What to Expect at a Home Inspection
Ten system categories, and a written report that has to address all of them. The exclusions decide what you will still be guessing about afterwards.
Expect a visual examination of ten system categories named in OAR chapter 812 division 8, followed by a written report addressing every one of them. The inspection is not technically exhaustive, so nothing is dismantled. Expect exclusions too, including underground items, cosmetic items and code compliance.
What gets examined
Division 8 names structural components, exterior and site, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, central air conditioning, interiors, insulation and ventilation, and built-in kitchen appliances.
The examination is visual and not technically exhaustive under OAR 812-008-0203. Nothing is dismantled and nothing concealed is uncovered.
Should you be there
No rule requires it, and many inspectors welcome it. Attending is how you hear the qualifications that soften on paper.
It is also the only time you will see your own crawlspace. Ask to be shown anything the inspector calls significant.
What arrives afterwards
A written report addressing every listed item, not only the problems. OAR 812-008-0202 is explicit that a deficiencies-only report is not sufficient.
It carries the business CCB licence number, plus the inspector name, certification number and signature.
The first page carries the reliance notice in bold capitals at 12pt or larger.
What will not be in it
No life expectancies, no causes of needed repair, no methods or costs of correction, and no verdict on code compliance.
Those are excluded by OAR 812-008-0204. Your inspector is following the rule, not cutting corners.
- Life expectancy of components
- Causes of needed repairs
- Methods, materials or costs of correction
- Code compliance
- Advisability of purchase
- Cosmetic items, underground items and detached structures
Asked and answered
Commonly the inspector and the buyer, sometimes the buyer agent. Sellers usually stay away so the buyer can ask questions freely.
Yes, and it is the best use of attending. Verbal explanation rarely survives into the written report at the same level of detail.
No. OAR 812-008-0204 says an inspector is not required to report on methods, materials or costs of correction.