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.
Zinsco electrical panels are a serious safety concern in older Portland homes. Learn what they are, why they fail, and what your home inspector will recommend if one...
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels are a known fire hazard found in thousands of Portland area homes. Learn how...
Roof flashing failures are one of the most common causes of water damage in Portland homes. Learn where...
Improper grading and drainage around a home's foundation is a leading cause of water intrusion in Portland homes....
Crawl space mold is one of the most common issues found during Portland home inspections. Learn what causes...
Attic mold is surprisingly common in Pacific Northwest homes and often goes undetected until a professional inspection. Learn...
Standing water and moisture in crawl spaces is one of the most common problems found in Portland homes....
Wood-destroying organisms including termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles cause serious structural damage to Portland homes. Learn what...
Even thorough home inspections sometimes miss problems. Learn why some defects go undetected and what you can do...
What I find in older Portland homes, decade by decade: wiring, plumbing, crawlspaces, and the hazards worth testing...