Many buyers in the Portland metro area consider homes on both sides of the Columbia River. Oregon and Washington both have strong home inspection industries, but there are some differences worth knowing about before you schedule.
Washington Home Inspector Licensing
In Washington, home inspectors are licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing. The licensing requirements are separate from Oregon’s, which is why it is worth confirming that your inspector holds a Washington license if you are buying in Clark County. At Trusted Home Inspections, Russ Motyko holds licenses in both Oregon (OCHI #1898) and Washington (#1856). Whether you are buying in Portland or in Ridgefield, you get the same level of expertise.
No Home Energy Score Requirement in Washington
Portland requires sellers to provide a Home Energy Score before listing. This requirement applies only inside Portland city limits and does not cross the river. If you are buying in Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, or Washougal, no energy score is required. This does not mean energy efficiency is not worth considering. Your home inspection will still evaluate the condition of the heating and cooling system and insulation.
Common Issues in Clark County Homes
Many of the same issues we find in Portland homes appear in Clark County as well. Crawlspace moisture is just as common in Vancouver as in Portland. Clark County has seen significant growth and new construction in areas like Ridgefield, Battle Ground, and the Salmon Creek corridor. Newer homes have different inspection priorities than older ones. Some rural parts of Clark County have homes on septic systems, where a separate septic inspection is worth having. Some rural properties also rely on private wells where water quality testing is a separate service worth doing.
Do I Need a Sewer Scope in Clark County?
Yes. The same reasons that make sewer scopes valuable in Portland apply in Clark County. Many Vancouver neighborhoods have older sewer lines and mature trees. Ask about adding a sewer scope to your inspection when you schedule.
Serving All of Clark County
We inspect homes throughout Clark County including Camas, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, and Washougal. Book your Washington inspection here.