Structure Talk Reuben Saltzman

Reuben and Tessa share some advice, recommendations, and guidance for new home inspectors and business owners. 


Reuben shares that home inspection certifications and licenses aren't enough to become a good inspector. Tessa mentions shadowing and learning from seasoned practitioners in the industry will help inspectors get good at the job and know what to do. They highlight that it's important to learn from other people's mistakes. 


They also talk about tips about inspector liabilities and client relations. Tessa recommends listening to the inspection process podcast. Then, Reuben talks about books that are helpful for managing businesses. 


Here are the links to some of the podcasts mentioned:
Home Inspection Mistakes, part 1 Home Inspection Mistakes, part 2Home Inspection Process, part 1Home Inspection Process, part 2Home Inspection Process, part 3

Today we discuss direct and power vents and combustion air. 

Reuben and Tessa discuss an inquiry about a contractor's advice to install a direct vent for their water heater replacement. Reuben explains that this was extremely unusual. He defines a power vent and a direct vent. Tessa inquires about changes in the building code.

They also talk about combustion air. Reuben highlights that combustion air is brought into every Minnesota home. Tessa explains what combustion air is. They highlight that combustion air ducts should remain clean and must be checked periodically. 

Reuben shares about spending the weekend with his daughter, Lucy, and talks about a learning opportunity with her.

Today we talk about the recommended must-have tools from podcast followers. 


Reuben and Tessa go over the list of suggestions. They talk about Channellock vs Robo Grip pliers, an impact driver vs a drill, electric vs gas-powered saws, as well as various hand saws and reciprocating saws, wet-dry vacuums, pry bars and putty knives, 2ft or 4ft level, stud finders or stud buddies, vice grips, and mallets. 


They also received suggestions about personal protective equipment such as work gloves, safety goggles, and earplugs. They talk about bizarre tools such as voltage detectors and sniffers, toilet plungers, water shut-offs, bottle openers, carpenter's pencils, duct tapes, superglues, zip ties, and wall screws. However, some of the suggestions are useful for specific projects only. Reuben and Tessa argue some of the suggested tools.

Reuben and Tessa go over a list of tools every homeowner must have in the house. 


They talk about flashlights, drills and bit sets, socket sets and wrench adapters, screwdrivers and wrenches, tape measures, utility knives, hammers, pliers, and ladders. Reuben highlights that these tools are very useful for DIY projects while Tessa mentions that the tools are not for everyone. 


Read Reuben's blog post about these tools here: Must-own tool list for every homeowner - Structure Tech Home Inspections.

Today we talk about tips on how to manage melting snow and basement water.

Reuben discusses where melted snow goes and how they penetrate through the basement or even the sewers. Tessa mentions that newer houses in Minnesota have a drain tile system then she explains how a sump pump works. They share tips to reduce the potential for water problems without a drain tile.


Reuben shares a story about basement flooding while Tessa shares about a corrugated extension pipe that was used by squirrels to store acorns. 


Send your comments and questions to podcast@structuretech.com.

Reuben recently received a message from a podcast follower who encountered an insulation scam. He shares that the company reportedly had a free dinner and offered multi-layer insulation and solar-power attic fans that are supposed to fix iced dams. Tessa highlights the red flags about the products. 


Reuben describes and defines the products and their cost. Tessa shares the code requirements and how insulation should be installed and worked. She discusses the building science of insulation in different climates. 


Tessa recommends reaching out to the Minnesota Building Performance Association for a list of contractors.