Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this conversation, Reuben and Tessa interview Joshua Kerber to discuss the optimization of radon systems in homes. Joshua shares a case study of optimizing a radon system in a new home, highlighting the importance of properly sizing and selecting fans for radon mitigation. To follow along with the case…
Today, Reuben and Tessa touch on some key points about radon. Reuben discusses what radon is, and addresses the biggest arguments about testing, and myths about it. He mentions that health authorities have claimed that radon is a silent killer that causes lung cancer. They talk about the statistics of…
If you're buying a home in Minnesota, get it tested for radon. There are two reasons I give for having radon tested; lung cancer and money. A few quick facts about radon Radon is a gas formed by the breakdown of uranium and radium, both of which are found…
Jessie Green, former president of the North Star Chaper of American Association of Radon Scientist and Technologists (AARST), and present owner of American Radon Mitigation joins today's session to discuss radon systems. Jessie mentions that there is radon in every house, but the levels vary. Tessa highlights that high levels…
Today, Josh Kerber from the Minnesota Department of Health will talk about radon gas. He is a research scientist who does applied research in building construction, specifically with indoor air. Tessa checks the statistics of existing vs newly constructed homes that have radon. Reuben clarifies the action level to…
Radon Testing If you’re buying a home in Minnesota, get it tested for radon. Our radon testing services are designed for real estate transactions: we give a quick turnaround with 48-hour testing. We use continuous electronic monitors that give an hour-by-hour breakdown of the test results and our radon technicians…
Reuben, Tessa, and Bill discuss all things radon. They cover radon conspiracy theories, health effects, test methods, mitigation systems, licensing in Minnesota, and a whole bunch of myths regarding radon. Related Links: DIY test kits for $9.95 New licensing for radon in Minnesota Minnesota Radon Awareness Act Also, please enjoy…
Reuben, Tessa, and Bill discuss all things radon. They cover radon conspiracy theories, health effects, test methods, mitigation systems, licensing in Minnesota, and a whole bunch of myths regarding radon. Related Links: DIY test kits for $9.95 New licensing for radon in Minnesota Minnesota Radon Awareness Act Also, please enjoy…
When conducting a short-term radon test, should the air exchanger be running or not? Great question. I've heard it argued both ways. If a home is designed to have an air exchanger running, I say it ought to run during the radon test. Here's my video discussion on the topic:…
Licensing for radon testing has arrived in Minnesota, and with that comes a lot of red tape. A lot of these changes are boring behind-the-scenes reporting and documentation changes that only matter to radon testers. Other changes, however, will be quite visible to anyone having their home tested, and will…
It's official, radon licensing has arrived in Minnesota. As of today, January 1st, anyone who does a radon test in a building that they don't own or lease will need to be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health. Radon licensing has been in the works since 2015 (see Minnesota…
When a home already has an active radon mitigation system, is it even worth testing for radon? That's a great question. To answer that, allow me to share a quick story. Back when I answered the phones and did all of the home inspection scheduling for Structure Tech, I used…
If you want to have a radon mitigation system installed in your home, you might need a permit. As I've shown in past blog posts about hot roofs and Diamond Piers, requirements and interpretations of the building code can vary from city to city. While attending a recent meeting of…
The folks at Airthings recently sent me one of their new NRPP approved Corentium Pro radon monitors to review, which currently retails for $1,499. This company had a booth at ASHI's InspectionWorld conference in January of this year and was previously called Corentium, but they re-branded about a month ago, apparently…
I'm writing this blog post at the request of our office manager, Lisa. There was a day last week where we had THREE (3) houses with open windows when we arrived to pick up our short-term radon monitors. Three of 'em. In each case, the homeowners had opened the windows because…
Radon licensing is coming to Minnesota. I first shared news of the Minnesota Radon Licensing Act on my blog over a year ago, but a fair amount has changed since then. First and foremost, I'd like to thank Mike Hogenson of Standard Water Control Systems for investing his time working…
I received an email this morning with an update on the Minnesota Radon Licensing Act. This is a real thing, and it sounds like the effective date will be October 1st, 2017. Here's the email: Dear Radon Measurement Professional. This message is to inform you of the recent passage and…
More updates to the new Minnesota State Building Code that was updated in January of this year. I know I've written a number of blog posts on this topic recently, but these are the first major updates to our code since 2007, so there's a lot of stuff to discuss.…
The Minnesota Radon Awareness Act went into effect on January 1st of 2014. This required home sellers to provide a lot of information about radon and radon testing to potential home buyers, making it basically impossible to buy a home in Minnesota without being told that it’s important to test for…
We routinely get requests from past home inspection clients of ours asking us to re-send the radon gas test results from testing that we conducted many years ago. We get these requests because our past clients are now selling their home, and they’re performing their due diligence attempting to gather…
As of January 1st of 2014, there are new requirements for home sellers in Minnesota regarding radon disclosure. The old disclosure form that home sellers would fill out just asked if there were any environmental concerns with radon, and the sellers would check yes or no. It couldn't get any…
Starting in 2009, the Minnesota State Building Code adopted Appendix F of the International Residential Code. Since then, all new homes built to the standards of the Minnesota State Building Code have been built with at least a passive radon mitigation system, or in some cases, an active system. This was…
As a Minnesota home inspector who does a lot of radon testing, I hear the same myths about radon repeated over and over again. I've actually heard other home inspectors perpetuate a few of these radon myths as well. Myth: vacant houses have high levels of radon. The idea behind…
Back in 2008 there was a media scare related to radon in granite countertops. The scare went something like this: radon causes lung cancer. Granite contains radon. Therefore, granite causes lung cancer. There was even an article published in the New York Times, where some guy was actually quoted as saying "It's…
If you're buying a home in Minnesota, get it tested for radon. There are two reasons I give for having radon tested; lung cancer and money. A few quick facts about radon Radon is a gas formed by the breakdown of uranium and radium, both of which are found in…
One of the more awkward conversations that I had with a home seller this year dealt with a high radon test at his home in Minnesota. We performed a radon test for the buyer, and the test came up high (over 4.0 pCi/L), so the buyer asked the seller to…
If you're buying a house in Minnesota and you want to have it tested for radon as part of your inspection contingency, here's a list of six items that the EPA says you should consider before you have the test conducted. Where the radon test will be located The radon…
You’re buying a home and you just received the results of your short term electronic radon gas test results. Your probably have a lot of questions, so here are the answers. What type of test did you perform? We use a continuous electronic monitor. The test gets placed in the…
While doing a Truth-In-Sale of Housing re-inspection today, I noticed a radon monitor present in the crawl space. This home didn't have a basement, just a trap door that led to a 5' x 5' crawl space with a water heater, water meter, and gas meter. My first thought: Huh,…
It's estimated that one out of three homes in Minnesota has elevated levels of radon gas. Because of these high numbers, the Minnesota State Building Code has adopted Apendix F of the International Residential Code, Radon Control Methods. This means that all new homes in Minnesota must now be built with a…
Every home in Minnesota should be tested for Radon, and if you haven't had your home tested, have it done. Radon is a gas formed by the breakdown of uranium and radium, both of which are found in high levels in Minnesota. Radon gas is the number one cause of…
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry joined with RK Bob Brown, an expert in foundation repair, who shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry. He discusses the common pitfalls homeowners face when dealing with foundation issues, the importance of hiring…
In this episode of Structure Talk, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Jake McAlpine from the Energy Conservatory. They discuss Jake's journey from the music industry to building science, the importance of energy efficiency, and the role of the Energy Conservatory in advancing building standards. The conversation delves into the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Failed sump pumps lead to flooded basements. While it's important to have a backup plan in place for a failed sump pump, it's also a good idea to test your sump pump in the spring. Today I'll show you how. You need access Most sump baskets have a plastic…
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.…
In this episode, Reuben and Tessa do a year-end wrap-up, discussing their favorite episodes and guests from 2023. They also share personal and professional highlights from the year and give a sneak peek into what's coming up in 2024. The top five most popular episodes of the year are revealed,…
In this episode of the Structure Talk Podcast, Reuben and Tessa delve into the world of basement waterproofing companies and the often-misunderstood use of moisture meters. Reuben shares a frustrating experience with installing permanent LED lights, highlighting the challenges and lessons learned. The hosts discuss the common misconception that drain…
In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry delve into the unique challenges of home inspection in Arizona with Home Inspector Paul Staron. Their exploration encompasses the distinct nuances of newer constructions, the prevalence of unvented attics, and the transitioning trend towards electric heat pumps within the region. They emphasize…
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…
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…
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…
At almost every home inspection with a sump system, we make recommendations for improved safety, performance, or both. Here are five common sump system defects, in no particular order. 1. A loose or missing sump basket cover This is a safety issue because a small child could drown if they…
Have you ever noticed a big insulated tube dropping down next to the floor near your furnace or boiler in the basement? If you trace this duct down, you'll find it connects to an opening at the exterior of the building. This is basically a hole in the side of…
The home inspection industry is male-dominated. Today, Uli Sommers and Jaymie Paternoster join the show to talk about the presence of women in the field. Reuben recalls the multitude of feedback he received from his blog post entitled ''Home Inspectors don't have to be old white guys''. In the…
Today we reconnect with a client to talk about their first home inspection experience and their path to becoming a diligent homeowner. Alex bought his house 10 months ago and has learned so much since. Alex shares about having zero knowledge about home maintenance and discovering Structure Tech. He also…
The home inspection industry is subject to lawsuits. Attorney Steve Laitinen, a litigator and a trial lawyer from Larson King Law Firm, joins the show to discuss home inspection legal issues. Steve discusses the typical lawsuits against inspectors. He mentions that cases vary in different jurisdictions- some have specific statutes…
Vickie Swenson, from Minnesota Mold Inspection joins the show to talk about smells and odors in houses. According to Vickie, the most common triggers for a mold inspection are molds found by inspectors, the homeowners seeing or smelling something, flooding, or getting sick. She mentions that they are mostly called…
We recently received a frustrated-sounding email from a real estate agent asking us why we offer mold testing. Hi- I’m an agent and frequently recommend you guys for inspections. I’ve recently seen every client I send your way ask me about MOLD. And for no reason other than they saw…
Bill starts the show by talking about the City of St Paul’s decision to get rid of lead supply lines. Reuben shares that around 28% of the city or over 26,000 properties are using lead supply lines. Also, the city will be funding the 10-year program and will be spending…
Today, the three-legged stool talks about Reuben's new project and side hustle. Inspection Services is a one-stop-shop solution to the service needs of home inspectors in the Twin Cities area. Reuben shares that they can do radon, sewer inspections, level 2 chimney inspections, stucco testing, and mold testing. They also…
In today's show, Reuben, Bill, and Tessa talk about urinals, spray form, and tiled showers. Bill shares that his cabin is in the phase where they are finishing the bathrooms. Reuben remembers that the urinal (http://www.structuretech1.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Urinal.jpg) he installed in the basement of his last home helped sell the house. They…
Today's show is about mysterious siding stains and air exchangers. Bill raises his concerns and clarifications about air quality as it is one thing that homeowners must start working with starting the fall season. Reuben names and distinguishes the three types of mechanical ventilation: positive ventilation strategy, exhaust-only or point-source…
Today we are joined by the friends and colleagues of Rick Norling to honor and remember him. Rick Norling was one of the original founders of Structure Tech, back in 1987. Before he passed away, he was a full-time radon technician. He also founded Operation HighGround, an organization that identifies and…
Fireplaces are decorative and give beautiful ambiance, but what are the safety issues? How do we address and prevent them? How do we inspect fireplaces? Reuben mentions that gas log fireplaces are the closest to the real thing. However, he doesn't recommend this kind of fireplace. He discusses the differences…
Reuben Saltzman joins Waypoint Real Talk as a guest. He talks about how Structure Tech started and how its online presence since 2008 has helped the company grow. He shares that blogging on the company website allowed them to reach their market as well as other home inspectors. He also…
Welcome to Structure Talk episode 100! Kevin Wagstaff, one of the founders of Spectora, joins today's show to talk about their company. Spectora is the fastest, easiest, and advanced home inspection software that is currently assisting around 5,000 home inspectors in the US. He shares that their focus is…
This is a guest blog post by Steve Grohn, CEO of Standard Water Control Systems. We occasionally publish guest blog posts by invitation only. Considering a new sump pump or backup system? Here’s what you need to know. Your sump pump is the heart of your basement drain tile system,…
Study Guides If you are looking for a specific category, click on one of the buttons below to access that category. COMPANY CULTURE ELECTRICAL ENERGY ENVIRONMENTAL EXTERIOR HVAC INTERIOR MINNESOTA CODES NEWS PLUMBING POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND BUSINESS RADON REPORT WRITING ROOFS SAFETY TOOLS
Service Providers This is a list of professional service providers that is maintained by Structure Tech. Everyone on this list has been added because of personal experiences that we’ve had with these service providers. We do not accept requests from service providers to be added to this list. Appliance Repair…
The most important job of any plumbing system is to deliver clean water and to keep that water clean from sewage and other contaminants. This makes up the first and second of the basic plumbing principles in the Minnesota State Plumbing Code, which read as follows: A. All premises intended…
For this mega-series in DIY home inspections, I started with the inspection of almost everything on the outside of the home. I covered roofs, chimneys, water management, siding, and everything else in-between. Today I'll cover electrical. There is a ridiculous amount of stuff that could be covered with this topic, and…
Today’s episode starts off by digging into the local real estate market with our guest, a Realtor® extraordinaire at RE/MAX Advantage Plus, Jim Starr. He shares what the real estate market’s like in the Twin cities in the last week of February. He shares a couple of listings they had,…
Joseph Whitters, a second-generation sewer guy and the owner of Drain Busters joins the show to talk about the importance of maintaining sewer systems for homes. Sometimes, trouble with a sewer system can turn into a major problem that may show itself quickly and can be due to a damaged…
If you’re a home buyer or real estate agent and you’d like to conduct your own cursory home inspection, look no further. I’ve assembled a list of the largest items to look out for while house-shopping. This covers many of the largest problems that come up during home inspections. Of course,…
I wanted to confirm receipt of the photos, and also thank you again for your work yesterday. You were very thorough and knowledgeable, and saved us from some very big potential headaches in the future. Julie and I feel a lot more “educated” after yesterday’s experience! The decision to walk…
CONTACT US If you have any questions or you’d like to request an inspection service other than a home inspection, such as radon testing or a stucco inspection, please reach out to us. (952) 915-6466 info@structuretech.com 4205 Raleigh Avenue SouthSt. Louis Park, MN 55416 Monday - Friday: 8 am -…
Since we are nearing the end of the year, today’s episode is a little bit of a recap about what the year was like here at Structure Tech. The show starts off with the gang expressing their appreciation and gratefulness that in spite of how challenging the year was, the…
HOME INSPECTION: WHAT'S INCLUDED What’s Included All of our home inspectors are proud members of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. As such, we abide by the ASHI Code of Ethics, as well as the ASHI Standards of Practice, which sets forth the minimum requirements for a home inspection. The list below incorporates…
INSPECT WITH THERMAL VISION INCLUDED WITH STANDARD HOME INSPECTIONS Infrared cameras show surface temperature differences, which can give clues to a host of different problems with houses. We offer infrared inspections as part of our standard home inspection, as well as for single-item troubleshooting inspections. We do not offer stand-alone…
Stucco and Moisture Testing NEWER STUCCO HOMES IN MINNESOTA HAVE HAD A NASTY HISTORY OF FAILURE. SPECIFICALLY, HOMES BUILT SINCE THE 1980S ON UP TO TODAY. While any type of exterior wall cladding can experience water intrusion, the failures that happen with stucco are far more expensive and usually far…
Level 2 Chimney Inspections Having an open-flame wood fire in your living room is serious business. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), nearly 18,000 fires are caused by wood-burning appliances every year. That's just crazy. Chimney fires are a very common occurrence, so we're diligent about recommending…
CONTACT US If you have any questions or you’d like to request an inspection service other than a home inspection, such as radon testing, walk-through consultation or a stucco inspection, please reach out to us. (952) 915-6466 info@structuretech.com 4205 Raleigh Avenue SouthSt. Louis Park, MN 55416 Monday -…
Additional Inspection Services We offer some of the widest selections of ancillary services in the home inspection industry. Call us today to schedule any of these services as a stand-alone service or in conjunction with your home inspection. Our team is ready to provide expert advice and support throughout the…
STRUCTURE TECH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Apply Now - All Positions We’re always looking to meet and hire highly talented, awesome people. As of Winter 2024, we are not currently hiring, but we’d love to stay in touch for future opportunities. Click this link to see the Home Inspector Job Description. WHAT…
Home Inspections Home Inspections for Any Situation A typical home inspection will take 2-4 hours to conduct, depending on the size and condition of the home, and how many questions our clients have — we love questions. For first time buyers, our home inspections provide an excellent education on ownership…
We go beyond the typical home inspection to help protect your family’s health: radon testing sewer inspection chimney inspection stucco testing Additional Services no stone unturned We're thorough so we can guide confidently We check even the places you don’t see to make sure every corner of your home is…
We go beyond the typical home inspection to help protect your family’s health: radon testing sewer inspection mold inspection chimney inspection stucco testing wood foundation inspection All Additional Services no stone unturned We're thorough so we can guide confidently We check even the places you don’t see to ensure every…
In this episode, the team talks about home inspection ethics. This was brought up because Bill got a call from somebody in the company who had a question about doing business with a real estate agent who was hoping that we would support their business with monthly financial contributions. And…
HOME INSPECTION JOB OPPORTUNITIES Apply Now (Home Inspector) Yes, we’re hiring. Always. Our largest need is for home inspectors, but we’re always looking to meet highly talented, awesome people. Click this link to see the Home Inspector Job Description. WHAT SETS US APART The most highly rated home inspection company…
EDUCATION Real Estate Education Home Inspector CE Class Home Inspection Training Real Estate Education Bryan Scholtes and George Ury teach FREE continuing education classes to real estate agents. We currently have ten different courses that have been approved by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Please email us at education@structuretech.com…
Client Testimonials “I want to let you and Structure Tech’s management team know what an outstanding job George has done for my husband and me! On the first inspection, his careful work and attention to detail kept us from making a very costly mistake in purchasing a house that had…
Home Inspections HOME INSPECTIONS FOR ANY SITUATION Structure Tech provides comprehensive home inspections to assist you in various scenarios, including property transactions, home maintenance, pre-sale, new construction, 11-month warranty, and more. Importantly, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about your investment.…
Structure Tech Pricing The most thorough inspections. Guaranteed. Choosing the right home inspection company is a big decision. A comprehensive inspection provides valuable information that can help you make informed decisions, negotiate repairs, and avoid future expenses. We offer a satisfaction guarantee: if we're not the most thorough you've ever…
This post was originally published in 2012. This is an updated version of that post. Stone siding might be the most problematic siding that we come across as home inspectors. This stuff is failing left and right all over the country, and most of time the homeowner has no idea…
A residential Realtor® at Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty, Michael Bartus joins the show to talk about negotiations after the inspection and how to negotiate other real estate transactions. The focus of this show was to pick up on where last week’s show left off, talking about a document that Reuben…
After attending a seminar on permanent wood foundations back in 2010, I was turned into a big fan of wood foundations. But I was also convinced that most wood foundations are built improperly. I was already suspicious about wood foundations before attending that seminar because the majority of wood foundations…
Our very own Lisa Ferrario joins the show to discuss the evolution of home inspections, scheduling, and all things related. TRANSCRIPTION The following is a transcription from an audio recording. Although the transcription is largely accurate, in some cases it may be slightly incomplete or contain minor inaccuracies due to…
James Thomas joins the show to talk about all things related to home inspections. The show starts off with James touching on the origins of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), and how he ended up in his current position. The conversation shifts to education and training for home…
The gang discusses hard-to-find home inspection discoveries, which they call Easter Eggs. Reuben talks about a recent inspection that he did, and shares some of the finds from that inspection. One of those was a blocked toe-kick register below the kitchen sink, pictured below. Reuben also discusses finding a hot…
If you're buying an old house, beware of old water supply pipes; specifically, galvanized steel or lead. These pipes can lead to poor water flow in homes, to the point where you can't even run water in two places at once. WATER SUPPLY PIPES VS. WATER DISTRIBUTION PIPES For this…
Today the gang discusses a timeline of home inspection defects or issues that might come up, based on when the home was built. Reuben shared this timeline on the Structure Tech blog and on the Structure Tech YouTube channel, but we thought it would be fun to discuss these issues…
Bill opens the podcast talking about a terrifying fire that happened across the hallway in his mother-in-law's condo high-rise building, and about the damage caused by smoke and water. The gang discusses the possibility of an FPE Stab-Lok panel causing the fire, and Reuben goes on to discuss the disproportionate…
Buying a used house in Minnesota? Here's a rough timeline of potential problems to look out for. It's impossible to make a perfect chart like this because so many of these things are generalities, but I think this chart is a great starting point to knowing what types of issues…
One of my least favorite chores in the kitchen has always been re-filling the built-in hand soap dispenser at my kitchen sink. Through years of extensive research into this matter, I've discovered that I'm not alone. Approximately 57.3% of soap dispensers in the Twin Cities metro area remain unfilled. Sitting…
Bill, Tessa, and Reuben start the show discussing a few minor corrections to the podcast from two weeks ago on air conditioners. Next, they discuss the new standards for home inspection attendance and safety for home inspections. Reuben also mentions a facemask that most Structure Tech home inspectors are wearing,…
For this podcast episode, Reuben does a one-on-one interview with Structure Tech's business coach, Dr. Stephen Crawford. Dr. Crawford has been conducting weekly team huddles for his coaching clients every Friday morning, and he conducted a special meeting on May 29th to focus on George Floyd, protests, riots, racism, and…
For this podcast episode, Reuben does a one-on-one interview with Structure Tech's business coach, Dr. Stephen Crawford. Dr. Crawford has been conducting weekly team huddles for his coaching clients every Friday morning, and he conducted a special meeting on May 29th to focus on George Floyd, protests, riots, racism, and…
Governor Walz allowed Minnesota's stay-at-home order to expire yesterday, replacing it with a new order called "Stay safe Minnesota". This new order allows for gatherings to not exceed 10 people. As soon as that order came, our office was flooded with calls from clients who wanted to attend their home…
The gang is super-excited to finally get Patrick Heulman, a leading building science expert, on the show! We've talked about having him as a guest for a long time and now that we're temporarily recording our podcasts from our homes, we were able to get Pat on the show. He's an…
The gang is super-excited to finally get Patrick Heulman, a leading building science expert, on the show! We've talked about having him as a guest for a long time and now that we're temporarily recording our podcasts from our homes, we were able to get Pat on the show. He's an…
If you're buying a house in the Twin Cities with pipes sticking up out of the ground in the yard, heads up. You probably have a fuel oil tank somewhere at the property. While most homes in the Twin Cities are heated with natural gas, there is still a small…
Milind Angolkar was the first home inspector to join the Structure Tech team after Reuben, and we love him. In fact, everyone loves Milind because he's a good, kind person. We start the show by discussing Milind's history with the company, and Milind shares some crazy home inspection fail stories.…
Milind Angolkar was the first home inspector to join the Structure Tech team after Reuben, and we love him. In fact, everyone loves Milind because he's a good, kind person. We start the show by discussing Milind's history with the company, and Milind shares some crazy home inspection fail stories.…
Update 5/17/20: Minnesota's Stay-at-Home order expires on 5/18/20, and we'll be changing our attendance policies in response to that change. We'll be allowing up to three people to attend home inspections after the first two hours; two clients and one agent. We'll have an updated post on 5/19 with the specifics.…
We've seen a lot of unprecedented events over the past few weeks related to the coronavirus outbreak, and we're staying current with this ever-changing situation. At Structure Tech the safety of our clients, employees and the safety of the occupants of the homes we inspect are of utmost importance. I…
We interview Reuben's dad, Neil Saltzman, on this episode. Neil talks about doing home inspections in a suit and tie, and Reuben and Neil talk about the early history of home inspections. Reuben also shares the best advice that Neil ever gave him related to doing a good home inspection.…
For this episode, we answer your questions about houses and home inspections. These include the following: Should home inspectors open Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok panels? How to deal with ice dams if you don't want to pay a professional to remove them How to best find a drain leak with…
For this episode, we answer your questions about houses and home inspections. These include the following: Should home inspectors open Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok panels? How to deal with ice dams if you don't want to pay a professional to remove them How to best find a drain leak with…
Bill, Tessa, and Reuben discuss negotiations after the home inspection. Some home buyers turn to the home inspector for advice on how to negotiate with sellers after the home inspection, but this is something that we also lean on the real estate agent for. This is their realm. Nevertheless, we…
Bill, Tessa, and Reuben discuss negotiations after the home inspection. Some home buyers turn to the home inspector for advice on how to negotiate with sellers after the home inspection, but this is something that we also lean on the real estate agent for. This is their realm. Nevertheless, we…
moldy carpet One podcast just wasn't enough. For part II, we open the show with Reuben discussing whether or not it's possible to identify mold in attics just by looking at it. We also discuss mold remediation strategies for attics. Tessa asks about the top five places to find mold…
We sit down with Vickie Swenson of Minnesota Mold Inspection, LLC to discuss mold testing in Minnesota. We discuss Vickie's background, the lack of official standards for mold testing, the health effects of mold, contractors diagnosing mold types by sight, and the #1 location to find mold in Minnesota homes. Also, for…
We sit down with Vickie Swenson of Minnesota Mold Inspection, LLC to discuss mold testing in Minnesota. We discuss Vickie's background, the lack of official standards for mold testing, the health effects of mold, contractors diagnosing mold types by sight, and the #1 location to find mold in Minnesota homes. Also, for…
We discuss home inspection schools, licensing for Minnesota home inspectors, and training requirements, along with the training process at Structure Tech. TRANSCRIPTION The following is a transcription from an audio recording. Although the transcription is largely accurate, in some cases it may be slightly incomplete or contain minor inaccuracies due…
We discuss home inspection schools, licensing for Minnesota home inspectors, and training requirements, along with the training process at Structure Tech. TRANSCRIPTION The following is a transcription from an audio recording. Although the transcription is largely accurate, in some cases it may be slightly incomplete or contain minor inaccuracies due…
We discuss all things related to wastewater leaving Minnesota houses, and how this relates to home inspections. We discuss the importance of sewer inspections on all houses, not just old houses, and discuss what it takes to fix these issues when they occur. We discuss the mystery of floor drains…
We discuss all things related to wastewater leaving Minnesota houses, and how this relates to home inspections. We discuss the importance of sewer inspections on all houses, not just old houses, and discuss what it takes to fix these issues when they occur. We discuss the mystery of floor drains…
In Episode 2 of our podcast, Reuben, Tessa, and Bill discuss ways of keeping water out of basements. It all starts with exterior water management; roof lines, gutters, downspouts, downspout extensions, and drainage and grading. When everything has been done at the outside of the home but there are still…
In Episode 2 of our podcast, Reuben, Tessa, and Bill discuss ways of keeping water out of basements. It all starts with exterior water management; roof lines, gutters, downspouts, downspout extensions, and drainage and grading. When everything has been done at the outside of the home but there are still…
How effective are intumescent firestop collars? Joe, Matt, and I used a friend's Not a Flamethrower to find out. The testing was fun and enlightening. How does this relate to home inspections? When we inspect the wall and ceiling that separates a garage from the living space of a home,…
The separation between a garage and a house is commonly referred to as a firewall, but that's not accurate. I hear the term firewall thrown around a lot, and it's always used incorrectly when it comes to residential construction. If you turn to the Uniform Building Code, you can find the…
Negotiations often take place after a home inspection, and the home inspector frequently gets put in the middle of it. The role of a home inspector is never to decide what should or shouldn't be negotiated as part of a home purchase, assuming anything gets negotiated. That's a job for the…
This is a guest blog post. Scroll to the bottom for more details. Air sealing and adding insulation to an existing house could have negative impacts on both the occupants and the house. Wait…adding insulation is supposed to be a good thing, right? If done properly, yes. Houses are complex…
This week’s question comes from a real estate agent: “Are sewer inspections intrusive? Does the seller need to give special permission if you’re going to do a sewer inspection at the same time as the home inspection? Do you have to notify the seller first?” The answers, respectively, are no, no,…
It’s once again time for my annual blog post that stresses the importance of new construction inspections. Specifically, home inspections. I still talk to home buyers, home owners, and real estate agents who have never even considered the idea of getting a home inspection on a brand new home. I…
In this three-part series on negotiations after the home inspection, I discussed the options that a home buyer has after getting a home inspection in part 1, and gave a list of what I consider to be unreasonable negotiation items in part 2. For this post, I'm going to cover some…
I've compiled new-construction defect photos from the past six years into this one gigantic blog post. If you're in the market for a new home and you're not sure if a home inspection is worth doing, please look through these photos. If you're a real estate agent who isn't sold on the…
I've been teaching a 2.5 hour continuing ed class to real estate agents for the past two years, and I'm offering the same class again this year. The focus of this class is on some of the most mis-understood home inspection topics. I cover a lot of common home inspection…
Planning to sell your home? Hire your own home inspector to inspect it before you put it on the market. Having your home inspected before it’s listed for sale will greatly reduce the potential for surprises that may crop up in the future. I've given many anecdotes of how home…
A document titled "Inspection Contingency Addendums Protocol" was recently emailed to me. This document, put together by a local home builder, gives "a list of common things found on inspection reports that [the builder] does not agree with." The document goes on to say "Please note that none of these…
We share our favorite home inspection photos on our Facebook page and our Google+ Page with a feature we started back in 2009, called the Photo of the Day. Sometimes we make a game out of the photos, asking what's wrong in the photo. Other times, the defects are quite…
It's been one day short of a year since my last post on new construction home inspections, so it's time for another. My message is pretty simple: new homes should be inspected by private home inspectors. Home inspections aren't just for old houses or used houses. One of the newest inspectors on…
In last week's blog post I mentioned that there is an upcoming seminar for Minnesota home inspectors, being taught by building code guru Douglas Hansen of Code Check. Minnesota currently uses the 2006 International Building Code (IRC), but we'll soon be adopting the 2012 IRC, and with that will come…
One of the most common questions that home inspectors get when walking around the outside of a house with clients is "What's that thing?" It's called a doo-hickey. Here's my list of the most common doo-hickeys found at the exterior of homes in Minnesota, many of which are quite common…
This is a guest blog post by Steve Schirber, of Cocoon. Re-insulating an existing home properly is a complicated task. A house is a system; a bunch of smaller parts that make up systems, that make up larger systems. The tighter the house, the more a house tends to behave like…
I don't know how it happened, and I'm not accusing anyone of intentionally doing something that's completely despicable, but it looks like someone intentionally tampered with a radon test. I recently inspected a home that was being flipped for some young first-time home buyers. The home had a newly finished basement,…
On any new home built in Minnesota today, there needs to be a means of mechanical ventilation provided. The more expensive, but far more efficient way of doing this is to install a heat recovery ventilator, or HRV. I'm posting a three part series on HRVs - today I'll share…
I got to have a nice little interview with the Hittner Real Estate Team on the Patriot AM 1280 yesterday. Click below to hear me get passionate about insulation, truth in housing evaluations, reversed polarity, radon tests, and other geeky house related topics. If you want to follow along with…