Home Inspections in Portland, OR

Portland's housing stock tells the story of the city's growth. Victorian and Craftsman homes fill inner neighborhoods like Sellwood and Alberta. Mid-century ranches spread through East Portland. New construction dots the suburbs and infill sites throughout the metro.

Moisture dominates Portland home inspections. The city receives about 36 inches of rain annually, most of it between October and May. This prolonged wet season creates conditions for moss accumulation on roofs, wood rot in siding and trim, and water intrusion into basements and crawlspaces. Inspectors look carefully at any wood-to-ground contact and check for proper drainage away from foundations.

Portland's older housing stock presents specific challenges. Many homes built before 1970 have original plumbing, electrical systems that may not meet current needs, and foundations that predate modern building science. Galvanized steel plumbing, found in many 1920s-1950s homes, corrodes from the inside and restricts water flow over time.

Seismic concerns affect Portland homes, though retrofitting requirements vary. The city sits near the Cascadia Subduction Zone, and homes built before 1970 typically lack modern seismic connections. Foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing are common recommendations for older homes.

Whether you're buying a 1910 Craftsman in Irvington, a 1960s ranch in Milwaukie, or new construction in Beaverton, understanding Portland's specific inspection landscape helps you evaluate findings in proper context.

Key Neighborhoods: Pearl District, Alberta Arts, Sellwood, Hawthorne, St. Johns, Irvington, Montavilla

Local Requirements: City of Portland building codes, Oregon CCB licensed inspector requirement