Welcome to Lake Oswego!

A Dry Foundation Is A Happy Foundation

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Keeping water away from your home’s foundation is an important part of maintaining your home’s structural integrity. Water can cause soils to expand and contract as well as do damage to the interior of the home should it flood.

Keep your gutters clean and make sure downspouts will divert water to a place where it can drain away. If your home is equipped with a sump pit you may want to install a pump, or if you have a pump make sure it is operating properly. If your basement has a drain be sure it is clear in the event that you have an interior water leak, such as a broken pipe.

Remember to Inspect Your Ceilings

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Ceilings undergo a lot of stress—after all, they help hold up your house. Ignoring or neglecting a small problem can lead to a big problem and expensive repairs down the road, so here are a few key things to look out for with your ceilings.

Water-related issues in the bathroom: All the moisture from hot showers, baths, and splashed water can lead to damage, whether it’s mold or bubbling paint. Keep an eye out for water damage, and refer to a professional for anything that looks problematic.

Cracks: Changes in temperature cause the materials in your home to expand and contract, and that creates stress that leads to cracks. Cracks are especially problematic in newer homes, as they can be a sign of poor construction.

Paint problems: If you’re seeing a large section of peeling paint, it could be indicative of a water leak, so be sure to have it inspected immediately. Call a professional to take a look and make sure it gets fixed before there’s major water damage.

Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

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When you buy a Lake Oswego home, you need to know exactly what you’re buying. Imagine how frustrated you’d be to find out that the hot water heater wasn’t working—in the middle of a shower! This is why you should have a home inspection before you buy your home. A home inspection is an important part of buying your home. Before you hire a home inspector, ask candidates a few questions to make sure you hire a trustworthy inspector.

  1. What does your inspection cover? Not all inspections are the same. Ask for copies of previous home inspections so you can see exactly what they will check inside the Lake Oswego home. If you are concerned about something specific, like a leaky faucet in the bathroom, mention that to the inspector so they can check it out.
  2. Are you licensed or certified? If you live in a state that licenses home inspectors, ask to see their license. At the very least, choose a home inspector who belongs to American Society of Home Inspectors. This shows a level of professionalism and education that you can trust.
  3. What kind of report will you give me? You should expect a written report detailing what the inspector found. Most inspectors will give you a typed report within a week of the inspection. Make sure the inspector will be available to explain anything on the report that doesn’t make sense to you.
  4. Will I be able to attend the inspection? If the inspector refuses to let you be present during the home inspection, find someone else. This is your chance to know exactly what you are buying and what potential repairs you or the seller will have to make.

Let us help you find your new Lake Oswego home. Click on the “Buy Real Estate” tab at the top of the page to get started working with one of our amazing buyer’s agents.

Resources:

Home Inspection
American Society of Home Inspectors
Easy Household Repairs