HOME INSPECTIONS

We perform home inspections for buyers or sellers, home maintenance inspections for home owners, and we perform Short-Term Rental Fire & Life Safety Inspections. The purpose of a home inspection is to assess the condition of the residence at the time of the inspection using visual observations, simple tools and normal homeowner operational controls; and to report deficiencies of specific systems and components.

SEWER SCOPES

The sewer line is often one of the most expensive things to repair in a home that can easily be several thousands dollars. For that reason it is advisable to consider adding a sewer scope inspection to your home inspection so we can identify possible problems for you.

RADON TESTING

No matter where you are in The Gorge, your home may contain dangerous levels of radon gas. Radon is a natural, radioactive gas which is produced when uranium in the Earth’s crust decays, and turns into radium. Approximately 1 in 5 homes in our area have elevated radon levels that should be mitigated.

WATER QUALITY TESTING

Water Quality Testing ensures that the home’s water is potable and safe for everyday use. In many areas, mortgage lenders require water quality testing for properties with private wells. The laboratory we use will test for Coliform, E. Coli, Nitrate, Nitrite, Lead, Iron, pH and Turbidity.  The results are usually available within 5 business days.

HUD ENGINEERING CERTIFICATIONS

When you finance the purchase of a manufactured home, your lender must have the home inspected for adherence to HUD guidelines for all FHA/VA insured loans. Many lenders require the certificate for conventional loans as well. We inspect and upload the information so it can be reviewed by the engineer to determine if the home meets HUD standards. If it does, the engineer issues the necessary type of “HUD Engineering Certification”.

High Quality Photos

A photo speaks a thousand words. All noted recommendations in your report will be annotated with red or orange shapes. That way you will know exactly what you’re looking at!

Modern Tools

Columbia Gorge Inspections brings the best knowledge and education to every inspection. We stay up to date with the latest tools and technologies in the inspection industry. We use thermal imaging on all home inspections.

Extensive Report

Color coded system tabs on every page makes it easy to navigate. The reports are easy to read and very understandable. Pictures and illustrations are included to make noted problems clear. View sample report.

Drones

Some roofs are too high off the ground, too steep to walk or are made from materials that cannot be walked on for several reasons. If this is the case, we will use a drone for the roof portion of the inspection.

Thermal Imaging

We go beyond the minimum standard by using a thermal imaging camera on all home inspections to assist in identifying moisture and insulation problems as well as unusual locations of dangerous heat.

Certified & Licensed

As certified and licensed inspectors, we perform home inspections that meet and surpass the Washington and Oregon Standards of Practice for Home Inspectors.

If you are in need of a home inspection, CGI is here to help. You can trust us to deliver excellent service. We have a thorough, multi-point checklist that ensures that no stone is left unturned. We will explain the overall general condition of the home and its systems to you and your agent after your inspection is complete.

In addition, we will compile a comprehensive electronic report, delivered online via HTML, or in PDF format, documenting all of our findings including images, references and further details. This report will be available in a desktop-friendly format and a mobile format, so that you can stay in-the-loop and check your report even when you’re on the go.

Structural Systems

Foundations, grading & drainage, basements, walkways, and floor, wall and ceiling structures.

Roofing

Roof coverings, drainage systems, flashings and skylights, chimneys and other roof penetrations.

Electrical Systems

Service entrance and panels, branch circuits, connected devices and fixtures, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and making sure your outlets are GFCI-protected.

Plumbing

Fixtures and faucets, water supply systems, drain, waste and vent systems, water heater, sump pumps and fuel storage and distribution systems.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems

Heating and cooling equipment, ducts, vents, flues and chimneys.

Appliances

Dishwasher, garbage disposal, range hood, range or oven, cooktop, microwave, bathroom exhaust fans, garage door opener, and other built-in appliances.