In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Bryan Standley from Inspect KC to discuss the unique challenges of home inspections in Kansas City. They explore Bryan's journey into the field, the lack of state licensing and building codes, and the implications for home inspectors and buyers. The conversation delves into typical housing stock, moisture management, and the importance of understanding building science in a mixed humid climate. They also touch on heating and cooling systems, indoor air quality concerns, and the significance of radon testing in the area. They discuss various aspects of home inspections, including licensing requirements, the prevalence of mold and sewer inspections, the impact of climate change on home inspection practices, and the evolving demands from insurance companies. They also explore the importance of social media in growing a home inspection business, the tools used for inspections, and the quality of new constructions. The discussion highlights the need for home inspectors to adapt to changing market conditions and client expectations.

You can find Bryan at https://inspectkc.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/bryanstandley/

Takeaways

Bryan's journey into home inspections began with a background in construction.
Kansas City has no state contractor licensing or building codes, leading to varied practices.
Home inspectors must focus on building performance rather than code compliance.
Understanding building science is crucial for effective home inspections.
Moisture management is a significant concern in Kansas City's mixed humid climate.
Most homes in Kansas City have basements, with wood framing being common.
Indoor air quality issues, including mold and radon, are prevalent in the area.
Home inspectors often subcontract radon testing to specialists.
The lack of consistent building practices makes inspections challenging.
Homeowners should prioritize hiring knowledgeable home inspectors.  Licensing for radon testing varies by state.
Mold inspections are not commonly requested by clients.
Sewer scopes are highly adopted in home inspections.
Homeowners are responsible for sewer lines to the tap.
Insurance companies are increasingly requiring home inspections.
Kansas City is a prime location for real estate investment.
Pricing for investor inspections is typically lower than standard inspections.
Social media presence can significantly boost business.
Infrared cameras are essential tools for inspections.
Quality control in new constructions is often lacking.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
03:03 Bryan's Journey into Home Inspections
06:11 The Unique Challenges of Kansas City Inspections
09:00 Understanding Local Building Codes and Regulations
12:00 Typical Housing Stock and Construction Practices
15:02 Moisture Management and Building Science
18:00 Heating, Cooling, and Indoor Air Quality Concerns
30:11 Licensing and Regulations in Home Inspections
31:12 Mold and Sewer Inspections: Trends and Insights
33:01 Impact of Climate Change on Home Inspections
35:38 Navigating Insurance Requirements for Home Inspections
36:47 Investor Inspections: Understanding the Market
40:07 Pricing Strategies in Home Inspections
41:12 Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth
48:36 Tools and Techniques for Effective Inspections
52:03 Quality Control in New Constructions
54:14 Final Thoughts and Resources