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New doesn’t mean flawless, and we’ve got the stories to prove it. We pull back the curtain on new construction, showing how well-intended builders and fast-moving subcontractor crews can miss critical details that lead to leaks, hazards, and costly fixes after closing. From window installations done the wrong way for years to nails protruding near a staircase where a toddler could get hurt, we break down what we find, why it happens, and how smart buyers stay ahead of it.

We start with the essentials: what a comprehensive home inspection includes for new builds—air and radon testing, sewer and chimney scopes, and even slab elevation mapping to spot early settlement. Then we tackle the big misconception that “it passed code” equals “it’s built right.” Code is the legal floor. True quality lives in the manufacturer’s installation instructions and building science fundamentals like proper flashing, continuous drainage planes, balanced roof ventilation, and assemblies that match local climate and wind exposure. When something isn’t clear, we call the manufacturer and document their guidance so you have leverage to get it fixed correctly.

We also examine the subcontractor model and why it complicates accountability. If a builder can’t recognize an incorrect install, they can’t enforce a correction—and homeowners inherit the risk. We talk through phased inspections—pre-drywall, pre-closing, and targeted reinspects—that catch problems when they’re still easy to fix. You’ll hear how material choices like foam board sheathing can work in certain contexts but demand proper bracing and detailing, and why house wrap repairs must follow the maker’s specs to keep water out for the long haul.

If a builder tries to limit your access to your own project, take that as a warning sign. Great teams are proud to show their work and welcome third‑party eyes. Listen for practical tips you can use right now: what to verify, which documents to request, and how to push for manufacturer‑compliant solutions without turning the process adversarial. If you’re planning a build or approaching a final walkthrough, this conversation will help you protect your investment and move in with confidence.

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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

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Ever wonder why your windows fog in winter or why the attic sometimes grows frost like a walk-in freezer? We unpack the simple physics behind relative humidity and dew point, then connect those concepts to the real problems homeowners face: condensation on cold surfaces, mold risk in damp basements, and hidden moisture damage in poorly ventilated attics.

We start by making humidity intuitive, showing how warmer air carries more water vapor because it has more energy. From there, we explain dew point in plain language: the temperature where air can’t hold its water anymore and it condenses. That single idea explains the beads on a cold soda can, the musty smell in a basement, and the reason roof sheathing can frost over on the coldest nights. Along the way, we talk through ideal indoor humidity targets (40–50%), why anything at or above 60% invites mold growth, and how device settings can work against you.

You’ll hear our take on common mistakes like running a whole-house humidifier at 55% while a basement dehumidifier fights to hold 45%. We dig into regional realities, why basements and crawl spaces often need dedicated dehumidifiers, and how small leaks in furnace-mounted humidifiers can quietly corrode ductwork. We also map out practical fixes: seal ceiling penetrations, ensure clear soffit paths, add baffles, balance ridge ventilation, and insulate cold spots such as rim joists. The goal is simple—align temperature, moisture, and airflow so dew point happens outside, not on your framing.

If you want a home that feels comfortable, smells clean, and resists mold, this is your roadmap. Tune in for clear guidance, actionable settings, and the inspector insights we rely on during real home visits. If this helped you dial in your humidity, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review telling us your target RH and what you’ll adjust first.

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

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Resolutions fade fast when they aren’t backed by steady habits, so we’re putting structure first: the simple difference between lead and lag indicators, and how that mindset keeps both your business and your house out of trouble. We walk through the weekly inputs that actually move the needle, from outreach and education to checklists that turn big goals into bite-size tasks you can repeat without thinking.

Then we take that same lens to home ownership. Houses don’t have warning lights, and thaw season can be brutal: one warm day after a deep freeze and suddenly sump pumps fail, downspouts disconnect, and gutters overflow right into the foundation. We break down the small, preventive moves that stop big messes: test the pump with a bucket, reconnect and extend downspouts, clean gutters, and make sure grading sends water away from the walls. None of it is expensive, but skipping it can flood a basement, short out equipment, and drain your budget.

We also explain why a periodic maintenance inspection is worth its weight in peace of mind. Pros bring moisture meters, thermal imaging, and the experience to spot slow leaks in attics and crawl spaces before they become disasters. The findings become a practical honey-do list: prioritize essentials, schedule the rest, and build a two-year rhythm that includes radon testing whether or not you have a system. Along the way, we share why septic systems need predictable pumping, how to avoid wrecking a leach field, and how simple skills like caulking and patching get better with practice and save money for years.

Ready to trade emergencies for a calm, low-drama home? Follow the checklist, focus on lead indicators, and keep water where it belongs—outside. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share with a friend who owns a home, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

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

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Ever wondered why some buyers breeze through homeownership while others drown in repairs and denied claims? The difference often comes down to one unglamorous step: reading the inspection report and taking action before problems spread. We walk through the real costs of ignoring red flags like moisture, mold, and chimney defects, and we share a clear framework for deciding what to fix now, what to monitor, and what can wait without risking your health or your budget.

We break down why moisture is the fastest way to ruin a house and how a small leak can fuel mold growth within 48 hours. From missing flue tiles that can spark a house fire to sump pump discharge lines that quietly soak finished spaces, you’ll hear practical examples that make the stakes clear. We also explain how insurers evaluate negligence and why failing to mitigate active damage can get your claim slashed, even if the initial failure was covered. Documentation, timelines, and decisive steps are your best protection.

If you’re under contract, use the report as leverage: schedule specialist evaluations, gather quotes, and negotiate repairs or credits before closing. Already a homeowner? Set a two-year maintenance rhythm that pairs a radon test with a targeted inspection, especially for moisture-prone areas like basements, attics, and bathrooms. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s smart triage. Prioritise anything that spreads damage, threatens air quality, or poses a fire or shock hazard, and let the cosmetic quirks wait until time and budget allow.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned owner, this conversation gives you a calm, proven path from inspection to action. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a review to tell us your top must-fix item after an inspection.

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
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Ready for a home search with less noise and more truth? We dive into why winter is the smartest season to buy and how cold weather turns every house into an open book. With fewer competing buyers and more motivated sellers, you gain leverage on price, timing, and repairs—while the low temperatures reveal what glossy listing photos won’t.

We walk through the exact checks that matter when the mercury drops. Frost patterns in the attic expose ventilation problems and hidden moisture. Long furnace runtimes hint at insulation gaps or system inefficiency, and seasonal utility bills help benchmark performance. We explain how a 20-degree temperature difference supercharges thermal imaging, letting you spot missing insulation at rim joists, cold corners behind drywall, and leaky window assemblies that you’d never notice in spring. You’ll also learn why some hairline cracks and truss uplift are normal winter movement, and which crack patterns raise a flag.

Safety gets its moment too. If a wood-burning fireplace is on your wishlist, a chimney scope is non-negotiable before you strike a match. We share practical advice on timing that inspection, negotiating responsibility, and staying safe until the flue is cleared. Outside, we talk curb appeal realism: snow covers weeds and patchy grass, letting you focus on the fundamentals like grading, roof condition, and drainage instead of being swayed by landscaping. Add in seasonal perks—more responsive lenders, off-peak mover rates, and service providers eager to work—and you’ve got a powerful strategy to buy smarter, not harder.

If you’re weighing whether to wait for spring, this conversation might change your mind. Subscribe for more buyer-savvy insights, share with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a review to tell us your biggest cold-weather home question.

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

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The driveway is a sheet of ice, the hill is unforgiving, and somehow that’s the perfect backdrop for a sharper marketing plan. While we’re snowed in, we map out practical, low-friction ways service businesses stay top of mind when no one wants to leave the house. From photo contests that spark community to text messages that offer real help, you’ll get a clear playbook for turning a slow season into steady momentum.

We start with engagement you can launch today: run a simple snow-themed contest, share user photos, and anchor your brand with memorable visuals. Then we shift to respectful outreach. If you serve homeowners or tenants, a short text that acknowledges the storm and offers contractor referrals or a winter checklist builds trust fast. We dig into seasonal education that actually matters—preventing frozen pipes, choosing pet-safe ice melt, spotting roof leaks during the thaw—and explain how short articles, Facebook notes, and quick videos all count as modern blogging that wins attention.

Next, we open the door to events and partnerships. Host a 30-minute webinar on prepping a house to sell by April, or record a video on pipe relining versus dig-and-replace. Add early booking incentives like complimentary valuation visits or discounted maintenance inspections to turn interest into action. Then map your partner network: real estate agents, property managers, insurance brokers, roofers, and plumbers. Co-create checklists, share referrals, and co-host sessions so your expertise multiplies across audiences.

We close by tightening the engine: sharpen guarantees, clarify offers, and upgrade speed. Refresh your website with clear service pages, strong photos, and fast lead forms. Standardize follow-ups and text templates so every inquiry gets a quick, human reply. The snow will melt, demand will rise, and the groundwork you lay now will pay off when phones start ringing. If this sparked ideas, tap follow, share it with a colleague who’s bracing for winter slowdowns, and leave a quick review so more service pros can find it.

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 a text

Think the crisp post-storm smell means ozone can fix mold? We challenge that assumption with a clear, practical breakdown of what ozone does, where it fails, and how real mold remediation succeeds. We start with building science basics: mold is a symptom of moisture. If humidity, leaks, or poor ventilation remain, colonies rebound no matter how clean the surface looks. That’s why “blast it with ozone” doesn’t solve the root cause and often leaves hidden hyphae alive inside wood and drywall.

We dig into the biology—hyphae, mycelium, and the way colonies anchor into porous materials—and explain why oxidizers that don’t penetrate can fragment spores without removing the reservoir. You’ll hear why the EPA and restoration standards don’t endorse ozone as a primary fix, and how fragmented particles still trigger allergies unless you use true HEPA filtration and thorough cleanup. We also raise smart questions about mycotoxins during slow-kill scenarios and why speed, containment, and source control matter more than gadgets.

Then we share a proven, step-by-step plan. Fix the moisture. Contain the workspace. Remove or treat contaminated materials. HEPA vacuum and air-scrub. Use targeted antimicrobials and, when appropriate, apply protective coatings like Concrobium or Superstratum to resist regrowth once conditions are kept dry. We cover when an ozone pass might help with odors only after proper remediation, the safety risks to lungs, pets, plants, and finishes, and how to vet contractors who lead with ozone instead of fundamentals.

If you’re weighing options for a damp basement, a musty attic, or a recurring bathroom bloom, this guide gives you a science-first roadmap to a healthier home. Subscribe for more straight-talk building science, share with a friend who’s battling mold, and leave a review to tell us what topic you want next.

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 a text

Fresh paint, new keys, and a hidden problem you can’t see: the air. We dive into the realities of indoor air quality in brand‑new homes and rentals, where VOCs, moisture, and access restrictions can collide to create costly, preventable issues. From carbon dioxide and ventilation to radon, particles, and the chemistry of off‑gassing, we break down what actually matters and how to test it without wasting time or money.

We share field stories from pre‑drywall inspections and new developments where dehumidifiers were unplugged, basements stayed wet, and “mold curtains” formed under stairs. You’ll hear practical steps to clear VOCs before move‑in, set up effective drying, and verify results with targeted testing. We also call out red flags like builder policies that limit site access and leases that ban mold or air sampling altogether—signals that should push you to negotiate, document, or walk away. For renters and buyers alike, we outline how to protect your health: ask for access milestones, bring in third‑party inspectors, and insist on transparent remediation when problems appear.

We also debunk the comfort of simple numbers. The popular 100‑square‑foot DIY rule overlooks sensitivity and complexity, and research tools like ERMI and HERTSMI were never meant for routine home decisions. Instead, choose protocols that match the problem: moisture mapping, surface confirmation, calibrated air sampling, and continuous CO2 and humidity monitoring. With certified labs and disciplined methods, you can turn data into action—dry, ventilate, remove sources, and verify your fix. If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s building or renting, and leave a quick review to help others breathe easier.

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 a text

Ever wondered if that “finished” project is actually finished right? We unpack a homeowner’s renovation that looked fine from the sofa but fell apart under closer inspection: a deck ledger bolted into rotten wood, sliding doors with a one-inch gap and nonfunctional locks, and siding so loose the J channel could be moved inches by hand. It’s a case study in why independent inspections—before you release the final payment—can save you thousands and protect your home from moisture, drafts, and long-term structural problems.

We walk through smart timing for maintenance inspections, including pairing an every-two-years radon retest with a targeted moisture inspection. Not all permits are required everywhere, but contractor behavior is a tell: if someone panics when permits are mentioned, that’s a signal to slow down and verify. In this story, the roof was actually done well by a subcontractor, yet warranty expectations were mismatched because the product wasn’t the 50-year shingle the owner thought. Documentation matters. Keep invoices, product data, and warranty paperwork for roofs, windows, doors, and HVAC.

We also dig into the dangers of missing labels and scratched-off serial numbers, which can void warranties and raise serious questions about sourcing. For new construction, a pre-drywall inspection is essential; once walls close, you can’t see wire protection, pipe clearances, or window flashing that keep water and electricity where they belong. Our goal is simple: celebrate what’s right, clearly flag what’s wrong, and give you a practical checklist to hold contractors to professional standards.

If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a homeowner who’s mid-renovation, and leave a quick review to help others find these tips. Got a renovation red flag we should cover next? Send us your story.

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 a text

Ever walked into your “fixed” new home and caught a whiff of something you can’t ignore? We dig into a real case where promised repairs didn’t hold up, a bathroom vent dumped sewer gas into an attic, and grading still shoved water toward the foundation. Along the way, we unpack why reinspections are the unsung hero of a smart purchase and how small misses in plumbing ventilation, moisture control, and documentation snowball into health risks and costly remediation.

We break down the mechanics in simple terms: how plumbing vents should route above the roofline, why exhaust fans should never tie into drain vents, and what attic condensation stains are trying to tell you. From mold concerns to backdrafting odors, we connect symptoms to sources so you can act fast and fix the right problem first. You’ll also hear what a thorough moisture assessment includes, when it makes sense to forgo testing and go straight to remediation, and how to validate a clean, dry attic or basement after the work is done.

Trust is not a plan. We share practical steps to verify seller repairs: confirm contractor licenses and insurance, request in-progress photos and itemized invoices, and reserve a focused reinspection before releasing contingencies. We even cover common red flags like handwritten “receipts,” clever but unsafe DIY vent extensions, and partial fixes that create new issues. If you’re under contract now—or you’ve moved in and something feels off—this guide will help you protect your health, your budget, and your peace of mind.

If this helped you see your home with clearer eyes, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a quick review to tell us what you want us to dig into next.

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...