The Guest Cottage, as we now call it, was inspected by Tom Island, Portland’s best and most likable home inspector. He pointed out that everything needs fixing or replacing, but there is good news at the end of it all!
WAIT, WATCH THE QUICK YOUTUBE!!!
For a more fun experience, you can watch the inspection on YouTube. It’s quick and entertaining, I promise 🙂
Now, let’s dive into the written report with Tom’s notes in blue.
The Roofing
The roof needs fixing, especially over the canning room where it leaks a lot. Repairing it is the hope rather than a total replacement.
Inside, mold growth and lead damage were visible, making it a less than ideal situation.
The Chimney
The non-functioning chimney needs to go as it’s unsafe and falling. The absence of gutters leads to a water management issue.
The Siding
The siding, despite looking bad in photos, doesn’t necessarily need a complete replacement. Fixing what needs to be fixed and repainting to match is the plan.
The Windows
The old windows are in bad shape, with broken or rotting wood. The plan is to replace them where they are, not add or move them.
The Breezeway/Covered Walkway
The breezeway should ideally be replaced, but efforts will be made to repair it rather than replace it completely.
Ants!
Carpenter ants have made themselves at home. How to deal with them will be determined soon.
The Plumbing
The plumbing, close to 100 years old, needs to be replaced as it’s rusted through.
Yes, the sink indeed needs replacing. Fun fact: it’s a Kohler sink!
The upstairs bathroom needs a new toilet, which is a necessity. The wooden shower likely indicates a time when only the wealthy could afford tile.
Needless to say, the shower didn’t hold up well, and we’re not sure if we’ll even install one. But if we do, should we make our own tile? Vintage tile, perhaps? Yes, that sounds like a plan.
The pipes didn’t impress Tom, and they all need to go. The water heater seems ancient, from the 80s, which makes me wonder if someone lived here during my childhood. It feels much older than that.
The electrical situation is a mix of knob and tube from the 1920s or 1940s, and then some hodgepodge from later years. It’s not safe or grounded, with extension cords stapled to the ceiling in the 60s. Everything needs to be rewired, and I’m hoping we can avoid a full gut job by lifting certain boards or using pretty conduit for light fixtures and outlets.
The stove may seem charming, but it’s not cute and needs to go. It’s not staying along with the asbestos.
The foundation is a mess, with wood on dirt, slabs, and a mix of materials. It all needs fixing, replacing, or pouring anew. The house was built like a TikTok trend, with wood on brick on stone.
The foundation diagnosis wasn’t surprising but still disappointing. We’re looking at a hefty bill for that, and it’s not something we can DIY easily.
But the good news is that the wood structure is in great shape. The posts, beams, flooring, and ceiling wood are strong and high quality. We may not need to gut the whole thing, just fix the foundation and other issues. Tom thinks the structure can remain mostly intact, with spot repairs as needed.
A big thank you to Tom Island for his report. If you need an experienced inspector in Portland, he’s the one to call. And for those waiting to hear back about restoration coaching, I’ll get to you soon. Traveling and kids have kept me busy, but I’ll be in touch.
There is still no update on the paranormal investigator, but I have made an interesting new connection with a home spiritual counselor. Our upcoming appointment at the Oregon Historical Society may provide valuable insights into the history of this place – who lived here, when it was built, how it was used, and what the neighborhood was like. It promises to be an enlightening experience!
Opening Image Credits: Photos by Kaitlin Green | Left From: Before Exterior Tour | Right From: Before Interior Tour
sentence to make it more concise:
“Please let me know if you have any questions or need further information.”
“Please inform me if you need clarification or additional details.”