Home Inspection FAQ

Why pay for a home inspection?

While some issues are clearly visible to the untrained eye, many are not. A leaky roof, faulty wiring, or defective pipes are potentially expensive repairs that require the attention of a trained professional. The cost of the inspection is quite small compared to the cost of replacing the branch wiring in a home or re-roofing. When buying a home, it is important to know what you are paying for and what condition the home's systems are in. A home inspection is part of a practical and well-informed real estate purchase. A good home inspection will pay for itself through negotiated repairs or credits.

How much does a home inspection cost?

There are several variables that factor into the cost of an inspection. The inspection of a single family home starts at $425. The price increases if a home is larger, older, or has an ADU. A full home inspection pricing schedule can be found on the Pricing page.

Why do some inspectors cost more than others?

Inspection fees can vary widely among inspectors. While hiring the cheapest inspector may save you money initially, it may cost you much more in the long run. Experience, association memberships, training and certification, modern reporting software, and specialized inspection tools all have an associated cost, and this is often reflected in the cost of the inspection. It is wise to look into the credentials of the inspector you are hiring. If possible, ask if they are certified to perform supplemental inspections (radon monitoring, thermal imaging, wood destroying organism inspections, etc). Put simply, you get what you pay for.

What all is inspected during the home inspection?

A good home inspections is very thorough and covers all major systems of the home. The roof, exterior, grounds, attic, crawlspace/basement, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior finishes, built-in appliances and accessible portions of insulation and ventilation will be evaluated and reported on. A detailed explanation of what is and is not included in a home inspection in Oregon can be found here.

How long does a home inspection take?

The length of a home inspection depends largely on the size, age, and condition of the home. A small single family home in good condition might take 2.5 hours, while a large home in poor condition could take 4 hour or more.

When will I receive my home inspection report?

Your inspection report will be delivered the same day as the inspection. At Caliper Home Inspections, we believe that it is to everyone's benefit for the inspector to take some time away from the property to carefully review the inspection findings. This provides a chance to look into manufacturer installation requirements or specific building standards, if necessary. An inspection report issued on-site at the end of the inspection may be convenient, but it may also be rushed and lacking detail or insight.

Who gets a copy of the home inspection report?

Generally, the individual who hired and paid the inspector is the only person who will receive a copy of the report. The inspector will also send the report to the buyer’s agent if the buyer requests it.

Should I attend my home inspection?

You are not required to attend the inspection, but doing so is recommended. You will be better able to gauge the condition of the home and its systems if you are there with the inspector to ask questions and see the inspection taking place.

Can a house fail a home inspection?

No. A home inspection is not a code inspection and there is no pass or fail. The purpose of the inspection is to bring attention to defects in the home and its systems that need to be considered, repaired and/or negotiated with the seller.

When do I call a home inspector?

Inspectors are often booked several days or even weeks in advance. It is wise to book your inspection as soon as you know that your offer has been accepted. Knowing the issues with a home early in the inspection period will give you time to negotiate repairs and come to an agreement with the seller.

What do I do if issues are found during my home inspection?

All houses have flaws. Knowing what those flaws are, how serious they are, and how expensive they might to be fix is important information when buying a home. This information can be used to negotiate a new price, to negotiate repairs before closing, or to help determine if you want to go through with the purchase at all. Review the report with your realtor and let them guide your next steps.

Can I do the inspection myself?

This is not recommended. Aside from training, technical tools, and experience, an inspector represents an impartial third party without an emotional or financial investment in the property. Hiring an inspector will help you get an expert and objective opinion as to the true condition of the home.