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Manufactured Homes Aren't Like Site-Built. Your Inspector Shouldn't Be Either.

Manufactured homes follow HUD Code, not local building codes, and that difference changes what an inspection has to look at. Across Portland Metro and SW Washington, Russ Motyko inspects every system unique to manufactured construction, chassis to ceiling, as a licensed general contractor and a Certified Master Inspector®.

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Use code MANUFACTURED at checkout
Russ Motyko, Certified Master Inspector, performing a manufactured home inspection in the Portland metro
3,000+
Inspections in Oregon & Washington
5.0★
Google & Yelp Rating

Manufactured Homes Have Their Own Rules. I Know Them.

A Portland Metro manufactured home representative of the homes Russ inspects
Portland Metro & SW Washington

Manufactured homes are built to HUD Code, a federal standard, which is a different rulebook than Oregon or Washington residential code. Different framing, different anchoring, different mechanical and electrical conventions. Walk one the way you'd walk a stick-built ranch and you miss the systems that matter most on these homes.

I have 10+ years inspecting homes across the Portland metro and SW Washington, and I am a licensed general contractor. I've worked on manufactured homes, mobile homes, and HUD-code multi-sections. I know what a sound chassis looks like, what a clean marriage wall seal looks like, and where soft floors tend to show up.

When I walk a 1990s double-wide on piers, I check the data plate, the anchoring, the belly board, and the marriage line first. Then I work through every standard system the way I would on any other inspection. The report you get covers both layers.

I hold Certified Master Inspector® certification, Oregon OCHI license #1898, and Washington DOL license #1856. Free thermal imaging on every inspection. Bilingual in English and Russian.

Portland Metro & SW Washington Housing Market

4-county aggregate (Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Clark)
$557,217
Median sale price
37 days
Median days on market
2,228
Homes sold per month
8,613
Homes for sale now
Live Market Data · Updated September 2026
• Source: Redfin Data Center

Every Major System. Every Accessible Area.

Manufactured homes have systems you won't find on a site-built house. I inspect all of them, plus every standard system a conventional home inspection covers. A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive look at the home's accessible systems on the day of the inspection, performed under Oregon and Washington Standards of Practice. It isn't a warranty or a code inspection, and some conditions can't be seen.

Chassis & Foundation

  • Steel chassis rust, deflection & damage
  • Pier spacing & blocking condition
  • Tie-down anchors & straps
  • Skirting, ventilation & access
  • Settlement & leveling indicators

HUD Data Plate & Certification

  • Data plate presence & legibility
  • Wind zone, thermal zone & roof load zone
  • HUD certification labels (exterior tags)
  • Manufacturer & model verification
  • Documentation for lenders & insurers

Belly Board & Vapor Barrier

  • Tears, sagging & failed repairs
  • Rodent & pest intrusion
  • Ground moisture exposure
  • Particle board subfloor condition
  • Insulation displacement

Marriage Wall (Multi-Section)

  • Centerline seal condition
  • Section alignment & gaps
  • Interior ceiling water staining
  • Exterior shingle & cap continuity
  • Mechanical & plumbing crossings

Electrical

  • Main panel & breaker condition
  • Service entrance & grounding
  • Aluminum branch wiring (older homes)
  • GFCI & AFCI protection
  • Outlets, switches & fixtures

Plumbing & Water Heater

  • Supply lines & belly-routed piping
  • Drain, waste & vent lines
  • Water heater age & condition
  • Freeze damage & rodent intrusion
  • Exterior connections & shutoffs

HVAC

  • Furnace age & visible components
  • Heat pumps & central AC
  • Belly ductwork & trunk line
  • Combustion air & exhaust venting
  • Thermostat operation

Roof & Exterior

  • Roofing material & approximate age
  • Low-slope membrane & metal seams
  • Penetrations, vents & flashings
  • Siding, trim & skirting
  • Gutters, downspouts & drainage

Thermal Imaging

  • Possible moisture in walls & ceilings
  • Belly board cold spots & air leaks
  • Missing or compressed insulation
  • Electrical hot spots
  • HVAC duct leaks & airflow loss
100+
Items evaluated on every inspection Oregon OAR 812-008 and Washington WAC 308-408C standards, and beyond. Every finding documented with photos, severity rating, and plain-language explanation. Fewer surprises after closing.
Book Now →

What Goes Wrong in Manufactured Homes

These are the issues that come up most often in manufactured homes across the Portland metro and SW Washington. Some are routine maintenance. Others change what the home is worth taking on.

End view of a double-wide manufactured home: two sections joined at a center marriage line, floors over a belly board, steel I-beams on stacked piers, straps to ground anchors, plumbing in the belly, an electrical panel, and the data plate in a kitchen cabinet. Subfloor Belly tear Ground cover Pier Strap & anchor Roof, ceiling & floor seam Panel Drain Supply lines Data plate

Floors & belly

  • Particle-board subfloor sits on joists over the belly board, a wrap that holds the insulation.
  • A torn belly lets ground moisture in. Wet particle board swells and turns soft.

Piers & anchors

  • Steel I-beams under each section rest on stacked piers.
  • Straps run from the frame to anchors in the ground. Straps rust and anchors loosen over time.

Marriage line

  • A double-wide is two sections joined on site.
  • The seam runs across the roof, ceiling, and floor. When its seals fail, water follows the centerline.

Electrical

  • Many older homes have 60- or 100-amp service.
  • Some were built with panel brands that have documented safety issues.

Plumbing

  • Supply and drain lines often run inside the belly.
  • Freeze damage and rodents cause slow leaks that can go unseen for years.

Data plate

  • The HUD data plate is usually inside a kitchen cabinet, utility room, or closet.
  • Lenders and insurers often ask for it.
Simplified end view of a double-wide. What can be seen underneath depends on access to the crawlspace on the day of the inspection.

Soft or Spongy Floors

The most common complaint in older manufactured homes. Tears in the belly board let ground moisture reach the particle board subfloor. Once particle board gets wet, it swells, loses strength, and eventually fails.

  • Probe floors near plumbing fixtures
  • Document belly board tears & repairs
  • Thermal scan for signs of moisture
  • Note vinyl flooring that may hide damage
  • Note rim joist & subfloor decay

Anchoring & Tie-Downs

Anchoring deteriorates over time. Straps rust, anchors pull from the ground, and many older homes were never anchored to current standards. Oregon and Washington both have specific anchoring requirements.

  • Corroded or broken straps
  • Missing or loose ground anchors
  • Pier spacing that looks off for the installation
  • Improper pier placement
  • Settlement & deflection signs

Failed Marriage Wall Seals

The seam where two sections of a double-wide meet is a known trouble spot. Sealants fail, the structure shifts, and water finds a path in. Interior ceiling staining along the centerline is a red flag.

  • Roof centerline shingle condition
  • Interior ceiling stains & cracks
  • Floor seam gaps & height mismatches
  • Wall separation at corners
  • Sealant failure at exterior trim

Outdated Electrical Panels

Older manufactured homes were often built with 60-amp or 100-amp service that can't handle today's electrical loads. Some panels were brands with documented safety issues. A representative number of outlets gets tested.

  • Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels
  • Undersized service for modern use
  • Aluminum branch circuit wiring
  • Missing GFCI in wet areas
  • Improperly bonded grounding

Belly-Routed Plumbing

Plumbing routed through the belly is exposed to freeze damage in winter and rodent intrusion year-round. Slow leaks here go undetected for years and feed the same moisture problems that wreck the subfloor.

  • Polybutylene pipe identification
  • Freeze damage at exterior walls
  • Heat tape & insulation condition
  • Rodent chew damage on supply lines
  • Water heater age & safety controls

Missing HUD Data Plate

The data plate is a permanent record of how the home was built. Lenders and insurers often require it. Missing or unreadable plates complicate sales, financing, and refinancing. I look for it on every inspection.

  • Locate plate (kitchen cabinet, utility room, closet)
  • Verify wind & thermal zone match
  • Photograph for lender records
  • Note exterior HUD certification labels
  • Flag missing plates for IBTS replacement

Real Inspection Photos

From a Manufactured Home Inspection

Real photos from one of Russ's manufactured home reports near Woodburn, OR. Every report includes photos like these for each finding.

  • Concrete block pier laid on its side under a manufactured home, with the hollow cores facing sideways
    Pier blocks are meant to stand with their cores vertical. Laid on their side, they carry much less load, so a contractor should reset them. Improper floor beam support explained
  • Cracked black ABS drain pipe surrounded by torn insulation under a manufactured home bathroom
    This drain under the bathroom was cracked and leaking, with some subfloor damage nearby. Belly plumbing is checked wherever it is accessible.
  • Stained, water-damaged floor framing under the laundry area of a manufactured home
    Floor framing below the washer showed damage from a past or present leak. Water-weakened framing can lead to soft or sagging floors.
  • Zinsco brand electrical panel with its door open inside a manufactured home
    Zinsco panels are known for breakers that may not trip when they should. An electrician should evaluate and replace this one. Why Zinsco panels get flagged
  • Peeling, cracked coating on an aged low-slope manufactured home roof
    A recent coating was already failing on this original roof. Coatings can hide wear, so a roofer should advise on replacement options.

See a full sample report

Included on every inspection, no extra charge

Free Thermal Imaging. Included on Every Inspection.

An infrared camera picks up temperature differences the eye can't. On manufactured homes those can point to moisture against the belly board, missing insulation in floor cavities, and air leaks at marriage walls. In a climate this wet the camera earns its keep on almost every job, so it comes standard at no charge.

Possible moisture in walls and ceilings
Missing or compressed floor insulation
Electrical hot spots worth a closer look
HVAC duct leaks and airflow dead zones
Learn More About Thermal Imaging →
Infrared thermal imaging camera in use Thermal imaging scan of a home Infrared camera detecting moisture Thermal imaging inspection

A Report You Can Actually Use.

Your report should be clear enough to read in one pass and detailed enough to hand to a contractor, a lender, or your agent. Here's what every manufactured home inspection report includes.

Plain-Language Findings

Written for a homeowner, not a contractor. You'll know what each item means, why it matters, and what to do next.

Photos and Video on Every Finding

Visual proof of each issue noted, in context. Data plate photos, chassis shots, marriage wall closeups. Easy to share with a contractor or your lender.

Severity-Rated Items

Safety hazards, major defects, maintenance items, and informational notes. Sorted so you know what to prioritize.

See a Real Report

Browse a full sample inspection report. This is exactly what you'll get after your inspection, with the same format and same level of detail.

Sample home inspection report from Trusted Home Inspections
View Sample Report

What to Expect.

Most buyers in Portland and Vancouver have a 5- to 10-day inspection contingency. Here's how that plays out, start to finish.

1

Book the Inspection

Online or by phone, the day your offer is accepted. We can usually be on site within 48 hours.

2

Inspection Day

I work through the home for 2.5 to 4 hours, including a thorough look at the belly, chassis, and anchoring. Plan to join for the last 30 to 45 minutes for an in-person walkthrough.

3

Get the Report

Digital report through Spectora with photos, video, severity ratings, and plain language. Every finding gets written up properly before it goes out, and you get a delivery window when you book.

4

Make an Informed Decision

Now you know the home's visible condition. What you do next is up to you and your agent. Unlimited follow-up is included.

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.

What people say about Russ

Real reviews from clients across Portland Metro & SW Washington.

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
Book Now
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
Book Now

See our full pricing page for all size ranges.

Common Questions

Manufactured Home FAQs

Have a specific question? Call (971) 202-1311. Russ answers his own phone.

View the full FAQ →
Manufactured Home Specifics
Manufactured homes are built to HUD Code rather than local building codes. The inspection focuses on systems unique to manufactured construction: the steel chassis, marriage wall connections, pier-and-tie-down anchoring, belly board condition, vapor barrier integrity, and HUD data plate check. Every standard system is also evaluated, just like a buyer's home inspection on a site-built home.
The data plate is a permanent label inside every HUD-code manufactured home. It lists the manufacturer, model, wind zone, thermal zone, and roof load zone the home was built to meet. Lenders and insurers often require it. I look for and photograph the plate on every inspection.
Yes. Every accessible tie-down, ground anchor, and strap is inspected for corrosion, improper installation, and missing components. Proper anchoring is a safety-critical system and a common deficiency in older manufactured homes in both Oregon and Washington.
The biggest concerns are soft floors from belly board moisture damage, chassis rust or deflection, failed marriage wall seals in multi-section homes, improper pier spacing, deteriorated vapor barriers, and outdated electrical panels. A professional inspection covers all of these and gives you a clear picture of the home before you commit.
Pricing & Booking
Manufactured homes are priced on the same square footage schedule as single-family homes. Starting at $395 for up to 1,000 sq ft and going up to $845 for homes up to 5,000 sq ft. Free thermal imaging is included at every price point. Use code MANUFACTURED at checkout for a discount. Full pricing →
Yes. Use code MANUFACTURED when booking online for a discount on your manufactured home inspection. The code is applied at checkout in the scheduler. Book online here or call (971) 202-1311 to mention it over the phone.
Yes. Trusted Home Inspections is veteran owned and takes 10% off the inspection fee for veterans, active duty, reservists, National Guard, and military families. Mention your service when you book. More details →
Add-Ons & Coverage
Yes. Radon testing can be added to any inspection, including manufactured homes. With an inspection, radon testing is $150. A standalone radon test is $225. Learn about radon testing →
Yes. I'm licensed in both Oregon (OCHI #1898) and Washington (DOL #1856) and inspect manufactured homes throughout Clark County, including Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, and Ridgefield.
Yes, every time, no surcharge. On manufactured homes, the infrared camera is especially useful for spotting signs of moisture against the belly board, missing floor insulation, and air leaks at marriage walls. Thermal imaging details →
During & After the Inspection
Yes. Plan to be there for the last 30 to 45 minutes. I work through the home on my own first, then walk you through the findings in person. Seeing a soft floor or a failed seal in person is very different from reading about it later in the report.
2.5 to 4 hours, depending on size and access. Double-wides and triple-wides take longer because of the marriage wall and additional belly area. I don't rush.
Reports go through Spectora with high-res photos, severity ratings, and plain-language explanations. I write up every finding properly rather than racing a clock, and you get a delivery window when you book. After delivery, call or text any time with questions. Unlimited follow-up is part of the service.

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.

40 miles, no travel fee
Available 7 days a week
Dual-licensed OR & WA
Oregon state-licensed home inspector seal
Oregon Certified OCHI Lic. #1898
Washington state-licensed home inspector seal
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.

Don’t see your city? We likely cover it.

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Serving Portland Metro & SW Washington. Available 7 days a week. Use code MANUFACTURED at checkout for a discount.

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