Thoughts From the Crawlspace

Your roof is the most expensive thing on your house that you almost never look at. You walk under it every single day and never give it a thought until there's a stain on the ceiling. In this episode of Thoughts from the Crawl Space, Jamie Miller pulls back the curtain on the one system most homeowners ignore until it fails, breaking down what's actually up there and why it matters long before a l...

The first 90 degree day always exposes the weak link in a home. You walk to the thermostat, drop it to 72, and an hour later it still reads 78. The unit is running. It just isn't winning. In this episode of Thoughts from the Crawl Space, Jamie Miller breaks down how residential air conditioning actually works and how to make sure that frustrating scenario isn't yours this summer. The big idea is s...

Spring in the Midwest brings melting snow, shifting soil, and a laundry list of small problems that can turn into expensive repairs if left alone. In this episode of Thoughts from the Crawl Space, we walk through a practical seasonal checklist covering roofs, gutters, grading, foundations, crawl spaces, decks, plumbing, and pest prevention so you can catch issues early and protect your biggest inv...

From carpenter ants hitching a ride on tree branches to raccoons clawing through ridge vents, most pest problems start with small gaps and easy access points homeowners never think to check. This episode breaks down the top entry points pests use, the role moisture and landscaping play in attracting them, and practical steps you can take to keep your home from rolling out the welcome mat. Key Take...

This week, Jamie takes a closer look at one of the most talked-about topics in homeownership: home warranties. From the perspective of experienced home inspection professionals, we break down the pros, cons, and real-world value of home warranties. Homeownership comes with ongoing costs, and most homeowners spend anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 each year on maintenance and repairs. So where does a...

Heating and cooling alone can account for up to 55% of a home's total energy consumption. That means the biggest opportunity to lower energy costs often isn’t flashy upgrades, it’s improving the fundamentals of how a home manages air, insulation, and HVAC performance. This week, Jamie explores practical, cost-effective ways homeowners can dramatically improve energy efficiency. From tightening up...

What’s the real story behind buying a historic home? Are you investing in timeless charm or taking on hidden complexity? Jamie breaks down what makes these properties so special, from distinctive architectural details to the craftsmanship you simply don’t find in modern builds. At the same time, we tackle the practical realities: aging plumbing and electrical systems, structural considerations, an...

Technology is reshaping the home inspection industry. From drones that access hard-to-reach areas to thermal cameras that reveal hidden moisture and insulation issues, today’s tools are expanding what inspectors can see and evaluate. But technology doesn’t replace expertise, it enhances it. Jamie shares how these innovations support, rather than substitute, the trained eye and judgment of a skille...

This week, Jamie tackles a question every homeowner faces: Should you handle home improvement projects yourself or hire a professional? He breaks down common projects into three simple categories: green light, yellow light, and red light, based on safety, risk, and complexity. You’ll learn which tasks are generally safe for DIY enthusiasts, such as cosmetic updates and basic maintenance, and which...

This week, Jamie breaks down the often-overlooked danger of electrical overload, a leading cause of residential fires. Jamie explores how silent electrical fires start, the subtle warning signs many people miss (like flickering lights or warm outlets), and the common mistakes that put homes at risk, such as overloading circuits or treating extension cords as permanent fixes. Listen for practical p...

This week, Jamie shares water heater problems that can cause major inconvenience and costly damage if left unchecked. He breaks down the common causes, from sediment buildup and corrosion to poor maintenance habits. You’ll also learn the early warning signs to watch for, including inconsistent water temperatures and strange noises from your unit. Whether you’re a homeowner, real estate agent, or i...

Dryer fires are far more common than most homeowners realize, and the dryer vent is often the root cause. In this episode, Jamie explains how lint buildup, restricted airflow, and improper vent materials create serious fire hazards inside the home. Jamie shares practical guidance on proper dryer vent maintenance and material selection, helping you reduce risk, improve appliance performance, and pr...

This week, Jamie shares why gutter maintenance is one of the most overlooked and most critical parts of protecting your home from water damage. Improper roof and yard runoff account for an estimated 90–95% of basement water intrusion. Jamie walks through the most common gutter failures, including clogs, improper pitch, and disconnected downspouts, and how these issues can quickly escalate into cos...

Welcome back to the Thoughts from the Crawlspace podcast! This week, Jamie breaks down the vital role sump pumps play in protecting your home from water damage, especially during heavy rain and severe weather. Jamie shares practical insights into proper sump pump testing, routine maintenance, and common failure points homeowners often overlook. He also discusses the importance of backup systems, i...

In this episode of Thoughts from the Crawl Space, Jamie shares what it really takes to be an outstanding home inspector. He breaks down the difference between just getting by and truly excelling in the profession, while stressing the value of solid technical skills, ongoing training, and smart problem-solving to protect buyers from expensive surprises. Just as crucial are strong communication and...

In this episode of Thoughts from the Crawl Space, Jamie breaks down one of the most misunderstood hazards in older homes: asbestos. Once prized for its fire-resistant and insulating qualities, asbestos now poses serious health risks, especially when its presence goes unnoticed. Every homeowner and prospective buyer should know where asbestos commonly hides, why it becomes dangerous when disturbed,...

In this episode of Thoughts from the Crawl Space, Jamie dives into the real story behind lead paint in homes built before 1978, and what buyers, agents, and investors absolutely need to know. Spoiler: finding lead-based paint doesn’t automatically mean a home is dangerous. The real concern is the condition of that paint. From peeling corners, chipping trim, and chalky residue, Jamie breaks down ho...

In this episode of Thoughts from the Crawl Space, Jamie spotlights the importance of weatherproofing your home as winter approaches. Preparing your house for cold weather not only boosts comfort but also improves energy efficiency and helps prevent costly damage. He shares practical steps homeowners can take to protect their spaces from harsh conditions, checking insulation, sealing drafts around...

In this episode, Jamie discusses fireplace safety and maintenance, which are essential for keeping your home warm and worry-free during the winter. He breaks down the critical steps homeowners should take to ensure their fireplaces are operating safely, including clearing blocked flues, inspecting for creosote buildup, and making sure chimney caps are secure. Listen for tips on when to call in pro...

In this episode, Jamie dives into why ancillary services are such a big deal when it comes to home inspections. We break down what these extra services actually are, things like radon testing, mold assessments, sewer line checks, and water quality testing, and explain why they’re not typically part of a standard inspection. Jamie talks about how choosing the right add-ons can make a huge differenc...

Did you know that over 40% of decks may have structural issues that could lead to catastrophic failures?  This week, Jamie talks about deck safety, a topic that’s often overlooked but carries serious risks. He breaks down the key components that keep a deck safe, including proper ledger board attachment, effective flashing to prevent moisture damage, and correctly sized joist hangers. Listen...

This week, Jamie talks about mold, the stealthy menace that thrives in damp corners and can cause big problems for homeowners. He breaks down what mold really is, why it grows, and how it can impact both your health and your home’s structure. Jamie also explains how to spot the early warning signs, like musty smells, surface discoloration, and persistent dampness, before the problem spreads. You’l...

This week, Jamie explores the unique challenges of inspecting older homes. Drawing on his experience as a home inspection expert, he shares key insights for prospective homeowners, real estate agents, and investors considering the purchase of vintage properties. He’ll explore what to look for before buying, everything from aging plumbing and outdated electrical systems to potential structural conc...

This week, Jamie dives into the many ways plants can transform our homes, for better and sometimes for worse. From boosting curb appeal and improving indoor air quality to lowering energy costs, greenery brings plenty of benefits to residential spaces. But without proper care, vegetation can also cause problems like foundation damage and water issues.  Join Jamie as he explores how to strike...

Your attic might be hiding more than just holiday decorations. From rodents and bats to outdated insulation and lurking mold, this often-overlooked space can pose serious health risks and damage your home’s structure.  In this episode, Jamie breaks down how pests can destroy wiring and insulation, why asbestos and old materials are a danger, and the importance of routine inspections. Learn ho...