HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

The House Detectives, LLC has been in business for 25 years, one of the longest running inspection companies in the greater Portland area.

Nothing can replace experience in the home inspection industry. Experience and membership in an organization such as A.S.H.I. will guarantee you an inspector who is educated in his/her field.

ARE YOU A FULL-TIME INSPECTOR?

Yes. All of our inspectors work as professional home inspectors full time.

Many inspectors work at their job on a part-time basis. Only a full-time inspector is dedicated to the profession and will work to make sure they do a complete professional inspection. They depend on this job as a sole source of income, and will make the effort to do the best job they can, through continuing education and keeping up with market trends.

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF A.S.H.I.?

Yes. ASHI # 210221                                         

American Society of Home Inspectors members have qualified for membership by completing 250 paid inspections, passing a national home inspection exam and a test on standards and ethics. In addition, A.S.H.I. members are required to maintain a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education each year. A.S.H.I. membership helps to insure that your inspector is qualified, experienced and up-to-date on current issues that affect homebuyers nationwide.

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF ANY LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS?

Yes; OAHI & NACHI Oregon Association of Home Inspectors (Portland OR ASHI Chapter) and National Association of Certified Home Inspectors

Many home inspectors belong to local organizations, as well as national groups. Participating in local organizations lets you know your home inspector is actively involved in his/her profession and is keeping up to date with the local trends / codes that affect the homebuyer.

ARE YOU LICENSED, INSURED AND BONDED?

Yes.  CCB # 100890                   

The Construction Contractors Board of The State of Oregon requires all Home Inspection companies to be licensed, insured and bonded as well as all inspectors need to be accredited.
Oregon requires that all home inspectors pass an extensive exam after having completed the required ride along hours, class room training requirements and once they have passed, they are required to maintain several hours of continuing education to maintain their certification.

HOW LONG SHOULD THE INSPECTION TAKE AND CAN I COME ALONG.

Most home inspections take from 2 to 4 hours depending on the size of the home and construction style. We work in teams of two so this moves the process along nicely. In effect you are getting 5 to 8 man hours on each inspection. The average size, single family home, takes approx 2 to 2 1/2 hrs. Our clients are always welcome and encouraged to attend.

WHEN ARE REPORTS AVAILABLE AND HOW ARE THEY DELIVERED?

Reports are delivered via email, generally the following the inspection. Because we care about the accuracy of your report, after completion, the report is sent to the office manager for review and then sent out after it has been reviewed. Occasionally, reports are available the same day and are delivered as soon as possible.                                                                           

WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTION COST?

VARIES                                                           

The cost of our home inspections is based on various factors such as square footage, building type (apartment, condo, townhouse, single family home, etc) and in some cases, location. If the property is in Salem or at Mt Hood or the coast, there is a premium charge. Please call our office for a free quote based on the size and location of the property.

DO YOU OFFER OTHER SERVICES ?

YES

Additional services may be provided by your home inspector during the inspection. You may choose to have radon gas testing or sewer scoping completed during the inspection. Each of these services require additional training and equipment. Home inspectors who provide these services are usually dedicated to their profession and try to provide as much information as possible to their clients. Please see our “Services” page or “Resources” page for more information.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PEST & DRYROT INSPECTION AND A FULL HOME INSPECTION?

A pest and dry rot inspection is only a partial inspection, generally of the foundation area that is specifically looking for wood destroying insects, pests and any damage that they have created. It does not cover such things as the condition of the siding, roofing, mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, etc. These are the types of things covered in a “Full” home inspection. It is always best to get a full home inspection instead of just a Pest & Dry Rot as those items will be covered in a full inspection anyway.