Brentwood Home Inspections

Most buildings you might consider buying or selling will probably not have such obvious defects as the one in the picture above.
Many of the concerns encountered will be difficult for most people to detect. Some could cost thousands to correct and others might pose a serious hazard to you and your family. Some items found in an inspection could save a life.
Much of what you will learn from my inspection will give you guidelines for maintenance and help to budget for future expense. It can also help you to minimize or avoid costly repairs for damage.
As an Oregon Certified Inspector, licensed general contractor and a Certified member of the American Institute of Inspectors and National Association of Certified Inspectors, I have the experience, competency and training to help you with your decision to buy or sell a property.
I am currently on the board of directors and executive committee of AII. I am a board member and construction adviser of Habitat for Humanity.
I use a very readable computerized report that can be customized to fit each property. My reports are detailed and thorough, but not overly critical. I will point out positive aspects as well as the concerns. An average home inspection will take 3 to 5 hours on site. I also include pictures for illustration and clarification.
I also do multi-unit and light commercial inspections.
If your broker did not strongly advise you to have a whole house inspection, are they looking out for your best interest?
Please take a minute to look over my site, then feel free to contact me with any questions about how I can help you with your real estate transaction.
Please see my resume at the bottom of this page.

Email me: brent@brentwoodinspections.com
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HOMEOWNERS

We go to the doctor for a check-up to avoid serious disease and expense. In the same way, we can prevent costly deterioration of the physical structure and health of our homes. Many people are not aware of, or don’t understand the warning signs of potentially expensive problems. As with your physical health, you can avoid the pain and financial burden of home repairs by learning of preventative maintenance that costs very little or nothing, but could prevent thousands of dollars of damage.

With over 30 years of experience in the field I can help you identify potentially costly repairs, hazards and liability concerns around your home and property. My report could help you avoid a serious injury, or even save a life. It will be an unbiased evaluation because I am not soliciting repair work. It is likely you will save more than the cost of the inspection. Your written report will usually cost between $150 and $400.

Call to arrange a HOME CHECK-UP and START $AVING MONEY TODAY.

541-888-3761 Brent Lerwill Brentwood Home Inspections

1: What kind of training and experience do you have?

I am an Oregon Certified Inspector. Oregon has some of the most stringent certification standards in the nation; far exceeding most other states. Continued education is required. Not all inspectors are state certified. The buyer must beware of those without proper credentials and experience. You should also ask about construction background. Not all certified inspectors have building experience. I have over 30 years in building related fields. The last 18 years have been in Coos County, which gives me an understanding of the unique conditions and challenges of the coastal environment. Please see my resume below.

2: Are you a member of any inspector’s trade associations?

I am a certified member of the American Institute of Inspectors and the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Continued training and education are required by both. I am currently on Executive Board of Directors of AII.

3: Can you make repairs if they are needed?

If they say “yes” — BEWARE! They may have a vested interest in the outcome of their report. I don’t do repairs and I don’t make estimates. I abide by a strict Code of Ethics which forbids any actions that could be interpreted as a conflict of interest.

4: How long does your inspection take?

My inspection takes 3 to 6 hours on site to complete. I meet and exceed the Standards of Practice outlined by the State of Oregon and A.I.I. This extra investment of time assures you a high quality, thorough inspection.

5: Do you have a written guarantee that your report is accurate?

I have a service agreement that clearly outlines my responsibilities. I perform a visual inspection and evaluate the condition of the components of the home based upon the criteria of durability and serviceability. The high standards that I am responsible for reporting to are set by the Oregon Standards of Practice and the professional associations I belong to. This is the best guarantee you can get.

6: What happens if you honestly miss something?

I strive to do my very best, yet realize that occasionally situations may occur and conditions may not be observed. If notified, I will amend your report to reflect conditions as they exist. No inspection will find everything.

7: Do you go over the report in person with the buyer?

I recommend that the client be at the property for a walk through after the inspection is completed. This will be the most efficient use of your time and give you the best information. For out of area clients, It can be discussed over the phone after you have reviewed the report.

8: What kind of report do you use?

I have a state-of-the-art computer generated report. Digital photographs are usually included for clarification. This produces a report that is easy to understand and is very comprehensive. I identify the homes positive features as well as its weaknesses.

9: When do I get the report?

I email or mail the report the next day.

10: How much will the home inspection cost?

This is often the first question asked and yet it tells the least about the quality of the inspection. I believe that my clients deserve the highest value for their investment dollar. Fees are set according to the size, age and location. You are making a purchase that will affect your family’s health and lives in many ways. Do you want to base your decision on the cheapest inspection you can find? SEE FEES below.

I do not have a set Fee Schedule that applies to all properties.
Every house is different so I tailor my report to YOUR home. I do not set Fees by the square footage alone, assuming your house is just like every other one the same size. Some thought and consideration goes into deciding what the fee will be, based on several factor and how much time it will take to thoroughly inspect your home and produce a quality report based on its unique features.
The $50 difference: What do you charge? Many times this is the first or only question asked. Think of almost anything you can buy. It is usually offered by several different companies and comes in different varieties. How many things can you think of where the cheapest service is your best choice? While the most expensive does not necessarily guarantee you the best quality, the cheapest one very seldom does. Do you want a fast food hamburger or steak and lobster? Whether you choose the cheapest or most expensive, you want the best value for your money. With fees usually ranging between $350 and $500+, the difference between the cheapest inspector and the most expensive is probably only $50 to $100. With the investment for a new home being from $150,000 to $500,000 or more, DO YOU REALLY WANT THE CHEAPEST INSPECTOR YOU CAN FIND TO HELP YOU DECIDE IF IT’S A GOOD INVESTMENT? I strive to do one of the best inspections you can get and give you the greatest value. My Fee will be somewhere in the middle, but the quality of the service will be premium. $50 to $100 isn’t much of a difference in cost but could be a big difference in service and quality. The health and lives of your family, as well as your financial health could depend on it. Please call for an actual quote.

This is a brief synopsis of my work experience over the past forty two years.

1993 to present: Licensed general building contractor (ccb #93969). Consisting of residential and light commercial construction, remodeling and repair.
I am on the board and executive committee of the American Institute of Inspectors and a board member and construction adviser of Habitat for Humanity.
I became an Oregon Certified Home Inspector (ochi #789) in April 2004 and have been doing full time inspections since.

1990 to 1993: Various building contractors in Salt Lake City and Coos Bay, Oregon, General construction and carpentry.

1983 to 1990: Utah Power / Pacific Power; power plant carpentry and maintenance, meter man and customer service.

1980 to 1983: Insurance claims property damage inspector / estimator; including disaster inspections. I was a catastrophe specialist inspecting damaged property nationwide.

1978 to 1980: Carpentry, cabinetmaking, construction, Salt Lake City.

1973 to 1978: Insurance property damage inspector, estimator / claims adjuster.

1970 to 1973: Professional management officer: First security Bank, Salt Lake City.

1966 to 1970: Student and part time construction and customer relations.