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The 6 Best Building Inspectors in Portland for Thorough Reports

  • Licensing: We chose inspectors who are fully licensed, and we verified that they were through the Oregon CCB website.
  • Detailed Inspections: We looked for firms that use modern tools such as thermal imaging cameras to find hidden leaks, drones, and moisture meters. We confirmed this by double-checking with their clients.
  • Customer Feedback: We read reviews on sites like Google and talked to their clients. We paid attention to what they said about company communication, punctuality, and the inspections.
  • Clear Pricing: We compared prices and picked ones that were upfront with their quotes.

Ever watch the ’90s comedy Mouse Hunt? Ernie and Lars, two brothers, inherited a rundown mansion. It was filled with leaky roofs, rickety floors, structural cracks, and an unstoppable mouse. 

What could’ve been a quick fortune flips into endless repairs and skyrocketing costs, all because they jumped in without a good building inspector. A good building inspector would’ve flagged those issues upfront—saving time, money, and sanity. 

That’s why building inspectors are important. So, to save you time, we’ve rounded up Portland’s best building inspector services. Here are the ones who made our list. 

1. PDX Premier Inspections

pdx-premier-inspections-logo

Services: Attic Inspection, Central AC System Inspection, Exterior Home Inspection, Foundation Inspection, Heating System Inspection, Interior Home Inspection, and more

Contact: +1 503-388-2707

Business hours: 

  • Sunday to Friday – 8 AM to 6 PM
  • Saturday – 8 AM to 4 PM

Website

Google reviews score5/5
Yelp reviews score 5/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 5/5
Licensing5/5
Detailed Inspections5/5
Customer Feedback5/5
Clear Pricing5/5

PDX Premier Inspections sets the bar high when it comes to radon detection. They use top-of-the-line Corentium Pro devices in every inspection and do 48-hour continuous monitoring, giving them the accuracy that standard tests can’t.

We also like how they combine radon detection with drone roof scans. We thought this added a useful layer of detail, especially for spotting early signs of wear or damage that might not be visible from the ground. 

Many clients we talked to also found the general inspections thorough. The team uses comprehensive checklists for crawlspaces, plumbing, electrical, and more. 

One family we talked to said PDX Premier’s building inspector flagged an outdated attic that could’ve easily gone unnoticed. This helped them prevent a nasty fire hazard, which they really appreciate. 

Another thing we love is how their efficiency flows into their add-ons, like their sewer video scoping and their furnace checks for winter safety. They even provide structural overviews that tie everything together for a confident buy. 

Just keep in mind that the inspection process can drag out for hours because of how thorough they are. This can be inconvenient if you’re juggling a busy schedule or working from home.  

Pros

  • Top-of-the-line Corentium Pro devices
  • 48-hour continuous monitoring 
  • Radon detection with drone roof scans
  • Detailed views of wear and tear 
  • Comprehensive checklists 
  • Sewer video scoping 
  • Furnace checks available

Cons

  • Long inspection process

So great to work with

“We had a great experience with PDX Premier Inspections! Rich was so great to work with. He came highly recommended from our realtor and I can’t say enough wonderful things about how precise and in depth he was. It made our house buying process much easier. We would definitely use him again!”

Casey O Keefe, Google Reviews

Very professional and got the inspection done

“I was in a predicament and needed my condo inspected rather quickly. Luckily I found Rich with PDX Premier Inspections. We set up an appointment and he made it out the next day. He was very professional and got the inspection done in a timely manner. He was clear and thorough in his inspection while being extremely friendly. I will recommend Rich to all my friends and coworkers needing a home inspection! Thanks Rich!”

Thomas Crouch, Google Reviews

2. Nonprofit Home Inspections

nonprofit-home-inspections-logo

Services: Structural issues, Heating and Cooling, Electrical, Sewer scopes, Radon testing, Mobile home inspections, Pool inspections, Aerial roof inspections, and more

Location: 1515 SW 5th Ave #825

Contact: +1 503-505-7879

Business hours: Monday to Sunday – 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM

Website

Google reviews score5/5
Yelp reviews score 5/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 5/5
Licensing5/5
Detailed Inspections5/5
Customer Feedback5/5
Clear Pricing5/5

We love how Nonprofit Home Inspections makes thorough home checks accessible without the high costs. They operate as a company that funnels profits into free or sliding-scale services for low-income families and nonprofits. 

We found their approach to accessibility well thought out. They partner with the Oregon Health Authority to offer free radon testing. We found this very beneficial, especially in older homes where exposure to invisible, cancer-linked gas can go unchecked.

When it comes to their inspections, they’re especially great for first-time buyers. According to several clients we talked to, the team throws in extras like sewer scopes (camera checks for pipe issues) and drone roof scans. 

Some clients even shared that early detection, like signs of mold, helped them save thousands in future repairs.

Other clients also loved Nonprofit Home Inspections’ same-day reports. They helped keep fast-paced real estate deals on track. 

That said, some people mentioned that if you’re not in the lower income brackets, you will be charged normal prices. It’s not unusual, but definitely something to keep in mind if you’re expecting a discount or free service.

Pros

  • For budget-conscious buyers
  • Nonprofit for low-income families
  • Free radon tests
  • Sewer scopes available 
  • Drone roof scans are available
  • Spot mold risks early
  • Same-day reports

Cons

  • Charges normal price if not low income

Really thorough, professional and honest

“I needed a home inspection done on a certain day due to purchasing my new home. It was super easy to schedule online/they had lots of availability! I was assigned to Charles Lewis and he did such a wonderful job! He was really thorough, professional and honest! He also did a great job at catching every little detail! The report summary was very well outlined/included articles and resources. He took the time to explain every little detail in each image! I hardly leave reviews but I had to because I had a great experience with them! I highly recommend! Thank you again Charles!”

Mayra Suchil, Google Reviews

Super thorough, has a great eye for detail

“Dylan Moore was super thorough, has a great eye for detail, and drafted an extensive inspection report for us.  We feel much more confident about making an informed purchase.”

Craig Moore, Google Reviews

3. True Home Inspections

true-home-inspections-logo

Services: Exterior, Interior, Heating, Attic, Electrical, Foundations, Thermal Imaging, Fireplaces, Windows and doors, Plumbing, Air Conditioning, and more

Location: 3909 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd #6

Contact: +1 503-369-8498

Business hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM

Website

Google reviews score5/5
yelp reviews score 5/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 5/5
Licensing5/5
Detailed Inspections4.9/5
Customer Feedback5/5
Clear Pricing5/5

True Home Inspections keeps things thorough with their detailed inspections. These range from roof scans to thermal imaging that shows hidden problems like insulation gaps or leaks. 


We really liked how hands-on their process is. Their inspectors test every faucet, switch, and appliance. This gives buyers a clearer idea of what might need fixing before moving in and helps them avoid costly surprises down the line. 

Sellers seem to benefit too. Many of the ones we talked to raved about the inspectors’ real-time walk-through consultations. They found them very helpful with competitive bids. 

They also shine for investors with ADUs (accessory dwelling units like backyard cottages) or smaller rentals. We like how they offer post-repair inspections to confirm fixes and prevent further issues like crawl space problems. 

Plus, they offer lab tests for mold and asbestos to give clients peace of mind and fast, reliable results. 

The only minor drawback is that some sellers felt like the reports are a little too light for formal buyers. They sometimes gloss over technical details like engineering specs or long-term projections.

If you’re looking for a super detailed analysis, they might be a bit basic. 

Pros

  • Detailed inspections
  • Hands-on testing 
  • Catches fixes early
  • Real-time walk-through consultations 
  • Post-repair inspections 
  • Lab tests for mold and asbestos

Cons

  • Light on technical detail at times

Dedicated, thorough and resourceful

“Amanda is awesome! Who would’ve thought a home inspection report could be both educational as well as entertaining?! I learned so much. Amanda is professional, dedicated, thorough and resourceful. She didn’t miss a thing and brought our attention to some unexpected items. Amanda utilizes state-of-the-art tools and technology to give a detailed report. She has a depth of experience and can explain complex topics and make them seem simple. Amanda is upbeat and easy to work with – thank you Amanda!”

David Wolski, Google Reviews

Very thorough, conscientious home inspection

“Amanda performs a very thorough, conscientious home inspection.  She has been an invaluable member of my home purchasing team as a home inspector.  She takes care to explain all of her findings without over dramatizing and potentially creating fear for the buyers. At the same time however, she is careful to detail the significance of issues found within the home and the potential ramifications for accepting a home in its current conditions. You can be sure that Amanda goes above and BELOW to provide you a complete picture of what could become your future home!”

Daniela Sardo, Google Reviews

4. Portland Property Inspectors

portland-property-inspectors-logo

Services: Inspections, Radon testing

Location: 3144 NE 68th Ave

Contact: +1 503-941-0169

Business hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 6 PM 
  • Saturday – 9 AM to 1 PM

Website

Google reviews score4.9/5
yelp reviews score 5/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 5/5
Licensing/5
Detailed Inspections/5
Customer Feedback4.5/5
Clear Pricing5/5

Portland Property Inspectors is the drone-savvy choice for sellers and investors. 

We love that they include free FAA-licensed aerial imaging with every inspection. This catches roof or chimney damage that ground views miss. It helps you avoid surprises and negotiate better. 

Several clients we talked to mentioned that the drones helped find hidden cracks or dry rot early on.

We found their inspections pretty thorough too. They cover all the standard systems—pests, HVAC, plumbing, and more. This gives you a full picture of your property’s health. 

We also think they’re perfect for real estate investors with apartments or duplexes. They dig into component lifecycles (boiler longevity) and safety codes, which can help many investors budget accurately and minimize disruptions on the property. 

For sellers with older duplexes, we recommend their pre-listing drone service. Many have found hidden roof issues and turned potential deal breakers into negotiation wins. 

The only drawback we can think of is that their commercial reports can be too long and dense. They can be a bit overwhelming in quick flip situations. 

Pros

  • Free FAA-licensed aerial imaging
  • Check on pests, HVAC, plumbing, and more
  • Helps investors minimize property disruptions
  • Pre-listing drone services
  • Digs into apartment safety codes 

Cons

  • Long and dense commercial reports

Doesn’t rush anything

“Ryan is the best in the game and a lovely human. He is extremely knowledgeable across the board and takes the time to point out and explain unique things he sees along the inspection. He is extremely detailed and doesn’t rush anything. Inspection reports are sent out within the next day or so and are very easy to read/understand. He has an Instagram where he posts informational videos for the public as well! @portlandpropertyinspectors”

Courtney Fukumitsu, Google Reviews

    Loved the ease of reviewing online

    “Ryan’s inspection was very thorough (85 pages complete with pictures and links to YouTube videos to explain some elements of the inspection).  He also provided a summary that was very helpful to hone in on specific issues that needed to be remedied.  But my favorite part was the ability to review the comments online and flag them for further review.  I was able to take the specific list of flagged items to my realtor so we could ask for repairs from the current owner.  Loved the ease of reviewing online!  Thanks so much Ryan!”

    Angelica Villareal, Google Reviews

    5. Sommers Home Inspections

    pdx-premier-inspections-logo

    Services: Attic Inspection, Central AC System Inspection, Exterior Home Inspection, Foundation Inspection, Heating System Inspection, Interior Home Inspection, and more

    Contact: +1.503.710.5983 / [email protected]

    Business hours: By appointment basis

    Website

    Google reviews score5/5
    Yelp reviews score 5/5
    Total reviews5/5
    Score consistency 5/5
    Licensing5/5
    Detailed Inspections5/5
    Customer Feedback5/5
    Clear Pricing5/5

    We recently hired Sommers Home Inspections, and the experience was outstanding from start to finish. From the first contact, their team was professional, thorough, and easy to work with. They clearly explained the process, what to expect, and made sure we felt informed and comfortable every step of the way.

    The inspection itself was incredibly detailed. The inspector took the time to carefully evaluate every aspect of the property, from structural elements to electrical and plumbing systems. Their expertise and attention to detail gave us peace of mind, and they highlighted both strengths and areas that needed attention in a clear and approachable way.

    We also appreciated the comprehensive report provided after the inspection. It was well-organized, easy to understand, and included photos and explanations that made complex issues simple to grasp. Their recommendations were practical and helpful in guiding our next steps.

    Overall, our experience with Sommers Home Inspections was excellent. With their professionalism, thoroughness, and clear communication, they provided valuable insight that made a big difference in our decision-making. We would highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and trustworthy building inspector.

    Pros

    • Top-of-the-line Corentium Pro devices
    • 48-hour continuous monitoring 
    • Radon detection with drone roof scans
    • Detailed views of wear and tear 
    • Comprehensive checklists 
    • Sewer video scoping 
    • Furnace checks available

    Cons

    • Long inspection process

    6. Murphy Home Inspection

    murphy-home-inspection-logo

    Services: Residential and Commercial inspections, Radon testing, Mold testing, Sewer scope

    Location: 3212 SE 50th Ave

    Contact: +1 971-328-1009

    Business hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM

    Website

    Google reviews score5/5
    Yelp reviews score 4.4/5
    Total reviews4.5/5
    Score consistency 4.5/5
    Licensing5/5
    Detailed Inspections4.9/5
    Customer Feedback4.5/5
    Clear Pricing5/5

    Murphy Home Inspection made it onto our list for their awesome, interactive digital reports. We love that they make complex findings—like a faulty sewer line—easy to understand and act on without all the confusing wording. 

    That’s not always the case with inspection reports, so it’s a real plus if you’re not especially technical.

    We also noticed that they include embedded videos and images. Clients we talked to liked being able to clearly see the issues that need to be fixed without having to read through long paragraphs.

    On top of that, we like how they integrate add-ons like mold-air sampling (testing for airborne spores that cause health woes) and energy scores. 

    All reports are delivered within the same day or 24-hour timelines, which can be very helpful when working with tight real estate timelines.

    One feature we also found especially useful for smaller homes (under 2,000 sq ft) is their digital repair tool. It’s designed to help clients visualize mold-related issues easily and negotiate fixes right from their phone. 

    Keep in mind, though, that some people have mentioned their law-afternoon inspections can push the full report out to the next morning. 

    Pros

    • Interactive digital reports
    • Embedded videos and images
    • Instant repair requests
    • Mold-air sampling

    Cons

    • Full reports can be pushed out till morning

    The report is thorough with pictures

    “Silas came highly recommended by my realtor, and I’m so glad. Everything is seamless – scheduling can be done online, the report is thorough with pictures, and he is great about explaining whatever you need explained. But you already know this, because this is what the other reviews say 🙂 So, think about this: whoever inspects your home is gonna be all up in everything for a couple hours… I’d rather have someone who is kind and friendly and respectful, wouldn’t you? Schedule with Silas. You’re welcome. ;)”

    Holly Greenidge, Google Reviews

    His report was detailed, clear

    “We had an amazing experience with Murphy Home Inspection! The inspector was thorough, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. He found issues we never would have noticed ourselves—like hidden moisture damage and signs of pest activity. His report was detailed, clear, and helped us make an informed decision on our home purchase. The photos he provided were super helpful, and he even took the time to explain everything to us in simple terms. If you want peace of mind before buying a home, this is the company to call. Totally worth it!”

    Cuong Lee, Google Reviews

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