Follow Home Inspection Blog, filter it, and define how you want to receive the news (via Email, RSS, Telegram, WhatsApp etc.) https://follow.it/home-inspection-blog Sun, 01 Oct 2023 16:50:09 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtOezwPRLGFX9Js0ohxaO6Yr Many large plumbing companies are charging an outrageous amount of money for a simple water heater replacement. I have no problem with a company charging more money when they deliver more value, but that’s not what’s happening here. Outrageous, you say? Let me explain, and then you can decide for yourself. While the plumbing companies […]]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 14:00:19 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtOezwPRLGFX9Js0ohxaO6Yr https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtP8qUzuNPj3p11cWWor9YPv Toilets are a divisive topic, but today, I'll be setting the record straight once and for all on three important toilet topics.]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:00:18 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtP8qUzuNPj3p11cWWor9YPv https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtN9AIO0REVWKJs0ohxaO6Yr In this episode of Structure Talk, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry are joined by Adam Barthel from Rum River Construction Consultants. They explore fire separation standards for homes and townhouses, focusing on the wall between the house and garage. The conversation covers crucial details such as material requirements, gap considerations in drywall, and proper […]]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:59:39 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtN9AIO0REVWKJs0ohxaO6Yr https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtN3ZcaJsn-rpF1cWWor9YPv Don’t ever skip the home inspection, even when it’s new construction. While new means new, it doesn’t mean perfect. There are a lot of steps required to put a house together properly, and stuff always goes wrong. I could talk all day about the reasons for this, but it in the end, it all comes […]]]> Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:00:06 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtN3ZcaJsn-rpF1cWWor9YPv https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtNbvpcri2i6i6CY3L745TL_ In this engaging podcast episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murray welcome Scott Dorn, owner of BOGO Pest Control, for the second time around as their esteemed guest. Scott shares his invaluable insights into ethical pest control practices and underscores the significance of leadership and integrity in the industry.  The discussion spans a multitude of topics, […]]]> Mon, 11 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtNbvpcri2i6i6CY3L745TL_ https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtOhY9pVWK6jVpVjH6qdYdAk In this podcast episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss a variety of bathroom upgrades and remodeling tips to enhance both the functionality and luxury of your bathroom space. They delve into the advantages of installing heated floors, particularly in tile-floored bathrooms, for a cozy and comfortable experience, while acknowledging the potential electricity costs.  Additionally, the hosts […]]]> Mon, 04 Sep 2023 12:00:07 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtOhY9pVWK6jVpVjH6qdYdAk https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtPJdMJPh7n5-11cWWor9YPv With an infrared camera, all it takes is a quick scan of the panel to see if there are any hot spots.]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 14:00:45 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtPJdMJPh7n5-11cWWor9YPv https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtMbdqZ15grUxXn9ye8UNv30 In this episode, Reuben starts off by sharing exciting news about Structure Tech’s recent recognition as the “World’s Greatest Home Inspection Company” on a TV show called “World’s Greatest.” He explains how the company was featured and highlights its focus on providing high-quality services to home inspectors and supporting the industry.  Tessa then reveals her […]]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 12:02:06 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtMbdqZ15grUxXn9ye8UNv30 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtNU9j5wmz48-qCY3L745TL_ At almost every home inspection with a sump system, we make recommendations for improved safety, performance, or both. Here are five common sump system defects, in no particular order. 1. A loose or missing sump basket cover This is a safety issue because a small child could drown if they fell into a sump basket. […]]]> Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:00:30 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtNU9j5wmz48-qCY3L745TL_ https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtN7dCoJrL-ogJs0ohxaO6Yr As of July 1st, Minnesota adopted the 2023 National Electric Code (NEC), which brought many changes. I had retired Chief Electrical Inspector John Williamson join my podcast to discuss many of the more notable changes that home inspectors will want to be aware of, and you can find that podcast episode here: <insert link>. As […]]]> Tue, 08 Aug 2023 14:00:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtN7dCoJrL-ogJs0ohxaO6Yr https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtNYs4eexrBQhClmFkX7M1Jw Is a longer home inspection good news for the seller, or bad news? Or neither? Great question. The quick answer is that there are so many variables that affect the duration of a home inspection that the time of the inspection alone doesn't mean much.]]> Tue, 01 Aug 2023 14:00:04 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtNYs4eexrBQhClmFkX7M1Jw https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtPqHMUx5nQAPiejEQ2Mq9rY In today’s podcast, Reuben and Tessa are joined by John Williamson, a retired Chief Electrical Inspector and electrical expert from Minnesota. The main topic of discussion revolves around the adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) in Minnesota and its impact on residential properties and its date of effectivity.   The podcast delves into […]]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2023 12:00:10 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtPqHMUx5nQAPiejEQ2Mq9rY https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtOuCbOrL2z6T5s0ohxaO6Yr In this episode, Reuben and Tessa welcome Eric Houseman, Structuretech Home Inspection’s service manager, as a special guest. They discuss various topics, including truck organization for home inspectors. Eric describes his customized truck setup, making it an efficient and well-organized vehicle for inspections. He utilizes a roof rack to carry his extension ladder, while his […]]]> Mon, 24 Jul 2023 12:08:22 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtOuCbOrL2z6T5s0ohxaO6Yr https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtMbmuS-BI2svsb1naedg1wr About once a year, our chimney inspection comes to an unexpected grinding halt. It’s all about a federally protected bird called a Chimney Swift.  I’ve heard my daughter talk about “swifties” a lot lately, and I’m pretty sure she’s referring to obsessive fans of this migratory bird. These birds can’t stand upright like most […]]]> Tue, 18 Jul 2023 14:00:15 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtMbmuS-BI2svsb1naedg1wr https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtP1-1s37yE8XZVjH6qdYdAk One of Structure Tech’s most experienced instructors, George Ury, joins the show to talk about wood foundations.  Geoge discusses the preservatives used in wood foundations-these are an integral part of the wood foundation that needs to be protected.  He shares his experiences in inspecting wood foundations. They discuss the common reasons why wood foundations fail […]]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2023 11:59:16 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtP1-1s37yE8XZVjH6qdYdAk https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtPmJ8LMr4hrgcb1naedg1wr I recently came across a plumbing vent flashing repair device that looked like a cross between a two-piece plumbing vent cap and Darth Vader's helmet.]]> Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:00:14 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtPmJ8LMr4hrgcb1naedg1wr https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtNpftJOyxx-tSlmFkX7M1Jw Squirrels seem to love destroying plumbing vent caps. Specifically, they chew holes in the lead portion of two-piece frost-resistant plumbing vent caps.]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 12:30:06 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtNpftJOyxx-tSlmFkX7M1Jw https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtOHylA4MIpbfZVjH6qdYdAk Fenix has a new headlamp to beat all headlamps, called the HM71R. It’s very similar to the HM61R headlamp, but it comes with a more powerful battery, and it boasts a max lumen rating of 2700, which is blinding at close range.  Front-heavy Most headlamps have a battery pack in the back and a […]]]> Tue, 20 Jun 2023 14:00:32 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtOHylA4MIpbfZVjH6qdYdAk https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtN93hp7YsoiF8b1naedg1wr It has been a long hiatus! We’re back to talk about the importance of gas fireplace safety.  Reuben shares that he has been too casual about child safety with fireplaces. They talk about how the fireplace glass surface can get very hot and potentially melt skin very quickly. Would you happen to need a fireplace […]]]> Mon, 19 Jun 2023 12:02:48 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtN93hp7YsoiF8b1naedg1wr https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtPMyu8x6U0ad8b1naedg1wr InfiRay recently contacted me to review their new smartphone infrared camera, called the P2 Pro. They sent me a camera for free, and I get a commission if you buy a P2 using this link on Amazon. Also, that link will include a coupon at the checkout page for $50 off. So there, I’ve warned […]]]> Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:00:27 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/v0xuMQDrGtPMyu8x6U0ad8b1naedg1wr