Home inspection in Newport.

What we see in Newport homes.

Newport was platted in 1857, has had a post office since that year and was incorporated in 1889. It sits on the Mississippi River in southern Washington County, covering 3.86 square miles with 3,797 residents in 2020. Interstate 494 and U.S. Highways 10 and 61 run through it. The housing reflects its age: older houses in the original townsite near the river, mid-century houses built as the city filled in, and newer townhomes and subdivisions toward the edges.

The era of each house drives the inspection. In the oldest streets we look at foundations, sagging framing, the age of the wiring and any knob-and-tube in pre-1950 houses, and galvanized or mixed plumbing. Mid-century houses get a check of the sewer lateral, panel and roof. Near the river terrace, we pay attention to grading, sump pumps and basement moisture. Townhomes call for a look at shared walls, roofs and drainage. Washington County is EPA Radon Zone 1, and MDH recommends every Minnesota home be tested.

Local facts checked September 2026 against: Wikipedia, Minnesota Department of Health.