Structure Talk

In today’s podcast, Reuben and Tessa are joined by John Williamson, a retired Chief Electrical Inspector and electrical expert from Minnesota. The main topic of discussion revolves around the adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) in Minnesota and its impact on residential properties and its date of effectivity.

The podcast delves into significant changes, such as the expanded use of GFCI protection in kitchens, now covering all receptacles, including wall outlets. They also highlight updates for specific appliances, and outdoor outlets, and touch on AFCI protection when replacing electric panels. Throughout the discussion, John provides valuable insights and explanations behind these changes to ensure electrical safety and compliance for homeowners, electricians, and contractors.

Reuben and Tessa emphasize the importance of staying informed about these changes to ensure that home inspections, sales, and purchases comply with the updated NEC for enhanced electrical safety. The episode wraps up by directing listeners to additional resources for more information about the 2023 NEC

Please see the link below for the NEC Changes and detailed information.

https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/NECFAQ23.pdf

Also, here's a link to some of John's articles on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-williamson-ab678138/recent-activity/all/

In this episode, Reuben and Tessa welcome Eric Houseman, Structuretech Home Inspection’s service manager, as a special guest. They discuss various topics, including truck organization for home inspectors. Eric describes his customized truck setup, making it an efficient and well-organized vehicle for inspections. He utilizes a roof rack to carry his extension ladder, while his collapsing ladder and other inspection tools are stored in ARB drawers in the bed. Eric's truck also features a modular topper, MOLLE panels for attaching gear, and a yoga mat for comfort when transporting his dog. The discussion sheds light on how a well-organized truck can optimize productivity for home inspectors. 

Eric's extensive knowledge and experience in the vehicle industry are evident in his innovative and effective solutions for truck organization, making his truck one of the most customized on the team. He emphasizes the importance of having a well-thought-out setup for easy access to tools and equipment during inspections. By sharing his insights, Eric provides valuable tips and ideas for fellow home inspectors looking to optimize their inspection vehicles. 

The episode concludes with Reuben planning to create a video tour of Eric's truck setup for interested listeners, offering valuable insights for those seeking efficient and organized ways to optimize their home inspection vehicles. 

Please see the link below for the said video tour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rtLZXpVjFo&ab_channel=StructureTechHomeInspection

One of Structure Tech's most experienced instructors, George Ury, joins the show to talk about wood foundations. 

Geoge discusses the preservatives used in wood foundations-these are an integral part of the wood foundation that needs to be protected. 

He shares his experiences in inspecting wood foundations. They discuss the common reasons why wood foundations fail and the importance of water management. Then they talk about recommendations on how to prevent moisture and mold from damaging the foundation. 

It has been a long hiatus! We're back to talk about the importance of gas fireplace safety. 

Reuben shares that he has been too casual about child safety with fireplaces. They talk about how the fireplace glass surface can get very hot and potentially melt skin very quickly.

Would you happen to need a fireplace screen? Reuben discusses how screens can help protect children from injury. They talk about the availability of these products from manufacturers or visit Fireplace Safety Screen • Fireplace Safety Screen. He also shares other DIY options such as safety gates. Tessa inquires about how easy these are to install.

They suggest that home inspectors include this in their reports and for homeowners and real estate agents pass this message along to others. 

Share your comments and stories to [email protected].

Reuben and Tessa share some advice, recommendations, and guidance for new home inspectors and business owners. 

Reuben shares that home inspection certifications and licenses aren't enough to become a good inspector. Tessa mentions shadowing and learning from seasoned practitioners in the industry will help inspectors get good at the job and know what to do. They highlight that it's important to learn from other people's mistakes. 

They also talk about tips about inspector liabilities and client relations. Tessa recommends listening to the inspection process podcast. Then, Reuben talks about books that are helpful for managing businesses. 

Here are the links to some of the podcasts mentioned:

• Home Inspection Mistakes, part 1 
• Home Inspection Mistakes, part 2
• Home Inspection Process, part 1
• Home Inspection Process, part 2
• Home Inspection Process, part 3

Today we discuss direct and power vents and combustion air. 

Reuben and Tessa discuss an inquiry about a contractor's advice to install a direct vent for their water heater replacement. Reuben explains that this was extremely unusual. He defines a power vent and a direct vent. Tessa inquires about changes in the building code.

They also talk about combustion air. Reuben highlights that combustion air is brought into every Minnesota home. Tessa explains what combustion air is. They highlight that combustion air ducts should remain clean and must be checked periodically. 

Reuben shares about spending the weekend with his daughter, Lucy, and talks about a learning opportunity with her.

Today we talk about the recommended must-have tools from podcast followers. 

Reuben and Tessa go over the list of suggestions. They talk about Channellock vs Robo Grip pliers, an impact driver vs a drill, electric vs gas-powered saws, as well as various hand saws and reciprocating saws, wet-dry vacuums, pry bars and putty knives, 2ft or 4ft level, stud finders or stud buddies, vice grips, and mallets. 

They also received suggestions about personal protective equipment such as work gloves, safety goggles, and earplugs. They talk about bizarre tools such as voltage detectors and sniffers, toilet plungers, water shut-offs, bottle openers, carpenter's pencils, duct tapes, superglues, zip ties, and wall screws. However, some of the suggestions are useful for specific projects only. Reuben and Tessa argue some of the suggested tools.

Reuben and Tessa go over a list of tools every homeowner must have in the house. 

They talk about flashlights, drills and bit sets, socket sets and wrench adapters, screwdrivers and wrenches, tape measures, utility knives, hammers, pliers, and ladders. Reuben highlights that these tools are very useful for DIY projects while Tessa mentions that the tools are not for everyone. 

Read Reuben's blog post about these tools here: Must-own tool list for every homeowner - Structure Tech Home Inspections.

Today we talk about tips on how to manage melting snow and basement water.

Reuben discusses where melted snow goes and how they penetrate through the basement or even the sewers. Tessa mentions that newer houses in Minnesota have a drain tile system then she explains how a sump pump works. They share tips to reduce the potential for water problems without a drain tile.

Reuben shares a story about basement flooding while Tessa shares about a corrugated extension pipe that was used by squirrels to store acorns. 

Send your comments and questions to [email protected].

Reuben recently received a message from a podcast follower who encountered an insulation scam. He shares that the company reportedly had a free dinner and offered multi-layer insulation and solar-power attic fans that are supposed to fix iced dams. Tessa highlights the red flags about the products. 

Reuben describes and defines the products and their cost. Tessa shares the code requirements and how insulation should be installed and worked. She discusses the building science of insulation in different climates. 

Tessa recommends reaching out to the Minnesota Building Performance Association for a list of contractors.