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.
Ridgefield's Two Housing Markets. Your Inspector Should Know Both Well.
Ridgefield sits at the intersection of century-old farmstead properties and brand-new plateau subdivisions. Each carries a completely different inspection profile. As a Certified Master Inspector® licensed in Washington (DOL #1856) with 10+ years of inspection experience and hands-on work as a licensed general contractor, Russ knows what to look for in both.
Ridgefield Housing Market
$666,750
Median sale price
44 days
Median days on market
28
Homes sold per month
159
Homes for sale now
Ridgefield Know-How
These Homes Have History. So Do I.
Ridgefield, Washington
Ridgefield spent most of its history as a quiet agricultural community on the Columbia River. Then it became one of the fastest-growing cities in SW Washington. That rapid growth created something you don't see in many markets: century-old farmstead homes sitting a few blocks from subdivisions where the paint is still fresh. Downtown and the original townsite along the Columbia River carry the full rural property profile, including wells, septic systems, outbuildings, and systems that predate modern codes. North Ridgefield's plateau neighborhoods are new-construction territory with a completely different set of concerns.
I have 10 years of inspector experience, and I am also a licensed general contractor. I've replaced roofs, run wiring, poured concrete, waterproofed showers, installed drywall, set doors, replaced siding and windows, and done high-end framing on some of the most complex jobs in the metro. That background is what lets me read a rural Ridgefield property the way it deserves to be read, and spot what the builder got wrong in a new-construction platted subdivision up on the plateau.
When I walk an older farmstead in Ridgefield, I'm not just looking at the house. I'm looking at any outbuildings added to the inspection, noting where the septic field and well sit relative to other site features, checking foundation drainage on lots shaped by decades of agricultural use, and looking for galvanized plumbing that's been corroding from the inside for 60 years. On the new side of the city, the focus shifts entirely: grading, ductwork, window flashing, attic ventilation, and anything the builder cut corners on before handing you the keys.
I hold Certified Master Inspector® certification, Washington DOL license #1856, and Oregon OCHI license #1898. Every inspection includes free thermal imaging.
Before You Buy
Ridgefield Homes by Construction Era
Ridgefield's housing stock spans a wider age range than most Clark County cities. The era a home was built in tells you exactly where Russ will focus and what he is most likely to find.
Pre-1965 Homes
These are Ridgefield's oldest properties, concentrated in and around the original townsite near the Columbia River and the National Wildlife Refuge. Farmsteads, early residential lots on larger parcels, and homes that predate the city's suburban era. If you're buying here, plan for a broader inspection scope. These properties often include outbuildings, private wells, septic systems, and systems that predate modern codes by decades.
Galvanized steel supply pipes corrode from the inside out. After 60-plus years, internal diameter is often significantly reduced, water pressure drops, and discoloration at fixtures is common. Full repipe can run $10,000 to $25,000 depending on the size of the home. Cast iron drain lines from this era have been in the ground just as long and warrant a sewer scope. Knob-and-tube wiring and early electrical panels appear in the oldest homes. Lead paint and asbestos-containing materials may be present in homes from this era.
Columbia River proximity on lower-elevation lots creates ambient moisture exposure that inland properties don't deal with. Thermal imaging regularly picks up temperature patterns that can point to moisture inside wall assemblies that look fine from the outside. These homes take longer to inspect because there's more to document.
Common findings in pre-1965 homes
Galvanized steel supply pipes
Corroded internally. Restricted flow and discoloration common. Replacement can run $10,000 to $25,000.
Cast iron drain lines
60-plus years underground. Scale, joint seepage, and root intrusion are consistent findings. Sewer scope essential.
Knob-and-tube wiring and early panels
Present in the oldest homes. Insurance carriers frequently flag or decline coverage when found.
Private wells and septic systems
Common on farmstead-era lots. Both require specialist evaluation. Well water quality testing is essential.
Columbia River corridor moisture
Lower-elevation lots near the river experience ambient humidity not seen on inland properties. Thermal imaging can show temperature differences that may point to it.
1965 - 1985 Homes
Ridgefield's early suburban period. Ranch homes and split-levels south of downtown along Pioneer Street and in the established residential core. These homes are now 40 to 60 years old and the systems that were standard in 1975 have been aging on schedule. Polybutylene plumbing was used widely during the 1978 to mid-1990s window and is present throughout this era. It degrades with chlorine exposure over time, making identification before closing important.
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels from the 1960s and 1970s are a documented fire hazard, and insurance carriers frequently flag or decline homes that still have them. Composite wood siding from early 1980s construction absorbs moisture in wet Pacific Northwest conditions and fails from the bottom up. Crawlspace moisture and inadequate vapor barriers are consistent findings on Ridgefield's established residential lots.
Common findings in 1965 - 1985 homes
Polybutylene plumbing
Widely used 1978 to mid-1990s. Degrades with chlorine exposure. Identification before closing can help you avoid a $10,000 to $20,000 surprise.
Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels
Documented safety concerns. Insurance carriers frequently flag or decline coverage on homes with these panels.
Composite wood siding deterioration
1980s hardboard siding absorbs Pacific NW moisture. Fails from the bottom up. Replacement costs vary widely by coverage area.
Crawlspace moisture and vapor barriers
Older foundations without modern vapor management collect Pacific NW humidity. Common in Ridgefield's established neighborhoods.
Roofs at or approaching service life
40-plus-year-old homes have often been re-roofed once. Approximate age and visible condition are documented.
1985 - 2005 Homes
Ridgefield began its suburban expansion during this period. Subdivisions started filling in around the original townsite and south of downtown. These homes are now 20 to 40 years old and have entered the maintenance phase every house eventually hits. They look solid, but the systems that were new in 1995 are aging on schedule. Roofs from the early 2000s are at or near the end of their expected 25-year service life. Sealants around windows and doors have dried and cracked.
CPVC plumbing, used widely in Pacific Northwest new construction from about 1995 to 2005, becomes brittle with age, especially near heat sources. I check visible CPVC closely for cracking at fittings and improper support. Composite wood siding from 1990s builds absorbs moisture in Clark County's wet climate and fails from the bottom up. And in Ridgefield, radon is a factor in every home regardless of age, construction type, or neighborhood.
Common findings in 1985 - 2005 homes
CPVC plumbing brittleness
Becomes brittle with age and heat exposure. Cracking at fittings is the early warning sign.
Composite wood siding failure
1990s hardboard and wood-fiber siding absorbs moisture in wet climates. Fails from the bottom up.
Roofs at or beyond service life
25-year shingles from 1998 to 2003 are near or past typical service life. Replacement can run $10,000 to $20,000.
Radon in every era
Clark County carries elevated radon risk regardless of home age. Test every purchase.
Deck ledger connection deficiencies
Common code-era deficiency in homes with attached decks from this period.
North Ridgefield and New Construction
Ridgefield's plateau subdivisions spreading north and east from the original town along the I-5 corridor have driven the city's growth reputation. Buyers in these areas sometimes assume a new home doesn't need inspection. That assumption is expensive when it turns out to be wrong. Municipal code inspections check minimum standards at specific construction phases. They don't evaluate the finished home.
New construction inspections in Ridgefield consistently find grading that directs water toward the foundation on recently disturbed lots, HVAC ductwork improperly sealed or sized, flashing errors around windows and doors, and insulation gaps in attics. These are usually the builder's responsibility before you close, and a written inspection report documents them.
The 11-month warranty inspection is specifically designed for buyers who want to document defects before the builder's one-year warranty expires. The clock starts at closing. Schedule before you hit 10 months.
Common findings in new construction
Grading and drainage toward foundation
Freshly disturbed lots in Ridgefield's growth areas often drain toward the house. Common and expensive post-close.
HVAC installation defects
Improperly sealed ducts, disconnected exhaust vents, and uncalibrated systems found regularly in new Ridgefield builds.
Flashing deficiencies at windows and doors
Improper installation allows moisture into wall assemblies that look fine from the outside.
Attic ventilation deficiencies
Thermal imaging can help spot these. Often invisible to the eye and may be covered by builder warranty if documented in time.
Radon (yes, even in new homes)
Clark County geology produces radon regardless of home age. Radon-resistant features reduce risk but don't guarantee safe levels.
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
Ridgefield Area by Area
Each part of Ridgefield has its own housing age, character, and inspection focus. Here is what buyers typically encounter in each area.
Downtown & River-Adjacent
Pre-1960s, farmstead-era
The original Ridgefield townsite along the Columbia River and adjacent to the National Wildlife Refuge. Farmstead-era and early-twentieth-century homes on larger lots. River proximity creates ambient moisture exposure that inland properties don't deal with. The inspection scope here is broader than anywhere else in Ridgefield. Outbuildings, private wells, septic coordination, galvanized plumbing, and knob-and-tube wiring are all part of the picture.
South Ridgefield & Pioneer Street
1960s - 1990s
Ridgefield's established residential core. Ranch homes and split-levels on standard suburban lots built through the postwar decades. Polybutylene plumbing, Federal Pacific panels, composite siding, crawlspace moisture, and aging HVAC are the consistent inspection themes here. Sewer scope is strongly recommended for any pre-1990 home in this area. These are solid, well-located properties with the maintenance concerns you'd expect from 40-year-old construction.
North Ridgefield & Plateau
2000s - present
The new development spreading north and east along the I-5 corridor. Larger homes, active construction, and the buyer profile that has driven Ridgefield's recent market. Grading and drainage on newly disturbed lots, HVAC installation quality, attic ventilation, and window flashing are the primary inspection focus. Radon testing is essential regardless of how new the home is. The 11-month warranty inspection is especially valuable for buyers still within their builder warranty period.
North Clark County Acreage
Mixed eras, rural parcels
Larger rural parcels north of the city limits and in unincorporated north Clark County. Older homes on significant acreage at prices that attract buyers willing to trade proximity for land. These are the most inspection-intensive properties in the area. Outbuildings can be added to the inspection ($100). Septic and well specialist coordination is required. Budget for additional specialist testing beyond the standard inspection fee.
Rural Properties with Outbuildings
Mixed eras
Shops, barns, and storage structures can be added to the inspection ($100). Russ looks at accessible electrical, structural condition, roof integrity, and fire separation on each outbuilding added. Signs of unpermitted wiring and structural concerns in outbuildings are common throughout north Clark County. If you're buying a property with significant outbuildings, plan for a longer inspection and factor specialist well and septic testing into your due diligence timeline.
HOA & Planned Communities
2000s - present
Ridgefield's newer subdivisions include HOA-governed planned communities with shared infrastructure and CC&Rs. The inspection covers the home's physical condition. Reserve funding, pending assessments, and drainage connections to community infrastructure are separate due diligence items. Buyers in planned communities should review HOA documents before closing, not after. Radon testing is essential regardless of HOA status or home age.
Clark County Risk Factors
What Makes Ridgefield Homes Different to Inspect
Ridgefield's unique split between rural farmstead properties and fast-growing new construction creates inspection concerns you don't see in most Clark County cities.
Rural Property Complexity
A significant portion of Ridgefield's market involves properties on larger parcels with private wells, septic systems, outbuildings, and decades of agricultural use history. These properties require a broader inspection scope than a standard suburban home. Outbuildings often show signs of unpermitted electrical, structural conditions shaped by decades of use, and fire risk profiles that differ from the main residence. Septic failures in Clark County can cost $15,000 to $40,000 or more. Washington State has specific disclosure requirements around septic condition at point of sale.
Septic failures can run $15,000 to $40,000+
Drainage on Developed Land
Ridgefield's rapid growth means many homes sit on lots that were recently agricultural or forested land. Soil that hasn't fully settled and grading that hasn't been properly established sends water toward foundations instead of away from them. It's one of the most common findings in newer Ridgefield neighborhoods, and one of the most expensive to fix after closing. On older properties, decades of agricultural use can leave drainage patterns that weren't designed for residential foundations. Downspout placement, surface slope, and window well drainage all get documented on every inspection.
Consistent finding in new subdivisions
Radon in Clark County
Clark County carries elevated radon risk. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that forms from uranium in the soil and seeps into homes through the foundation. It's the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon levels vary by property, meaning your neighbor's test tells you nothing about your home. Whether you're buying a century-old farmstead or a home completed last year, radon testing is the same answer. New construction does not protect you. Radon-resistant features reduce risk but don't guarantee safe levels. The only way to know is to test.
Every property. Every age. Test for radon.
Real Inspection Photos
Found on Recent Ridgefield Inspections
Real photos from Russ's Ridgefield reports. Every report includes photos like these for each finding.
-
Gutters holding water instead of draining. Re-sloping helps keep runoff from overflowing onto the fascia and foundation. Why small gutter problems matter -
Displaced crawlspace vapor barrier. Exposed soil can raise humidity under the house and may allow more radon to enter. How crawlspace moisture develops -
This bedroom window sill sat about 50 inches up, above the 44 inch limit for an emergency escape opening. Bedroom egress requirements explained -
Surface blocks on loose soil can shift or settle over time and leave stair risers uneven. A poured landing or proper footings is the usual fix. Common deck structural failure points -
Kinks like this restrict airflow, so rooms at the end of the run can heat and cool poorly. An HVAC contractor can reroute and support the duct. HVAC red flags before an offer -
A high reading at the toilet base can point to a slow leak. Left alone, water can work under the flooring and damage the subfloor. Bathroom problems to spot before an offer
Inspection Scope
What We Check in a Ridgefield Home
Every inspection covers the 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.
Radon in Ridgefield
Radon Testing in Ridgefield
Clark County carries elevated radon risk, and Ridgefield is no exception. 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.
Whether you're buying a century-old farmstead near the river or a home completed last year up on the plateau, radon testing is the same answer. New construction does not protect you. Radon-resistant features reduce risk but don't guarantee safe levels. Your neighbor's test result tells you nothing about your home. Radon levels vary by property, and the only number that matters is yours.
We recommend radon testing on every Ridgefield inspection. If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, the EPA action level, a mitigation system typically costs $800 to $1,500. That's a reasonable item to address before closing. It's much harder to resolve after.
Learn About Radon Testing →Radon facts for Ridgefield buyers
#2
Second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
After smoking. Responsible for about 21,000 deaths per year nationally.
4 pCi/L
EPA action level
Mitigation is a well-established fix and typically costs $800 to $1,500 in the Ridgefield area.
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
Ridgefield Home Inspection FAQs
Questions buyers in Ridgefield and north Clark County ask most before booking.
Ridgefield 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. Outbuildings are $100 per structure, and wells and septic systems are evaluated by separate specialists. Free thermal imaging is included at every price point. See full pricing at trustedhome.org/pricing.
Yes. Russ holds an active Washington State home inspector license (DOL #1856) and is a Certified Master Inspector®, a board-certified designation. He is fully licensed and insured to inspect throughout Clark County, including Ridgefield and all of north Clark County.
If the property is on a private septic system, a licensed septic inspection is non-negotiable. Septic system failures in Clark County can cost $15,000 to $40,000 or more. Washington State has specific disclosure requirements around septic condition at point of sale. Russ can help you understand what to ask for and coordinate a licensed septic inspector during the same window as your home inspection.
Strongly recommended for any Ridgefield home built before 1990. Older homes in the original townsite and established neighborhoods may have cast iron drain lines with root intrusion or Orangeburg pipe near end of service life. A sewer scope camera inspection is a separate service coordinated with a specialist and is well worth the cost before closing.
It depends heavily on the era. Older rural and farmstead homes have galvanized plumbing, cast iron drains, early electrical panels, private utility complexity, and Columbia River corridor moisture concerns. Mid-century suburban homes carry polybutylene plumbing, Federal Pacific panels, crawlspace moisture, and aging HVAC. Newer construction on the plateau produces drainage, HVAC installation, and attic ventilation findings. Radon is a risk across every era and every neighborhood.
Yes. Clark County carries elevated radon risk and Ridgefield is no exception. Radon levels vary by property, so a neighbor's clean test tells you nothing about yours. Testing is $150 added to your inspection. If levels exceed the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L, mitigation systems typically cost $800 to $1,500 and are a well-established fix.
Yes. New construction inspection is one of the most important services for Ridgefield buyers where significant plateau development is ongoing. City inspectors check code compliance, not quality. Russ looks at the quality of the finished home. Common findings in Ridgefield new construction include grading and drainage problems, HVAC installation defects, attic ventilation deficiencies, and window flashing issues that show up on thermal imaging. These are usually the builder's responsibility before you close, and a written inspection report documents them.
The 11-month warranty inspection is a full home inspection performed before your builder warranty expires, typically around the 10-month mark. Ridgefield has significant new construction activity and builder warranties may cover defects found within that period. Grading, drainage, HVAC, and attic ventilation are the most consistent findings. Buyers who skip this inspection often discover the same problems after the warranty ends and pay for them out of pocket. Learn more about 11-month warranty inspections.
Thermal imaging is included at no extra charge on every inspection. Russ includes it because the infrared camera can point to signs of Columbia River corridor moisture in older rural homes, and HVAC leaks and window flashing failures in new construction that are invisible to the naked eye. 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 Ridgefield and all of Clark County. Learn more about the CMI® designation.
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.
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. Rural properties with outbuildings sometimes take until the following day. After you receive your report, call or text with any questions. Unlimited follow-up is included.
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.
View All Service AreasReady to Schedule Your Ridgefield Inspection?
Available 7 days a week. Online booking open 24/7. Rural properties and acreage welcome.