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	<title>Brentwood Home Inspections &#187; Articles</title>
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	<description>Serving the Oregon South Coast...where moisture is always an issue</description>
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		<title>Hello&#8230;My name is Brent Lerwill</title>
		<link>http://www.brentwoodinspections.com/wp/2007/07/12/hello-world/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brentwoodinspections.com/wp/2007/07/12/hello-world/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:42:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[INSPECTING SINCE 1973&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230; BUILDING SINCE 1966
Most buildings will not have such obvious defects as the one in the picture above.
Many issues found in an inspection 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 discovered could [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="announcement_post"><p><strong>INSPECTING SINCE 1973&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230; BUILDING SINCE 1966</strong></p>
<p>Most buildings will not have such obvious defects as the one in the picture above.<br />
Many issues found in an inspection 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 discovered <strong>could save a life.</strong><br />
My inspection will give you guidelines for maintenance and help you budget for future expense. It will help you preserve the value, longevity and durability of your home and investment. You will minimize or avoid costly repairs. You will save much more than the inspection fee.<br />
What does an inspection include? </p>
<table width="100%" bgcolor="#ffffff" bordercolor="#808080">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Exterior</li>
<li>Roofing</li>
<li>Plumbing</li>
<li>Electrical</li>
<li>Heating &amp; AC</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Structure</li>
<li>Interiors</li>
<li>Insulation and ventilation</li>
<li>Built-in kitchen appliances</li>
<li>Grounds &amp; Drainage</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><a href="http://ccbed.ccb.state.or.us/WebPDF/CCB/Publications/HI%20consumer%20Protection%20notice.pdf"></a></p>
<p><strong>For more information SEE: <a href="http://ccbed.ccb.state.or.us/WebPDF/CCB/Publications/lookinghi.pdf">http://ccbed.ccb.state.or.us/WebPDF/CCB/Publications/lookinghi.pdf</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Consider regular HOME CHECK-UPS.</strong> See below&#8230;<strong> </strong></p>
<ul><strong>I WILL GIVE YOU HONEST, PERSONAL SERVICE AND INSPECT YOUR PROPERTY AS IF YOU WERE MY FAMILY.</strong></ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul><strong>INSPECTING PROPERTY SINCE 1973</strong><br />
<strong>BUILDING SINCE 1966</strong><br />
Please see my resume at the bottom of this page.</ul>
</li>
<p><strong><strong>IT IS MY JOB TO PROTECT YOU.<br />
I TAKE THIS RESPONSIBILITY VERY SERIOUSLY.</strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><strong><strong>My service doesn&#8217;t end when the report is delivered.</strong></strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong><strong>I strive for impeccable integrity in all my dealings.</strong></p>
<p>As an <strong>Oregon Certified Inspector</strong>, licensed general contractor and a Certified member of the <strong>American Institute of Inspectors </strong>and<strong> National Association of Certified Inspectors</strong>, I have the experience, competency and training to help you maintain your current home or with your decision to buy or sell a property.<br />
I have served on the <strong>board of directors</strong> and executive committee of AII and am currently a <strong>board member and construction adviser</strong> of <strong>Habitat for Humanity</strong>.<br />
You will get a state of the art, computerized report that is customized to fit your property. My reports are detailed and thorough, but not full of fluff or unnecessarily critical. A report with more pages doesn&#8217;t necessarily give you better information. I will point out <strong>positive aspects</strong> as well as concerns. An average home inspection will take 3 to 5 hours on site. Pictures (40 to 50 +) are included for illustration and clarification. Multi unit and commercial inspections are also available.<br />
<strong>If your broker did not strongly advise you to have a whole house inspection, are they looking out for your best interest?</strong><br />
Please take a few minutes to look over my site, then feel free to contact me with any questions about how I can help you with your property considerations.</p>
<p><strong>Choosing the wrong inspector, or the cheapest inspector could cost you a lot. </strong></p>
<p><strong> &gt;-&gt;<em>SEE:  How to Select Your Home Inspector</em>, below</strong>.<strong>&lt;-&lt;</strong><br />
<strong>The health and lives of your family, and your financial health could depend on it.</strong></p>
<p><strong>OTHER SERVICES that I provide</strong>:<br />
1. Engineering Services<br />
2. Environmental Reports; including meth labs, hazardous waste &amp; chemical spills, radioactive material, underground tanks, etc.<br />
<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Specialty outside services that can be arranged:</strong></p>
<p>1. Radon testing<br />
2. Mold inspections:  SEE link at the upper right portion of this page for discussion.<br />
3. Asbestos inspection, testing &amp; remediation<br />
4. Well &amp; septic inspections<br />
5. Water quality testing</p>
<p>(541)888-3761 voice, (541)290-9870 mobile<br />
541-888-5969 fax<br />
Email me: brent@brentwoodinspections.com<br />
<strong>The content of this site is Copyrighted.</strong></ul>
</div>
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		<title>Home Check-Up</title>
		<link>http://www.brentwoodinspections.com/wp/2008/03/23/home-check-up/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brentwoodinspections.com/wp/2008/03/23/home-check-up/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:37:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maintenance Check-Up]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brentwoodinspections.com/wp/2008/03/23/home-check-up/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[HOMEOWNERS
You go to the doctor for a check-up to avoid serious disease and expense. In the same way, you can prevent costly deterioration of the physical structure and health of your home. Many people are not aware of, or don’t understand the warning signs of potentially expensive problems. As with your physical health, you can [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>HOMEOWNERS</p>
<p>You go to the doctor for a check-up to avoid serious disease and expense. In the same way, you can prevent costly deterioration of the physical structure and health of your home. 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 <em>pain</em> 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.</p>
<p><strong>Consider having your house inspected every couple of years. It will help you preserve the value, longevity and durability of your home and investment.</strong><br />
With over 35 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 very likely you will save more than the cost of the inspection. This service will usually cost between $150 and $425 depending on components inspected.</p>
<p><strong>Call to arrange a HOME CHECK-UP</strong> and START <strong>$</strong>AVING MONEY <strong>TODAY</strong>.</p>
<p>541-888-3761 Brent Lerwill Brentwood Home Inspections</p>
<p><strong>Content Copyrighted</strong></p>
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		<title>How to Select your Inspector</title>
		<link>http://www.brentwoodinspections.com/wp/2007/08/08/14/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brentwoodinspections.com/wp/2007/08/08/14/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Aug 2007 22:20:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brentwoodinspections.com/wp/2007/03/27/14/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here are some important and considerations and questions to ask when hiring an inspector. You should not only know if he is properly licensed and certified, but about his hands-on building experience in the coastal environment.
In my opinion, if a home inspector is actively promoting themselves as an expert in everything and offering to do [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here are some important and considerations and questions to ask when hiring an inspector. You should not only know if he is properly licensed and certified, but about his hands-on building experience in the coastal environment.</p>
<p><strong>In my opinion, if a home inspector is actively promoting themselves as an expert in everything and offering to do multiple specialty inspections, it could be motivated more by increasing their bottom line than by protecting their clients.</strong><br />
Seriously consider it before you hire a general home inspector to be an all inclusive specialist. <strong>Being a knowledgeable, competent generalist is a specialty unto its&#8217; self.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Here are some things to consider when interviewing an inspector:</strong> <br />
<strong>1: Qualifications: What kind of training and experience do you have? </strong></p>
<p><strong>Many inspectors have a long list of letters &amp; designations after their names.</strong>  Among these are: Certified Master Inspector, or Certified Senior Inspector, and others. <strong>How did they &#8220;earn&#8221; these titles?</strong> There are many web sites, including inspection associations, where these &#8220;titles&#8221; can be acquired with very little effort. Often it takes no more than spending some time taking on-line courses and self directed, &#8220;open book&#8221; tests. <strong>Some of these designations are not particularly meaningful.</strong> 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. Ask about construction background. <strong>Not all certified inspectors have</strong> equal <strong>building experience.</strong> Some have Little or none. It is critical to have hands-on experience building in the harsh coastal environment. With over 35 years in the building and inspection fields, 20 in Coos County, I have the experience that will benefit you.</p>
<p><span id="more-14"></span></p>
<p><strong>2: Are you a member of any inspector&#8217;s trade associations?</strong></p>
<p>I am a Certified Master Inspector of the American Institute of Inspectors and a member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Continued training and education are required by both. I have served on the Executive Board of Directors of AII.</p>
<p><strong>3: Can you make repairs if they are needed?</strong></p>
<p>If they say &#8220;yes&#8221; &#8212; BEWARE! They may have a vested interest in the outcome of their report. I don&#8217;t do repairs and I don&#8217;t make estimates. I abide by a strict Code of Ethics which forbids any actions that could be interpreted as a conflict of interest.</p>
<p><strong>4: How long does your inspection take?</strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>5: Do you have a written guarantee that your report is accurate?</strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>6: What happens if you honestly miss something?</strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>7: Do you go over the report in person with the buyer?</strong></p>
<p>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. You are welcome to be there for the entire inspection if you prefer. For out of area clients, It can be discussed over the phone after you have reviewed the report.</p>
<p><strong>8: What kind of report do you use?</strong></p>
<p>I have a state-of-the-art computer generated report. Digital photographs are 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.</p>
<p><strong>9: When do I get the report?</strong></p>
<p>I email or mail the report the next day.</p>
<p><strong>10: How much will the home inspection cost?</strong></p>
<p>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&#8217;s health and lives in many ways. Do you want to base your decision on the cheapest inspection you can find? <strong>SEE FEES </strong> on the home page.</p>
<p><strong>Choosing the wrong inspector could cost you a lot. The health and lives of your family, as well as your financial health could depend on it.</strong></p>
<p>This content is <strong>Copyrighted</strong></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Fees</title>
		<link>http://www.brentwoodinspections.com/wp/2007/03/20/fees/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brentwoodinspections.com/wp/2007/03/20/fees/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2007 03:16:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brentwoodinspections.com/wp/2007/03/20/fees/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I do not have one set fee that applies to all properties. Every one is different so I tailor my report to YOUR home. Fees are based on what is required to thoroughly inspect your home with its unique features.
Many times price is the only question asked. I charge what my service is worth, not what someone else&#8217;s is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I do not have one set fee that applies to all properties. Every one is different so I tailor my report to <strong>YOUR</strong> home. Fees are based on what is required to thoroughly inspect your home with its unique features.<br />
Many times price is the only question asked. I charge what my service is worth, not what someone else&#8217;s is worth. While the most expensive doesn&#8217;t guarantee the best quality, the cheapest seldom does. <strong> </strong>Whoever you choose, you want the highest <strong>VALUE</strong> for your money. The difference between the cheapest inspector and the most expensive is probably only $50 to $75. Paying a little less now might cost you a lot more later. When making one of the biggest investment of your life, <strong>DO YOU REALLY WANT THE CHEAPEST INSPECTOR </strong><strong>TO HELP YOU DECIDE IF IT’S A GOOD INVESTMENT and to PROTECT YOUR FAMILY?</strong> I strive to provide the best service you can get that gives you the greatest <strong>VALUE</strong>. My Fee may not be the lowest, but the quality of service is premium. I will give you personal service and inspect your property as I would for my own family. <strong>Choosing the wrong inspector could cost you a lot.</strong> <strong>The health and lives of your family, as well as your financial health could depend on it. </strong></p>
<p><strong>The lowest fee could be the most costly in the end.</strong></p>
<p>If you are an informed, savvy consumer who recognizes <strong>value</strong> over cost, please call for a quote.<br />
For more information see: http://www.independentinspectors.org/fees.html</p>
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		<title>Resume</title>
		<link>http://www.brentwoodinspections.com/wp/2007/03/20/10/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brentwoodinspections.com/wp/2007/03/20/10/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:03:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brentwoodinspections.com/wp/2007/03/20/10/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is a brief synopsis of my work experience over the past forty two years.
I began doing property &#038; building inspections in 1973. I became an Oregon Certified Home Inspector (ochi #789) in April 2004 and have been inspecting full time since.
I am on the board and executive committee of the American Institute of Inspectors [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This is a brief synopsis of my work experience over the past forty two years.</p>
<p>I began doing property &#038; building inspections in 1973. I became an Oregon Certified Home Inspector (ochi #789) in April 2004 and have been inspecting full time since.<br />
I am on the board and executive committee of the <strong>A</strong>merican <strong>I</strong>nstitute of <strong>I</strong>nspectors and a board member and construction adviser of <strong>Habitat for Humanity</strong>.</p>
<p>1993 to present: Licensed Oregon general building contractor (ccb #93969), Coos Bay. Residential and light commercial construction, remodeling and repair. </p>
<p>1990 to 1993: Various building contractors in Salt Lake City and Coos Bay, Oregon, General construction and carpentry.</p>
<p>1983 to 1990: Utah Power / Pacific Power; power plant carpentry and maintenance, meter man and customer service. </p>
<p>1980 to 1983: Insurance claims property damage inspector / estimator, including disaster inspections. I was a catastrophe specialist inspecting damaged property nationwide. </p>
<p>1978 to 1980: Carpentry, cabinetmaking, construction; Salt Lake City.</p>
<p>1973 to 1978: Insurance property damage inspector, estimator / claims adjuster.</p>
<p>1970 to 1973: Professional management officer: First security Bank; Salt Lake City. </p>
<p>1966 to 1970: Building construction, customer relations, student.</p>
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