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 • Attic

The Hidden Air Leaks That Are Destroying Your Attic (And How to Find Them)

Before spending money on attic ventilation, answer this first: where is the moisture actually coming from? In most Portland area homes, the answer is conditioned air leaking upward...

Feb 19, 2026 15 min read Read Article
Defects

Earthquake Preparedness for Portland Homes: Cripple Wall and Anchor Bolt Deficiencies

The Portland area sits within range of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of a magnitude 8–9 earthquake. Cripple...

Feb 19, 2026 • 9 min read
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Defects

Polybutylene Pipe: What Portland Homeowners and Buyers Need to Know

Polybutylene pipe was installed in millions of American homes between 1978 and 1995. It fails from the inside...

Feb 19, 2026 • 6 min read
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Defects

Aged Galvanized Steel Drain Pipe: A Different Kind of Plumbing Problem

Aged galvanized drain pipe is a common finding in older Portland homes and presents different concerns than galvanized...

Feb 19, 2026 • 8 min read
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Home Inspection

Elevated Radon Levels in Portland Area Homes: What Every Buyer and Homeowner Needs to Know

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US....

Feb 19, 2026 • 8 min read
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Attics

Why “Perfectly Vented” Attics Still Fail

The Science of Modern Roof Moisture 1. Introduction: The Homeowner’s Paradox There is a distinct pride in owning...

Feb 18, 2026 • 7 min read
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Buyer Guide

What to Expect During a Home Inspection: A Buyer’s Guide

If you’re buying your first home or just want to know what to expect during the inspection process,...

Feb 9, 2026 • 4 min read
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Buyer Guide

Home Inspection Checklist: 100 Items Every Buyer Should Know

When you’re buying a home, a professional inspection is one of the most critical steps in the process....

Feb 9, 2026 • 4 min read
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