Ian's Story
Balanced Inspections has been in business for 5 years serving the Portland, OR metropolitan area, including but not limited to, Gresham, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Clackamas, Sandy, Beaverton, Tigard and Hillsboro. My experience as a contractor, previous to inspecting, has touched upon all aspects of structures. From single to multi-family homes, post and beam to manufactured homes, turn of the century city and country homes to new construction.
Most jobs as a contractor were working closely with a network of Realtors, implementing repairs to facilitate sales transactions and meeting bank lending requirements for house buyers and sellers. This allowed an inside view on the inspection process and a greater ability to judge potential hidden problems in the inspections I now conduct.
Continuing education courses compliant with the Construction Contractors Board as well as the Oregon Department of Agriculture allow me to provide up-to-date evaluation on the structures components, assess potential rot and insect infestations, and create lender required FHA and VA documents.
About
The process is a visual inspection of the major building components as required by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. The goal is educate the buyer (or seller during a presale inspection) about areas of concern based upon our experience. Those issues are then put into the context of how they compare to other structures of the same basic age, style, design and setting.
We begin on the exterior of the building site to inspect exterior walls (including windows and doors), gutters, roof, drainage and basic structural integrity.
Next we inspect the interior, beginning from the top down. Attic, bathrooms and kitchens-running all plumbing fixtures, checking each room for possible leaks and settlement, as well as checking accessible electrical outlets and light fixtures.
Then to mechanical and electrical systems. We test operation of the heat system and visually inspect within removable service panels the manufacturers provide for homeowner maintenance. Removal of the electrical panel face allows inspection and evaluation of breakers and connections.
I finish in the basement or crawlspace to evaluate the lowest portions of the house systems and foundation.
In the inspection process, I also look for and report signs, symptoms and conditions conducive to moisture rot and insect infestations.
How do you document your inspection?
Electronic pictures are taken and notes recorded in the computer to capture areas of concern and things to remember as the inspection progresses. This allows quicker inspection production and turn around. Inspections are typically availabe for download the following morning. A descriptive narrative and pictures helps to clarify areas of concern and items to be aware of.
Rates
| CONDOS | |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,000 sq.ft. | $295.00 |
| 1,001 - 1,500 sq. ft. | $350.00 |
| 1,501 - 2000 sq.ft | $350.00 |
| DETACHED SINGLE FAMILY HOME | |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 sq.ft. | $350.00 |
| 1,501 - 2,000 sq. ft. | $375.00 |
| 2,001 - 2,500 sq. ft. | $450.00 |
| 2,501 - 3,000 sq.ft | $475.00 |
| Each additional 500 sq. ft. | $50.00 |
| PLEXES | |
|---|---|
| Building up to 1,500 sq.ft. | $350.00 |
| 1,501 - 2,000 sq. ft. | $400.00 |
| 2,001 - 2,500 sq. ft. | $500.00 |
| 2,501 - 3000 sq.ft. | $550.00 |
| Each unit | $125.00 |
| INVESTMENT PROPERTY INSPECTION | |
|---|---|
| 1 hour property inspection with maintenance report | Please Call |
| *Automatic inspections set annually, quarterly or at turn over available | |
**Note: New house and structure discounts available**
