Oregon City First-Time Homebuyer Resource

Buy With Confidence.
Know What You're Getting Into.

Oregon City's only Certified Master Inspector with 12 years of General Contractor experience walks you through every step of the homebuying process, from offer acceptance to inspection day and beyond.

Schedule Your Inspection → (971) 202-1311
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2,000+ Inspections Completed
5.0★ Google & Yelp Rating
12+ Years as Licensed GC
Top 1% Certified Master Inspector®
Russ Motyko performing a home inspection in Oregon City, Oregon
CMI® Oregon City's only Certified Master Inspector with GC experience
From Russ Motyko

I've Built Homes. Now I Help You Protect Yours.

I started framing houses and running job sites as a Licensed General Contractor. At the same time, I began inspecting homes. For over a decade, I've done both. That's not a resume trick. It changes how I inspect.

When I walk into a crawlspace, I know how that floor system was supposed to be built. When I open an electrical panel, I know what the code required and what corners were likely cut. When I see a crack in a foundation stem wall, I know the difference between cosmetic settling and something that needs an engineer's eyes.

Most inspectors read the house. I reverse-engineer it. That difference matters most when you're a first-time buyer with no construction background and a 30-year mortgage on the line.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know before, during, and after your Oregon City home inspection. Read it all, or jump to the section you need most.

Book Your Inspection →
Your Roadmap

The First-Time Buyer Checklist

From pre-approval to keys in hand, here is what to expect and when your home inspection fits into the timeline.

01

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Before you tour a single home, know your budget. A pre-approval letter from a lender shows sellers you are serious and tells you exactly how much you can borrow.

  • Pull your credit reports first
  • Compare lenders, not just rates
  • Understand your full monthly cost
  • Factor in taxes, insurance, HOA
02

Find a Real Estate Agent

A buyer's agent works for you, not the seller. In most transactions, the seller pays both agents, so using a buyer's agent costs you nothing extra and gives you expert guidance.

  • Ask for referrals from people you trust
  • Interview at least two agents
  • Confirm their Oregon City market experience
  • Review all agreements before signing
03

Make an Offer With an Inspection Contingency

When you find the home, your agent will write an offer. Make sure it includes an inspection contingency. This is your legal right to cancel or renegotiate based on inspection results.

  • Never waive the inspection contingency
  • Know your contingency deadline (10-14 days)
  • Understand what happens if issues arise
  • Don't accept seller inspection reports alone
04

Book Your Inspection Immediately

The moment your offer is accepted, call your inspector. Don't wait. In the Oregon City and Portland market, contingency windows are short. You want the full report in hand with days to spare for negotiation.

  • Call within 24 hours of acceptance
  • Plan to attend the full inspection
  • Ask about radon, mold, or pool add-ons
  • Confirm credentials and licensing
05

Review the Report and Negotiate

Your inspection report is a negotiating tool. Major defects, safety issues, and deferred maintenance are fair grounds to ask the seller for repairs, credits, or a price reduction.

  • Focus on safety and major defects first
  • Get contractor estimates for big items
  • Ask for credits, not always repairs
  • Understand what is cosmetic vs. structural
06

Close With Confidence

Once negotiations are settled, you move toward closing. Review the closing disclosure carefully. On signing day, the home is yours, and you'll already know exactly what you're walking into.

  • Do a final walkthrough before closing
  • Confirm agreed repairs were completed
  • Keep your inspection report forever
  • Use it as your home maintenance guide
The Case for Inspection

A Home Is the Biggest Purchase of Your Life. Don't Guess at What's Inside.

In a competitive Oregon City and Portland-metro market, buyers sometimes feel pressure to skip or rush the inspection. That's a costly mistake. Here's what a thorough inspection actually gives you.

Discover Problems the Seller May Not Know About

Not all sellers disclose problems because they don't know they exist. A roof leak that shows up in the attic, a failing water heater, or active moisture in the crawlspace may be completely invisible from inside the home. My job is to find what isn't obvious.

Use Findings to Negotiate a Better Deal

A detailed inspection report with photos and cost estimates gives your agent concrete ammunition at the negotiating table. Sellers routinely lower the price, credit buyers at closing, or fix issues before transfer when faced with documented findings from a credentialed inspector.

Walk Away Knowing What Needs Maintenance

Even a clean report is valuable. You'll leave the inspection knowing the age of the roof, when the water heater is likely to fail, how the HVAC is performing, and what to budget for over the next five years. That knowledge is worth the cost of inspection by itself.

Understand the Home's True Condition

Photos from a listing are marketing. I inspect things the camera doesn't show: inside attic hatches, under crawlspace vapor barriers, behind electrical panels, under sinks, and in every corner a buyer will rarely see before closing. You deserve to know what you're buying.

Pacific Northwest Homes Have Unique Issues

Oregon City and Portland-area homes have specific risks: attic moisture from our wet climate, clay soil movement affecting foundations, underground oil tanks in older neighborhoods, Federal Pacific and Zinsco electrical panels in homes built before 1990, and CPVC plumbing in some 1990s builds. I know exactly where to look for all of these.

The Builder's Eye Makes the Difference

I've framed houses. I've done structural remodels. I've worked on multi-million dollar construction projects. When I inspect a home, I'm not reading from a checklist. I'm looking at it the way the builder should have, and I can tell you when the builder cut corners.

100+ Items Checked

What Gets Inspected

Every inspection is a comprehensive review of the whole home, inside and out. Click each system to learn what I check and what problems I commonly find in Oregon City and the surrounding Portland metro.

Roof & Attic

The roof is often the most expensive single repair on any home. I inspect the roof by walking it when safe, or by drone when pitch or condition makes walking unsafe. I also inspect the attic from inside for ventilation, insulation, moisture, and structural integrity.

Oregon City's wet climate makes attic moisture one of the most common findings I document. Insufficient ventilation leads to condensation, which leads to mold on sheathing, which leads to costly remediation. I flag it early.

  • Roofing material condition and age
  • Flashing at chimneys, walls, valleys
  • Gutters, downspouts, and drainage
  • Fascia and soffit condition
  • Attic ventilation (intake and exhaust)
  • Insulation depth and coverage
  • Moisture and mold on sheathing
  • Rafters and ridge beam condition
  • Skylights and roof penetrations
  • Evidence of prior leaks or repairs

Oregon City Roof Reality Check

Composition shingle roofs in Oregon City and the greater Portland metro typically last 20 to 25 years. A 1998 home may have an original roof that is overdue. Moss and algae growth is common here and can accelerate shingle degradation. I document age estimates and remaining life in every report.

I've found active roof leaks with no visible ceiling staining inside — the water was soaking into the attic insulation before it reached drywall. A visual interior check alone won't catch it.

See inspection pricing →

Structure & Foundation

I inspect foundations, crawlspaces, floor systems, load-bearing walls, and framing from every accessible angle. My background as a Licensed General Contractor means I understand how these systems should be built and where corners get cut.

Oregon City and Portland sit in a seismically active region. I look specifically at cripple walls, anchor bolts, and hold-down hardware that affect how a home performs in an earthquake.

  • Foundation type and condition
  • Cracks, settling, and water intrusion
  • Crawlspace moisture and vapor barriers
  • Cripple wall bracing
  • Anchor bolts and seismic hardware
  • Floor joist condition and span
  • Subfloor deterioration
  • Pier and post supports
  • Wood-to-soil contact (rot risk)
  • Evidence of past settlement or repair

The Clay Soil Problem in Oregon City & Portland

Much of the Oregon City and Portland metro sits on expansive clay soil. It swells when wet and shrinks when dry, exerting significant pressure on foundations over decades. Diagonal cracks at window corners, sticking doors and windows, and sloped floors can all trace back to clay soil movement.

I document what I see, explain what it likely means, and tell you when you need a structural engineer's opinion, not just a general inspector's.

View Oregon City inspection page →

Electrical System

Electrical issues are among the leading causes of house fires. I inspect the main panel, sub-panels, wiring throughout the home, outlets, switches, and all visible junction boxes. I carry a thermal camera on every inspection, which can reveal overloaded circuits and hot connections invisible to the naked eye.

Homes built before 1990 in Oregon City and the Portland area frequently have Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or Zinsco panels, both of which have well-documented safety concerns. I identify them every time.

  • Main service panel and capacity
  • Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Pushmatic panels
  • Double-tapped breakers and wiring
  • GFCI protection (baths, kitchen, garage)
  • AFCI protection where required
  • Aluminum branch circuit wiring
  • Knob-and-tube remnants
  • Outlet polarity and grounding
  • Junction boxes and cover plates
  • Smoke and CO detector presence

Thermal Imaging Is Included Free

My thermal camera shows heat signatures that can indicate overloaded breakers, bad connections, and wiring problems behind walls. This is a service other inspectors charge extra for. I include it on every inspection at no additional cost.

In 2,000+ inspections, thermal imaging has helped me catch problems that would never have shown up in a standard visual inspection.

See what's included in every inspection →

Plumbing System

I test every fixture, inspect supply and drain lines, check the water heater, look under every accessible sink, and document the piping material throughout the home. The type of pipe tells a story about age, risk, and likely future repairs.

CPVC piping, common in 1990s Oregon City and Portland construction, can become brittle with age and is prone to cracking, especially when exposed to certain chemicals. I always document what I see.

  • Water supply line material (copper, PEX, galvanized)
  • CPVC, polybutylene identification
  • Drain and waste pipe material
  • Water heater age and condition
  • Water pressure and flow
  • Leak evidence under sinks and at fixtures
  • Toilet function and base seals
  • Shower and tub surrounds
  • Main shut-off valve location and function
  • Sewer scope recommendation when warranted

When to Add a Sewer Scope

A standard home inspection does not include a sewer scope (camera inspection of the underground sewer line). For homes built before 1975, or on properties with large trees near the sewer line, I strongly recommend adding one. Lateral sewer line repairs in Oregon City and Portland can cost $8,000 to $25,000.

I can refer you to a trusted sewer scope provider in the Oregon City and Portland area.

View add-on services and pricing →

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

I operate the heating and cooling systems, inspect the furnace and heat exchanger, check the flue, evaluate ductwork distribution, and assess the age and expected remaining life of each component. A failing heat exchanger is a carbon monoxide risk. I take it seriously.

  • Furnace operation and age
  • Heat exchanger cracks (CO risk)
  • Flue and exhaust venting
  • Filter condition
  • Air conditioning operation
  • Ductwork condition and distribution
  • Thermostat function
  • Mini-split and heat pump systems
  • Gas connections and shut-offs
  • Fireplace and wood stove inspection

Furnace Lifespans Matter at Closing

A gas furnace typically lasts 15 to 20 years. If the home you're buying has a furnace installed in 2006, you may need to budget $4,000 to $8,000 for replacement within the next few years. I document appliance ages and life expectancy so you can plan, not be surprised.

See inspection pricing →

Exterior Systems

The exterior is the home's first line of defense against Oregon City's wet climate. Failed caulking, deteriorated siding, improper grading, and poor drainage are among the most common issues I document. Water is the enemy of every home in the Pacific Northwest.

  • Siding material and condition
  • Caulking and sealing at penetrations
  • Window and door flashing
  • Deck and porch structural integrity
  • Grading and drainage away from foundation
  • Driveway, walkways, and retaining walls
  • Garage door operation and safety reversal
  • Exterior lighting and electrical
  • Hose bibs and exterior plumbing
  • Fencing, gates, and site drainage

Lap Siding and the Oregon City Climate

Oregon City's freeze-thaw cycles and persistent moisture make exterior maintenance critical. Fiber cement siding, when properly installed and painted, performs well here. Older hardboard siding, however, is notorious for absorbing moisture and swelling. I document siding type and flag deterioration clearly so your agent can use it in negotiations.

Learn about pre-listing inspections →

Interior Systems & Living Spaces

Inside the home, I inspect walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, stairs, and all visible interior components. Stains, cracks, and settling tell stories that a fresh coat of paint often tries to hide. I also test every window and door for operation.

  • Ceiling stains and active leak evidence
  • Wall and floor cracking patterns
  • Window operation and glazing
  • Door operation and latching
  • Stair handrails and guardrails
  • Bathroom ventilation
  • Kitchen appliances (basic operation)
  • Garage fire separation requirements
  • Attic access hatch condition
  • Laundry connections and dryer venting

Fresh Paint: Feature or Red Flag?

A freshly painted basement or ceiling doesn't mean the problem is fixed. Sometimes it means the problem was covered. I look for texture differences, soft spots, and moisture readings behind surfaces that have been freshly painted or patched. I've seen a lot of basements that were painted white right before listing.

Schedule your inspection →
Smart Add-Ons

Worth Considering for First-Time Buyers

A standard home inspection covers the structure, systems, and components visible on inspection day. But for first-time buyers in Oregon City and the Portland area, a few targeted add-ons can reveal risks that a standard inspection can't catch.

These aren't upsells for the sake of it. Each one addresses a real, common, and often expensive risk that is specific to Oregon City and Portland-area homes and climate.

See All Pricing →

Radon Testing

Colorless, odorless, radioactive. Oregon City and SW Washington have elevated risk. The EPA recommends testing every home you buy. A 48-hour canister test with certified lab results.

$150 with inspection

Mold Air Quality Testing

Air sampling with certified lab analysis. Especially valuable for older homes, homes with water damage history, or any property with musty odors. Includes indoor and control samples.

$195 with inspection

Pool & Spa Inspection

If the home has an in-ground pool or spa, don't skip this. Equipment, structural, electrical, and safety components are all covered. Pool repairs are expensive and common.

$295 with inspection

Pest & Dry Rot Inspection

Oregon only. Termites, carpenter ants, and dry rot are real risks in the Pacific Northwest. This inspection is often required by lenders for VA and FHA loans. Available as an add-on.

$75 with inspection

Thermal Imaging — Included Free

Included at no extra charge with every inspection. Thermal imaging reveals hidden moisture, electrical hot spots, HVAC distribution problems, and missing insulation that standard visual inspection can't see.

Free on every inspection

BuildFax Permit Report

A permit history pull revealing whether past work on the home was properly permitted and inspected. Unpermitted additions, renovations, or electrical work can create problems at resale and with your lender.

$20 with inspection
Know Before You Buy

Oregon City & Portland-Area Red Flags Every First-Time Buyer Should Know

These are the issues I see most often in Oregon City and the Portland metro that surprise first-time buyers. Know them before you make an offer.

The Ones That Cost the Most

Not every inspection finding is a dealbreaker. But some issues are expensive, dangerous, or both. These are the categories that consistently generate the biggest negotiations, the biggest surprises, and the most expensive repairs in Oregon City and Portland-area homes.

When I find any of these, I document them clearly with photos, explain the likely cost range, and tell you exactly who you need to call next. That's the value of hiring a Certified Master Inspector who has also built homes with his own hands.

See inspection pricing →
01

Federal Pacific Stab-Lok & Zinsco Electrical Panels

These panels are found in Oregon City and Portland-area homes built from the 1950s through the 1980s. Both have documented failure rates that have led to house fires. Replacement typically costs $2,500 to $5,000. Many insurance companies refuse to insure homes with these panels. I identify them every time, every inspection.

02

Underground Oil Storage Tanks (USTATs)

Many Oregon City and Portland-area homes built before the 1970s were originally heated with oil. When owners switched to gas, they sometimes left the underground tank in place. A leaking USTAT is an environmental liability that falls on the new owner. Remediation can exceed $100,000. I look for evidence of fill pipes, vent pipes, and old oil systems, and recommend tank sweeps when warranted.

03

Attic Moisture and Mold on Sheathing

Oregon City's climate makes attic ventilation critical. Poor intake or exhaust ventilation causes condensation on roof sheathing, which leads to mold growth. The fix ranges from simple (adding vents) to complex (replacing sheathing). I catch this in almost every other attic inspection in older homes.

04

Deferred Roof Maintenance

A roof that is 20 years old in Oregon City needs to be part of your negotiation. Moss buildup, missing or curling shingles, failed flashing, and compromised sealant around penetrations are all common. A new roof runs $12,000 to $22,000 for a typical Oregon City or Portland home. If the roof is near end of life, ask the seller to credit you at closing.

05

CPVC and Polybutylene Plumbing

CPVC was widely used in Oregon City and Portland construction from roughly 1985 to 2000. It becomes brittle with age, especially when exposed to certain cleaning chemicals and high heat. Polybutylene, used in a similar era, has a class-action history and is widely considered a liability. If the home has either material, plan for repiping in your ownership timeline.

06

Crawlspace Moisture and Vapor Barrier Failures

Oregon's ground moisture is relentless. A crawlspace without a proper vapor barrier, with standing water, inadequate venting, or deteriorated wood is a breeding ground for mold, wood rot, and pest activity. Remediation costs range from $2,000 for simple improvements to $15,000 or more for full encapsulation and repair.

07

Inadequate Seismic Retrofitting

Oregon City and Portland sit on the Cascadia Subduction Zone fault system. Many pre-1980 homes have cripple walls that are not braced and anchor bolts that are missing, undersized, or corroded. A seismic retrofit costs $3,000 to $8,000 but can be the difference between a home that survives a major quake and one that doesn't. I document seismic vulnerabilities on every older home.

08

Improper Grading and Water Management

The ground around the home should slope away from the foundation at six inches per ten horizontal feet. When it doesn't, or when downspouts discharge next to the foundation, water finds its way in. I see foundation seepage, efflorescence, and crawlspace flooding regularly that trace directly back to poor grading and drainage.

Transparent Pricing

What Does a Home Inspection Cost in Oregon City?

Pricing is based on the square footage of the home. No surprise fees. No add-on charges for thermal imaging. What you see below is what you pay.

Home Size (Square Footage) Inspection Type Price
Up to 1,500 sq ft Single-Family Home $395
1,501 – 2,000 sq ft Single-Family Home $445
2,001 – 2,500 sq ft Single-Family Home $495
2,501 – 3,000 sq ft Single-Family Home $545
3,001 – 3,500 sq ft Single-Family Home $595
3,501 – 4,000 sq ft Single-Family Home $645
4,001 – 5,000 sq ft Single-Family Home $695 – $745
Up to 1,000 sq ft Condo / Interior Only $245
1,001 – 1,500 sq ft Condo / Interior Only $295
1,501 – 2,000 sq ft Condo / Interior Only $345
2,001 – 3,000 sq ft Condo / Interior Only $395 – $445
Free Thermal Imaging Thermal camera inspection is included on every single-family and condo inspection at no extra charge. This alone is a $100 to $150 value at other inspection companies.
10% Military Discount Veterans, active duty, reservists, National Guard members, and military families all receive 10% off any inspection service. Just mention your military affiliation when you book.
ℹ️ First-time buyer tip: A home inspection in Oregon City typically costs $395 to $595. That's less than 0.2% of the purchase price on a $300,000 home. When inspection findings lead to price reductions or repair credits, buyers commonly recover the cost of the inspection many times over.
See Full Pricing Page →
Your Inspection Report

A Report That Actually Makes Sense

I don't hand you a PDF full of boilerplate disclaimers and vague "monitor for changes" language. My reports are written the way I'd want to read one. Clear findings, plain language, photos for every significant issue, and an honest assessment of what matters and what doesn't.

Reports are delivered within 24 hours. Russ prioritizes accuracy and thoroughness over speed. Every photo is labeled, every finding is categorized, and every safety issue is called out separately so you can't miss it.

  • Hundreds of photos with labeled findings and context
  • Safety issues highlighted separately for immediate action
  • Plain-language descriptions, no contractor jargon
  • Thermal imaging findings integrated throughout
  • Appliance ages and estimated remaining life
  • Summary section your real estate agent can use directly
  • Digital delivery with unlimited access, no expiration
Schedule Your Inspection →
Inspection Report — 4207 SE Morrison St, Portland OR
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panel — Safety Concern Main electrical panel · Recommend licensed electrician evaluation
Attic Moisture — Minor Mold on Sheathing Attic · Inadequate ridge ventilation; 3 rafter bays affected
Water Heater — Age 17 Years, Anode Rod Not Serviced Utility room · Plan for replacement within 1–3 years
GFCI Outlet Missing — Garage Left Wall Garage · Code-required; simple fix, estimated $75–$150
Thermal: Moisture Behind Laundry Room Wall Laundry room · Confirmed with moisture meter; source unclear

Sample report preview — actual reports include hundreds of photos and detailed descriptions

Common Questions

First-Time Buyer FAQs

These are the questions I get most often from first-time buyers in Oregon City, Portland, and Southwest Washington. Read them before your inspection day.

Yes. The seller's inspection report was commissioned by the seller. Even if the inspector was excellent, you have no legal recourse against that inspector if they missed something, because you were not their client. You deserve your own inspector, hired by you, working for you, walking the property with your interests in mind. The cost is small compared to the protection it provides.
Absolutely. The inspection is the best opportunity you'll ever have to learn about your home while an expert is walking through it. I encourage all buyers to be present for at least the second half of the inspection, when I walk through my findings in person. You'll learn more in two hours walking through the home with me than you would from reading the report alone. I will show you where the main shut-offs are, point out what to monitor, and explain what's urgent versus what can wait.
You have options. Your inspection contingency gives you the right to request repairs from the seller, ask for a credit at closing, renegotiate the price, or walk away entirely and get your earnest money back. Your real estate agent will help you decide which approach makes sense based on the specific findings and the seller's situation. My job is to document the facts clearly. What you do with them is your decision.
Typically 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the size, age, and complexity of the home. A 1,200-square-foot condo may take 2 hours. A 3,500-square-foot craftsman with a finished basement, crawlspace, and detached garage may take 4 hours or more. I don't rush. Your home gets as much time as it needs to be inspected properly.
Reports are delivered within 24 hours. Russ prioritizes accuracy and detail over speed. A comprehensive report takes time to prepare correctly. Expect your report the same day or the following day, depending on the complexity of the inspection and the volume of photos and findings documented.
Yes. New construction inspections are one of the most valuable services I offer. City building inspectors review code compliance at specific stages of construction but don't follow the home from start to finish. I do. New construction defects are more common than most buyers realize, including incomplete grading, improper flashing, missing insulation, and ductwork that hasn't been properly sealed. Use discount code NEWCONSTRUCTION when you book. See the new construction inspection page for details.
Yes. Oregon City is my home base, and I serve a roughly 25-mile radius that covers the full Portland metro, plus Vancouver, Ridgefield, Camas, Washougal, and Battle Ground in Washington. I hold Washington DOL License #1856 and am also a certified Washington Structural Pest Inspector. Availability is 7 days a week.
The Certified Master Inspector (CMI) designation is awarded by the Master Inspector Certification Board. It requires completing a minimum of 1,000 paid inspections and meeting strict continuing education requirements. CMI is held by the top 1% of inspectors nationwide. It is the highest professional designation available in the home inspection industry. Combined with Russ Motyko's 12+ years as a Licensed General Contractor and 10+ years as a home inspector, this is experience you won't find at most inspection companies.
Client Stories

What Oregon City & Portland First-Time Buyers Actually Say

5.0 stars on Google and Yelp. Here's what first-time buyers say about working with Russ.

"
★★★★★

This was my first home purchase and I had no idea what I was doing. Russ walked me through everything on site and made sure I actually understood what he was finding. The Federal Pacific panel he found saved me from a serious safety issue. My agent used the report to negotiate a $6,000 credit at closing. Worth every penny.

Jordan K.
First-time buyer, Oregon City, OR
"
★★★★★

I'm a Russian speaker and was nervous about the process. Finding out Russ is bilingual and speaks Russian was such a relief. He explained everything in both languages and made sure I didn't miss anything. The report was thorough and clear. I would recommend him to everyone in the Portland Slavic community.

Natalia V.
First-time buyer, Beaverton, OR
"
★★★★★

We almost bought a house with an underground oil tank that no one had flagged. Russ found the old oil fill pipe on the exterior and recommended a tank sweep. It came back positive. We walked away from that deal and found a better home. He literally saved us from a six-figure environmental liability.

Tyler & Megan S.
First-time buyers, Lake Oswego, OR
"
★★★★★

As a veteran using a VA loan, the military discount was a great touch. But more than that, Russ brought the same discipline and thoroughness to my inspection that I expect from a fellow servicemember. His report was organized, clear, and complete. I've bought two homes now. He did both inspections.

Chris B.
Veteran, Vancouver, WA
"
★★★★★

Russ spent three hours on a 1,500-square-foot house. Other inspectors had quoted me 90 minutes. He found moisture behind the laundry room wall using thermal imaging that I never would have seen otherwise. Turns out the washing machine had been slow-leaking for over a year. The seller paid for the remediation before closing.

Amanda L.
First-time buyer, Tigard, OR
"
★★★★★

I have worked with Russ on three client transactions now as a real estate agent. He is the inspector I recommend to every first-time buyer without hesitation. His reports are detailed, his photos are clear, and when my clients walk away from the inspection, they actually understand the home they're buying. That's rare.

Kelly W., REALTOR
Oregon City, OR
Explore More

Related Inspection Services

Every type of home has its own inspection needs. Explore the services most relevant to your purchase.

Inspection Pricing & Packages

View the full fee schedule for single-family homes, condos, and all add-on services. Transparent pricing, no surprises.

View pricing →

New Construction Inspection

Buying a brand-new home? New construction has its own defects. Learn why a city inspection isn't enough and what I find on new builds.

Learn more →

11-Month Warranty Inspection

If you bought a new home in the last year, your builder's warranty expires at 12 months. Don't let it run out. Use it while you can.

Learn more →

Pre-Listing Inspection

Buying from a seller who had a pre-listing inspection done? Here's what that means for you and what you should know before relying on it.

Learn more →

Pool & Spa Inspection

Buying a home with a pool? In-ground pools and spas require separate inspection. Equipment failures, safety hazards, and structural issues are common.

Learn more →

Oregon City Home Inspection

Buying in Oregon City, West Linn, or Lake Oswego? Oregon City is Russ's home base. Same-week availability, deep local knowledge.

Learn more →

Trusted Home Inspections / Fusion Services LLC is a privately owned, veteran-owned business. Russ Motyko's participation in the U.S. Army Reserve is a personal matter. This business and its services are not sponsored, endorsed, affiliated with, or authorized by the U.S. Army Reserve, the Department of Defense, or any other branch or agency of the United States Government.

Ready to Buy With Confidence?

Oregon City's Only CMI with 12 Years of General Contractor Experience

You're making the biggest purchase of your life. Get an inspector who has actually built the homes he inspects. Based in Oregon City. Available 7 days a week across the Portland metro and SW Washington.

Schedule My Inspection → (971) 202-1311

Oregon OCHI #1898  ·  Washington DOL #1856  ·  Certified Master Inspector®  ·  E&O Insured