Trade Secrets Inspections Podcast

Send a text Episode 3 of the Florida Insurance Survival Series   Rick Kooyman discusses the impact of Florida building codes on condo owners, particularly regarding impact-rated products. He explains that products must pass large missile tests to meet the code, which increases costs. Discounts for meeting these standards can range from 10% to 68%. He also details the stringent requirements for roo...

Send a text Episode 2 of the Florida Insurance Survival Series  Rick Kooyman discusses the stringent insurance industry standards affecting home inspections, particularly the four-point inspection. He notes that roofs, once insurable for 10 years, are now only insurable for 21-22 years, leading to higher costs or refusal of coverage. The industry also scrutinizes electrical panels, wiring, and plu...

Send a text Episode 1 of the Florida Insurance Survival Series  Rick Kooyman discusses the rise in Florida insurance costs, tracing it back to Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which led to the creation of the Miami-Dade building code and later the Florida building code in 2002. The state established Citizens Insurance to cover high-risk areas, but it became a dominant player. Post-Irma, insurance policie...

Send a text Rick Kooyman, owner of Trade Secret Inspections, discussed the complexities of homeowners insurance in Florida, particularly post-Hurricane Andrew. He explained the evolution of the Florida building code, the rise of Citizens Insurance, and the impact of Hurricane Irma on insurance rates and policies. Rick detailed the four-point inspection process, emphasizing the importance of meetin...

Send a text Sergio DeCesare and Rick Kooyman discuss the nuances of real estate contracts in Naples, Florida, specifically the board contract, the neighbor contract, and the state contract called the Fire bar. Rick emphasizes the importance of due diligence, especially for vacant land, and highlights the differences between the two contracts, particularly regarding defective items and mold. He exp...

Send a text Rick Kooyman from Trade Secrets Inspections discusses the importance of radon testing in homes, emphasizing that radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer after smoking. He explains that radon originates from the earth, particularly from uranium and radium in soil and building materials, and can accumulate in any enclosed space....

Send a text Sergio and Rick discuss the impracticality of basements in Florida due to the water table. Rick presents a case study of a house on a barrier island with a basement, highlighting structural issues like water intrusion, mold, and compromised foundations. The basement's floor is only 8-10 inches above the water table, leading to continuous pumping to manage water levels. The house&a...

Send a text Sergio DeCesare and Rick Kooyman discuss the impact of Florida's weather on homes. Rick explains how the sun's energy heats the Earth, creating temperature differentials and resulting in wind and thunderstorms. He emphasizes the role of humidity and mold in homes, noting that Florida's environment is particularly harsh on materials. Rick highlights the importance of prop...

Send a text Join Rick and Sergio of Max Business Profits as they discuss how inspections and forms are crucial for avoiding PMI and meeting insurance requirements.  Let Rick guide you through some of the ins and outs of the affect on policy holders. To learn more: https://collierhomeinspector.com/ Trade Secrets Inspections Rick Kooyman rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com (239) 537-1186  Support the s...

Send a text  In 2002, Florida building codes improved, but pre-2002 properties may have different construction methods.  Listen in as we join with our new host, Sergio DeCesare of Max Business Profits, for an in-depth look at how previous building codes may now be costing you money. To learn more: https://collierhomeinspector.com/ Trade Secrets Inspections Rick Kooyman rick@TradeSecretsInspections...

Send a text  Rick Kooyman, a certified home inspector, started Trade Secrets Inspections to provide a better service than other inspectors in Southwest Florida.  Welcome to Season 2, where we introduce our new host Sergio DeCesare of Max Business Profits.    To learn more: https://collierhomeinspector.com/ Trade Secrets Inspections Rick Kooyman rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com (239) 537-1186  Supp...

Send a text In this episode, Rick  warns of hidden water and air quality issues in homes, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections To learn more: https://collierhomeinspector.com/ Trade Secrets Inspections Rick Kooyman rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com (239) 537-1186 Support the show

Send a text Welcome to our newest division, Florida Mold Assessment.   Listen in as Rick talks about the Mold Assessor's role in the remediation of mold. To learn more: https://collierhomeinspector.com/ Trade Secrets Inspections Rick Kooyman rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com (239) 537-1186 Support the show

Send a text The market is really hot today,  and prices are skyrocketing.  Demand is crazy high and supply levels are at  all time lows.  There's  a calamity of impossibilities coming together to create this storm of buying that's going on. There's lots of people that want to buy and there's lots of competition. That brings about the rushed processes, essentially. So what used...

Send a text There's a shortage of homes listed, and a huge supply of people willing to buy, and it's creating some really crazy things happening in the market.  I just wanted to take a few minutes to talk to the realtors and the buyers out there and give you some ideas and some options on what you can do in this competitive market and some of the risks you might be taking that you may no...

Send a text Today's unprecedented market is opening things up to new challenges. One of them being the shortage of actual homes for sale. The result is an ever growing demand for new construction. But don't be fooled! There are challenges and shortages that still occur; listen in as Rick explains how you can help protect yourself if you're looking at building a new home. To learn mo...

Send a text Many times we are overwhelmed with the amount of information that is freely available to us. Let Rick help guide you through the choices that can be made to make things a little more comprehensible. To learn more: https://collierhomeinspector.com/ Trade Secrets Inspections Rick Kooyman rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com (239) 537-1186 Support the show

Send a text What are Building Codes, and where did they originate? Why do we abide by them? If you're curious where building codes originated, listen in as Rick explains the history and meaning behind what now shapes our homes and surroundings. To learn more: https://collierhomeinspector.com/ Trade Secrets Inspections Rick Kooyman rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com (239) 537-1186 Support the sh...

Send a text Radon can harm us in many ways, do you know where it even comes from or how it gets into our homes? Listen in as Rick explains all that...and more! To learn more: https://collierhomeinspector.com/ Trade Secrets Inspections Rick Kooyman rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com (239) 537-1186 Support the show

Send a text This time of year can be hectic with the holidays, and once you add in the COVID-19 crazy, we all probably need to stop, catch our breath. and gain some perspective... Please enjoy Rick's tour of Perspectives... We hope that you find joy, peace, love and understanding while we celebrate the holidays and move into 2022! To learn more: https://collierhomeinspector.com/ Trade Secrets...

Send a text Why is it that every time you think you've cleaned up all the mold, it's back the next time you turn around? Listen in as Rick walks us through some ways that we can help keep it at bay! To learn more: https://collierhomeinspector.com/ Trade Secrets Inspections Rick Kooyman rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com (239) 537-1186 Support the show

Send a text If you have an older home, a 4 -Point Inspections could be what your insurance agent orders when looking for insurance. Listen in as Rick describes what a 4-Point inspection covers and it's purpose in the insurance world. To learn more: https://collierhomeinspector.com/ Trade Secrets Inspections Rick Kooyman rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com (239) 537-1186 Support the show

Send a text Rick from Trade Secrets Inspections can explain what "1802"  and "Citizen's "  are and why they go hand in hand! To learn more: https://collierhomeinspector.com/ Trade Secrets Inspections Rick Kooyman rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com (239) 537-1186  Support the show

Send a text Ever wonder what a home inspector really looks for? Or were you curious  what they're not allowed to look at?  Listen in as Rick reveals more secrets of the trades! To learn more: https://collierhomeinspector.com/ Trade Secrets Inspections Rick Kooyman rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com (239) 537-1186  Support the show

Send a text Welcome to the Trade Secrets Inspections Podcast! In his inaugural episode host Rick Kooyman of Trade Secrets Inspections previews his new podcast designed to keep homeowners in the know. To learn more: https://collierhomeinspector.com/ Trade Secrets Inspections Rick Kooyman rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com (239) 537-1186 Support the show