Portland Home Inspection Blog

Real Answers from a Certified Master Inspector

Every article on this blog is written by Russ Motyko — a CMI with 12+ years as a licensed general contractor and 2,000+ completed inspections in Oregon and Washington. No filler, no generics. Just the information that actually helps.

350+ Articles
2,000+ Inspections
12+ Years as GC
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Latest • Home Inspection

Writing Home Inspection Reports That Clients Actually Read (and Understand)

Your report is the permanent record of your work. It is what the client reads after the excitement of the walkthrough fades. It is what their agent uses...

Mar 1, 2026 8 min read Read Article
Home Inspection

How to Handle Difficult Clients: Communication Tips for Home Inspectors

Every inspector who has been doing this for more than a year has a story. The buyer who...

Mar 1, 2026 • 7 min read
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Home Inspection

Should Clients Attend the Home Inspection? Pros, Cons & Best Practices

This question comes up constantly among new inspectors: should I encourage clients to be there? Should I let...

Mar 1, 2026 • 7 min read
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Home Inspection

How to Explain Home Inspection Findings Without Scaring Clients Away

One of the hardest skills to develop in home inspection has nothing to do with buildings. It is...

Mar 1, 2026 • 8 min read
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Home Inspection

Best Home Inspection Software in 2025: Report Writing Tools Compared

Your report is your product. Clients judge you by it. Agents share it. It is the document that...

Mar 1, 2026 • 9 min read
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Home Inspection

Thermal Imaging for Home Inspectors: Is It Worth the Investment?

Thermal imaging cameras have become one of the most discussed tools in home inspection. Some inspectors treat them...

Mar 1, 2026 • 8 min read
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Home Inspection

Commercial vs. Residential Home Inspection: Which Pays Better?

Most home inspectors start in residential. Eventually, many consider commercial work, either as a way to diversify income,...

Mar 1, 2026 • 7 min read
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Home Inspection

Home Inspector Specializations That Pay: Radon, Mold, Sewer Scope, Septic, and Well Inspections

A standard home inspection is your foundation. Specialty services are how you build a business that earns significantly...

Mar 1, 2026 • 10 min read
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Home Inspection

Home Inspector Continuing Education: What’s Required in Oregon and Washington?

Getting your home inspector license is step one. Keeping it requires ongoing continuing education in both Oregon and...

Mar 1, 2026 • 7 min read
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Home Inspection

What Add-On Services Make Home Inspectors the Most Money?

The base inspection fee is how most home inspectors get paid. Add-on services are how the best ones...

Mar 1, 2026 • 9 min read
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