Structure Talk

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/NZSMT78oKmQ In this episode, Reuben Saltzman, Tessa Murry, and Eric Houseman delve into the craziest service inquiries and complaints home inspectors face, emphasizing the importance of communication, empathy, and proper process. They share real stories, lessons learned, and strategies to handle difficult situations effectively...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/hhrDUvkhtqk   In this episode, Ruben and Tessa dive into the nuanced world of home inspection reporting, exploring when and how to report safety issues versus minor defects, and how overreporting can sometimes do more harm than good. They discuss the importance of context, client expectations, and professional judgment in creat...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/-8l0ZgYchPs   In this episode, Ruben and Tessa dive into common homeowner misconceptions, from the importance of home inspections on new builds to the realities of gutter guards and the complexities of HVAC sizing. Whether you're a homeowner, buyer, or just love home improvement, this conversation provides valuable, real-w...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/oCnCRv-xTDM Click the link to watch Reuben ride his new toy: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYhiBQTBc-P/?igsh=M2xwdDdmNnpwN3Rk   In this episode, Reuben Saltzman, Tessa Murry, and guest Eric Hausman explore the impact of AI on home inspections, client expectations, and innovative projects like vehicle branding. They discuss how...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/iSroxH8taxY   In this episode, we explore the recent challenges and innovations at Spectora, including the controversial Fixel rollout, AI advancements, and the company's future direction. Guest Peter Osberg shares insights on navigating industry changes, customer engagement, and technological breakthroughs that are shapin...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/BRRmNh1LHZA   In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Chris Hughes from the Energy Conservatory to discuss HVAC innovations, building science, and practical solutions for improving home performance. Learn how emerging technologies like the TrueFlow Grid are reshaping industry standards and enhancing home comfor...

For information about Tessa's upcoming presentation for MAC ASHI on May 2nd, visit: https://www.macashi.org/calendar/274 To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/KhdZxrBD9mI In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry catch up on recent projects, share insights on home inspection practices, and discuss Spectora's sale and its implications for inspectors...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here:   https://youtu.be/U0ALmS9vUC0 In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry talk with Sophie Ashley of Energy Vanguard about her journey from hands‑on carpentry and post‑Katrina rebuilding work to becoming an HVAC designer for high‑performance homes. Sophie shares how her field experience shaped her understanding of building science and why...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/eK-WIS7inMU In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry talk with Steve Rogers, President of The Energy Conservatory (TEC), about the science behind home performance and why so many HVAC systems fall short of expectations. Steve shares TEC’s journey from early prototypes to industry‑standard testing tools and explains how...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/4LmP_3WOezg In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Noah Gavik from Brothers Underground to discuss the impact of private equity on the home service industry. They explore the benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations of private equity ownership, as well as how it influences business operations, customer...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/0US0bHGynQo In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry once again welcome Structure Tech’s Service Manager, Eric Houseman, for a deep dive into one of the most debated topics in home inspections: flashing and exterior water management.  Prompted by an email from fellow home inspector Chris, the discussion explores real-wo...

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 betwee...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/GcQUDCQAgsI In this episode, Reuben Saltzman speaks with film producer George Siegal, known for his documentary Built to Last, Buyer Beware . They explore the hidden risks of home buying, with a focus on insurance coverage, building codes, and purchasing in high-risk areas. Drawing on his background in TV news, George emphasize...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/eVsiOW_Ynig In today’s episode, Reuben and Tessa reflect on their holiday experiences and catch up on recent home projects, sharing practical insights on everything from snowblowers to indoor air quality concerns. They dive deeper into the complexities of health issues tied to home environments and discuss water quality challen...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/btTlpjM1w2c In this episode, Reuben and Tessa explore practical smart home upgrades and energy-saving tools. They share hands-on experiences with infrared cameras, energy monitoring devices, and water leak prevention systems. The discussion also touches on the challenges of managing multiple smart devices and finding the right...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/nu1GoDS3z-E In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Nate Mielke, a general contractor and remodeler. They discuss Nate's journey in the construction industry, the differences between design-build and general contracting, and the importance of building performance in remo...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/MpJELehhLbc In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry sit down with Rob Howard, founder of Howard Building Science, to explore how he’s tackling one of the biggest challenges in housing today: building affordable, high-performance homes. Rob shares his journey from Habitat for Humanity...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/gcF3wVu0630 In this episode, Tessa Murry and Reuben Saltzman welcome Isaac Scott, a builder from Louisiana, to discuss his company, Clare Homes, and the innovative building practices they employ. Isaac shares his journey from working in the construction industry to starting his own business focused on energy-efficient and resil...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/6GZOqskHBwU In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss Halloween chaos and a complex home inspection that pushed the limits of Structure Tech’s expertise. Reuben shares a detailed story about troubleshooting a heating system in a 100-year-old Minneapolis home, emphasizing the im...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/vi0mEQemsck In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry sit down with Gene Myers, founder and CEO of Thrive Home Builders in Denver, Colorado. Gene shares his journey from land developer to one of the most forward-thinking builders in the country, known for creating high-performance, net...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/qaISUXRUJrQ In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Sam Rashkin, former Chief Architect for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office and creator of the Energy Star for Homes and Zero Energy Ready Home programs. Sam shares his journey into the housing indus...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/k8U1KBX8ObE In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry catch up on their recent activities, including conferences focused on building science and home inspection. They discuss the importance of integrating building science into home inspections, the growing interest among inspectors, an...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/5yOQW18UmVA In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Matthew Eickman from Abra Kadabra Pest Control to discuss the intersection of pest control and home inspections. They explore the importance of community in business growth, the challenges of misidentification in pest issues, and the significance of building r...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/cYcD91eX5rQ In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry engage with Paul Barraza, a seasoned home inspector from Northern California. They discuss the nuances of home inspections, including energy efficiency, wildfire preparedness, and earthquake safety. Paul shares his journey into the home inspection industry, the import...

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/iRw-dmE8GpA In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome guests Brad Lowery and Matt Brading to discuss their experiences in the home inspection industry, the importance of building science, and the role of podcasting in connecting with the community. They explore the upcoming Ins...