In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Ruben Saltzman and Tessa Murry are joined by Michael Bartus. They discuss the recent legal settlement involving the National Association of Realtors and its impact on the real estate industry. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating the new regulations and provides advice for buyers and sellers in this evolving landscape. The discussion covers topics such as the role of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in setting commission ...
Sep 30, 2024•50 min•Season 6Ep. 33
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Ruben Saltzman interviews Dennis Fiorilli, the Director of Product Excellence at Sherwin Williams, about a product called Loxon Concrete Masonry Coating. The conversation revolves around the challenges of painting stucco homes and the traditional belief that stucco should not be painted. Dennis explains that Loxon is a breathable coating designed specifically for stucco and other concrete surfaces. It allows water vapor to escape while preventing wa...
Sep 23, 2024•24 min•Season 6Ep. 32
In this episode, Reuben and Tessa share stories about storm damage and water problems in their homes. Reuben talks about door knockers who claimed hail damage on his roof, but he discovered that the damage was not significant enough to warrant an insurance claim. Tessa shares her experience with a leaking on-demand water heater and subsequent water damage in her rental property. Reuben also discusses a water leak in his rental property's basement caused by a clogged condensate pan. Both hosts hi...
Sep 16, 2024•25 min•Season 6Ep. 31
In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry interview Michael from Standard Water about helical piers. They discuss the process of stabilizing homes using helical piers, the different applications for helical piers, and the cost associated with the installation. They also touch on the benefits of helical piers for decks and the limitations of helical piers for foundation walls with significant bowing or horizontal cracks. In this conversation, Stephen from Standard Water explains different ...
Sep 09, 2024•33 min•Season 6Ep. 30
In this episode, Reuben and Tessa are joined by Steve Grohn, owner of Standard Water, who shares his expertise on basement waterproofing and other related services and they discuss basement water issues and the importance of proper drainage. They also address common misconceptions and scams in the industry, emphasizing the importance of providing accurate solutions to homeowners. Steve highlights the comprehensive approach his company takes, considering factors such as gutters, downspouts, and g...
Aug 26, 2024•49 min•Season 6Ep. 29
In this episode, Skip Walker joins Reuben and Tessa to discuss the current state of smoke alarms and the standards that govern their manufacturing. They delve into the UL 217 standard and the challenges of updating it. They also explore the role of manufacturers in the standards process and the impact on consumer safety. The conversation highlights the importance of photoelectric smoke alarms and the need for widespread adoption. They also touch on the changes in the market, with brands like Kid...
Aug 19, 2024•57 min•Season 6Ep. 28
In this episode, Reuben and Tessa are joined by Tim Molgren from Woodlands Insurance Group focuses on the insurance problems in Minnesota and the changes happening in the industry. The main topics discussed include the increase in insurance premiums due to severe weather events and rising construction costs, the introduction of four-point inspections in Minnesota, the difference between replacement value and actual cash value in insurance coverage, the challenges insurance companies face in chan...
Aug 12, 2024•53 min•Season 6Ep. 27
In this episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss various topics, including their summer experiences, illnesses, and home updates. They also discuss the challenges of finding contractors and the shortage of skilled trade workers. Reuben shares some interesting findings from recent home inspections, including corroded galvanized water pipes and structural issues in a garage. They emphasize the importance of getting a home inspection and preparing for potential repairs. They also discuss various home insp...
Aug 05, 2024•50 min•Season 6Ep. 26
Attention Home Inspectors: The IEB Summer Mastermind is coming up on August 2nd. Details here: https://events.iebcoaching.com/IEBSummerMastermind2024#/ In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murray discuss dryer ducts and the importance of fire safety. They cover the materials and thickness required for dryer ducts, the size and location of vent terminals, and the maximum allowable length of dryer ducts. They also share personal anecdotes and recommendations for...
Jul 29, 2024•48 min•Season 6Ep. 25
Attention Home Inspectors: The IEB Summer Mastermind is coming up on August 2nd. Details here: https://events.iebcoaching.com/IEBSummerMastermind2024#/ In this episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss repairing ungrounded three-prong outlets. They explain the importance of testing three-prong outlets and the dangers of ungrounded outlets. They discuss the different options for updating two-prong outlets and ungrounded three-prong outlets in older homes. They cover the importance of grounding, the use o...
Jul 22, 2024•42 min•Season 6Ep. 24
In today’s episode, Reuben, Tessa, and Pat discuss heat pumps and their use in heating and cooling homes. They discuss the different types of heat pumps, including air-to-air and air-to-water systems, and the advantages of using heat pumps, such as energy efficiency and reduced fossil fuel emissions. Overall, they highlight the increasing popularity of heat pumps and the potential for them to become the primary heating and cooling solution. Ground source heat pumps, also known as geothermal syst...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 23
In today’s episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss their recent experiences with house-sitting and caring for pets. They also discuss their participation in outdoor activities like disc golf and the Tough Mudder. The main topic of the conversation is about dishwashers and the use of double traps. Reuben shares his findings from testing the drainage time of a single trap versus a double trap and discusses the lack of a clear answer as to why plumbing codes prohibit double traps. Check out this link for...
Jul 08, 2024•21 min•Season 6Ep. 22
In this podcast, Reuben and Tessa discuss the problems with chimneys and the venting of exhaust gases from appliances. It highlights the issues with older masonry chimneys and the need for proper venting with more efficient appliances. They also discuss the importance of chimney liners for gas appliances in older homes. They highlight the potential dangers of not properly venting gas appliances and the risk of condensation and chimney deterioration. They emphasize the need for HVAC contractors t...
Jul 01, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 21
In this podcast, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss their allergy experiences and the necessity of maintaining healthy indoor air quality. They move on to the major topic of deck safety, emphasizing the importance of correct attachment to the house as the leading cause of deck collapse. They refer to the standards and guidelines in the building code and the Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide. They emphasize the need to adhere to these recommendations to maintain deck safe...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 6Ep. 20
In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry cover various topics related to home inspections, attic access, and home inspectors' challenges. It also delves into the importance of accessing attics and crawl spaces during home inspections and the impact of contractual obligations on the inspection process. The conversation covers the challenges of accessing and inspecting attics in home inspections, including the resistance from sellers and listing agents, the lack of inspection by building o...
Jun 10, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 19
In this conversation, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry interview Neil Carlson, a public health specialist with expertise in indoor air quality and mold. They discuss various mold-related topics, including its causes, identification, and remediation. Neil shares insights into his work in commercial and residential buildings, highlighting common problem areas such as air handling units, basements, bathrooms, and attics. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding the building as a system and...
Jun 03, 2024•51 min•Season 6Ep. 18
In this conversation, Reuben and Tessa discuss their professional mentors and influencers. Reuben talks about his dad, who taught him construction and home inspections, and Dwayne Erickson, a colleague who taught him to be curious and observant. Tessa mentions Pat Hellman, a building science expert who taught her about risk assessment and influenced her approach to thinking through problems. They also mention Jack Pixley, a chimney professional who taught them the importance of improving the ind...
May 20, 2024•46 min•Season 6Ep. 17
In this today’s episode, Reuben and Tessa are joined by Eric Larsen to discuss mold testing and inspection. They cover topics such as national standards and credentials for mold inspection, the importance of certifications, the different types of mold tests, and the limitations of mold testing. They also touch on the value of air sampling, surface sampling, viable spore sampling, and ATP testing. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the various methods and considerations involved in ...
May 13, 2024•56 min•Season 6Ep. 16
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry are joined by Eric Larson and Jaden Jaloon to discuss the impact of mold on homeowners. Jaden shares his personal experience of discovering mold in his newly built home and the health issues it caused for him and his wife. They discuss the importance of mold testing and remediation, as well as the genetic factors that can make some individuals more susceptible to mold toxicity. The conversation highlights the need for...
May 06, 2024•42 min•Season 6Ep. 15
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Reuben and Tessa discuss gas leaks and how to detect and document them during home inspections. They talk about the different tools and methods used to find gas leaks, including electronic gas detectors and liquid soap. They emphasize the importance of only reporting gas leaks when there is definitive proof, such as the presence of bubbles. The conversation also touches on the challenges and frustrations home inspectors face when dealing with gas le...
Apr 29, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 14
In this conversation, Reuben and Tessa discuss various home improvement projects that Reuben has undertaken, highlighting both successful and unsuccessful experiences. Reuben shares stories about remodeling his story and a half house, including a catastrophic water leak, as well as his bathroom remodel hacks. He also talks about installing a point-of-use water heater and a urinal in his basement office. The conversation emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and being persistent in ...
Apr 22, 2024•49 min•Season 6Ep. 13
In this episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss spring maintenance for homeowners. They cover topics such as gutter maintenance, gutter guards, downspout extensions, and sump pump discharge. They emphasize the importance of keeping gutters clean and ensuring that water is directed away from the house to prevent water damage and basement flooding. They also provide tips for installing underground tubing for sump pump discharge. In this conversation, Reuben and Tessa discuss various spring maintenance t...
Apr 15, 2024•39 min•Season 6Ep. 12
In this episode, our hosts are joined by Tom Harris , a spray foam insulation expert, who discusses the topic of hot roofs and the proper installation of spray foam insulation. He explains the concept of hot roofs, where the thermal boundary is moved to the roof deck, and the different applications and challenges associated with hot roofs. Tom emphasizes the importance of proper installation and the choice of spray foam type based on climate and region. He also discusses the need for thermal bar...
Apr 08, 2024•53 min•Season 6Ep. 11
In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa are joined by Tom Harris , who discusses the importance of a clean surface before spraying spray foam and compares it to preparing a surface for house paint. He also explains the need for adhesion testing and the different surface preparation requirements for various materials. Tom emphasizes the significance of surface temperature and how it affects the application of spray foam. He delves into the concept of high-lift foam and its benefits, as well as...
Apr 01, 2024•59 min•Season 6Ep. 10
In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry are joined by Tom Harris , an expert in spray foam insulation. They discuss the challenges and complexities of spray foam application, the common applications of spray foam, and the training and certification required for spray foam installers. They also explore the qualifications and training of spray foam contractors and the potential mistakes and challenges that can arise during installation. Tom Harris discusses the differences between open-ce...
Mar 25, 2024•51 min•Season 6Ep. 9
In this conversation, Reuben Saltzman and Doug Nething from Dean's Tank discuss the history and concerns related to fuel oil tanks. They cover topics such as the transition from coal to fuel oil after World War II, the introduction of natural gas, the shelf life of fuel oil tanks, the dangers of abandoned tanks, and the process of filling or removing buried tanks. They also provide insights into the sizes of tanks and how to identify if a property has a buried tank. In this conversation, Doug fr...
Mar 11, 2024•54 min•Season 6Ep. 8
In this episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss the importance of mold testing and the transition to offering mold inspections. They introduce the guests from All Dry Services , a company that specializes in mold remediation. The conversation highlights the need for mold inspections as a precautionary measure and to address health concerns. The guests explain the services they provide, including water restoration and sewage cleanups. The chapter also covers the evolution of mold inspections and the ce...
Feb 26, 2024•39 min•Season 6Ep. 7
In this conversation, Reuben, Tessa, and Ben discuss Ben's recent plumbing project and the challenges he faced. They then delve into the topic of security cameras, covering different types, wired vs wireless options, and considerations for nighttime performance. They also discuss the importance of wiring needs in new homes and the benefits of future-proofing with cabling. The conversation concludes with a discussion on surge protection for electrical panels and the emergence of smart electrical ...
Feb 12, 2024•59 min•Season 6Ep. 6
In this podcast episode, Reuben and Tessa are joined by Dr. Ben Franske to discuss various aspects of smart home technology. They cover topics such as the marketing of smart home products, the integration of AI in smart home devices, and the considerations for permanent installations. They also delve into the security concerns surrounding smart locks and the battery life of these devices. The episode concludes with a discussion on gateways and hubs in the smart home ecosystem. The conversation c...
Feb 05, 2024•53 min•Season 6Ep. 5
In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa welcome Anna Saltzman , who is part of the leadership team at StructureTech. They discuss the topic of deal killers and the reputation that home inspectors have for potentially killing real estate deals. Anna shares her experience in her role overseeing the growth department and how her perception of the job has evolved. They delve into the data on deals not going through and the factors that contribute to this. The conversation highlights the importanc...
Jan 29, 2024•31 min•Season 6Ep. 4
