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Your home should be a sanctuary, but what if the air you're breathing is silently making you sick? In this eye-opening episode, Jim and Laura ("the office goddess") dive deep into the invisible threats lurking in your indoor air and provide practical solutions for creating a healthier home environment.

Did you know we spend roughly 90% of our time indoors? That makes the quality of the air we breathe at home critically important. Those mysterious headaches, unexplained fatigue, and respiratory issues might not be stress or aging – they could be direct responses to chemical contaminants from everyday household items. The hosts reveal how those pleasant-smelling air fresheners, scented candles, and cleaning products contain undisclosed chemicals that manufacturers aren't legally required to reveal.

"A clean should not have an odor," Jim emphasizes, challenging our cultural association between artificial fragrances and cleanliness. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when exploring natural alternatives – from the simple joy of baking cinnamon rolls (which both freshens your air and feeds your family) to simmering spices like cinnamon and cloves on the stove. These practical, budget-friendly solutions protect your family while still creating a welcoming atmosphere.

The discussion also addresses how new construction materials "off-gas" chemicals like formaldehyde, particularly dangerous in tightly-sealed modern homes with insufficient ventilation. Jim and Laura share real cases where families experienced serious health issues traced back to their indoor air quality, including a particularly concerning story about a new bed causing seizures in a child due to high formaldehyde levels.

Whether you're dealing with unexplained health issues, planning a new home purchase, or simply want to create the healthiest possible environment for your family, this episode delivers actionable advice on ventilation, humidity control, natural cleaning alternatives, and professional testing options. Your journey to healthier indoor air starts here – because what you can't see can hurt you.

Subscribe now and breathe easier knowing you're taking control of your home's invisible ecosystem. Have questions about your indoor ai

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To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
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Modern radon monitors equipped with cellular connectivity can deliver test results automatically without requiring physical retrieval, creating confusion for those unfamiliar with this technology. We explain how a misunderstanding occurred when a real estate agent assumed we entered a property without permission.

• Advanced radon monitors transmit data every 10 minutes via cellular connection
• Reports are generated automatically after 48 hours without requiring device pickup
• Technology includes GPS tracking, motion sensors, and measures temperature/humidity
• System allows testing to begin at specific times (like 10pm) without needing late-night visits
• Automated reporting streamlines the inspection process for buyers, sellers and agents
• Communication is key before making assumptions about professional ethics

If you're looking for a home inspection company with award-winning service and cutting-edge technology, consider Habitation Investigation—voted Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest for three consecutive years and Consumer's Choice Award winner for the Columbus area.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Jim and Laura from Standing Out in Ohio podcast take a break from real estate topics to share what they do when they're not working their irregular and demanding schedules. They reveal their passion projects and hobbies that help them maintain balance while running their successful Ohio-based business.

• Laura has planted over 50 fruit and nut trees including apple, pear, peach, nectarine, and quince varieties
• Extensive berry plantings include thornless blackberries that yield 10-20 gallons per plant
• Jim manages the property by building structures, maintaining trails, and implementing water management systems
• The property attracts diverse wildlife including wild turkeys and a bobcat
• They operate Trothwood Forest, a small private campground with secluded sites perfect for nature lovers
• The chicken coop Jim built is now producing seven eggs daily
• Both are still unpacking boxes from their recent move while managing all these projects

Visit homeinspectionsinohio.com or jimtroth.com and click on podcast for more information and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Award-winning excellence doesn't happen by accident. After receiving the news that Habitation Investigation had earned the prestigious "Best in the Midwest" award for the third consecutive year, we decided to peel back the curtain and share what makes our home inspection company different from the competition.

This episode explores the factors that contribute to our continued success, from our customer-first approach to our ethical business practices. With over 1,700 Google reviews and a stellar 4.9-star rating, we've built a reputation on clear communication, thorough inspections, and reports that set the standard for the industry. Our team shares how we've grown from our humble beginnings in 2002 to become one of Ohio's premier inspection companies, expanding our services based directly on client requests rather than arbitrary business decisions.

We tackle a particularly important topic for homeowners: privacy protection. Unlike many inspection companies that generate revenue by selling client information to third parties, we maintain strict privacy standards. Our single partnership with ADT is completely optional for clients and directs benefits to charities rather than our bottom line. We also discuss the value of maintenance inspections every 3-5 years and regular radon testing—services that can save homeowners thousands by catching small issues before they become expensive problems.

What truly sets an inspection company apart isn't fancy technology or marketing gimmicks—it's having inspectors who genuinely care about their clients and communicate clearly without fear-mongering. Whether you're a homeowner, real estate professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights into building a service business based on integrity, customer care, and consistent quality. Ready to learn what makes a home inspection company worthy of multiple industry awards? Listen now and discover how excellence becomes a habit.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Most homebuyers assume newly constructed homes don't need professional inspections. After all, they're brand new and subject to county inspections, right? This dangerous misconception could cost you thousands down the road.

In this revealing discussion, we unpack why even fresh-from-the-builder homes need multiple professional inspections. County inspectors simply don't have the time to thoroughly examine each property—they're meeting minimum code requirements while juggling dozens of other sites. Meanwhile, we're finding issues in almost every new construction we inspect.

We outline the three critical inspection phases every new homebuyer should schedule: the pre-drywall inspection that reveals what will soon be hidden behind walls forever; the final walkthrough before closing; and the crucial 11-month warranty inspection that catches problems before your builder's warranty expires. We also discuss our upcoming foundation floor-level survey service that uses precision instruments to measure foundation levelness down to fractions of an inch—establishing a valuable baseline for your home's structural integrity.

The conversation also covers practical challenges with scheduling new construction inspections, including state law requirements for builder permission and the best timing to ensure project managers can provide necessary access. For anyone building or considering a new construction purchase, this episode provides essential knowledge that could save you from future heartache and expense. Don't wait until problems emerge—protect your investment from day one with proper inspection protocols.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Nobody wants to shell out $20,000 to repair damage that could have been prevented with a simple home maintenance inspection. Yet, that's exactly what happened to one Ohio couple who discovered their attic had been devastated by squirrels, leaks, and chewed electrical wires – a disaster that began with a small, easily fixable entry point.

Throughout this eye-opening episode, Jim and Laura from Habitation Investigation discuss the growing trend of maintenance inspections beyond real estate transactions. They share compelling examples of how these preventative checkups have helped homeowners avoid catastrophic expenses. From insurance companies threatening to drop coverage over roof conditions to contractors completing substandard work, regular inspections serve as an essential safeguard for your biggest investment.

The hosts explain that most homeowners, particularly first-time buyers, don't know what to look for in attics or crawl spaces, or even realize basic maintenance requirements like gutter cleaning. According to EPA studies, approximately 85% of homes contain rodent allergens, making pest intrusion a nearly universal concern. While standard home inspections don't specifically target pest control, experienced inspectors often identify early warning signs of infestation and direct homeowners to appropriate specialists before damage escalates.

For just a few hundred dollars every 2-3 years, homeowners can potentially save thousands in emergency repairs. Consider gifting a maintenance inspection to new homeowners in your family or elderly parents – it provides both peace of mind and a prioritized to-do list. Your home deserves this level of care and attention. Schedule your maintenance inspection today through HomeInspectionsInOhio.com and protect your investment before you're faced with an expensive, preventable disaster.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Indoor air quality affects our health in ways we don't immediately recognize, with radon and mold being the most common but widely misunderstood threats in our homes. Professional testing and proper remediation protocols are essential for addressing these silent dangers that can cause serious health issues over time.

• Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas that causes no immediate symptoms but is responsible for 21,000 lung cancer deaths yearly
• Long-term exposure to lower radon levels can be more dangerous than short-term exposure to higher levels
• Any house foundation type can have radon issues – slab homes are not immune to high readings
• Mold is always a symptom of a moisture problem that must be fixed first before remediation
• Mycotoxins from mold are serious health threats and new air testing capabilities can now detect these compounds
• VOC testing helps identify chemical off-gassing from new materials or active mold growth
• Ethical companies will only recommend necessary testing rather than selling unneeded services
• Post-remediation verification testing ensures air quality has returned to acceptable levels

Visit Environmental Consultants of Ohio for professional indoor air quality testing or Home Inspections in Ohio for comprehensive home inspections including radon testing.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

We investigate a case where a homeowner was feeling ill in specific areas of her home, tracing the problem to hidden moisture issues causing mold growth that had developed since her home purchase two years prior.

• Importance of starting with a full home inspection before specialized testing like mold or VOC tests
• Disconnected downspouts and sump pump discharge pipes causing water to recirculate back against the foundation
• Discovery of rotted wood in kitchen cabinets with corresponding mold spot in garage
• Tracing the moisture source to likely plumbing leaks from upstairs bathroom pipes
• Poor landscaping practices by HOA contributing to negative grading and foundation issues
• Regular home inspections recommended every 2-3 years to catch developing problems
• First-year inspection critical for new construction to identify issues while builder warranty still valid

Get your home inspected regularly – don't wait for symptoms or problems to become severe before taking action.

The video of the sump pump discharge 

Resources - Environmental Consultants Of Ohio

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Sewer scope inspections can be thwarted by inaccessible clean-outs, requiring plumbers rather than home inspectors to create proper access points. We explore why clean-outs are essential, what prevents inspectors from completing scopes, and who's responsible for ensuring access before home purchases.

• Every home should have at least one clean-out, with additional access points every 100 feet for longer sewer lines
• Clean-outs can become inaccessible when caps fuse to pipes over time, are hidden behind walls, or were never installed
• Home inspectors in Ohio cannot legally pull toilets, cut pipes, or create new access points as these require plumbing licenses
• Sellers should hire plumbers to create proper access before closing if scopes cannot be completed
• Flippers claiming "the sewer works fine" based on minimal worker usage doesn't reflect a family's daily water demands
• State licensing prohibits inspectors from soliciting repair work on properties they've inspected

Remember to always get a sewer scope before purchasing a home to avoid expensive surprises after closing.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Jim dives into the latest National Association of Realtors Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers, revealing critical data points to help real estate professionals target their marketing efforts more effectively. Highlights From the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers The demographic trends show significant shifts in buyer age and preferences that create new opportunities for agents who understand these changes.

• First-time buyer share decreased to 24% of market, lowest since NAR began collecting data in 1981
• Median first-time buyer age increased to 38 years, repeat buyer age rose to 61 years
• 86% of all buyers utilized a real estate agent
• 77% of buyers interviewed only one agent before deciding
• 40% of buyers found their agent through a friend, neighbor, or relative
• Online photos (41%) were rated as the most valuable content when searching for homes
• Typical home seller age reached 63 years, with median ownership of 10 years
• FSBOs sold for $55,000 less on average than agent-represented homes
• Modern kitchens with islands (60%), home offices, and energy efficiency features are high priorities
• Millennials (25-43) represent the largest buying group at 38% of purchases

For questions about home inspections or to learn how Habitation Investigation helps real estate agents close more deals, call us or visit homeinspectionsinohio.com.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...