Structure Talk

In this podcast episode, Reuben Saltzman of the Structure Talk podcast is joined by Jon Bolton from Inspectagator , a Florida-based home inspection company. They delve into various aspects of home inspections in Florida's unique climate and construction landscape. Florida's hot and humid climate presents distinct challenges, from stucco problems to moisture management. They emphasize the...

In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry interview Jim Katen , a seasoned home inspector from the marine climate zone in Portland, Oregon. Jim offers valuable insights into the region's unique housing characteristics and challenges. Notably, he highlights the relatively young housing stock in Oregon, with few homes predating 1890, and the desirability of Craftsman-style houses from th...

In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry are joined by Dusty Jameson , a seasoned home inspector of Inspector Cluseau which is based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Together, they delve into the unique challenges posed by the mixed humid climate in their region. Dusty sheds light on critical aspects of home inspections such as heating and cooling systems, crawl...

In this episode of the Structure Talk Podcast, Reuben Saltzman shares a recent experience with a water heater and the importance of installing a leak detection system to prevent potential damage. He recounts a previous incident where a water heater leak caused significant harm to his house, underscoring the necessity of early detection. Reuben also delves into water heater warranties, discussing t...

In this podcast, Bruce Stahlberg , an expert in HVAC systems and energy efficiency, highlighted the paramount importance of accurate testing and diagnostics for HVAC performance. He emphasized the significance of static pressure testing over temperature rise testing in assessing furnace performance. Reuben, Tessa and Bruce discussed challenges like sheetrock dust infiltrating A-coils during home r...

In this episode of Structure Talk, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry are joined by Adam Barthel from Rum River Construction Consultants. They explore fire separation standards for homes and townhouses, focusing on the wall between the house and garage. The conversation covers crucial details such as material requirements, gap considerations in drywall, and proper installations. They emphasize...

In this engaging podcast episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murray welcome Scott Dorn , owner of BOGO Pest Control , for the second time around as their esteemed guest. Scott shares his invaluable insights into ethical pest control practices and underscores the significance of leadership and integrity in the industry.  The discussion spans a multitude of topics, including the responsible use of ro...

In this podcast episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss a variety of bathroom upgrades and remodeling tips to enhance both the functionality and luxury of your bathroom space. They delve into the advantages of installing heated floors, particularly in tile-floored bathrooms, for a cozy and comfortable experience, while acknowledging the potential electricity costs.  Additionally, the hosts suggest pract...

In today’s episode, Reuben and Tessa engage in an insightful conversation with mortgage expert Mike Louden from Mortgage Avenue . The episode centers on the nuances of the real estate landscape, encompassing mortgage rates and homeownership. Louden stresses the role of advisor over loan officer, drawing from his extensive experience since 1994 and his dedication to guiding clients through the mort...

In this episode, Reuben starts off by sharing exciting news about Structure Tech's recent recognition as the "World's Greatest Home Inspection Company" on a TV show called "World's Greatest." He explains how the company was featured and highlights its focus on providing high-quality services to home inspectors and supporting the industry.  Tessa then reveals her...

In this episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss the factors that can affect the duration of a home inspection. Tessa mentions how complicated houses with multiple additions, large square footage, and older construction can significantly extend the time it takes to complete an inspection. They also talk about the challenges of inspecting attics, crawlspaces, and roofs, which can add to the overall time d...

In today’s podcast, Reuben and Tessa are joined by John Williamson , a retired Chief Electrical Inspector and electrical expert from Minnesota. The main topic of discussion revolves around the adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) in Minnesota and its impact on residential properties and its date of effectivity.   The podcast delves into significant changes, such as the expanded use...

In this episode, Reuben and Tessa welcome Eric Houseman , Structuretech Home Inspection’s service manager, as a special guest. They discuss various topics, including truck organization for home inspectors. Eric describes his customized truck setup, making it an efficient and well-organized vehicle for inspections. He utilizes a roof rack to carry his extension ladder, while his collapsing ladder a...

One of Structure Tech's most experienced instructors, George Ury , joins the show to talk about wood foundations.  Geoge discusses the preservatives used in wood foundations-these are an integral part of the wood foundation that needs to be protected.  He shares his experiences in inspecting wood foundations. They discuss the common reasons why wood foundations fail and the importance of wate...

It has been a long hiatus! We're back to talk about the importance of gas fireplace safety.  Reuben shares that he has been too casual about child safety with fireplaces. They talk about how the fireplace glass surface can get very hot and potentially melt skin very quickly. Would you happen to need a fireplace screen? Reuben discusses how screens can help protect children from injury. They t...

Reuben and Tessa share some advice, recommendations, and guidance for new home inspectors and business owners.  Reuben shares that home inspection certifications and licenses aren't enough to become a good inspector. Tessa mentions shadowing and learning from seasoned practitioners in the industry will help inspectors get good at the job and know what to do. They highlight that it's impo...

Today we discuss direct and power vents and combustion air.  Reuben and Tessa discuss an inquiry about a contractor's advice to install a direct vent for their water heater replacement. Reuben explains that this was extremely unusual. He defines a power vent and a direct vent. Tessa inquires about changes in the building code. They also talk about combustion air. Reuben highlights that combus...

Today we talk about the recommended must-have tools from podcast followers.  Reuben and Tessa go over the list of suggestions. They talk about Channellock vs Robo Grip pliers, an impact driver vs a drill, electric vs gas-powered saws, as well as various hand saws and reciprocating saws, wet-dry vacuums, pry bars and putty knives, 2ft or 4ft level, stud finders or stud buddies, vice grips, and mall...

Reuben and Tessa go over a list of tools every homeowner must have in the house.  They talk about flashlights, drills and bit sets, socket sets and wrench adapters, screwdrivers and wrenches, tape measures, utility knives, hammers, pliers, and ladders. Reuben highlights that these tools are very useful for DIY projects while Tessa mentions that the tools are not for everyone.  Read Reuben's b...

Today we talk about tips on how to manage melting snow and basement water. Reuben discusses where melted snow goes and how they penetrate through the basement or even the sewers. Tessa mentions that newer houses in Minnesota have a drain tile system then she explains how a sump pump works. They share tips to reduce the potential for water problems without a drain tile. Reuben shares a story about...

Reuben recently received a message from a podcast follower who encountered an insulation scam. He shares that the company reportedly had a free dinner and offered multi-layer insulation and solar-power attic fans that are supposed to fix iced dams. Tessa highlights the red flags about the products.  Reuben describes and defines the products and their cost. Tessa shares the code requirements and ho...

Reuben talks about his electrical experiments. They discuss how much current it takes to overload a circuit and the effect of the panel's loose connections in circuits. Tessa mentions that the common melted wires are made of aluminum conductors. Reuben talks about the renewal of real estate agents' licenses and submitting their CE. He announces the availability of Structure Tech's i...

Signs and notes are a great help to warn and inform the inspectors about the house.  Today, Reuben shares their compiled notes, signs, and warnings that were left by home sellers during inspections from the last 15 years. They talk about hilarious signs and notes on toilets, switches, doors, panels, among others.  Checkout the entertaining blog post here Signs, warnings, and notes left by sellers...

Phantom loads, also called standby power, is the electricity used by appliances even when they are turned off.  Reuben talks about the experiment he did at home with the Sense Home Energy Monitor. He shares using Kill A Watt meter, a device that measures the power consumed by an appliance. He then discusses the results and computed the monetary cost for the phantom load.  Tessa mentions that the a...

What should you do with your house if you're leaving for a long time?  Reuben first talks about plumbing. He recommends turning the water off and keeping the house humidifier and water heater running. Tessa highlights how some homeowners misuse humidifiers. They also discuss avoiding sewer gas from leaking into the house as well as what doesn't have to be done. In terms of electrical, ph...