Anyone can benefit from reliable information about the current condition of a home, whether you're buying, selling, or planning improvements and maintenance. I do care, and I will take the time.
A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a home, meant to identify defects in its various systems and components at the date of inspection. One of my goals is to remain available to answer questions or address concerns before and after your inspection, so please, just call.
You'll know about needed repairs, updates, suggested improvements, safety and maintenance issues, and the condition, age, and life expectancy of a home's components before you buy. The relatively low cost of an inspection is well worth the information. I pay my mechanic $200 to inspect any vehicle I'm about to purchase, and a vehicle costs a small fraction of a home.
I believe there's a market advantage to having an inspection before you list. You can find and correct problems before a buyer's inspector does, which can increase a home's value. Again, it's about information, and the potential cost of not knowing can far outweigh the cost of an inspection.
All homes require continued maintenance. An inspection can help with planning and priorities for improvements and the continued performance of a home's systems. I'm a huge fan of preventive maintenance and planning, as it saves money over time and wards off problems before they happen.
I put thoughtful on my business card for a couple reasons.
I consider a thoughtful home inspection to be one that makes an obligation To Care, and also to Take the Time necessary to execute and report the inspection properly.
One is to remind myself to be present, discerning, available and caring as much as I can. Another is an attempt to let you know how I view this very important work, and what it requires. It would be a fallacy to say that other inspectors are not also thoughtful, there are several very good, sincere, kind inspectors in our community, and I will not hesitate to recommend one if I'm unavailable.
Call or email with the address for a quote. Pricing starts at $450 for homes up to 1,500 square feet, then goes up $50 for every additional 250 sq. ft. and $50 for every 25 years of age. ADUs, detached garages, and other outbuildings are extra, but may be excluded.
Square footage, age, and outbuildings shape the quote.
I prefer not to do auto scheduling because in answering your questions we can make adjustments to the timing and nature of the inspection itself.
Although scheduling ahead is preferable, we don't always have the luxury of scheduling too far ahead, I understand, so just give me a call. Email works well too if you already have the address and details handy.
Call or email with the property address, square footage, age, and preferred inspection window. If I'm not doing an inspection I'm likely to answer, but if not just leave a brief message and a good time to call back.
I'll answer your questions and confirm the timing. A signed pre inspection agreement and payment are required before the inspection.
I allow 5 hours for the inspection itself (sometimes it takes less, rarely more).
You can expect the report within a day (sometimes I can have it that night, but always within a day of the end of the inspection). I highly encourage you to join me for a walk through at the end, so I can point out some preliminary findings and answer any questions.
My background is in art and design.
As a craftsman I did custom wood and steel work for restaurants and home remodels in Portland. Having been through the home buying process myself, and grateful for the help and insight I got from inspectors along the way, I realized this was something I could do, and that doing it well would benefit others.
Washington State Home Inspector License #26000321
Washington standards of practice help define what is included, what is excluded, and how the written report is prepared.