Buying A Home? Don't Panic! with John Laforme

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John Laforme and YC from SoCal Seismic Construction House Bolting discuss foundation issues, emphasizing the commonality of cracks in raised foundations. YC explains that vertical cracks are typically caused by improper drainage and can be repaired with epoxy injection and metal straps. Horizontal cracks, however, indicate foundation failure due to rebar issues. They highlight the importance of proper drainage and rain gutters to prevent foundation problems.

 Contact Information
SoCal Seismic House Bolting
323-770-9611
https://www.ycbuilder.com/

Vertical Cracks

• Common Causes:
  • Settlement of the foundation.
  • Shrinkage of concrete as it cures.
  • Minor shifts in the soil beneath the foundation.
• Are They a Problem?
  • Small, hairline vertical cracks (less than 1/8 inch wide) are generally not a serious concern and are considered a normal part of a building's aging process.
  • Larger vertical cracks, or those that widen over time, may indicate settlement issues or excessive pressure from expanding soil or water.
• When to Worry:
  • The crack widens or shows displacement.
  • Water leakage occurs through the crack.
  • The crack appears suddenly after extreme weather or seismic activity.

Horizontal Cracks

• Common Causes:
  • Lateral pressure from soil outside the foundation, especially in areas with high clay content or frost heaving.
  • Hydrostatic pressure caused by excessive water accumulation around the foundation.
  • Poor drainage or waterproofing.
• Are They a Problem?
  • Horizontal cracks are typically more concerning than vertical ones because they can indicate serious structural stress, such as bowing or bulging foundation walls.
  • Cracks wider than 1/4 inch or those accompanied by inward movement of the wall may signal a risk of collapse.

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🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
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James Walsh Explains what Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) is and how important it is to file before the 12/31/24 deadline. If you own a business in the United States do not delay and file today with link below.

James has created a website to help you with filing your BOI
https://boifilings.com/

Click link below to watch the YouTube version of this episode.
https://youtu.be/r7gfkBV8tWk

Filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) before December 31, 2024, is essential due to compliance requirements set by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which is enforced by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Here’s why you need to file before this deadline:

1. New Reporting Requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)

The CTA was enacted to increase transparency in corporate ownership and prevent illicit activities like money laundering, tax evasion, and fraud. The act requires most U.S. corporations, LLCs, and similar entities to report their beneficial owners to FinCEN. A beneficial owner is any individual who directly or indirectly exercises substantial control over the company or owns at least 25% of its ownership interests.

2. Deadlines for Filing

• Existing Entities (Formed before January 1, 2024): Must file their BOI report by December 31, 2024.
• New Entities (Formed on or after January 1, 2024): Must file within 30 days of formation or registration.

This means if your business was established before 2024, you need to submit your BOI report by the end of 2024. For newer entities, the filing must occur within a month of their establishment.

3. Avoiding Penalties

Failure to file your BOI on time can result in severe penalties, including:

• Fines: Up to $500 per day for non-compliance.
• Criminal Penalties: In some cases, failure to report can lead to criminal charges, with fines up to $10,000 and even imprisonment.

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🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
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In this podcast I am joined by Oreoluwa Babatunde Co-Founder & Head of Software @ UplinkRobotics LLC

John Laforme and Ore Babatunde discussed the latest developments in robotics for home inspections, including drones, rovers, crawl bots, and camera technology. They explored potential applications such as navigating tight spaces and providing detailed images. Later, they discussed starting a robotics company and potential uses in search and rescue operations. They discussed designing a customized RC vehicle for home inspections and improving a handheld inspection camera. Lighting was emphasized as crucial for camera functionality.

Contact Information:

https://www.uplinkrobotics.com/

(307) 225-9210

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🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
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🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
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John Laforme and Ron King discuss the effects of hard water on homeowners, They emphasize the need for proper evaluation and recommendations for water treatment systems, highlighting the importance of testing water quality and evaluating plumbing system tolerance. Ron also discuss's water quality standards and regulations set by the EPA and local water providers, arguing that these standards should balance consumer preferences with what providers can deliver.

• Homeowners can check their local water quality report or request a water test from Culligan to determine hardness levels.
•  John will refer homeowners with hard water questions to contact Ron for an evaluation of their home and recommendation of an appropriate treatment system.
• Ron King explains his experience and expertise in the water filtration industry.
• Customers in Southern California experience hard water, leading to hair and skin issues.
• Click link below to watch Youtube version of this episode.
• https://youtu.be/2tT5k19kgKY

Contact Ron King For water testing and filtration installation:
Office 818-271-1106
email [email protected]

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🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
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🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
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My guest Doug Smaldino is the owner of Hillhurst Mortgage located in Los Feliz California. I purchased my home with the help of Doug and and his awesome team at Hillhurst Mortgage back in October 2022.

Doug has a message for all first time home buyers!

Stop Procrastinating and buy a home now!

Don't worry about the rates so much just focus on getting your foot in the door of that house you have always wanted. Once your in you can always refinance to a lower rate when that time arrives as it always does. Call Doug and ask about the tax shelter you will get after you buy your home, after Doug helps you put this in perspective you will be happy you did.

Douglas M. Smaldino, CPA | Senior Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS# 340464 | Cal DRE# 01149672 | FL # LO63047
O (323) 522-1020 | D (323) 522-1040 | C (323) 707-3200 | F (323) 522-1030

https://hillhurstmortgage.com/

1662 Hillhurst Avenue, Suite A | Los Angeles, CA 90027
5535 S. Williamson Blvd., Suite 725 | Port Orange, FL 32128

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🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
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In this episode I am joined by Isaac Colon the owner of Electric Brothers Co. located in Pico Rivera California.
 
I hired Isaac to do a major electrical upgrade on my home. I found his company searching on google, I am 200% satisfied with the work they did and their professionalism before, during and after the electrical upgrade.

I highly recommend Electric Brothers Co.

Isaac explains what we all need to know about electrical panels and which brands you should replace asap!
 
Electrical Panels You should replace on your home:

Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok
Bulldog PushMatic
Zinsco
Challenger

Isaac Colon
562-354-8900
Residential & Commercial
https://electricbro.com/

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Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
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Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. [email protected]

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🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.h...

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In This episode Skip Walker and I talk about home inspection report writing and you probably suck at it! Yes this means you! The report is your product and thats what your selling to your client, so consider each and every report to be your masterpiece. Fine tune your reports or risk having a potential legal issue with your clients. 

A well written canned response for a system defect written in 1980 is probably not going to cover most of todays homes so remember to proof read your canned responses before sending your final reports.

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🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
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🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.h...

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In this episode I am joined by Isaac Colon the owner of Electric Brothers Co. located in Pico Rivera California.
 
I hired Isaac to do a major electrical upgrade on my home. I found his company searching on google, I am 200% satisfied with the work they did and their professionalism before, during and after the electrical upgrade.

I highly recommend Electric Brothers Co.

Isaac explains what we all need to know about electrical outlets aka receptacles & plugs in your home including todays electric code.

What is a tamper resistant receptacle?
What is a GFCI Receptacle?
What is a weather proof receptacle?
When should you upgrade your receptacles?
What is the latest receptacle code?

Isaac Colon
562-354-8900
Residential & Commercial
https://electricbro.com/

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Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
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Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. [email protected]

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🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.h...

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Part 2: Emil Kapanadze with EKO Flooring joins me to discuss underlayment's for Engineered Hardwood flooring and Luxury Vinyl flooring.
Emil explains correct installation techniques from his years of experience installing all types of flooring including correct underlayment and moisture barrier applications.

Emil also gives ballpark costs for different types of flooring cost and installation.

Did you know that most engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring is discontinued after just a few years? This is great information from Emil, So if your buying flooring be sure to buy an extra box or two so you are covered if you have flooring damage that needs repair.

Contact EKO Flooring for you flooring materials, installation and repairs.
Sales Manager
Emil Kapanadze
Sales: (818) 917-7736
https://www.ekoflooring.us/

Check out part 1 podcast video with Emil on youtube 
https://youtu.be/Ej7_R3xX5Pk

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Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
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Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. [email protected]

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🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:

Support the show

Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
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Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. [email protected]

Check out My Shopify Store: Coffee Mugs, Tote bags, T-Shirts
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🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.h...

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I am joined by home inspector Skip Walker who is also one of the co-authors of the Code Check series. Skip and I discuss report writing best practices as well as how to utilize the code check series of books.

Code Check Series books are the most widely used code reference series in the U.S.  Each Code Check book is a condensed guide to the most commonly used code sections.  They include many of the most common code violations encountered by building inspectors, contractors, do-it-yourselfers and homeowners. New editions of codes typically are issued every three years. Each edition of Code Check is based on specific sets of codes, and most books include summaries of code changes to link them to the prior edition of codes as well.

With over 1.3 million copies sold since 1995, Code Check is the leader in navigating and understanding the voluminous, complex and sometimes tedious world of the codes.

As we say, "Code Check - Your key to the codes."

Order Your Books Today with link below.

https://codecheck.com/

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Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
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Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. [email protected]

Check out My Shopify Store: Coffee Mugs, Tote bags, T-Shirts
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🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
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🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.h...