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

Unpermitted Work in Vancouver WA: What Every Real Estate Agent Needs to Know

You are showing a beautiful home in Vancouver, WA. The listing says 2,400 square feet. Four bedrooms. Updated kitchen. Everything looks great on paper. But here is the...

Feb 28, 2026 14 min read Read Article
Home Inspection

What Portland Home Buyers Need to Know About Unpermitted Work

Buying a home in Portland? Unpermitted work can cost you thousands after closing. Here is how to spot...

Feb 28, 2026 • 22 min read
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Home Inspection

The Permit Problem Every Portland Realtor Needs to Know About

Unpermitted work can kill deals, trigger lawsuits, and leave your clients stuck with huge bills. Here is what...

Feb 28, 2026 • 30 min read
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Home Inspection

Buying a Home Built in the 2010s in the Portland Area? Here Is What to Watch For

Newer construction feels safe. Fresh materials, modern codes, energy-efficient systems. But homes built in the 2010s still have...

Feb 28, 2026 • 5 min read
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Home Inspection

Buying a Home Built in the 2000s in the Portland Area? Here Is What to Watch For

The 2000s housing boom in Portland and Vancouver was one of the busiest periods of residential construction in...

Feb 28, 2026 • 5 min read
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Home Inspection

Buying a Home Built in the 1990s in the Portland Area? Here Is What to Watch For

The 1990s were a decade of major changes in home design, but some of the materials and methods...

Feb 28, 2026 • 5 min read
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Home Inspection

Buying a Home Built in the 1980s in the Portland Area? Here Is What to Watch For

The 1980s produced a large number of homes in the Portland metro area. Rock Creek in Washington County,...

Feb 28, 2026 • 5 min read
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Home Inspection

Buying a Home Built in the 1970s in the Portland Area? Here Is What to Watch For

The 1970s were a complicated decade in home construction. The 1973 oil crisis pushed builders toward energy efficiency,...

Feb 28, 2026 • 5 min read
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Home Inspection

Buying a Home Built in the 1960s in the Portland Area? Here Is What to Watch For

The 1960s was the decade of suburban expansion in the Portland area. Neighborhoods like Beaverton, East Vancouver, and...

Feb 28, 2026 • 5 min read
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Home Inspection

Buying a Home Built in the 1950s in the Portland Area? Here Is What to Watch For

Ranch homes and split-levels from the 1950s are popular with buyers all over the Portland metro area. They...

Feb 28, 2026 • 6 min read
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