Central Oregon Living

The lands of Central Oregon are known for their warm and arid condition, but also the unique landscape that homeowners in the area call home. Inspections Unlimited professional and lifelong Central Oregon resident Brian Thomas has been inspecting homes for six year, becoming very familiar with life and homes in Central Oregon. But how does living in the heart of Oregon differ from life elsewhere in the state? It isn't the type of home or property that home buyers in the Central Oregon area will find distinctive, since according to Thomas, "All new construction [in Central Oregon], in the last 10 to 15 years, is pretty much the same as everywhere else."

Instead, it's the environment and climate that are responsible for some of the interesting discoveries Thomas might make during a routine home inspection. New to the area, what are some of the common topics a first time buyer or homeowner might find interesting about their new desert neighborhood?

Summer Heating Options

For home buyers new to the Central Oregon area, a common question might be, "This is desert area, doesn't it get hot? Won't I need an air condition to keep my home liveable?" According to Thomas, the answer to this question is only a partial "yes." Central Oregon temperatures do spike during the summer months, and while some homeowners do opt for a classic air conditioning system, most will find that they only use the unit 6 to 8 weeks out of the entire summer - typically between July and August. In reality, summer temperatures in Central Oregon are comparable to the rest of the state, typically 85-90 degrees (F), though do get progressively warmer as you venture towards the North or East. 

Air conditioning remains the most popular choice of cooling options in America, though homeowners in Central Oregon have found options such heat pumps to be an equally comfortable and more economical choice. Other systems such as swamp coolers, which are known to be a popular choice in incredibly dry climates, are often only seen in older homes or commercial buildings. A properly insulated home that is kept closed to keep cool air inside will be comfortable and reasonable during even the summer months. 

Winter Weather Challenges

Unlike western areas of Oregon that are known for their rain, Central Oregon residents are much more familiar with the snow and ice during the colder seasons. Winter temperatures can drop to 0 °F (−18 °C) during the night. During heavy snowfall, layers of ice can quickly build up as snow begins to melt and refreeze daily. This can make plowing and shoveling snow incredibly difficult. 

It can also be a danger to homes as well, since the ice and snow build up can add pressure and extra weight to roofs, structure, and deck of a home. It can also tear gutter systems from the side of a home. Often times, homes built in the Central Oregon area will forgo gutters entirely, since they are easily damages during winter months and are hardly needed with the little yearly rainfall that occurs. 

Hot Weather Challenges

As temperatures warm up with the coming of spring, Central Oregon homeowners should also be aware the problems that hot weather can cause. Harsh, direct sunlight can dry out and warp the siding of a home. Thomas recalls multiple scenarios in which he has seen a home's exterior damaged from just that: "I might inspect a home that's East side looks fresh and new, while the siding on the West exterior wall that is dried out and has started cupping - bending and warping - from the sun." Since the exterior of a home is the main protection from the outside elements, homeowners should keep an eye on the condition of their siding. This is something that your Inspections Unlimited professional will take into account during a routine home inspection. During the hot weather, homeowners should also take into consideration the heightened danger of fires. The dry climate, direct sunlight, and brittle vegetation are the perfect combination for a small spark turned blaze. 

Pests and Wood-Destroying Organisms

The humid climate of Central Oregon created a challenging environment for certain household pests and wood-destroying organisms to thrive. The region rarely sees termite infestations - the subterranean is only the breed able to exist in the climate. According to Thomas, it is much more common to see Carpenter ants, though once again, infestation rates are lower. According to Inspections Unlimited founder and long-time home inspector Dan Lubbers, Carpenter Ants are known to have a "lazy" nature. These insects prefer to inhabit wood that has already been excavated - commonly places that Termites have already broken down and cleared out. Carpenter Ants tend to avoid solid, untouched wood. This is why it is less likely for them to infest homes in an area where other wood-destroying organisms aren't common.

Are you a Central Oregon homeowner? 

With professionals in nearly every area of the state, Inspections Unlimited can offer comprehensive and personalized services to meet your individual needs. Our inspectors often live in the area that they work, meaning they are familiar with the unique environment and area where you live - as a professional and as a homeowner themselves. Contact your local inspector or our business office to learn more about the inspection services in your area.