The Ride Along: A Home Inspection Podcast

Lumberyard mold: what it is, how it's treated, and what home inspectors should say about it

What causes mold in brand-new homes before anyone even moves in? In this episode of The Ride Along: A Home Inspection Show, hosts Brad Lowery and Matt Brading sit down with Jordan Mason to break down one of the hottest topics in the inspection industry: lumberyard mold, microbial growth in new construction, and what inspectors need to know before calling it out. From attic sheathing stains to full-scale mold remediation, this conversation dives deep into the real-world challenges home inspectors face when evaluating moisture intrusion, ventilation problems, and indoor air quality concerns. Jordan shares practical insight into mold testing, soda blasting, chemical remediation methods, building science principles, and how poor moisture management can impact both health and property value. Whether you're a home inspector, mold assessor, remediation contractor, realtor, builder, or homeowner, this episode delivers actionable insight you can apply in the field immediately. Topics covered in this episode: ✔️ Lumberyard mold vs active microbial growth ✔️ Mold in new construction homes ✔️ Moisture intrusion and humidity control ✔️ Mold remediation methods explained ✔️ Soda blasting vs chemical treatment ✔️ Ventilation and attic airflow issues ✔️ Building science for home inspectors ✔️ Indoor air quality and health concerns ✔️ Mold testing and inspection best practices ✔️ Protecting property value during real estate transactions If you're serious about becoming a better inspector and staying ahead of industry trends, subscribe to The Ride Along: A Home Inspection Show and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 👍 Like the video 💬 Drop your thoughts/questions in the comments 📲 Share this with another inspector or contractor Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthy Homes and Mold Awareness 10:20 Understanding Lumberyard Mold and Its Implications 28:31 The Risks of Dormant Mold and Air Quality Management 30:33 Building Community in Home Inspections 31:58 Addressing Mold Concerns in Home Inspections 34:40 Inspector and Builder Responsibilities 38:21 Understanding Mold Remediation Techniques 42:09 Innovative Solutions for Mold Issues 49:27 The Importance of Context in Mold Testing 55:13 Preparing for Future Storms and Mold Risks The links: Register for Inspection Fuel this Sept 28-30 in Louisville, KY: http://www.inspectionfuel.com.register [http://www.inspectionfuel.com.register] Sign up for the newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter [https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter] Leave us a VOICEMAIL here: https://www.theridealong.show [https://www.theridealong.show]

How to do 600+ home inspections per year... with the buyer present!

Should home buyers attend the home inspection—or does it create more problems than it solves? In this episode of The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast, Brad Lowery and Matt Brading sit down with top-producing inspector Ken Humphreys of BPG Inspections to debate one of the most talked-about topics in the industry. 👉 Watch the full episode to hear how top inspectors approach client presence, reporting, and running a successful inspection business. Ken shares real-world insights from years of high-level experience, while the conversation dives into home inspection best practices, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and how inspectors adapt to different markets and client expectations. From the role of technology in inspections to balancing efficiency with quality, this episode breaks down what actually drives success in today's home inspection industry. You'll also hear different perspectives on inspection standards, client communication, and whether having buyers on-site improves or complicates the process. Whether you're a home inspector refining your workflow or a homebuyer trying to understand what to expect, this discussion highlights how communication, consistency, and adaptability lead to better outcomes. 🔧 What You'll Learn - Should buyers attend a home inspection? - How top inspectors approach client communication - The role of SOPs in home inspection businesses - How inspection practices vary by market and region - How to balance efficiency, quality, and work-life balance 🎧 Listen to more expert conversations on The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast for insights on home inspection, business growth, and industry best practices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Home Inspection Excellence 01:46 Ken Humphries: A Veteran Home Inspector's Journey 05:30 The Importance of Client Presence During Inspections 09:20 Utilizing Technology: The Role of Infrared Cameras 13:05 Balancing Client Interaction and Inspection Efficiency 16:35 Streamlining the Inspection Process 20:22 The Debate on Inspection Standards and Practices 23:57 Finding Work-Life Balance in Home Inspection 28:38 Evolving Roles in Home Inspection 29:49 Market Trends and Pre-Offer Evaluations 31:26 Personal Connections in Inspections 32:09 Inspection Techniques and Time Management 36:56 Safety vs. Comfort in Home Inspections 40:07 SOPs and Regional Variances in Inspections 52:19 The Importance of Functionality in Inspections 53:02 The Importance of Customer Education 56:07 Balancing Time and Client Interaction 59:00 The Role of Reports in Client Understanding 01:02:00 Work-Life Balance in Home Inspections 01:04:55 Different Approaches to Inspections 01:07:40 The Value of Client Presence 01:10:25 Continuous Learning and Adaptation 01:13:20 Finding Common Ground in Inspection Practices The links: Register for Inspection Fuel this Sept 28-30 in Louisville, KY: http://www.inspectionfuel.com.register [http://www.inspectionfuel.com.register] Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show [https://www.theridealong.show] Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter [https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter]

No Home Inspection license required? How great inspectors still win in unregulated states

Can you run a successful home inspection business and build trust with home buyers in a state without licensing or regulation? In this episode of The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast, we break down what it really takes to operate with excellence in unregulated home inspection markets. And our guest is a man who needs little introduction! Brent Fletcher joins the show this week to discuss how home inspectors can build trust, maintain high standards, and deliver consistent value—even in states where there are no licensing requirements. From setting your own standards of practice to developing strong client communication and professional systems, this episode explores how inspectors can rise above the lack of regulation and differentiate themselves in competitive markets. We also cover how homebuyers and real estate agents evaluate inspectors in unlicensed states, and what separates average inspectors from those who build long-term, reputable businesses. Whether you're a home inspector working in an unregulated state or considering entering the industry, this episode provides practical insight into running a home inspection business with professionalism, integrity, and consistency—regardless of licensing requirements. Key topics: - Differences between regulated and unregulated home inspection markets - How Colorado inspectors operate without licensing requirements - The importance of certification and standards (e.g., InterNACHI's SOP) - Client confidence and reputation-building in unregulated states - The role of social media in establishing inspector credibility - Common pitfalls and mistakes in first inspections - Building inspector accountability and professional reputation - Practical tips for new inspectors to gain confidence and experience - The impact of licensing on pricing and market competition - Future trends and developments in home inspection regulation Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Brent Fletcher's inspection background in unregulated Colorado 02:17 - Building essentials: vapor barriers and passive house construction 04:23 - Colorado's construction landscape: basements, slab on grade, and regional differences 05:56 - Developing educational content with a dedicated office space 06:42 - The value of a professional studio environment for content creation 08:00 - How unregulated states like Colorado handle inspection standards and oversight 09:14 - The implications of no licensing requirements and inspector accountability 11:12 - The importance of online reviews and certification checks for clients 13:46 - The potential for unlicensed inspectors to operate without standards 15:10 - Differences in pricing and competition in unregulated vs regulated markets 16:43 - How clients in Colorado recognize inspector credibility without formal licensing 17:48 - The role social media plays in building trust and professional reputation 19:38 - Establishing inspection standards and ongoing training programs 22:09 - The impact of licensing on liability, liability insurance, and market quality 24:23 - The influence of regulation on inspection quality and accountability 27:09 - Costs associated with licensing and the potential market effects 30:39 - Protecting home buyers through education and due diligence in unregulated states 33:24 - The significance of personality and professionalism in social media marketing 34:45 - The ongoing discussion around regulation and professional standards in home inspection 35:44 - Insights into training new inspectors and establishing credible mentorship programs 39:55 - The importance of experience, humility, and continuous learning in early inspections 42:42 - Common issues encountered in inspections: appliances, water lines, and fireplaces 45:07 - Mistakes made during first inspections and lessons learned 50:00 - Managing busy schedules and personal growth as a home inspector 51:01 - Brent Fletcher's online presence and industry influence The links: Sign up for Inspection Fuel V this Sept. 28-30 in Louisville, KY! https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register [https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register] Follow Inspector Fletch on social media @inspector_fletch!

How Porch's Customer Success team helps home inspectors win

What makes great home inspection software more than just technology? The people behind it. In this special edition episode, we take a closer look at Porch Group's Customer Success team and how they help home inspectors get the most value from Porch inspection software and services like Palmtech, ISN, Home Inspector Pro, and other tools like ACC and Guardian Inspection Payments used by professional inspectors across the industry. Unlike many tech platforms, Porch provides live support from real people, giving inspectors direct access to experts who understand both the software and the home inspection business. The Customer Success team helps inspectors troubleshoot issues, share best practices, and ensure they're using their tools as efficiently as possible. Porch Customer Success also provides shared company resources and account reviews, helping inspectors optimize their workflows, improve report delivery, and get the most out of the software they rely on to run their inspection businesses. If you're a home inspector using Porch software—or considering it—this episode explains how dedicated customer success support can improve your efficiency, reduce frustration, and help you grow your inspection business. Topics Covered: - Live customer support for home inspectors - Porch Group inspection software services - Palmtech and ISN support resources - How customer success teams help inspectors optimize their tools - Software training and account reviews for home inspection businesses

You MIGHT be inspecting houses WRONG! And it MIGHT be better for home buyers to not attend.

Is there a right and wrong way to perform a home inspection? In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in the home inspection industry — whether there are absolute truths when it comes to inspection standards, reporting methods, and professional judgment. And there's nobody better than Joey McPeek of Peek Home Inspections to speak on the topic. Well known and well respected in the Boise real estate market, Joey's build a reputation for shooting straight... and also pushing back on conventional home inspection norms. We discuss: ✔ Are there objective "right" and "wrong" ways to inspect a home? ✔ How much interpretation is involved in a home inspection report? ✔ Standards of Practice vs. personal inspection style ✔ Risk management and liability considerations ✔ Should the home buyer be present during the inspection? ✔ Pros and cons of buyer attendance at inspections From buyer presence at inspections to gray areas in defect evaluation, this episode explores how inspectors balance professionalism, liability, ethics, and client education. Whether you're a new home inspector, a seasoned professional, considering entering the inspection industry, or a homebuyer wondering what to expect during an inspection... this conversation breaks down the realities behind "right vs wrong" in the field, challenges assumptions, and explores how to balance ethics, standards, communication, and client expectations. If you're serious about improving your inspection process, client communication, and professional standards, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast for expert insight into inspection standards, client communication, and industry best practices. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: Is it right or wrong? The foundation of inspection integrity 02:01 - The story behind Peak Home Inspections and the significance of the name 04:37 - Personal insights on the importance of thoroughness and client education 08:45 - Embracing modern tools for faster, more comprehensive inspections 12:14 - Building trust: Joey's experience with social media and client engagement 15:38 - The mindset of doing things the right way and passing that to your team 18:16 - Lessons from construction: Why inspectors need to be assertive and precise 22:43 - Protecting clients through honest reporting and legal safeguards 27:00 - How Joey manages relationships with builders, agents, and clients 30:00 - The bold decision to restrict access during inspections and its rationale 33:25 - Commanding the room and managing buyer confidence 36:36 - Training inspectors with accountability and high standards 40:17 - The importance of rapid response and clear documentation 44:20 - Adapting to unregulated markets and developing effective SOPs 50:00 - Handling client interactions for efficiency without sacrificing quality 55:40 - Analogies for inspection processes: Surgeons, mechanics, and timelines 60:00 - Streamlining reports with multimedia: videos, pictures, and educational content 65:45 - Joey's unique approach to rich, built-in review content 70:45 - What one change would improve the industry? Joey's bold insights 75:45 - The value of personal integrity and avoiding unnecessary fluff 78:11 - Connecting with Joey on social media: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube The Links: Follow Joey on all platforms: @peekinspections Leave us a VOICEMAIL here: https://www.theridealong.show [https://www.theridealong.show] Subscribe to the newsletter here:https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter Key Points: - Joey's approach to maintaining a black-and-white perspective in inspections—right vs. wrong. - The impact of social media and modern technology on inspection workflows and client education. - How to command the inspection process confidently and effectively. - Strategies for protecting yourself legally while providing unmatched service. - The advantages of video and detailed documentation in reports for resale and legal protection. - Building a reputation through honesty, professionalism, and client-focused communication. - Overcoming challenges with unregulated states and developing your SOP. - Balancing inspection thoroughness with time management and client expectations. - Joey's perspective on the importance of setting standards in a competitive industry.