounds, which gives them different levels of expertise and abilities in the home inspection process.
 
Some inspectors actually have had no hands-on experience in home building or design, while others may have general contracting or carpentry backgrounds. It is also surprising to note that many home inspectors are not licensed to inspect for wood destroying insects and organisms, including carpenter ants, termites, wood boring beetles, mold, mildew, rot, etc. This is an additional license administered by the Oregon Department of Agriculture. While this is an extremely beneficial license to have, it is not a requirement in order to be a certified home inspector in the state of Oregon. To obtain this license, an inspector must pass written examinations and participate in continuing education classes to maintain it.
 
So how does an individual get a thorough inspection at a good value? While hiring the most expensive company may not guarantee you the best inspection, we can almost assure you that hiring the least expensive will result in your disappointment and someone you know uttering those famous last words..."you get what you pay for!"
 
We suggest that if and when you have the need to hire a home inspection company, you protect yourself and your investment by informing yourself as much as possible. Knowledge is power. Here are some helpful suggestions.

• Contact the CCB at 503.378.4621 to find out if there any complaints or outstanding claims against the company.
• Check to see if the inspector is licensed to inspect for wood destroying insects and organisms.
• Ask the inspector about their past educational and work history backgrounds that might give them special insight into the home inspection process.
• Ask your realtor or agent if they know about or have a working relationship with an inspector.
• Ask for references.
• Ask for a sample copy of a written report, then ask yourself the following:
• Does it look professional?
• Is it easy to understand?
• Is it comprehensive and thorough?
• Would it make a good tool while negotiating with the seller regarding issues or deficiencies that are described in the report?
• Does it have photographs to assist with my understanding of the report and also the seller’s understanding when using the report as a negotiating instrument?