Structure Talk

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/noKM0Ijpafg [https://youtu.be/noKM0Ijpafg] In this episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss various topics related to home inspections, including the impact of weather on home maintenance, the integration of AI in home inspections, and the importance of building relationships with team members. They share insights from recent ride-alongs, highlighting unique home features, safety upgrades, and challenges such as backdrafting and peeling paint. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding building science and the need for ongoing training in the industry. Here's the link to check out Inspector Empire Builder: https://events.iebcoaching.com/events [https://events.iebcoaching.com/events]You can find more information on Tessa’s website: https://www.yourhousecoach.com/ [https://www.yourhousecoach.com/] https://events.iebcoaching.com/eventsTakeaways AI is becoming increasingly relevant in home inspections. Building relationships with team members enhances workplace culture. Home inspections can reveal valuable information about neighbors. Safety upgrades in homes are essential for preventing accidents. Moisture issues can arise from improper ventilation. Training in building science is crucial for contractors. Unique home features can reflect the owner's lifestyle. Backdrafting can pose serious risks in homes with gas appliances. Peeling paint can indicate underlying issues with the wood. Understanding building science helps in diagnosing home problems. Chapters 00:00 Weather and Personal Updates 03:01 AI in Home Inspections 05:59 Home Maintenance Challenges 09:07 Ride Along Insights 12:01 Building Relationships with Team 14:59 Home Inspection Stories 17:57 Safety Upgrades in Homes 21:00 Ventilation and Air Quality 24:00 Building Science and Moisture Issues 27:06 Training for Building Science 29:57 Unique Home Features 32:53 Backdrafting and Exhaust Issues 35:59 Peeling Paint Challenges 38:52 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/LzP_zb7BsGQ [https://youtu.be/LzP_zb7BsGQ] In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss various common home inspection issues, focusing on the top five problems that often arise in older homes. They delve into the importance of water management, electrical safety, chimney maintenance, gas leak concerns, and sewer problems. The conversation highlights the importance of home buyers being aware of these issues and adjusting their expectations when purchasing older properties. Here's the link to check out Inspector Empire Builder: https://events.iebcoaching.com/events [https://events.iebcoaching.com/events]You can find more information on Tessa’s website here: https://www.yourhousecoach.com/ [https://www.yourhousecoach.com/]Takeaways: Tessa is feeling better after a month of illness. Summer brings challenges with kids at home. Common home inspection issues can apply to many areas. Water management problems are critical for home safety. Unprotected overhead electric wires pose serious hazards. Masonry chimneys require regular maintenance and inspection. Gas leaks are more common than expected in home inspections. Sewer problems can lead to expensive repairs. Home buyers should reset their expectations regarding property conditions. There is no such thing as a perfect house.  Chapters: 00:00 Summer Vibes and Health Updates 07:20 Home Inspection Stories and Experiences 07:50 Top Home Inspection Issues 11:26 Water Management Problems 17:13 Electrical Safety Concerns 21:33 Masonry Chimney Challenges 22:36 The Hidden Costs of Chimney Maintenance 31:30 Understanding Gas Leaks and Their Risks 37:32 Sewer Problems: A Costly Concern 40:50 Common Issues in Older Homes

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/Skx7vjdsdo8 [https://youtu.be/Skx7vjdsdo8] In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss the dynamics of home inspection attendance, exploring who should be present during inspections, the roles of buyers and agents, and the impact of these interactions on the inspection process. They share personal experiences and insights on how attendance can affect the quality of inspections and the overall experience for clients. The conversation also touches on the importance of education in the real estate industry and the various types of agents that may be present during inspections. They also discuss the dynamics of home inspections, focusing on the various roles of buyers, agents, and sellers. They explore the unique needs of first-time home buyers, the importance of agent presence during inspections, and the complications that arise when sellers are present. The discussion also highlights the significance of setting boundaries and the impact of unique situations that can occur during inspections. The episode concludes with a call for listeners to share their own experiences. Here's the link to check Inspector Empire Builder: https://events.iebcoaching.com/events [https://events.iebcoaching.com/events] Takeaways The weather in Florida can be quite challenging due to humidity. Health issues can impact professional life significantly. Home inspection attendance has evolved, especially post-COVID. Buyers should ideally attend inspections to understand their future home better. Having agents present can help clarify communication and reduce misunderstandings. Different types of agents can influence the inspection process positively or negatively. Education is crucial for both home inspectors and real estate agents. The presence of children during inspections can lead to distractions and potential issues. Home inspectors appreciate agents who are supportive and engaged during inspections. The inspection process is becoming more complex, requiring more time and attention.  First-time home buyers often feel overwhelmed and need support. Statistically, more single women are buying homes than single men. Agents play a crucial role in providing moral support during inspections. The presence of sellers during inspections can complicate the process. It's generally advised that sellers should not attend their home inspections. Buyers should ideally be present for the last hour of the inspection. Setting boundaries is essential for home inspectors. Unique situations can arise with various attendees during inspections. The role of the seller's agent can vary depending on the situation. Sharing stories from inspections can provide valuable insights.  Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Weather Check 02:58 Health Updates and Professional Endeavors 05:54 Home Inspection Attendance: Who Should Be There? 12:01 The Role of Buyers and Agents in Inspections 17:59 Types of Agents at Home Inspections 23:59 The Importance of Education in Home Inspections 24:19 Navigating First-Time Home Buyers' Needs 29:45 The Role of Agents During Inspections 30:10 The Seller's Presence at Inspections 37:51 The Impact of Seller's Agents 40:32 Unique Situations with Attendees 48:32 Final Thoughts on Inspection Attendance

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/B4lgieKGvtI [https://youtu.be/B4lgieKGvtI] In this episode of the Structure Talk Podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome back Noah Gavic from Brothers Underground to discuss various sewer types and cleaning techniques. Noah shares insights on the most common pipe types, including cast iron and clay tile, and explains the importance of proper cleaning methods like chain cleaning and jetting. They cover the risks associated with DIY drain cleaning and the costs of hiring professionals for sewer maintenance. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of sewer lines, discussing the various types of pipes used in plumbing, their historical context, and the responsibilities of homeowners regarding shared sewer lines. They explore the implications of different materials, such as cement, asbestos, and Orangeburg, and the modern alternatives like PVC and HDPE. They also discuss the lifespan of these materials and the importance of proper installation to avoid costly repairs and various aspects of sewer line repairs, focusing on the importance of proper techniques, materials, and the need for homeowners to hire knowledgeable professionals. They delve into the geographic variations in sewer materials, the process of accessing and repairing sewer lines, and the different methods and technologies used in pipe lining. They emphasize the significance of understanding the complexities of sewer repairs and the potential pitfalls of hiring inexperienced contractors. Here’s the  link to Noah Gavic's company: https://www.brosunderground.com/ [https://www.brosunderground.com/]Check this link to Tessa’s website: https://www.yourhousecoach.com/ [https://www.yourhousecoach.com/]Takeaways Noah Gavic has 21 years of experience in the plumbing industry. Brothers Underground focuses on educating customers about their sewer options. Cast iron and clay tile are the two most common sewer pipe types. Roots intrude into pipes primarily through leaks, not through solid walls. Chain cleaning is a high-speed, low-torque method for cleaning pipes. Improper chain cleaning can damage pipes, leading to costly repairs. Jetter machines use high-pressure water to clean pipes without damaging them. Homeowners should be cautious about DIY drain cleaning due to potential risks. Professional drain cleaning costs can range from $300 to $2400 depending on the service. Knowing the length of a sewer line is crucial for effective cleaning. Access to sewer lines can be forgotten or lost. Sewer line lengths can vary significantly based on connections. Homeowners share responsibility for shared sewer lines. Historical codes have changed regarding sewer installations. Cement asbestos pipes are common in homes built in the 50s and 60s. Orangeburg pipes are known for their poor durability. PVC is the most common pipe used today, but it has limitations. HDPE is flexible and resistant to breaking under pressure. Proper installation is crucial to avoid future plumbing issues. Lining pipes can extend their lifespan and prevent leaks. Proper sewer line repairs require the right materials and techniques. Geographic variations affect the types of materials used in sewer systems. Accessing sewer lines can be done through clean-out access points. The lining process involves inserting a liner that hardens in place. Different methods exist for lining pipes, including pull-in-place and inversion techniques. Curing methods for liners can vary, including steam and UV light. Choosing the right materials is crucial for effective repairs. Homeowners should be cautious when hiring contractors for sewer repairs. Lifetime warranties on repairs may not be reliable.

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/jwVDbI86XKs [https://youtu.be/jwVDbI86XKs]In this episode of the Structure Talk Podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry share personal updates, including recent travels and experiences in different climates. They discuss the challenges of home inspections, particularly regarding insurance and aging roofs. The conversation delves into the impact of summer heat on homes and the potential damage it can cause. The hosts provide insights and advice for homeowners navigating these issues, emphasizing the importance of proactive maintenance and understanding insurance policies. They also discuss various home maintenance issues, focusing on sunlight and heat damage, water leaks, and the importance of proper dryer venting. They share personal experiences and insights on how to manage these issues effectively, emphasizing the need for awareness and innovative solutions in home construction and maintenance. Takeaways Reuben shares his recent experience chaperoning a school trip to Chicago. Tessa discusses the challenges of adjusting to Florida's heat. Reuben reflects on a recent walkthrough consultation he conducted after years. Tessa emphasizes the simplicity of visual inspections in her consulting work. Tessa recounts her experience at a friend's wedding in Arizona and the dry heat. The hosts discuss the rising insurance costs related to aging roofs. Reuben explains the insurance industry's perspective on old roofs and potential claims. Tessa shares insights on the impact of climate change on insurance rates. The hosts explore the effects of summer heat on home systems and materials. Tessa highlights the importance of understanding the longevity of home components.  Sunlight can cause heat damage to neighboring properties. Water leaks can occur unexpectedly, requiring quick action. Proper management of rental properties is crucial. Dryer ducts venting through roofs can lead to significant issues. Ice dams can form due to improper dryer venting. Regular maintenance of dryer ducts is essential to prevent fires. Innovative products like Dryer Jack can improve dryer venting. Cost and availability affect the choice of venting solutions. Awareness of building codes is important for safety. Homeowners should be proactive in managing home maintenance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:57 Consultation Insights and Experiences 05:53 Weather Experiences: Florida vs. Arizona 09:03 Insurance and Homeowner Concerns 11:49 The Impact of Aging Roofs on Insurance 14:57 Heat Damage to Homes: A Discussion 18:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 22:05 Sunlight and Heat Damage 23:01 Water Leak Incident 26:17 Dryer Ducts and Venting Issues 30:10 The Importance of Proper Dryer Venting 34:09 Innovative Solutions for Dryer Venting