Structure Talk

In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry interview Jim Katen, a seasoned home inspector from the marine climate zone in Portland, Oregon. Jim offers valuable insights into the region's unique housing characteristics and challenges. Notably, he highlights the relatively young housing stock in Oregon, with few homes predating 1890, and the desirability of Craftsman-style houses from the 1920s. Basements, common in older homes, pose occasional water intrusion issues due to the rainy season. 

Jim discusses the evolution of home construction quality and the shift towards electrification in heating systems, causing challenges in homes with limited electrical capacity. The conversation touches on the home energy score system, climate-specific considerations like rain and wind, roofing materials, and vapor barrier placement. Overall, it provides a comprehensive look into the distinctive features and challenges of home inspections in the Pacific Northwest's marine climate zone, shaping the future of home construction in the region.

In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry are joined by Dusty Jameson, a seasoned home inspector of Inspector Cluseau which is based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Together, they delve into the unique challenges posed by the mixed humid climate in their region. Dusty sheds light on critical aspects of home inspections such as heating and cooling systems, crawl spaces, radon detection, and insulation methods. The pervasive issue of humidity in crawl spaces is a key focus, with Dusty advocating for encapsulation as a solution. Mold and mold sensitivity, common concerns in the area due to the climate and construction practices, are also discussed. The conversation underscores the interconnectedness of building systems and the importance of adaptability and diversification in the ever-evolving field of home inspection. Dusty shares how he has adjusted his business to address market challenges, emphasizing the significance of customer education and convenience. The episode underscores the value of learning and collaboration within the home inspection community.

In this episode of the Structure Talk Podcast, Reuben Saltzman shares a recent experience with a water heater and the importance of installing a leak detection system to prevent potential damage. He recounts a previous incident where a water heater leak caused significant harm to his house, underscoring the necessity of early detection. Reuben also delves into water heater warranties, discussing the warranty process and offering tips for handling warranty claims. The conversation shifts to the maintenance and replacement of anode rods in water heaters, with a focus on Reuben's challenging experience with a specific brand, Bosch. 

He emphasizes the importance of reviewing user manuals and warranties before purchasing water heaters and advises against buying water heaters with stringent maintenance requirements. The hosts also touch on a listener's unfortunate experience of being overcharged for a water heater replacement, stressing the need for obtaining multiple bids and ensuring fair pricing when hiring contractors. They tease an upcoming series where they will interview home inspectors from different regions to discuss regional differences in home inspections.

In this podcast, Bruce Stahlberg, an expert in HVAC systems and energy efficiency, highlighted the paramount importance of accurate testing and diagnostics for HVAC performance. He emphasized the significance of static pressure testing over temperature rise testing in assessing furnace performance. Reuben, Tessa and Bruce discussed challenges like sheetrock dust infiltrating A-coils during home renovations, potentially causing efficiency issues. Bruce suggested methods to detect blockages in the A-coil, emphasizing the need for accurate furnace sizing and the benefits of two-stage systems in maintaining optimal airflow. He introduced a new tool, a digital flow plate, for precise airflow measurement, aiming to enhance efficiency in air conditioning systems. However, Bruce noted that the tool is not yet widely adopted in the HVAC industry. 

Overall, they underscored the necessity of informed testing and diagnostics to ensure HVAC systems operate efficiently, delivering comfort, durability, and energy efficiency. They also highlighted the challenges in adopting advanced testing techniques in the HVAC industry and stressed the importance of educating contractors and homeowners about the benefits of accurate testing and proper system sizing.

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 installations. They emphasize the nuances and complexities of fire separation codes and stress the importance of following local building codes diligently. The hosts appreciate Adam's insights and suggest future discussions on building codes. 

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, including the responsible use of rodenticide bait and its environmental implications. Scott's expertise shines as he enlightens the audience on distinguishing between various stinging insects, like paper wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets, and offers practical advice for dealing with them. The hosts also delve into personal experiences with wasp stings, emphasizing the importance of staying composed and seeking help for allergies. They explore overwintering pests such as stink bugs and mice, stressing the need for preventative measures, especially during seed-abundant years. Scott's wisdom extends to practical tips on sealing homes against rodent infestations, leaving listeners equipped with valuable knowledge. 

The episode wraps up with Scott's contact details and exciting plans for his return in the spring, making it an informative and engaging exploration of pest control and ethical business practices.

Here is the link to the first podcast episode featuring Scott Dorn to our show.

https://structuretech.com/podcast-structure-talk/podcast-the-dark-side-of-pest-control-with-scott-dorn/

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 suggest practical additions like shower footrests and benches, timed exhaust fan switches to mitigate moisture issues, and dimmer switches for adjustable lighting. Reuben even shares his experience with a smart mirror that offers customizable lighting and includes a defogger, demonstrating how technology can elevate bathroom aesthetics. 

Lastly, the conversation humorously touches upon urinals as a quirky but functional bathroom addition. See the attached picture.

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In today’s episode, Reuben and Tessa engage in an insightful conversation with mortgage expert Mike Louden from Mortgage Avenue. The episode centers on the nuances of the real estate landscape, encompassing mortgage rates and homeownership. Louden stresses the role of advisor over loan officer, drawing from his extensive experience since 1994 and his dedication to guiding clients through the mortgage process. The conversation explores crafting personalized mortgage deals, considering aspects beyond interest rates such as the impact of high demand on rising home prices. The concept of prioritizing the right home over interest rates is discussed, underlining the significance of informed decisions aligned with personal financial goals. Notably, concerns about online mortgage services are raised, emphasizing the value of expert guidance in making sound decisions. The episode concludes by highlighting the necessity of comprehensive understanding and professional advice in navigating the real estate market for long-term financial security and wealth accumulation through property ownership.

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 new venture, "Your House Coach," a consulting business aimed at guiding homeowners, home buyers, and even professionals in the building industry through various house-related concerns and questions. She elaborates on her approach to offering holistic solutions and prioritizing projects, while also sharing personal anecdotes of how her consultation services have already benefited clients. 

The hosts touch on the current state of the housing market and home inspection industry, discussing trends such as the impact of low inventory on home inspections and the high demand for homes. They emphasize the importance of consulting and providing valuable guidance to homeowners in making informed decisions about home improvements and repairs. 

Overall, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of home inspections, building science, and personalized consulting services, showcasing the hosts' passion for supporting homeowners and professionals alike.

Please see the link below:

https://youtu.be/xxfCaMHFbl8 

In this episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss the factors that can affect the duration of a home inspection. Tessa mentions how complicated houses with multiple additions, large square footage, and older construction can significantly extend the time it takes to complete an inspection. They also talk about the challenges of inspecting attics, crawlspaces, and roofs, which can add to the overall time due to setup, access, and the need to inspect different roof coverings. 

They emphasize the role of the home inspector themselves, highlighting that individual inspectors may complete inspections at varying speeds based on their experience, thoroughness, and efficiency. The hosts also touch upon the influence of clients, agents, engineers, and even deferred maintenance on the inspection time. They share anecdotes of challenging inspections and how certain unexpected situations can extend the process, such as needing to reset multiple GFCI outlets and handling unforeseen problems. 

Ultimately, Reuben and Tessa conclude that a longer home inspection doesn't equate to a problematic house. Instead, it reflects the complexity of the inspection process and various variables at play.