Buying your first home is one of the most exciting and stressful things you will ever do. The home inspection is one of the most important steps in that process. This checklist will help you prepare, make the most of inspection day, and protect yourself during the inspection period.
Before You Schedule
Check if your contract includes an inspection contingency. It should. Review your inspection period deadline. You typically have 10 business days from the accepted offer date in Oregon. Ask about available add-on services: radon testing, sewer scope, mold testing, and oil tank search for older homes. Schedule as early in the inspection period as possible so you have time to review the report and submit any repair requests before the deadline.
Choosing Your Inspector
Ask how many inspections they have completed. Look for a Certified Master Inspector or someone with at least several hundred completed inspections. Ask if they carry errors and omissions insurance. Ask if they use a thermal imaging camera and whether it is included in the fee. Ask how long the inspection will take and when the report will be delivered. Ask if you can attend. You should.
Day-of Checklist
Arrive on time or slightly early. Bring a notepad and your list of questions. Wear comfortable, practical shoes. Plan to stay for the full inspection. Ask the inspector to show you the location of the main water shutoff, electrical panel, gas shutoff, and HVAC filter. Ask the inspector about the age of the roof, HVAC system, and water heater. These are the three most common large-ticket repair items. Ask what they would do first if they were moving in.
After You Receive the Report
Read the summary section first. Separate safety items and major defects from maintenance items. Do not panic about the total number of items. Focus on cost and urgency. Call your inspector with any questions. Share significant findings with your real estate agent to discuss the inspection response. Get contractor estimates for any major items before responding to the seller.
Add-Ons to Consider for Portland Purchases
Radon test: Yes, for almost every home. Inexpensive and important. Sewer scope: Strongly recommended for any home over 30 years old or in a neighborhood with large street trees. Oil tank search: Recommended for all pre-1970 homes in Portland neighborhoods. Mold test: Consider if there are visible signs of moisture intrusion or if the crawlspace is concerning.
Your Rights During the Inspection Period
In Oregon, you can walk away for any reason during the inspection period and get your earnest money back if the inspection is not satisfactory. You do not have to prove a specific defect. This is one of your most important protections. Use it wisely. Most inspection findings are manageable. Some are serious enough to renegotiate. Very few are walk-away scenarios.
Schedule your Portland area inspection with a Certified Master Inspector today.