Portland Home Inspection Blog

Real Answers from a Certified Master Inspector

Every article on this blog is written by Russ Motyko, a CMI and licensed general contractor with 3,000+ completed inspections in Oregon and Washington. No filler, no generics. Just the information that actually helps.

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Latest • Home Inspection

What Is Radon Gas and How Dangerous Is It for Portland Homebuyers?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that causes lung cancer. Learn why Portland area homes are at risk, what safe levels look like, and how testing works.

Feb 25, 2026 4 min read Read Article
Home Inspection

Home Inspection for Vancouver, WA Buyers: What’s Different From Oregon

Buying in Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, or Ridgefield? Learn how Washington home inspections work and what makes Clark...

Feb 25, 2026 • 3 min read
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Home Inspection

How to Choose the Right Home Inspector in Portland: 7 Questions to Ask

Your agent will give you names. Your friend will have a recommendation. Here are the 7 questions that...

Feb 25, 2026 • 6 min read
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Home Inspection

10 Most Common Problems Found During Portland Home Inspections

After 2,000+ inspections in Portland and SW Washington, here are the problems a Certified Master Inspector finds most...

Feb 25, 2026 • 4 min read
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Home Inspection

Home Inspection vs. Home Appraisal in Portland: What Is the Difference?

Home inspection and home appraisal are two completely different things that serve completely different purposes. A Portland Certified...

Feb 25, 2026 • 5 min read
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Home Inspection

What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection and Can It Help You Sell Your Home Faster?

A pre-listing home inspection finds problems before buyers do. Learn how Portland-area home sellers use it to get...

Feb 25, 2026 • 3 min read
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Home Inspection

How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Portland, Oregon?

What does a home inspection cost in Portland, Oregon? Get real pricing info, what affects the price, and...

Feb 25, 2026 • 3 min read
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Home Inspection

Lead Paint and Asbestos in Portland Homes: What Buyers Should Know

Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint. Homes built before 1980 may have asbestos. A Portland home...

Feb 25, 2026 • 3 min read
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Home Inspection

What Is GFCI and Why Does It Keep Showing Up on My Inspection Report?

GFCI outlets are one of the most commonly flagged items on home inspection reports. A Portland Certified Master...

Feb 25, 2026 • 3 min read
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Home Inspection

Crawlspace Problems in Pacific Northwest Homes: What Inspectors Find

Portland area crawlspaces are prone to moisture, mold, and pest damage. A Certified Master Inspector explains the most...

Feb 25, 2026 • 4 min read
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