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 Dry Rot and How Serious Is It? A Portland Homebuyer’s Guide

Dry rot is one of the most common findings in Portland area homes. Learn what causes it, where inspectors find it, and when it is a big deal...

Feb 25, 2026 4 min read Read Article
Home Inspection

Portland’s Home Energy Score: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

Portland requires sellers to get a Home Energy Score before listing. Learn what it means for buyers, what...

Feb 25, 2026 • 4 min read
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Home Inspection

What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection and Do You Need One in Portland?

A sewer scope sends a camera down your drain line to check for cracks, root intrusion, and collapse....

Feb 25, 2026 • 3 min read
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Home Inspection

Knob and Tube Wiring in Portland Homes: What It Is and What to Do About It

Many older Portland homes still have knob and tube wiring. Learn what it is, why inspectors flag it,...

Feb 25, 2026 • 4 min read
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Home Inspection

How to Read a Home Inspection Report (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

Home inspection reports can be long and confusing. A Portland Certified Master Inspector explains exactly how to read...

Feb 25, 2026 • 4 min read
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Home Inspection

What Does a Home Inspector Actually Check? A Room-by-Room Breakdown

Wondering what a home inspector actually looks at? Get a clear, room-by-room breakdown from a Portland Certified Master...

Feb 25, 2026 • 6 min read
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Home Inspection

What Does a Home Inspector Actually Look At?

Wondering what happens during a home inspection? Here is exactly what a certified inspector checks from roof to...

Feb 25, 2026 • 7 min read
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Home Inspection

What Does a Home Inspection Cover? A Plain-English Guide for Portland and SW Washington Buyers

Wondering what a home inspector actually looks at? Here is a plain-English breakdown of every system covered in...

Feb 25, 2026 • 9 min read
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Home Inspection

Underground Oil Tanks Buried in Portland Yards

Thousands of Portland homes sit on top of old abandoned oil tanks. Here's what they are, how to...

Feb 23, 2026 • 6 min read
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Home Inspection

Crawlspace Moisture in Portland: The Problem Under Almost Every Old Home

Crawlspace moisture is the single most common inspection finding in Portland area homes. Here's why it happens, what...

Feb 23, 2026 • 7 min read
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