Home inspections are generally not legally required in Oregon, but they can still be an important part of the buying process. These non-invasive inspections can give buyers valuable insight into a property’s condition before closing. This article explains the basic rule in Oregon, how inspections differ from appraisals, and what state requirements apply to inspectors.
If you’re buying a home in Oregon, the short answer is simple: no, state law generally does not require you to get a home inspection before you buy. Even so, many buyers choose to have one done because an inspection can uncover issues you might not notice during a walkthrough and help you make a more informed decision.
Are home inspections required in the state of Oregon? As a buyer, do I have to get the house inspected?
These are common questions among buyers, and the answer is no. There is no law or statute that says you must have a property inspected before buying it. There are laws relating to the training and licensing of inspectors (more on that in a moment). But from a legal standpoint, a home inspection is generally not required in Oregon for a standard purchase.
Still, it can be wise to have a property inspected before purchasing it. A thorough inspection can reveal things you might not notice when taking a general tour of the home. For instance, the inspector might uncover issues with the foundation, the electrical system, plumbing, etc.
If you’re using a mortgage loan to buy a house in Oregon, you’ll probably need to have an appraisal performed to determine the current market value. But that’s different from an inspection. Appraisals are a standard mortgage requirement in Oregon.
Related: Basic requirements for buyers
While the state of Oregon does not require that home buyers have an inspection performed, they do have specific requirements for the licensing of inspectors. Not just anyone can put up a sign and call him/herself a home inspector. There are educational and licensing steps that must be completed before an individual can perform inspections in Oregon.
According to the state’s website:
“Any individual who advertises, bids, or performs residential home inspections of more than one structural component needs to be certified. Once certified, you must own or work for a business that is licensed with the Construction Contractors Board.”
The certification process requires inspectors to take an exam, among other things. Anyone who wants to perform residential property inspections in Oregon must complete the National Home Inspector Examination. This multiple-choice test covers topics including: structural systems, roofing, electrical, heating and cooling, plumbing, fireplace and chimney systems, and more.
The exam is just one step in the path to becoming a home inspector in Oregon. There are other requirements as well. In addition, the state of Oregon requires its inspectors to complete “30 hours of continuing education to renew their certification every two years.”
Another important requirement is the actual inspection report. The state requires inspectors to provide a written report that details their findings. This report is given to the buyer, who can then review it and decide the next course of action. It outlines any issues that were discovered during the course of the inspection.
Once the inspection report comes back, a buyer generally has a few possible next steps. Depending on the findings and the terms of the purchase contract, you might decide to move forward as-is, ask the seller to make repairs, request a credit, or seek additional evaluation from a specialist for a specific issue. In some cases, the inspection findings could also lead a buyer to walk away from the purchase if the contract allows it. The inspection itself does not determine the outcome, but it can give you better information for deciding how to proceed.
It’s common for home buyers in Oregon to include a home inspection contingency within their purchase agreements. This contingency is meant to protect the buyer by creating a period to investigate the home’s condition before moving forward with the purchase.
Depending on how the contract is written, the inspection contingency may give the buyer the option to negotiate repairs, request some other concession, or cancel the transaction based on the inspection results. It can also affect whether the buyer is able to recover the earnest money deposit. The exact protection depends on the purchase agreement language, deadlines, and how the contingency is written.
Some buyers choose to waive the inspection contingency, but doing so increases risk. Without that protection, you may have fewer options if the property later shows signs of expensive or unexpected problems. Local customs can vary, so it’s wise to ask your real estate agent what’s common and customary in your area and to review the contract terms carefully.
After reviewing Oregon’s inspection rules, your next step might be to decide whether to move forward with a purchase, revisit your budget after inspection findings, or line up financing for a home you feel comfortable buying. Sammamish Mortgage can help. We serve clients across Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Oregon, and California. Since 1992, we’ve been providing several mortgage programs and products with flexible qualification criteria to borrowers across the Pacific Northwest. Visit our website to get an instant rate quote or to use our online mortgage calculator. Or, reach out to us if you are ready to get pre-approved for a mortgage.
No. Oregon generally does not require a home buyer to get a home inspection before purchasing a property.
Often, yes. A home inspection can reveal problems you might not notice during a walkthrough, including issues with the foundation, electrical system, or plumbing.
Not typically. If you use a mortgage loan to buy a home in Oregon, the standard lender requirement is usually an appraisal to determine market value, not a home inspection.
A home inspection looks at the property’s condition and may identify defects or maintenance concerns. An appraisal is used to estimate the home’s current market value for lending purposes.
Yes. Oregon requires individuals who advertise, bid, or perform residential home inspections of more than one structural component to be certified, and they must own or work for a business licensed with the Construction Contractors Board.
Oregon requires residential property inspectors to complete the National Home Inspector Examination as part of the certification process.
Yes. Oregon requires inspectors to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their certification.
The inspector must provide a written report detailing the findings from the inspection so the buyer can review any discovered issues and decide how to proceed.
Depending on the inspection results and the purchase contract, a buyer might move forward as-is, ask the seller to make repairs, request a credit, seek additional evaluation from a specialist, or walk away if the contract allows it.
Yes. Some buyers choose to waive the inspection contingency, but doing so increases risk because it can reduce the buyer’s options if expensive or unexpected problems are found later.
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