Russ did a wonderful job inspecting our house. He was very flexible with his scheduling and made time for us on a Sunday morning. His inspection was very thorough and detailed. I appreciated that he took extra time to walk us through everything and answer any questions that we had. He made several great suggestions to us for repairs/improvements. I have been through a couple of different inspections over the years and Russ' was the absolute best. I highly recommend him if you are a buyer and looking for a very detailed home inspector.
Clark County WA Home Inspections, From a Dual-Licensed CMI® Who Crosses the River Every Week.
Not every Oregon-based inspector holds a Washington license. I do. WA #1856 alongside OR #1898. Hazel Dell ranch from 1967. Camas hillside contemporary from 2015. Ridgefield new build from last year. Different homes, same county, same inspector. As a Certified Master Inspector® with 3,000+ inspections and hands-on work as a licensed general contractor, I know what Clark County's housing stock leaves behind.
Clark County, WA Know-How
Washington State Licensed. Trained Washington Inspectors.
Clark County grew faster than the rest of SW Washington for one simple reason: no state income tax. That growth compressed decades of housing into overlapping neighborhoods. A 1962 Hazel Dell rambler and a 2024 Ridgefield spec home can sit half a mile apart. Each one needs a different inspection mindset. And whoever inspects them in Washington needs to carry a Washington license.
Ten years of inspections, a Washington State license, and I'm a licensed general contractor who has taught Washington State home inspection courses. Difficult and high-end framing is my specialty. I've also replaced roofs, run wiring, poured concrete, waterproofed showers, set tile, hung drywall, and swapped siding and windows.
When I walk a Clark County home, the era and city set the priorities. Older Hazel Dell and Orchards get aluminum wiring, galvanized plumbing, and oil tank checks. Camas hillside contemporary gets foundation drainage, complex rooflines, and EIFS scrutiny. Ridgefield new build gets grading, attic insulation, and warranty-window documentation. La Center and Brush Prairie get well, septic, wood stoves, and outbuildings.
I hold Certified Master Inspector® certification, Washington DOL license #1856, and Oregon OCHI license #1898. I am also a licensed general contractor. Every inspection includes free thermal imaging. In the Vancouver-Camas climate, that's standard equipment.
Clark County, WA Housing Market
Clark County, City by City
From dense Vancouver suburbs just across the Columbia to rural La Center at the north county line. Each community has its own profile. Click any to read more.
Clark County's largest city with one of the widest housing-era ranges in SW Washington. Historic neighborhoods, mid-century stock, and significant new infill. Inspection priorities shift block by block.
Dense unincorporated suburb with concentration of 1950s through 1970s ranches. Aluminum wiring, galvanized plumbing, Federal Pacific panels, and buried oil tanks are constants. One of the highest-volume inspection areas in the county.
Established unincorporated community with post-war and mid-century homes. Crawlspace moisture, deferred maintenance, and aging systems are frequent findings.
Newer suburban growth corridor. 1990s and 2000s homes with grading and drainage issues on maturing lots. CPVC and EIFS concerns common.
Fast-growing small city with older in-town homes and newer subdivisions on the rural fringe. Well and septic common on larger lots. Mix of older stock and new construction in close proximity.
Suburban unincorporated area between Vancouver and Battle Ground. Mix of 1970s through 1990s construction with varied maintenance histories. Polybutylene plumbing in some 80s and early-90s stock.
Desirable Columbia Gorge community. Historic downtown homes and newer high-end hillside development. Complex rooflines, multi-zone HVAC, hillside drainage, and pool inspections all common.
Gorge community with older in-town homes and newer riverfront development. Hillside lots, moisture concerns, and gorge wind exposure are recurring topics.
One of Clark County's fastest-growing cities. Heavy new construction. Grading, drainage, HVAC installation, and builder defect findings common. 11-month warranty inspections in high demand.
Rural community with larger lots, older homes, and private wells and septic systems. Wood stoves are common here, and outbuildings and pole barns can be added per building.
Small rural community at the north end of the county. Older homes, private water and sewer, agricultural property considerations. Outbuildings and acreage parcels are typical.
Rural northeast Clark County. Older farmhouses, well and septic, wood heat, and wildfire-zone considerations. Outbuildings can be added per building.
Clark County Homes by Construction Era
The county's housing stock breaks into four eras with distinct fingerprints. Each one tells you a lot about what the inspection will surface.
Pre-1965 Homes
The oldest stock is concentrated in downtown Vancouver, downtown Camas and Washougal, older Hazel Dell and Orchards pockets, and rural farmhouses across the north county. Knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized supply, cast iron drains, and original windows. Buried oil tanks are a Washington State disclosure issue on pre-1990 homes and especially common in this era.
1965 - 1985 Homes
This era is Hazel Dell, Orchards, and the early Vancouver suburbs. The Oregon-to-Washington migration that started in the 1960s built out neighborhoods of ranches and split-levels through the 70s and into the early 80s. Aluminum wiring in 1965 to 1974 builds is everywhere here. Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels appear regularly in 70s stock.
1985 - 2005 Homes
Salmon Creek, Five Corners, outer Vancouver, and the first wave of Camas hillside development. CPVC plumbing was standard. EIFS siding appeared on some 90s builds. First-generation composition roofs are often near or past typical service life. Deck ledger, attic ventilation, and unpermitted addition concerns are common.
Ridgefield & New Construction
Ridgefield expansion, ongoing Salmon Creek and Battle Ground subdivision growth, Camas hillside infill, and continuing Vancouver new builds. The county looked at set stages against a minimum standard. They don't evaluate the finished home. New construction in Clark County consistently shows grading toward foundations, HVAC install defects, and flashing errors.
The 11-month warranty inspection is critical here. Document defects before the builder warranty expires.
Recent Findings From Clark County Inspections
Three findings from real Clark County inspections this season. Every report includes high-res photos, severity ratings, and repair context.
Real Inspection Photos
What Inspections Turn Up in Clark County Homes
Real photos from Russ's inspection reports across the Portland and Vancouver area, showing issues common in Clark County homes. Every report includes photos like these.
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Poorly built retaining walls that were visibly failing. A failing wall can let soil shift and erode toward walkways and nearby structures. What retaining wall failure means -
Attic sheathing read 16 to 17 percent moisture, with rusted nail tips and apparent mold on some trusses. Ventilation should be checked so the attic can dry. How attic condensation damages roofs -
Damage and makeshift patches on a low-slope membrane roof. Flat sections can pond water, so a membrane roofing contractor review was recommended. Common roof inspection findings -
Leftover copper oil lines can be a clue that a heating oil tank is still buried on the property. A tank specialist can confirm and test it. Underground oil tanks buried in yards -
This tank was over 20 years old and showed rust at the bottom, a sign of slow leaking. Budgeting for replacement is wise at that age. When to budget for a new water heater -
Shingles that have shed their granules age faster in sun and rain. Widespread wear like this usually means the roof is nearing the end of its life. Roof warning signs before an offer
Is Your Dream Home Hiding Significant Issues?
See Your Potential Home Through an Inspector's Eyes.
Transform your observations into a clear risk profile. In just two minutes, you will receive a breakdown of what a professional inspector would be concerned about based on what you saw.
8 quick questions. No contact info required.
How old is the home?
You'll have the year built from the listing or the seller. Home age is the single biggest driver of inspection risk.
What did the roof look like from the street?
Look for curling shingles, dark patches, missing granules, or visible moss. A good look at the roof from the ground can tell you more than you'd think.
Did you notice any musty smell inside the home?
A musty or earthy odor is the most reliable clue buyers can detect about crawlspace moisture or mold, even without going under the house.
Did you see the electrical panel? What did it look like?
It's usually in a utility room, garage, or hallway. Federal Pacific (orange breakers) and Zinsco panels are known fire risks and still common in Portland-area homes from the 1960s to 1980s.
Did you notice any water stains on ceilings or walls?
Look near the corners of ceilings, under windows, and in bathrooms. Even old-looking stains matter, they show water has been in places it shouldn't be.
How did the overall condition of the home feel?
Trust your gut. A home that feels well-loved and maintained usually is. One that feels neglected almost always has deferred items hiding out of sight.
Did the home have a finished basement, addition, or garage conversion?
These are some of the most common places to find unpermitted work. A finished space isn't automatically a problem, but without permits, there's no record of whether it was done safely.
Where are you in your homeownership journey?
This helps us tailor your results to your situation.
What Makes Clark County Homes Different to Inspect
The county's tax-driven growth pattern, age-mixed neighborhoods, and Gorge wind exposure create inspection concerns unique to this part of SW Washington.
WA State Licensing Required
Washington State requires home inspectors to be licensed under WAC 308-408. Not all Oregon-based inspectors working the Vancouver market carry an active Washington license. Verify any inspector's WA license at the Washington DOL before booking. My license: #1856.
Buried Oil Tanks
Pre-1990 Clark County homes commonly used oil heat. Tens of thousands of abandoned underground tanks across Vancouver, Hazel Dell, and Orchards. They're a Washington seller-disclosure issue, an insurance liability, and a potential cleanup cost in the $1,500 to $20,000+ range. We look for fill caps, vent pipes, supply lines, and patched concrete on every pre-1990 home.
Gorge Wind & Hillside Exposure
Camas, Washougal, and the gorge-facing slopes catch consistent east wind out of the Columbia River Gorge. That stresses roofing, siding, and trim in ways most Vancouver-flatland homes don't experience. Hillside lots in Camas and parts of Salmon Creek also need careful attention to retaining walls, foundation drainage, and surface runoff.
What We Check in a Clark County Home
Every inspection covers all major systems and accessible areas, in accordance with Washington State standards. We physically enter attics and crawlspaces. We operate every system we can safely access.
Roof & Attic
Shingles, flashing, gutters, insulation, ventilation, moisture. Roof walked when safe.
Electrical
Panel brand (FPE, Zinsco flagged), wiring type (aluminum flagged), outlets, GFCI and AFCI.
Plumbing
Pipe material (poly-B flagged), drains, water heater, pressure, fixtures.
HVAC
Furnace, AC, heat pump, ductwork. Wood stove and fire insert clearances.
Foundation & Structure
Cracks, settling, retaining walls, anchor bolts, visible framing.
Crawlspace
Full physical entry. Moisture, vapor barrier, insulation, wood rot, oil-tank signs.
Interior
Walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, built-in appliances.
Exterior & Grading
Siding, deck, driveway, grading, drainage. Outbuildings added for $100.
Radon Testing in Clark County
Clark County's radon potential varies by location and soil type. The Washington State Department of Health recommends testing every home in Washington, regardless of zone designation. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas produced naturally by uranium breaking down in soil and rock. It seeps in through crawlspace soil, foundation cracks, and sump areas.
You cannot smell or see radon. The only way to know your home's level is to test. Many buyers assume a newer home or a home with mitigation doesn't need testing. That assumption doesn't hold. Passive systems can fail, and levels vary by soil, foundation type, and ventilation. Your neighbor's test result doesn't predict yours.
We recommend radon testing on every Clark County inspection. If levels exceed 4 pCi/L (the EPA action level), a mitigation system typically costs $800 to $1,500. Reasonable to resolve before closing.
Learn About Radon Testing →Transparent Pricing
Simple, Flat-Rate Pricing
No hidden fees, no surprise add-ons. Thermal imaging is included on every inspection.
- Full home inspection
- Free thermal imaging
- Roof & crawlspace
- Detailed digital report
- Full home inspection
- Free thermal imaging
- Detailed digital report
- 48-hour radon test
- Full home inspection
- Free thermal imaging
- Detailed digital report
- 48-hour radon test
- Mold air sampling & lab results
- Interior-only inspection
- Free thermal imaging
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC
- Detailed digital report
- Interior-only inspection
- Free thermal imaging
- Detailed digital report
- 48-hour radon test
- Interior-only inspection
- Free thermal imaging
- Detailed digital report
- 48-hour radon test
- Mold air sampling & lab results
Clark County, WA sits in EPA Radon Zone 1, and elevated readings turn up across the Portland metro. Testing is the only way to know. Standalone test: $225
Portland’s wet climate makes mold a real concern. Air samples are analyzed by Sporecyte, an accredited laboratory, which identifies mold types and spore concentrations. Standalone mold inspection: $445
Save $100 vs. standalone. In-ground spas included at no extra charge. Free-standing hot tubs are not inspected. Accessible components inspected, including shell, pump, filter, heater, and safety systems.
See our full pricing page for all size ranges.
Client Stories
What people say about Russ
Real reviews from clients across Portland Metro & SW Washington.
Russ was very detail-oriented and thoroughly inspected every inch of the house. His report made it easy to identify and address necessary repairs. We were very happy with his work, professionalism, and communication throughout the process. We would absolutely use him again for our one-year warranty inspection and any future inspections. Highly recommend!
We had two home inspections completed with Russ. The inspections were exceptionally thorough offering detailed insight into the homes. He did a great job with inspecting the entire roof and crawlspace. If I need another inspection, he would be my first call.
Russ did our 1 year warranty inspection and was absolutely amazing. Very thorough and found stuff that was never initially caught during our purchasing inspection. Thank you Russ!
I am a real estate agent in the Portland area that loves when my clients pick Russ. He has a non-alarmist way of describing his findings that helps each person to learn and understand in a better way. I appreciate his expertise and also, his sense of humor!
Great inspector! Honest and trust worthy
Highly recommend! Professional, thorough, and trustworthy are the words I would use to describe this business!!!
My wife and I had an excellent experience. They were professional, punctual, and extremely thorough. The report was detailed, well-organized, and delivered promptly, with clear photos. This inspection gave me complete confidence in my home purchase.
Very professional and honest inspector. Will not sugar coat the details. Very thorough and rigorous!
I can't recommend Russ enough, hands down, the most thorough, professional, and knowledgeable inspector out there!
Russ from Trusted Home Inspections is the best inspector ever. His report was so thorough and detailed that it made post inspection repairs and negotiations easy, reasonable and fair!!
Russ was a pleasure to work with. He communicated clearly, arrived on time, and conducted a thorough and detailed inspection. His professionalism gave me confidence in my home purchase decision.
Russ is fair, honest, and to the point. His extensive expertise is evident in his detailed reports. Nothing is missed!
Russ is a great inspector, honest, trustworthy, cares about his work being better than 'good enough,' and his expertise will be used in upcoming projects for family, friends, and coworkers!
We couldn't be happier! Russ was absolutely outstanding from start to finish, from the roof and attic to the foundation, electrical, plumbing, and everything in between. He did a radon test for us as well and the whole process was smooth.
Excellent home inspection service! Thorough, professional, and easy to understand. The inspector was patient, detailed, and provided a clear, well-organized report quickly. Highly recommend!
If you want an honest truth about any dwelling, call Russ. He will do his due diligence and put it in writing. 10/10 recommended
We had an excellent experience working with Russ. Professional, punctual, and extremely thorough. His report was detailed, easy to follow, and delivered promptly. We felt confident moving forward thanks to his expertise.
Russ is extremely knowledgeable and personable. I have used his services several times. In addition to his extensive experience, he also has a solid construction background, so he really knows what's what. Highly recommend!
If you're looking for an inspector who will do an honest, thorough inspection, choose Russ @ Trusted Home Inspection. I don't know of another person I could recommend over him. 10/10!
Russ is an outstanding inspector. Extremely thorough and very knowledgeable. He will crawl where others won't, and will see what others are blind to. Would 100% recommend his company to EVERYONE.
Russ was very detailed and found out way more details that were missed by other inspectors. He is very knowledgeable and detail oriented! Will definitely go with him next time I need an inspection.
Russ came recommended by our agent, and it's easy to see why. Compared to friends who recently bought homes and used other inspection companies, the level of detail here was unmatched. We have no complaints and would absolutely work with them again.
Russ was fantastic. Very thorough, personably, and prompt. He even got up on a pretty steep roof in the rain, which I didn't expect. Would highly recommend him for your home inspection.
Russ was incredibly thorough, very friendly, and answered all of our questions. We are first-time buyers, and we felt very well taken care of by Russ. His report was super informative and detailed, and gave us great next steps. Thanks Russ!
Russ was incredibly thorough and detailed, and his inspection really made me feel more comfortable with my home purchase. Thank you, Russ!
Russ is very thorough and finds every little detail. Very honest inspector and I can rest assured knowing my home was inspected by him.
We had an excellent experience with our home inspector. He was professional, thorough, and took the time to explain everything clearly. The inspection was very detailed, and the report was easy to understand with helpful photos and recommendations. He identified issues that could have easily been missed and gave us confidence in our home purchase. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and trustworthy home inspector. Thank you for the outstanding work!
Russ did a fabulous job inspecting our home. Not only was he thorough and professional, but he offered supportive follow-up via an in-depth 2-year maintenance calendar. He is a very clear communicator, very honest. Since living in the house, our experience noticing small quirks or repair items in the home matches Russ's inspection notes perfectly. Don't hesitate to work with him!
Russ did an 11 month warranty inspection for me and was incredibly thorough. He found over 50 items that needed to be addressed before the builder's warranty expired. What I appreciated most is that he actually listened to the concerns I raised and took the time to look into them. The report he gave was detailed and easy to follow, which made it simple to pass along to the builder. If you're looking for a home inspector who's meticulous and genuinely looks out for his clients, I would highly recommend Trusted Home Inspections.
Russ was AMAZING! Super thorough, responsive and gave us so much detail. The seller had done a pre-inspection and Russ did one for us as the seller. No comparison. We felt so confident going into negotiations and understanding everything. Hire Russ. You won't regret it.
Russ was great to work with! Timely, efficient and very easy to ask questions along the way. At the end of this inspection he answered all our questions without making us feel rushed! He made the whole process super easy and straightforward. Thank you!
A thorough and professional inspection. Russ answered all of my questions and made me feel confident about decisions that were required.
Super thorough and kind. Feel good with their assessment and feedback.
Russ is thorough, kind, and wants what is best for his customers. Highly recommend!
Excellent work, I am very pleased!!!
Thorough inspection and timely report
Clark County WA Home Inspection FAQs
Questions Clark County buyers ask most before booking.
About the Inspector
Inspected and Written by Russ Motyko, CMI®
Russ is Oregon City's only Certified Master Inspector® and licensed general contractor. He has completed more than 3,000 inspections across the Portland metro and SW Washington. Bilingual in English and Russian, a U.S. Army Reserve Noncommissioned Officer, and owner of Trusted Home Inspections.
Credentials: Certified Master Inspector®, Washington DOL License #1856, Oregon OCHI License #1898, Oregon CCB #254518. Has taught Washington State home inspection courses and trained 100+ inspectors.
Why this page exists: Clark County buyers deserve a single page that explains the housing stock, the licensing requirement, and the specific findings that come with crossing the Columbia. This page is written and maintained by the Washington-licensed inspector who actually does the work, not by a marketing team.
Where We Inspect
Serving Portland Metro & Southwest Washington
Available 7 days a week. No travel fee within 40 miles of Oregon City, and $50 past that. Not sure if we cover your area? Just call.
Multnomah County home inspections. Portland and the rest of Multnomah County are full of older housing stock, including 1920s craftsman bungalows in SE Portland, Pearl District lofts, and mid-century homes in NE Portland. Older homes mean knob-and-tube wiring, cast iron drains, and aging foundations. I’ve inspected hundreds of homes across Multnomah County and know what to look for in each neighborhood.
Clackamas County home inspections. Clackamas County is home base for me. Oregon City, Lake Oswego, West Linn, and Happy Valley are where I do most of my work. EPA rates Clackamas County as Radon Zone 3, but individual homes still test high, so radon testing belongs on every Clackamas County home inspection. I know the local builders, the common defects, and the soil conditions that drive moisture problems in this part of the metro.
Washington County home inspections. Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, and Tualatin are growing fast, with new construction next to homes from the 70s and 80s. Washington County home inspections often catch builder-grade shortcuts in newer subdivisions and aging mechanical systems in established neighborhoods. The wet Tualatin Valley climate also makes moisture intrusion and crawlspace issues more common than buyers expect.
Clark County home inspections in Southwest Washington. Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, and Battle Ground sit just across the Columbia River, and I’m licensed in Washington (DOL #1856) to inspect them. Clark County home inspections come with their own quirks: hillside foundations in Camas, manufactured homes in outlying areas, and the same wet Pacific Northwest climate that drives moisture and mold concerns. Same standards I apply on the Oregon side, no extra travel fee.
Don’t see your city? We likely cover it.
View All Service AreasReady to Schedule Your Clark County Inspection?
Available 7 days a week. Online booking open 24/7. Washington State licensed, from Vancouver to La Center.