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.
Cornelius Homes Have Decades of History. Your Inspector Should Know Every Era.
Cornelius is a compact Washington County city where most of the housing stock was built between the 1950s and the 1990s. Ranch homes, tract construction, LP siding, and crawlspace moisture are the defining inspection themes here. As a Certified Master Inspector® with 10+ years of inspection experience and hands-on work as a licensed general contractor, Russ knows what each era produces.
Cornelius Housing Market
$494,764
Median sale price
48 days
Median days on market
11
Homes sold per month
52
Homes for sale now
Cornelius Know-How
These Homes Have History. So Do I.
Cornelius, Oregon
Cornelius sits directly east of Forest Grove along the Highway 8 corridor, and it has a housing character all its own. Where Forest Grove has a fair amount of pre-1950 craftsman inventory, Cornelius is predominantly mid-century and later. The core of the city's housing stock was built between the 1950s and the 1990s. Ranch homes from the early decades, LP-sided tract construction from the 1980s, and long-held family properties where deferred maintenance has quietly stacked up for years. That combination shows up in inspections here in very specific ways.
I have 10 years of inspection experience, and I am a licensed general contractor. My specialty was difficult and high-end framing, but I have also replaced roofs, installed cabinets, ran wiring, poured concrete, waterproofed showers, set tile, replaced siding and windows, and set doors. That background is what lets me read a home the way a builder does and spot what was done right alongside what wasn't.
When I walk a 1970s ranch in Cornelius, I am looking at what I can see and thinking about the aluminum wiring behind the walls, the galvanized supply pipes corroding from the inside, and the crawlspace conditions a wet Washington County winter has been working on for 50 years. When I see LP siding on a 1980s home, I already know where to look for the failure points. That pattern recognition is what makes these inspections thorough.
I hold Certified Master Inspector® certification, Oregon OCHI license #1898, and Washington DOL license #1856. Every inspection includes free thermal imaging.
Before You Buy
Cornelius Homes by Construction Era
Cornelius's housing stock spans roughly 70 years of construction. Each era brought different materials and different failure points. Knowing which era you're buying into tells you a lot about what the inspection will find.
Pre-1965 Homes
The earliest Cornelius homes are modest ranch-style properties that predate the city's main growth period. Many were built for working families and have stayed in those families across multiple generations. That history often means limited professional maintenance, original systems that are simply old, and DIY repairs of variable quality completed by owners who knew the house well but not necessarily the code.
Electrical panels in homes from this era are often undersized or obsolete. Original galvanized steel supply pipes are common, and after 60-plus years of use, the internal corrosion reduces pressure and discolors water. Crawlspaces in pre-1965 homes have had decades to accumulate moisture issues, and vapor control was minimal by today's standards. These homes take longer to inspect because there is more to document.
Common findings in pre-1965 homes
Galvanized steel supply pipes
Corroded internally. Restricted flow, discoloration, and low pressure at fixtures. Replacement typically runs $10,000 to $25,000.
Undersized or obsolete electrical panels
Original panels that lack grounding and cannot handle modern electrical loads. Common in Cornelius's early ranch homes.
Crawlspace moisture and wood rot
Older vapor barriers and minimal foundation drainage. Sill plate damage common in homes with decades of wet season exposure.
DIY repairs of mixed quality
Long-held family homes often have owner-performed electrical, plumbing, and structural work done outside of permit. Visible signs documented in the report.
Roofs at or past service life
Often re-roofed once or twice. Approximate age, layer count, and visible condition documented.
1965 - 1985 Homes
This is the era Cornelius is most associated with. Post-war growth brought ranch homes and split-levels to the Highway 8 corridor, built quickly and affordably. Aluminum branch circuit wiring was widely used during the 1960s and 1970s as a cost-saving measure. Without properly rated devices and anti-oxidant treatment at connections, aluminum wiring poses an elevated fire risk. It shows up regularly in Cornelius homes from this period.
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels and Zinsco panels are also common in this era. Both carry documented safety concerns that insurance carriers have started flagging. A home with either panel may face coverage issues or require replacement before closing. These are facts the report documents so the buyer has a clear picture of what they are dealing with.
Common findings in 1965 - 1985 homes
Aluminum branch circuit wiring
Present in many 1960s and 1970s Cornelius homes. Elevated fire risk at connections without proper devices and anti-oxidant treatment.
Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels
Documented safety concerns. Insurance carriers frequently flag or decline coverage on homes with these panels still installed.
Aging HVAC systems
Forced-air systems from this era are at or well past typical service life. Many are functional right up until they are not.
Crawlspace moisture
Vapor barriers from this era are often degraded or missing. Forty-plus years of Washington County winters take a toll on sill plates and subfloor framing.
Radon in every era
Washington County is EPA Zone 2 regardless of home age. Test every purchase.
1985 - 2005 Homes
Tract construction along the Highway 8 corridor accelerated in the late 1980s and 1990s. LP hardboard siding was widely used in this era as a cost-effective alternative to wood. It absorbs moisture, swells, and rots, especially at lower courses, butt joints, and around window and door trim. It is one of the most consistent findings on Cornelius homes from this period, and one of the more expensive repairs when deterioration is extensive.
Polybutylene plumbing appears in some late-1980s to early-1990s Cornelius homes. It was installed widely in the Pacific Northwest during this window and degrades with chlorine exposure over time. CPVC became common in the mid-1990s and is now old enough to show brittleness at fittings near heat sources. Roofs from the early 2000s are at or approaching the end of their expected 25-year service life.
Common findings in 1985 - 2005 homes
LP hardboard siding deterioration
A top finding on 1980s and 1990s Cornelius homes. Absorbs moisture and fails at lower courses, butt joints, and around window and door trim.
Polybutylene plumbing (where present)
Degrades with chlorine exposure. No longer permitted in new construction. Replacement typically runs $10,000 to $20,000 depending on home size.
CPVC plumbing brittleness
Becomes brittle with age and heat exposure. Cracking at fittings near the water heater is the early warning sign.
Roofs at or near service life
25-year shingles from 1998 to 2003 are past expected lifespan. Replacement typically runs $10,000 to $20,000.
Crawlspace moisture across all eras
Washington County wet winters make crawlspace moisture a consistent finding regardless of when the home was built.
2005 and Newer
Cornelius has seen some infill construction and scattered new builds since the mid-2000s, though the city does not have the large-scale new development you see in Hillsboro or Beaverton. Newer builds here generally meet current code, but meeting minimum code is not the same as being defect-free. Attic ventilation, crawlspace drainage, and roof flashing are common areas where builder minimums show up in inspection reports.
Even in newer Cornelius homes, radon testing matters. Washington County is EPA Zone 2 regardless of when a home was built. Soil conditions drive radon levels, not home age. Every purchase deserves a test.
Common findings in newer Cornelius homes
Attic ventilation deficiencies
Inadequate baffles, blocked vents, and insulation coverage gaps. Common in builder-minimum construction.
Flashing deficiencies at windows and doors
Improper installation allows moisture into wall assemblies that look fine from the outside.
Crawlspace drainage
Even newer homes in Washington County need proper crawlspace drainage. Flat terrain in parts of Cornelius compounds moisture buildup.
Radon (yes, even in newer homes)
Washington County is EPA Zone 2. Soil conditions drive radon, not home age. Test every purchase.
GFCI and AFCI placement gaps
Protection sometimes missing in wet areas and other expected locations, even in recent construction.
Home Risk Quiz
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.
2 minutes
Based on what you saw at the showing
No technical knowledge needed
Free Assessment
Begin
Assessment
8 quick questions. No contact info required.
1 of 8
01
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.
02
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.
03
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.
04
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.
05
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.
06
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.
07
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.
08
Where are you in your homeownership journey?
This helps us tailor your results to your situation.
Know Your Neighborhood
Cornelius Area by Area
Each part of Cornelius has its own housing age, character, and inspection focus. Here is what buyers typically encounter in each area.
Original Cornelius Core
Pre-1965
The oldest residential blocks in Cornelius sit near the original downtown and along the city's earlier development corridors. These homes are modest ranch-style construction, often on smaller lots, with original systems that have aged in place over 60-plus years. Galvanized plumbing, obsolete panels, and crawlspace moisture are consistent findings. Many have had multiple owners and layers of improvement work, not all of it permitted.
Highway 8 Corridor Subdivisions
1965 - 1985
The stretch of residential development along and near Highway 8 was built primarily in the 1960s and 1970s. Aluminum branch circuit wiring is common in this era. Federal Pacific panels show up regularly. These homes were affordable when new and have stayed affordable, which is part of why deferred maintenance is such a consistent theme. Russ takes extra time with the electrical system and crawlspace in homes from this corridor and period.
1980s and 1990s Tract Homes
1980 - 1999
Tract construction expanded the city during the 1980s and 1990s, and LP hardboard siding was used widely in this period across Washington County. You see it throughout Cornelius on homes from these decades. The siding absorbs moisture and fails at predictable locations. It is one of the most common findings Russ documents in this city. Polybutylene plumbing also appears in late-1980s and early-1990s homes here.
Long-Held Family Properties
Mixed eras
A significant portion of Cornelius homes have stayed in the same family for decades. That history can mean a well-cared-for home, or it can mean 30 years of owner repairs that never made it to a permit. Russ distinguishes professional work from improvisation where it's visible. These are often the homes where buyers find the most surprises, because the surface condition masks what the systems have been doing for 20 or 30 years.
Infill and Newer Construction
2000s - present
Scattered infill construction and a small number of newer subdivisions bring more recent inventory to Cornelius. These homes generally meet modern code, but builder-minimum construction in any era still has inspection findings. Attic ventilation, crawlspace drainage, and window flashing are the areas where newer Cornelius homes most often show up in reports. And Washington County radon testing applies here just as much as in older homes.
Properties Near Forest Grove
Mixed eras
The western edge of Cornelius blends into Forest Grove, and buyers sometimes look at homes in both cities during the same search. Cornelius skews newer and more affordable than Forest Grove's older craftsman inventory, but the inspection themes overlap. Crawlspace moisture, aging systems, and radon are relevant in both cities. If you are deciding between the two, Russ serves both regularly and knows the housing stock on each side of the border.
Washington County Risk Factors
What Makes Cornelius Homes Different to Inspect
Cornelius's housing age, Washington County's wet climate, and the EPA Zone 2 radon designation create inspection concerns that are specific to this part of the Portland metro.
EPA Radon Zone 2
All of Washington County, including Cornelius, carries the EPA's Zone 2 designation, moderate radon potential. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that seeps into homes through crawlspace soil, foundation cracks, and utility penetrations. Most Cornelius homes are crawlspace construction, which gives radon a direct path into the living area through degraded vapor barriers and unsealed floor penetrations. The only way to know your level is to test. Radon testing is $150 added to any inspection.
EPA Zone 2, moderate potential
Crawlspace Moisture
Washington County averages around 40 inches of rain per year, most of it between October and April. For Cornelius crawlspace homes, that seasonal load accumulates below the living area year after year. Vapor barriers degrade. Vents get blocked. Sill plates soften. The flat terrain in parts of the city means grading often sends water toward the foundation rather than away. Russ enters every accessible crawlspace, not just a flashlight look through the hatch. He photographs conditions, checks vapor barrier continuity, and documents wood member health at every inspection.
~40 inches of rain annually in Washington County
Aging and Problem-Era Materials
Cornelius's housing stock concentrates in a window from the 1950s through the 1990s that produced some of the most problematic materials in residential construction. LP hardboard siding, aluminum branch circuit wiring, Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels, polybutylene plumbing, and galvanized steel supply pipes all show up in Cornelius homes with regularity. These are not obscure findings. They are the expected profile for this city's housing stock. Knowing they exist before closing is the entire point of the inspection.
Most housing built 1950s through 1990s
Real Inspection Photos
Defects to Watch for in Cornelius Homes
Real photos from Russ's Washington County inspection reports, showing issues common in Cornelius homes. Every report includes photos like these for each finding.
-
LP siding was common on 1980s and 1990s tract homes like those in Cornelius. It absorbs water and swells as it fails. LP and hardboard siding failures explained -
Galvanized supply pipe corrodes inside and cuts water flow. Pressure dropped at this home when two fixtures ran at once. What galvanized supply pipe means -
Stains like these show water has entered the crawlspace before. Most Cornelius homes sit over crawlspaces facing wet winters. Crawlspace moisture in Portland homes -
Exposed end grain on fascia boards soaks up runoff and rots, a common deferred maintenance item on older homes. Where dry rot hides in a house -
Heavy rust in the pan points to a past or ongoing leak. A plumber should check the tank and its connections. Common water heater inspection findings -
Moisture inside a furnace can mean condensate or venting problems and leads to rust. Worth an HVAC service visit. Furnace condensate leaks and rust
Inspection Scope
What We Check in a Cornelius Home
Every inspection covers all major systems and accessible areas, roof to crawlspace. We physically enter accessible attics and crawlspaces. We operate the systems we can safely access and test a representative sample of components. We do not check boxes. We evaluate the home.
Roof & Attic
Shingles, flashing, gutters, attic insulation, ventilation, and moisture.
Electrical
Panel, breakers, wiring type, outlets, GFCI and AFCI protection.
Plumbing
Supply pipe material, drain lines, water heater, pressure, and fixtures.
HVAC
Furnace, AC, heat pump, ductwork, and distribution. Age and condition noted.
Foundation & Structure
Cracks, settling, retaining walls, and visible structural framing.
Crawlspace
Full physical entry. Moisture, vapor barrier, insulation, and wood rot.
Interior
Walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, and built-in appliances.
Exterior & Grading
Siding, deck, driveway, grading, and drainage away from foundation.
EPA Radon Zone 2
Radon Testing in Cornelius
Washington County carries EPA Radon Zone 2 designation, moderate radon potential. That applies to every home in Cornelius regardless of age, construction type, or whether a mitigation system is already installed. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas produced by uranium breaking down in soil and rock. It seeps into homes through crawlspace openings, foundation cracks, and utility penetrations. You cannot smell or see it. The only way to know your level is to test.
Most Cornelius homes are crawlspace construction. That matters because crawlspace soil is where radon enters, and degraded vapor barriers give it a direct path into the living area through floor penetrations and subfloor gaps. Soil conditions drive radon levels, not home age. Your neighbor's result does not predict yours. Every home needs its own test.
We recommend radon testing on every Cornelius inspection. If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, the EPA action level, a mitigation system typically costs $800 to $1,500 depending on conditions. That is a manageable item to address before closing. It is harder after.
Learn About Radon Testing →Radon facts for Cornelius buyers
#2
Second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
After smoking. Responsible for about 21,000 deaths per year nationally.
48h
Test takes 48 hours
Continuous electronic monitor placed at the start of the inspection. Digital results delivered promptly.
$150
Added to your inspection
Standalone testing is $225. Add it at booking and save $75.
Transparent Pricing
Simple, Flat-Rate Pricing
No hidden fees, no surprise add-ons. Thermal imaging is included on every inspection.
Starter
Standalone Inspection
$395up to 1,000 sq ft
- Full home inspection
- Free thermal imaging
- Roof & crawlspace
- Detailed digital report
Most Common
Inspection + Radon
$545up to 1,000 sq ft
- Full home inspection
- Free thermal imaging
- Detailed digital report
- 48-hour radon test
Best Value
Inspection + Radon + Mold
$790up to 1,000 sq ft
- Full home inspection
- Free thermal imaging
- Detailed digital report
- 48-hour radon test
- Mold air sampling & lab results
Starter
Standalone Inspection
$295up to 1,000 sq ft
- Interior-only inspection
- Free thermal imaging
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC
- Detailed digital report
Most Common
Inspection + Radon
$445up to 1,000 sq ft
- Interior-only inspection
- Free thermal imaging
- Detailed digital report
- 48-hour radon test
Best Value
Inspection + Radon + Mold
$690up to 1,000 sq ft
- Interior-only inspection
- Free thermal imaging
- Detailed digital report
- 48-hour radon test
- Mold air sampling & lab results
48-Hour Monitor Test
$150with home inspection
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
With home inspection$150
Standalone radon test$225
Test duration48 hours
Air & Surface Sampling
$245with home inspection
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
Standard package (2 air + 1 control)$245
Additional air samples$75 each
Surface swab$70 each
Lab analysis & reportIncluded
Pool & Spa Evaluation
$295with home inspection
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.
With home inspection$295
Standalone inspection$395
In-ground spa includedYes
Most reportsSame day
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
Common Questions
Cornelius Home Inspection FAQs
Questions buyers in Cornelius and Washington County ask most before booking.
Cornelius home inspections start at $395 for homes up to 1,000 sq ft and scale by square footage up to $845 for homes up to 5,000 sq ft. Many Cornelius homes are modestly sized and fall toward the lower end of that range. Free thermal imaging is included at every price point. See full pricing at trustedhome.org/pricing.
Crawlspace moisture is consistent across most eras of Cornelius construction. LP hardboard siding deterioration is a frequent finding on 1980s and 1990s homes. Aluminum branch circuit wiring and Federal Pacific panels show up in 1960s and 1970s homes. Polybutylene plumbing appears in late-1980s to early-1990s builds. Deferred maintenance and DIY repairs of variable quality are common in long-held family properties.
Yes. Washington County is EPA Radon Zone 2, moderate radon potential. Cornelius crawlspace homes are especially susceptible because radon enters through soil below the living area. Degraded vapor barriers and unsealed floor penetrations give it a direct path upward. The only way to know your home's level is to test. Radon testing is $150 when added to your inspection. Standalone testing is $225.
Louisiana-Pacific hardboard siding was installed on many Washington County homes built in the 1980s and 1990s. Unlike fiber cement or vinyl, it absorbs moisture and deteriorates over time, especially at lower courses, butt joints, and around window and door trim. Russ looks for it on every inspection and documents the extent of any visible deterioration so buyers understand what repair or replacement may be involved.
Most Cornelius homes are crawlspace construction. Washington County's wet winters and the flat terrain in parts of the city create conditions for moisture buildup below the floor. Russ enters every accessible crawlspace on every inspection. He does not do a flashlight look through the hatch. He photographs conditions, checks vapor barrier continuity, inspects structural wood members for rot and pest damage, and documents all visible plumbing below. Free thermal imaging is included and can point to moisture that does not show up on a standard visual inspection. Mold air sampling can be added for $245 if findings warrant it.
Thermal imaging is included at no extra charge on every inspection. Russ includes it because in a city with this much crawlspace construction and this many wet winters, the infrared camera often picks up temperature differences that point to things the eye misses. Learn more about thermal imaging.
Certified Master Inspector® (CMI®) is a board-certified designation from the Master Inspector Certification Board. To qualify, an inspector needs at least three years in the inspection business, 1,000 or more fee-paid inspections and hours of training and education combined, completed professional education, agreement to the board's code of ethics, and consent to periodic criminal background checks. Russ is Oregon City's only Certified Master Inspector® with 10+ years of home inspection experience and 100+ inspectors trained, serving Cornelius and all of Washington County. Learn more about the CMI® designation.
Your report is delivered through Spectora with high-resolution photos of every significant finding, severity ratings, and plain-language explanations. The priority is accuracy and detail. Most reports go out the same day. After you receive your report, call or text with any questions. Unlimited follow-up is included.
Yes. Trusted Home Inspections is veteran-owned and takes 10% off the inspection fee for veterans, active duty, reservists, National Guard members, and military families. Mention your service when you book. See full details at trustedhome.org/military-discount.
That decision is yours and your agent's to make, and the inspection contingency period is when you have it to make. After closing, you don't. The report is your documentation. Russ is available after delivery to help you understand what is critical, what is manageable, and what requires a specialist to evaluate further.
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.
Oregon Certified
OCHI Lic. #1898
Washington Licensed
DOL Lic. #1856
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.
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