To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/c9hch5yyc-U

In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry are joined by Structure Tech’s Services Manager, Eric Houseman, for a wild home‑inspection story that starts with a simple missing bath‑fan termination and snowballs into a major discovery. What begins as routine training turns into a dramatic game of telephone between inspectors, agents, sellers, and contractors—and ends with one of the most shocking ventilation mistakes the team has ever seen: a bathroom exhaust fan tied directly into a power‑vent water heater exhaust.

Along the way, the trio talked about communication pitfalls, the importance of clear reporting, the routine inspection steps that prevent safety issues, and the unexpected discoveries that even seasoned inspectors don’t see coming. It's an episode filled with lessons, surprises, and plenty of inspector banter.

Here's the link to Inspector Empire Builder: https://www.iebcoaching.com/events
Check out this link to our new favorite Combustible Gas Detector, the TPI 720b:
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Takeaways

Clear communication during inspections is essential—verbal explanations can easily be distorted.
Always wait for the published report, which is the most accurate representation of the findings.
Words matter: “exhaust gas leak” is not the same as “gas leak.”
Inspectors should avoid paraphrasing defects; copy the exact language from the report when relaying information.
Even “routine” findings require careful verification—small details prevent major hazards.
A bath fan must exhaust to the exterior, and improper venting can create serious safety risks.
Creativity in home projects isn't always a good thing—especially when it involves exhaust systems and combustion appliances.
When something seems off, dig deeper; sometimes the truth is hidden behind drywall.
A well‑written report, complete with photos and precise language, is a home inspector’s best protection.
Even experienced inspectors learn new things—sometimes in the most unexpected ways.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction and Minnesota’s heavy current events
01:07  Shifting to lighter topics and home‑inspection talk
02:35  Combustible gas detectors: retiring the TIFF 8900
05:00  The new winner: TPI 270B
07:21  Show sponsor shout‑out: IEB
08:35  Reuben’s reverse osmosis saga (and user error)
11:35  Tessa’s stinky well‑water updates
13:31  Introduction to Eric’s “thrown under the bus” story
14:25  The inspection setup and counting exhaust points
16:45  The missing basement bath‑fan termination
18:14  The telephone game between clients, agents, and sellers
19:37  HVAC contractor conflicts with the findings
20:55  Re‑inspection and detective work
22:17  The shocking discovery: bath fan tied into water‑heater exhaust
23:59  Why this is dangerous: carbon monoxide risk
25:11  No apology, but valuable lessons
27:33  How communication gaps amplify issues
28:44  Importance of clear reporting and avoiding paraphrasing
30:33  Wrapping the episode; preview of next topic
31:48  Closing remarks