The Ride Along: A Home Inspection Podcast

Brad Lowery
  • 4.8 (12)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast helps homebuyers, homeowners, and home inspectors understand real home inspection findings, deal-killing defects, and how houses actually fail in the real world. Hosted by working inspectors, the show covers foundation issues, roofs, electrical, plumbing, moisture, mold, HVAC, building science, new homes, modern residential construction trends, and inspection report insights—so buyers make smarter decisions and inspectors sharpen their craft. Be sure to follow us @theridealongshow on all social platforms! And watch the full Ride Along series on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/@theridealongshow!

  1. FEB 9

    DON'T GET LEFT BEHIND BY AI! How AI tools like CodePro are changing the way Home Inspectors access code

    Artificial intelligence is changing how home inspections work — and how home inspectors deliver value. In this episode of The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast, Brad Lowery and Matt Brading discuss how AI, instant access to information, and evolving buyer expectations are reshaping the home inspection industry. And there's nobody better to discuss that with than Karl Stump and Beau Brown of CodePro! Today's homebuyers arrive at inspections armed with research, thermal cameras, and AI tools, making it more important than ever for inspectors to provide deeper expertise, faster insights, and real-world guidance that goes beyond basic reporting. The conversation explores how inspectors can stay competitive, build trust, and adapt to a rapidly changing technology landscape. Enter CodePro, a new app designed to help inspectors quickly understand building codes, avoid common construction mistakes, and explain complex regulations to clients with confidence. From AI adoption to building code awareness and future regulations, this discussion breaks down how inspectors can use technology to work smarter and deliver more value. Whether you're a home inspector, homebuyer, builder, or real estate professional, this episode explains how AI and modern tools are shaping the future of home inspections. Chapters: 00:02 - The critical shift: from being the home expert to offering more value with AI 00:47 - The evolution of home inspections amidst a wealth of buyer information 01:35 - The role of building codes and the introduction of CodePro 02:14 - What is CodePro and how it demystifies building codes 03:57 - Using CodePro to answer specific code questions across jurisdictions 04:52 - The importance of building standards over just quoting codes 05:25 - The national vs. local regulation landscape for home inspectors 06:32 - How CodePro aids in problem-solving and inspection decision-making 07:24 - The significance of code knowledge for exam success and daily inspections 08:49 - The advantage of code summaries in condensed, accessible formats 10:34 - How CodePro differs from generic search tools like Google or ChatGPT 11:14 - Real-world stories: AI's rapid assistance in complex code and legal scenarios 13:14 - Addressing AI hallucinations and training specific to building codes 14:17 - The ongoing process of updating CodePro with regulation changes 15:45 - Navigating jurisdictional differences and amendments efficiently 16:13 - The role of CodePro in creating accurate, professional narratives 1 17:09 - The importance of understanding and interpreting codes for reports and legal use 22:07 - Managing remote inspections and team confidence using AI tools  22:45 - The necessity of adopting AI for competitive advantage in inspection firms 24:50 - Risks of homeowners and DIYers using AI to self-inspect 25:27 - The rapid evolution of AI-generated images and videos 26:24 - Why quick, accessible, and reliable code info improves inspection quality 33:16 - How industry events like IBS foster product knowledge and networking  47:26 - Upcoming opportunities at the International Builder Show 50:01 - Special giveaways, event info, and exciting new tools like solar inspections 52:29 - The importance of continual learning to stay relevant and authoritative 55:25 - The rollout of new AI tools for specific inspection types, like solar 56:14 - Final thoughts: Embrace technology, keep learning, and stay ahead in the industry The Links: To learn more about CodePro go to: https://codeproapp.com and be sure to use our affiliate code "THERIDEALONG"! To subscribe to our newsletter, go to: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter To leave us a voicemail, go to: https://www.theridealong.show  Key Topics: - The impact of abundant homebuyer information and AI on inspection work - How CodePro simplifies understanding and accessing building codes - The importance of real-time, accurate code references for inspections and legal proceedings - Strategies for integrating AI tools into daily workflows to increase efficiency and confidence - The role of building codes as standards that protect safety and quality - Using AI to generate inspection narratives and streamline report writing - Remote management of inspection teams through AI and digital systems - Upcoming industry events like IBS and opportunities for networking and product updates - How AI advances challenge traditional notions of expertise and encourage continuous learning

    54 min

  2. JAN 27

    Home Inspection as a Second Career: Why Firefighters & First Responders Excel feat. Rhyan Miller

    Home inspection is one of the most popular second careers and side businesses for first responders, and for good reason. In this episode of The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast, we talk with a working firefighter and home inspector about why firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders often excel as home inspectors. We break down how skills from emergency response—risk assessment, situational awareness, building knowledge, and communication under pressure—translate directly into better home inspections. We also discuss how inspection experience can make first responders safer and more effective in their primary careers. Whether you're a firefighter, EMT, or police officer exploring home inspection as a second career, or a homebuyer curious why inspectors with first-responder backgrounds bring extra value, this episode explains the crossover skills, challenges, and real-world benefits from both sides of the job. Chapters:  00:00 Home Inspection Basics: What Inspectors Look for and Why It Matters 05:33 Firefighters as Home Inspectors: Why First Responders Excel in Inspections 11:13 Home Inspection Safety: Identifying Fire, Electrical, and Life-Safety Risks 16:45 How Home Inspectors Explain Safety Hazards to Homebuyers 22:25 Real Fire Hazards Found During Home Inspections (Real-World Examples) 27:50 Home Inspection Takeaways for Buyers, Inspectors, and First Responders The Links: Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter  Leave us a VOICEMAIL here: http://theridealong.show  Key Points: - Why home inspection works as a second career - Skills firefighters bring to inspections - Inspection training vs fire training - Advice for first responders getting started - How Ryan Miller integrates his firefighting experience into home inspections - Effective communication is key in delivering inspection findings - Home inspectors should educate clients about real hazards - Fire safety knowledge enhances home inspection practices - Understanding structural integrity is crucial for both firefighters and inspectors - Home inspections can reveal hidden dangers in properties - The importance of addressing common fire hazards like dryer vents - Inspectors should balance honesty with sensitivity to clients' concerns. - Real estate agents and buyers must understand the implications of inspection reports - The role of the home inspector is to inform, not to kill deals.

    54 min

  3. JAN 19

    Healthy Homes: Air Quality, Moisture & Mold Risks Buyers Miss (w/ Cristina Greenfield)

    Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to Healthy Homes 00:03:00 Cristina's Personal Journey 00:09:00 Building Science and Healthy Living 00:15:00 Managing Water and Vapor 00:21:00 The Role of Education in Home Health 00:27:00 Passive House Principles 00:33:00 Proactive Home Maintenance 00:39:00 Understanding Building Materials 00:45:00 Home Inspections and Air Quality Home inspectors have a reputation for being a lot of things: advocates for home buyers, educators, communicators... deal killers. But health experts isn't necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when a home buyer goes to book a home inspection prior to buying a home. However, what if they could be? Home inspectors see more homes inside and out than almost any profession in the real estate industry second only to realtors. What if we were trained to not only identify structural and major system issues, but also potential environmental health issues? As building science begins to dominate discussions around real estate and residential construction, the way we think about health intersects directly as we continue to learn to view a home as one major system. Air leaks, poor or improper ventilation, and moisture intrusion can all factor into mold growth. Proper site location can affect a home owner's health long before the home even exists. Illness is often the final symptom of factors that have existed long before the human body even knows there's an issue. We already test for radon... so what if we learned to look out for common sense issues that could allow us to not just advocate for home buyers... but also for their long-term health? Cristina Greenfield, of Conscious Healthy Home, has some ideas as to how we can do just that. Learn more about Cristina at: https://www.conscioushealthyhome.com Subscribe to our Newsletter at: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter Leave us a VOICEMAIL and tell us what you'd like to hear more about this year at: https://www.theridealong.show

    1h 3m

  4. 12/29/2025

    The worst home inspection issues we'd be grateful to never find again in 2026! Featuring ⁨@duesouthbrad⁩

    It's almost 2026! And as we look back on the year, we've got much to be grateful for. Both here on the show, and in the field. But we see a lot of issues throughout the year as home inspectors... and as such, there's also a few things we'd be grateful to never see again. So, who better to help us wrap up the year than one of the OG TIkTok Inspectors: Brad Zirlott, aka  @duesouthbrad ! We've wanted to get him on the show for a while, and together we talk about the impact of social media on our businesses, the importance of maintaining relationships with realtors, and the challenges of balancing work and personal life. But as always, we want to hear from you too! What were some of your highs and lows in 2025? Sound off in the comments, and we'll see y'all next year! The TLDR: - Introduction and Year-End Reflections - The Role of Social Media in Home Inspections - Building and Maintaining Realtor Relationships - Balancing Work and Personal Life - Gratitude and Lessons Learned - Humor and Authenticity in Business - Learning and Adapting in the Industry - The Importance of Networking and Mentorship  The Links: Check out our sponsor: http://Getsync.pro Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter Leave us a VOICEMAIL! http://theridealong.show Follow  @duesouthbrad  on TikTok, IG, and here on YouTube!

    59 min

  5. 12/10/2025 · VIDEO

    How to sell home inspections STRAIGHT to home buyers - featuring Charles Bellefontaine w/ GetSync

    Want to grow your home inspection business quickly in a new city? Charles Bellefontaine, a seasoned home inspector and founder of GetSync, has a few ideas on how it can be done. In one of the last episodes from Inspection Fuel, we sit down with Charles to talk about how inspectors can reach home buyers quickly and directly. We also get into the question of which forms of marketing are most effective: online ads or social media marketing... or both! We explore the importance of thorough inspections, the impact of marketing strategies, and the role of technology in streamlining business operations. The conversation also touches on personal experiences and lessons learned from overdoing it in growing a business and the effects it can have on our personal lives... lessons we've learned firsthand. So, be sure to check out our FIRST EVER sponsor at GetSync.pro to learn more! Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:03:00 Challenges in Home Inspections 00:09:00 Marketing and Business Growth 00:15:00 Technology and Innovation 00:21:00 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned 00:27:00 Conclusion and Future Outlook The TLDR: - Home inspections should be thorough and not rushed. - Marketing directly to consumers can significantly boost business. - Technology like GetSync can streamline operations and reduce overhead. - Building relationships with real estate agents is crucial for business growth. - Understanding client needs is key to providing valuable services. - Personal experiences can shape business strategies and decisions. - Effective communication with clients builds trust and credibility. - Adapting to market changes is essential for long-term success. - Balancing work and personal life is important for mental health. - Continuous learning and adaptation are vital in the inspection industry. The Links: Check out our sponsor: http://Getsync.pro Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter Leave us a VOICEMAIL! http://theridealong.show

    41 min

  6. 11/21/2025

    What do you do if you fall off a ladder? Brianna Beans started a property rental inspection company!

    Brianna Beans fell off a ladder on a home inspection... and it rocked her career. In fact, it inspired a complete overhaul of her business model and a pivot from home inspections... to rental property inspections. This opened up an entirely new stream of recurring revenue while allowing her to operate within her new safety limits. By focusing on building relationships with property managers and rental companies, she was able to build a snowballing schedule where she was inspecting the same properties on a regular basis every time a new lease was signed. She details the whole story here and more. Key Moments: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:02:00 - Brianna's Unique Inspection Approach 00:05:00 - Market Opportunity and Expansion 00:08:00 - Safety and Maintenance Focus 00:11:00 - Business Model and Property Management 00:14:00 - Challenges and Career Transition 00:17:00 - Franchising and Future Plans 00:20:00 - Branding and Recognition 00:23:00 - Conference Insights and Networking 00:26:00 - Conclusion and Future Outlook The TLDR: Introduction of Brianna Beans : Brianna, known as "Inspector Beans," specializes in rental property inspections, focusing on cosmetic and maintenance aspects rather than full home inspections. Unique Inspection Approach : Brianna's inspections are more simplified than traditional home inspections, emphasizing the current condition of rental properties before tenant move-ins. Market Opportunity : Brianna identified an untapped market for rental inspections, which led her to expand her services in the Fort Collins area after training with Axiom Inspections. Safety and Maintenance : Emphasis on safety and maintenance, including checking smoke detectors and addressing minor issues during inspections, which is not common in traditional home inspections. Business Model : Brianna's business model involves working closely with property management companies, offering initial free inspections to build trust and secure recurring business. Challenges and Adaptations : Brianna transitioned to rental inspections after a serious injury from a fall during a roof inspection, which led her to focus on safer inspection practices. Franchise Potential : Brianna is considering franchising her business model to expand her services beyond her current location. Conference Insights : Brianna appreciates the networking opportunities at industry conferences, which help her connect with other professionals and share innovative business ideas. Branding and Recognition : The unique name "Inspector Beans" helps Brianna stand out and is memorable to clients and peers. Future Plans : Brianna aims to continue growing her business, potentially selling it in the future, and is exploring additional services like light maintenance to enhance her offerings.   The Links: Follow Inspector Beans on TikTok: @inspectorbeans Sign up for our Newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter And you can even leave us a VOICEMAIL to suggest ideas for future episodes here: https://www.theridealong.show

    27 min

  7. 11/14/2025

    Social (Media) Engineering - quality social media management matters featuring Social Saiya

    We've got another episode of The Ride Along this week featuring social media management experts Saiya Patel and Lindsay Freeman... the founders of Social Saiya! Most business owners are too busy to keep up with the latest trends and algorithm changes that can keep your company's social channels relevant and visible... and that's why proper, knowledgable social media management matters so much! Saiya Patel launched her company to help take her father's multiple booming businesses to even greater levels after seeing that social media marketing was the one area where they were truly lacking. And she did that while still in college! Today, she's sharing the story behind her company's launch and how her company can help YOUR company continue to grow. Learn more at: https://socialsaiya.com Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter And you can even leave us a VOICEMAIL to suggest ideas for future episodes here: https://www.theridealong.show

    18 min

  8. 10/07/2025

    ISN Keeps Getting Better! Pt 2. featuring an AI Voice Assistant, improved scheduling, and more

    In part two of our ISN product feature from Inspection Fuel 2025, we hang out with Lindsay Grimm... the Head of Product for ISN. As one of the key product vendors at Inspection Fuel, it was awesome to hear not just what's happening on the software side, but also on the product feature side of ISN. Including things like an AI Voice Assistant and improved online scheduling. The TLDR: - ISN has made the FlexFund fee more transparent, leading to increased adoption among inspection companies.  - big update and improvements to Zapier Integration, allowing for more customizable and efficient operations for users. - Digilatics Integration: Lindsay explains the one-way sync with Digital Addicts, streamlining operations and enhancing marketing insights. - AI Voice Assistant Development: The team is working on an AI voice assistant to handle client calls after hours, ensuring no call is lost. - Order Form Overhaul: ISN is redesigning its order form to modernize the user experience and improve backend stability. - Premium Time Slots Feature: A new feature allowing inspectors to charge more for high-demand time slots, offering greater control over scheduling. - Commitment to User-Centric Innovation: Lindsay emphasizes ISN's focus on developing features that respond to user needs and enhance the inspection process. The Links:  Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter And leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show Find out more about ISN at: https://www.inspectionsupport.com

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast helps homebuyers, homeowners, and home inspectors understand real home inspection findings, deal-killing defects, and how houses actually fail in the real world. Hosted by working inspectors, the show covers foundation issues, roofs, electrical, plumbing, moisture, mold, HVAC, building science, new homes, modern residential construction trends, and inspection report insights—so buyers make smarter decisions and inspectors sharpen their craft. Be sure to follow us @theridealongshow on all social platforms! And watch the full Ride Along series on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/@theridealongshow!

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