Adventures in Home Buying

Jim Troth
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Join Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Tune in for captivating discussions with top home inspectors, real estate pros, and service companies who share their expertise on what makes a home a smart buy. Want to learn how to avoid costly repairs or choose the right lender? We've got you covered. Visit our website at [YourWebsiteHere] for exclusive resources, episode extras, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at [YourContactInfo] to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

  1. 3D AGO

    A Builder Learned They Installed Windows Wrong For Years

    New construction promises certainty, but the punch list tells a different story. We pull back the wrap on what really happens between framing and finish, from window flashing done the wrong way for years to the quiet hazards that show up on “finished” walkthroughs. As licensed Ohio home inspectors, we share what we look for, why manufacturer instructions outrank code minimums, and how subcontractor-only models can leave no one truly accountable for quality. We walk through the full arc of a smart new-build strategy: pre-drywall inspections to catch framing, air sealing, fire blocking, and waterproofing before it disappears, followed by methodical finals that test function and finish. Along the way, we explain when foam sheathing makes sense, when structural panels still matter, and why calling the manufacturer beats guesswork on house wrap repairs and ridge vent sizing. You will hear how a builder learned—through our report—that their window installs were wrong, why the fixes still missed best practice, and what that teaches about oversight and training. This conversation is for buyers who want a durable, safe home and builders who care about getting it right. We share practical red flags, including what it means when a builder bans site visits, and simple, high-value checks that prevent leaks, mold, and early failures. Expect clear guidance you can use on your next walkthrough: how to think beyond “pass/fail code,” how to anchor decisions in climate and loads, and how to protect your family from avoidable hazards like exposed fasteners on stairs. If you value transparency and long-term performance, this guide will help you verify the work—not just trust the promise. If this helped you shop smarter for a new home, subscribe, share with a friend who’s building, and leave a review telling us the one thing you always check before closing. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    13 min

  2. FEB 18

    Why Dew Point Matters For Your Home

    Ever wonder why your windows sweat, your basement smells musty, or your attic grows frost on the coldest nights? We break down the simple physics behind moisture at home—how temperature fuels relative humidity, why dew point decides when water appears on surfaces, and what that means for comfort, energy costs, and long-term durability. We start by making humidity intuitive: warmer air carries more moisture because it has more energy to “lift” water vapor. From there, we translate dew point into a practical tool you can use to predict where condensation will strike first—on cold cans, uninsulated rim joists, basement walls, and roof sheathing. Along the way, we share the ideal indoor target of 40–50% relative humidity and explain why that sweet spot reduces mold risk without drying out wood or sinuses. Then we get tactical. If your humidifier is set to 55% and your dehumidifier to 45%, they’re battling and burning cash. We explain how to stop the fight, when to run a dedicated basement dehumidifier, and why cooler spaces need tighter set points. You’ll learn how sealed crawl spaces, air leaks, and cold bridges push surfaces below dew point, creating hidden wet zones. We also cover attic ventilation—balanced intake and exhaust—plus ceiling air sealing to move vapor out and keep roof decks dry on subfreezing nights. By the end, you’ll know how to read the signs—sweating ducts, damp corners, frosty sheathing—and choose the right fix: adjust RH, insulate, air seal, or ventilate. It’s a straightforward plan to keep mold at bay, protect your structure, and lower energy bills with fewer gadgets running overtime. If this helped demystify dew point and home humidity, follow the show, share it with a friend who battles a musty basement, and leave a quick review so more homeowners can find it. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    11 min

  3. FEB 12

    Your Sump Pump Doesn’t Care About Your New Year’s Resolutions

    Goals don’t fail because they’re too big. They fail because they’re too far away from what we do today. We break that gap by turning outcomes into weekly inputs, then show how the same approach keeps your home dry, safe, and far cheaper to own. Think lead indicators over lagging results: the emails sent, the classes scheduled with enough notice, the social posts published, the quick sump pump test before a thaw. When a winter week swings from subzero to sixty, those simple moves decide whether you sleep well or mop at midnight. We unpack how to design a short, repeatable checklist that compounds over time. On the business side, that means tracking actions you control and ignoring perfection. On the homeowner side, it means walking the perimeter after storms, reconnecting downspout extensions, cleaning gutters, and confirming the discharge keeps water away from the foundation. We explain why houses don’t have warning lights like cars do, which is why maintenance inspections every couple of years can save you from surprise leaks, hidden attic damage, or creeping moisture you can’t see from the living room. You’ll hear practical stories about flooded basements that out-cost any inspection fee, the true price of ignoring septic pumping schedules, and how a simple honey-do list turns an inspection report into a calm, step-by-step plan. We also touch on skill building for new homeowners: start with basic caulking, filters, and safe visual checks, then grow from there. Safety first, routine always, panic never. If you’re in Ohio, we recommend scheduling a maintenance inspection and pairing it with a radon test every two years to keep tabs on changing conditions. Prefer a simple starting point? Build a one-page weekly checklist and commit to it for six weeks. Want more like this? Follow the show, share it with a friend who owns a home, and leave a quick review telling us the one maintenance habit you’re starting this week. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    15 min

  4. FEB 4

    If You Ignore the Home Inspection Report, You Own the Consequences

    Buying a house feels like victory, but the inspection report is where smart ownership really begins. We walk through the crucial steps that too many buyers skip: reading the report yourself, asking better questions, and turning findings into a clear action plan before you close. From moisture and mold to chimney flues and overloaded electrical panels, we explain which issues demand urgent attention, which call for specialist follow-up, and which can sit on your someday list without risk. Moisture moves fast—often within 48 hours—so we dig into practical ways to identify sources, stop the water, and avoid repeat damage. You’ll hear how a simple sump pump discharge disconnect soaked a finished space and led to mold and illness, and how a quick inspection could have caught it sooner. We also cover why radon testing every two years matters for long-term health, and how a periodic maintenance inspection can surface small problems before they balloon. Insurance isn’t a bailout for neglect, and carriers increasingly expect homeowners to mitigate damage immediately. We break down what that means in real life: shutting off water to burst pipes, documenting fixes, and prioritizing safety hazards ahead of paint or trim. With carriers pulling back in high-risk regions and premiums rising, proactive maintenance and documented repairs have never been more valuable. If you want a home that’s safe, sturdy, and stress-light, start with the report, act on what matters, and build a habit of regular checkups. If this helped you think differently about your next steps, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a quick review to tell us what you’ll fix first. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    14 min

  5. JAN 29

    Winter Homebuying Advantage

    Ready for a homebuying cheat code? Cold weather turns every property into a stress test, exposing the real story behind insulation, ventilation, and heating performance—and it quietly thins the crowd so you can negotiate from a position of strength. We walk through why winter is the smartest time to shop and exactly what to look for when the temperature drops. We break down attic frost as a diagnostic clue, explaining how moisture migration, blocked soffits, and weak air sealing show up as glitter on roofing nails. You’ll hear how to read furnace behavior, spot drafty rooms, and use thermal imaging to find missing insulation and air leaks when there’s a strong indoor-outdoor temperature difference. We also separate harmless seasonal cracks and truss uplift from signs that deserve a second look, so you don’t mistake normal movement for structural trouble. Safety and savings get attention too. If the house has a wood-burning fireplace, a chimney scope is non-negotiable before that first cozy fire. We share how snow levels curb appeal so you can focus on systems that matter, and why sellers listing in winter tend to be more motivated. With fewer competing offers, quicker lender responses, and off-season deals from movers and contractors, the cold can actually warm your budget. If you’re on the fence about braving a snowy showing, consider this your nudge: use the season to reveal hidden flaws, gather leverage, and buy with confidence. Subscribe for more practical home insights, share this with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a review to tell us your best winter homebuying win. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    11 min

  6. JAN 20

    Stop Using Ozone For Mold And Fix Moisture First

    Think the crisp, after-storm smell means ozone can wipe out mold? We put that myth to rest with a clear walk-through of how mold actually lives in your home, why surface tactics fail, and the step-by-step process that delivers lasting results. As home inspectors who see the same mistakes week after week, we dig into the science of hyphae and mycelium, the role of moisture as the true driver, and the practical hurdles that make high-dose ozone both unsafe and ineffective in residential spaces. We share a recent inspection where “ozone treatment” was listed on a disclosure, yet visible growth and musty air remained. From there, we map the remediation roadmap that works: find and stop the water source, build proper containment, use targeted biocides that reach porous materials, remove damaged components, and finish with HEPA air scrubbing and thorough cleaning. You’ll hear why particle fragments can still trigger allergies, how true HEPA at 0.3 microns fits into cleanup, and why agencies and standards bodies advise against ozone as a substitute for physical removal. We also compare tools and tactics you can trust, including antimicrobial sprays and long-lasting protective coatings designed to resist regrowth when humidity stays in check. Ozone can help with odors at the very end if handled by a careful, well-reviewed contractor, but it won’t penetrate roots or leave any protective residue. If a remediation company leads with a day of ozone, that’s your cue to keep looking. The smarter path pairs moisture control with measurable, HEPA-based remediation so you can breathe easier and keep mold from coming back. If this helped you rethink your plan, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s fighting mold, and leave a quick review to tell us what you want us to tackle next. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    17 min

  7. JAN 15

    If Your Basement Has “Mold Curtains,” That’s Not Interior Design

    Fresh paint, new lumber, clean lines—and a hidden cocktail of VOCs, particles, and lingering moisture you can’t see. We pull back the curtain on indoor air quality in new construction, explaining why tight envelopes and fast timelines often trap pollutants and create conditions where mold can take hold. From carbon dioxide buildup to particle spikes from sanding, we break down what “healthy air” really requires and why testing a brand‑new home is not overkill. Our conversation traces a real‑world class we taught on air quality, where a single question—should we test new builds—sparked a tour through builder policies, site access restrictions, and the uncomfortable truth about developments with repeated mold issues. We talk through basement drying mistakes, dehumidifiers that get unplugged, and the unforgettable sight of “mold curtains” under stairs after multiple remediations. Then we zoom out to the rules and myths that shape decisions: the 100 square foot DIY threshold that oversimplifies risk, and the persistent misuse of ERMI and HERTSMI scores outside the strict research protocols they were designed for. You’ll learn what to ask a builder, how to evaluate ventilation and humidity control, and which tests actually help you make smart choices: moisture mapping, targeted sampling through accredited labs, and data‑driven plans that remove sources instead of masking symptoms. We also share why some leases ban air or mold testing and how that clause signals deeper problems. If you care about clean, safe air—whether you’re buying, building, or renting—this guide arms you with practical steps and sharper questions to protect your health and your wallet. If this conversation helped you see your home’s air in a new way, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s house‑hunting, and leave a quick review to help more people find it. Want a CE class for your office or more guidance on testing? Reach out and let’s get it on the calendar. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    16 min

  8. JAN 6

    Hire A Home Inspector To Verify Your Contractor’s Work

    Ever paid for “finished” work and wondered if it would hold up through the first storm? We dig into the real-world details that separate a safe, durable home from a money pit: from why moisture is the most destructive force in a house to how a simple two-year maintenance inspection can save you thousands. Along the way, we share a recent case that started with a nervous contractor dodging permits and ended with a mix of wins and face-palms—an excellent roof done by a qualified sub, a deck ledger bolted to rotten wood, sliding doors with inch-wide gaps and nonfunctional locks, and siding so loose the J channel could be moved by hand. We explain how to protect yourself before you write that final check. Tell the contractor upfront that an independent home inspector will verify the work. Keep every receipt, product label, and serial number for warranty coverage; if those identifiers are missing or scratched off, ask why and press for proof of purchase. We also cover critical details hidden behind finishes: house wrap overlap, window pan flashing, and the positioning of pipes and wires that you’ll never see after drywall. That’s why a pre-drywall inspection during new construction is one of the highest ROI steps you can take. If you’re planning upgrades or living with work already done, use a smart cadence: retest radon every two years per EPA guidance and pair that with a focused moisture and exterior review. Check roof condition, deck attachment, siding integrity, and door operation. Look for drafts, daylight at frames, and signs of water intrusion. Good contractors don’t fear oversight—they welcome it. Subscribe for practical homeowner tactics, share this with a friend tackling a renovation, and leave a review with your top contractor red flag we should cover next. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    11 min
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About

Join Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Tune in for captivating discussions with top home inspectors, real estate pros, and service companies who share their expertise on what makes a home a smart buy. Want to learn how to avoid costly repairs or choose the right lender? We've got you covered. Visit our website at [YourWebsiteHere] for exclusive resources, episode extras, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at [YourContactInfo] to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Troth
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Adventures in Home Buying
  • Show Website
    Adventures in Home Buying