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.
North Portland's Homes Have a Century of History. Your Inspector Should Know Every Chapter.
St. Johns craftsman bungalows, Kenton mid-century ranches, and brand-new infill builds can sit side by side on the same block. Each one has a completely different inspection profile. As a Certified Master Inspector® with 10+ years of home inspection experience and hands-on work as a licensed general contractor, Russ knows what to look for in each one.
North Portland Housing Market
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Median sale price
25 days
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Homes sold per month
2,319
Homes for sale now
North Portland Know-How
These Homes Have History. So Do I.
North Portland, Oregon
North Portland is one of the most historically layered housing markets in the metro. You have 1910s craftsman bungalows in St. Johns and Arbor Lodge, post-war ranches in Kenton and Overlook, mid-century construction in University Park and Piedmont, and a wave of infill new builds that started appearing on vacant lots across the area about a decade ago. Each era has its own inspection profile. A real North Portland inspection looks completely different depending on what decade you're walking into.
I've got 10 years of inspections behind me, and I'm a licensed general contractor. Difficult, high-end framing is my specialty. I've also replaced roofs, built and installed cabinets, run wiring, poured concrete, waterproofed showers, set tile, and hung drywall. In North Portland you're reading 80 or 90 years of repair work stacked on top of the original build, and knowing how each layer went in is most of the job.
When I walk a 1925 bungalow in St. Johns, I'm not just checking boxes. I'm reading the house the way a builder would: looking at what was done right, what was patched incorrectly by a previous owner, and signs of what may have been quietly failing for years behind finished walls. When I walk a new infill build in Kenton, I'm looking for the grading, flashing, and HVAC installation mistakes that show up reliably on freshly disturbed urban lots. Either way, you deserve that level of scrutiny.
I hold Certified Master Inspector® certification, Oregon OCHI license #1898, and Washington DOL license #1856. Every inspection includes free thermal imaging.
Before You Buy
North Portland Homes by Construction Era
North Portland has more pre-1950 housing stock than almost any other area in the Portland metro. The decade a home was built tells you almost everything about what the inspection will focus on.
Pre-1950 Homes
St. Johns, Kenton, Arbor Lodge, and Cathedral Park were established neighborhoods long before World War II. These craftsman bungalows and early colonials have real architectural character and solid bones. They also have systems that are 75 to 110 years old, often partially updated across multiple owners in ways that create inspection puzzles that take experience to read correctly.
Knob-and-tube wiring is the finding that matters most in this era. It lacks a ground wire, cannot carry modern electrical loads, and is frequently modified incorrectly by previous owners using tape splices or improper junction boxes. Insurance carriers often require full upgrades or decline coverage outright. On top of that, galvanized steel supply pipes in these homes have been corroding from the inside for 70 or more years. Pressure loss and discoloration at fixtures are the visible signs. The full picture is often worse than it looks.
Sewer scope inspection is especially valuable here. Cast iron drain lines from this era have been in the ground for 75 to 100 years. Scale buildup, joint seepage, and tree root intrusion are consistent findings when these lines are scoped in North Portland's older neighborhoods.
Common findings in pre-1950 homes
Knob-and-tube wiring
No ground wire, undersized for modern loads, frequently modified incorrectly. Insurance carriers often require upgrades.
Galvanized steel supply pipes
Corroded internally after 70+ years. Reduced pressure and discoloration at fixtures are early signs. Replacement typically $10,000 to $25,000.
Cast iron drain lines
Scale, joint seepage, and root intrusion after 75 to 100 years in the ground. Sewer scope essential.
Crawlspace moisture and wood rot
Foundations without modern waterproofing managing 80+ years of Pacific NW rainfall and humidity.
Roofs at or beyond service life
Often re-roofed once or twice. Age, layers, and condition documented in report.
1950 - 1980 Homes
Post-war and mid-century construction fills much of Overlook, University Park, Portsmouth, and the northern reaches of Piedmont. Ranch homes and early split-levels from this period are solid and often well-sited on larger lots. This era generates the most costly inspection findings per dollar of purchase price in North Portland's market because the systems look functional but are quietly approaching failure.
Aluminum branch circuit wiring from the 1965 to 1973 period is a key concern in this era. It expands and contracts differently than copper, and connections loosen over time. Arcing at outlets and switches is a documented fire risk. CO/ALR-rated devices or a full rewire are the standard fixes. Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels from the 1960s and 1970s compound the electrical picture in these homes.
Common findings in 1950 - 1980 homes
Aluminum branch circuit wiring (1965 - 1973)
Fire risk at connection points. Requires CO/ALR devices or full replacement. Insurance carriers frequently flag coverage.
Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels
Documented safety concerns. Insurance carriers frequently flag or decline coverage. Replacement strongly recommended.
Polybutylene plumbing (late 1970s builds)
Degrades from chlorine in municipal water. Sudden fitting failure. Insurance often requires replacement. Typically $10,000 to $20,000 to replace.
Crawlspace moisture and vapor barrier failure
Very common in pre-2000 homes in North Portland. Wet winters and poor original detailing combine badly.
Sewer lines approaching end of useful life
Aging cast iron and early Orangeburg lines in this era show significant deterioration. Sewer scope is critical.
1980 - 2005 Homes
New construction slowed considerably in North Portland during this period compared to the suburbs, but infill and scattered development did occur. Homes from this era look more modern and feel updated. They are now 20 to 45 years old and carry their own specific inspection concerns that are easy to miss without knowing what to look for.
Composite wood siding was widely used in Oregon new construction through the 1990s. Hardboard and wood-fiber siding absorbs moisture in Portland's wet climate and fails from the bottom up, often behind painted surfaces that look fine from a distance. CPVC plumbing was also common from the mid-1990s through the early 2000s. It becomes brittle with age and heat exposure, and cracking at fittings is the early warning sign. Roofs from the late 1990s and early 2000s built with 25-year shingles are now near or past typical service life.
Common findings in 1980 - 2005 homes
Composite wood siding failure
1990s hardboard and wood-fiber siding absorbs moisture in wet climates. Fails from the bottom up, often under paint.
CPVC plumbing brittleness
Becomes brittle with age and heat exposure. Cracking at fittings is the early warning sign.
Roofs reaching end of service life
25-year shingles from 1998 to 2002 are now near or past typical service life. Replacement typically $10,000 to $20,000.
Deck ledger connection deficiencies
A common code-era deficiency in homes with attached decks from this period.
Radon still present
Oregon homes produce radon regardless of construction era. Test every purchase.
Infill and New Construction
North Portland's infill boom over the past decade has added new homes, duplexes, and ADUs throughout St. Johns, Kenton, Woodlawn, and beyond. Buyers sometimes assume that because the home is brand new, inspection is not necessary. That assumption is expensive when it turns out to be wrong.
New construction inspection in North Portland's infill market consistently finds grading and drainage issues on tightly packed urban lots, HVAC ductwork installation defects, attic insulation and ventilation gaps, and window flashing details that do not meet manufacturer requirements. These are all the builder's or contractor's responsibility before you close, and only yours after. City inspectors check for code compliance phases, but they don't do the same thorough review we do.
The 11-month warranty inspection is designed for buyers who want to document defects before the builder's one-year warranty expires. The clock starts at closing, not when you discover the problem.
Common findings in infill and new construction
Grading and drainage toward foundation
Tight urban lots often have poor drainage. Water running toward the foundation is common and expensive post-close.
HVAC installation defects
Improperly sealed ducts, disconnected exhaust vents, and commissioning errors found regularly.
Flashing deficiencies at windows and doors
Improper installation allows moisture into wall assemblies that look fine from outside. Critical in Portland's rainy climate.
Insulation and ventilation gaps in attic
Thermal imaging can help spot these. Invisible to the eye and often covered by builder warranty if caught in time.
Radon (yes, even in new homes)
Oregon geology produces radon regardless of the home's age. Test every purchase.
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
North Portland Area by Area
Each part of North Portland has its own housing age, character, and inspection profile. Here is what buyers typically encounter in each area.
St. Johns & Cathedral Park
1910s - 1950s
Portland's northernmost neighborhood has some of the oldest housing stock in the metro. Craftsman bungalows and early colonials built before World War II dominate the streetscape. Knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized supply pipes, and cast iron drain lines are the core inspection concerns. Structural character is strong. System updates are the conversation.
Kenton
1920s - 1960s
A compact, walkable neighborhood that has seen strong buyer interest in recent years. Homes range from early bungalows to post-war ranches. The mix of eras means each property needs its own assessment. Electrical patchwork across multiple owners is common here. So is deferred crawlspace maintenance. Pre-offer inspection is particularly valuable in a neighborhood moving this fast.
Arbor Lodge & Overlook
1920s - 1960s
Two of North Portland's more established residential neighborhoods, with a mix of pre-war bungalows and mid-century construction on tree-lined streets. Galvanized plumbing and aging electrical systems are common in the older homes. Overlook's elevated position means drainage tends to run away from foundations, which is a relative advantage in Portland's wet climate.
University Park & Portsmouth
1940s - 1970s
Post-war and mid-century ranch homes on modest lots, generally well-maintained by long-term owners. Homes from the 1965 to 1973 window need careful electrical review for aluminum branch circuit wiring. Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels from this era also appear here. Solid construction era, but the electrical systems are the story buyers need to understand.
Woodlawn & Humboldt
1910s - 1960s, with infill
Older housing stock with a growing layer of infill construction. Some blocks mix century-old bungalows with brand-new builds on vacant lots. That means buyers in this area need an inspector who can correctly evaluate homes from both ends of the spectrum. Original era concerns apply in older homes; grading and flashing issues are the focus in new ones.
Piedmont & Hayden Island
Mixed eras
Piedmont's mid-century housing stock sits on generally flat terrain. Crawlspace drainage and vapor barrier condition are recurring findings here. Hayden Island is a different property type entirely, with manufactured homes and floating homes that require a different inspection approach and additional specialist review for the marine or manufactured structure components.
Multnomah County Risk Factors
What Makes North Portland Homes Different to Inspect
North Portland's age, climate, and infill development patterns create specific inspection concerns that go beyond what you would find in newer suburban markets.
Century-Old Electrical Systems
A higher percentage of North Portland's housing stock predates modern electrical codes than almost any other area of the metro. Knob-and-tube wiring, ungrounded outlets, aluminum branch wiring, and problem panel brands all show up regularly here. Each one carries real safety and insurability implications. Knowing which electrical issues are present before you close changes everything about how you approach the purchase.
Most common in pre-1975 housing stock
Crawlspace Moisture in a Wet Climate
Portland averages over 36 inches of rain per year, and much of that moisture finds its way into crawlspaces beneath older North Portland homes. Original foundations from the 1910s through the 1950s were not designed with modern vapor barriers or drainage systems. Moisture intrusion, wood rot at floor framing, and possible mold growth in crawlspaces are findings we see on a regular basis in this part of the city.
Very common in pre-2000 homes
Aging Underground Infrastructure
In North Portland's oldest neighborhoods, original sewer and drain lines have been in the ground for 80 to 100 years. Cast iron corrodes, joints separate, and tree roots find their way in. A sewer scope, arranged separately through a plumber, is one of the most useful extra steps for buyers in St. Johns, Kenton, and Cathedral Park. A failed sewer line discovered after closing can cost $10,000 to $25,000 to replace, and a pre-purchase scope gives you a chance to catch it before you buy.
Typical sewer replacement: $10,000 to $25,000
Real Inspection Photos
Found on Recent North Portland Inspections
Real photos from Russ's North Portland reports. Every report includes photos like these for each finding.
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Active knob and tube wiring buried in insulation can't shed heat as designed, which is a fire concern. Replacing it was recommended. Knob and tube wiring in Portland homes -
In homes wired before the mid-1960s, three-prong outlets were often added to ungrounded circuits, so the third prong gives no protection. Outlet options for older Portland homes -
Staining and efflorescence show moisture moving through this foundation. The deposits aren't structural, but they show the wall lets water in. Why Portland basements let water in -
This crack showed offset and had been sealed. Sealing doesn't restore lost strength, so further evaluation was recommended. When foundation cracks are worth worrying about -
Older metal drain lines tend to corrode at the joints. This one had a small leak at a fitting, and a plumber was recommended. What aging metal drain pipes mean -
Fallen insulation can mean colder floors and higher bills, and it can hold moisture or shelter pests. Reinstalling it was recommended. Common crawlspace problems in Portland
Inspection Scope
What We Check in a North Portland Home
Every inspection covers the major accessible systems and components, roof to crawlspace. We physically enter attics and crawlspaces. We operate every system we can safely access. 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.
Oregon Radon-Affected State
Radon Testing in North Portland
Oregon is a radon-affected state, and homes across Multnomah County including North Portland can have elevated radon levels. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas produced naturally by uranium breaking down in soil and rock. It seeps into homes through foundation cracks, crawlspace openings, and soil contact. You cannot smell or see it. The only way to know your level is to test.
County-level data shows elevated potential across the Portland metro, but radon levels vary significantly from property to property based on soil conditions, foundation type, and ventilation. Your neighbor's test result does not predict yours. Every home needs its own test. Basements and crawlspaces in North Portland's older housing stock are areas where radon can accumulate especially easily.
We recommend radon testing on every North Portland inspection. If levels exceed 4 pCi/L (the EPA action level), a mitigation system typically costs $800 to $1,500. That is a reasonable item before closing. It is much harder to address after.
Learn About Radon Testing →Radon facts for North Portland 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
North Portland Home Inspection FAQs
Questions buyers in North Portland and Multnomah County ask most before booking.
Most North Portland home inspections take 2.5 to 4 hours depending on the size, age, and condition of the home. Older bungalows in St. Johns or Kenton often run toward the longer end because there is more to document. Pre-war homes with original systems and multiple generations of updates take more time to read accurately. You are welcome to attend the entire inspection or join for the walkthrough at the end.
The biggest concerns in North Portland's pre-1950 housing stock are knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, galvanized steel supply pipes, cast iron drain lines approaching end of useful life, and crawlspace moisture from 80 or more years of Pacific NW rainfall. In homes from the 1965 to 1973 window, aluminum branch circuit wiring is a real electrical safety issue. Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels appear across the 1960s and 1970s stock. Every decade has its own profile, and the inspection approach changes accordingly.
Yes. New construction inspection is one of the most important services we offer for North Portland buyers. City inspectors check specific code phases at minimum standards. They don't evaluate the finished home the way we do. Our inspections on new North Portland infill builds regularly find grading that directs water toward the foundation, HVAC installation defects, improper flashing at windows and doors, and insulation gaps in attics. These are usually the builder's responsibility before you close, and a written report documents them. We also offer an 11-month warranty inspection for buyers who want to catch issues before their builder warranty expires.
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, not speed. Most reports go out the same day. Older homes with more findings may take until the next morning. After you get your report, call or text with any questions. Unlimited follow-up is included.
We serve the full Portland metro and SW Washington seven days a week, with no travel fee within 40 miles of Oregon City, which covers all of Multnomah County including North Portland, Northeast Portland, Southeast Portland, and surrounding communities, plus all of Clark County, WA. We're available 7 days a week and can often accommodate same-week bookings in the active Portland market. Call or text (971) 202-1311 if you have a tight timeline.
Thermal imaging is included at no extra charge on every inspection. Russ includes it because the infrared camera often shows temperature differences that can point to moisture intrusion, insulation voids, and electrical anomalies that are invisible to the naked eye. In North Portland's older homes, it is particularly useful for spotting signs of slow leaks behind walls. 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. Learn more about the CMI® designation.
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 the findings mean technically.
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.
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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