Structure Talk

Reuben Saltzman
  • 4.9 (57)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Structure Talk is a podcast about houses, home maintenance, home ownership, buying and selling houses, and of course, home inspections.  The show is hosted by Reuben Saltzman at Structure Tech and Tessa Murry, the House Coach. Our podcast is sponsored by Inspector Empire Builder.Email us at podcast@structuretech.com

  1. Old, complicated houses take more time

    20H AGO

    Old, complicated houses take more time

    To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/6GZOqskHBwU In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss Halloween chaos and a complex home inspection that pushed the limits of Structure Tech’s expertise. Reuben shares a detailed story about troubleshooting a heating system in a 100-year-old Minneapolis home, emphasizing the importance of documentation, communication, and customer support. Tessa adds insights on energy types and reflects on the challenges of winding down during a busy season. Here's the link to Inspector Empire Builder: https://www.iebcoaching.com/events Takeaways When dealing with heating issues, timestamped evidence can be crucial. Effective communication is key in customer support. Guiding customers through troubleshooting can lead to successful outcomes. Frustration is common among customers facing technical issues. Follow-up is important to ensure customer satisfaction. Resetting devices can often resolve common problems. Clear instructions can empower customers to solve their issues. Customer appreciation can enhance the support experience. Billing for services can be a point of discussion in customer interactions. Understanding customer emotions can improve service delivery. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Sponsors 01:14 – Sleep Struggles and WHOOP Tracker 03:36 – Halloween Party Chaos at Reuben’s House 06:57 – Shoutout to IEB Coaching 07:34 – Facebook Post from Agent Clint Kipers 09:03 – Why Structure Tech Charges More 11:25 – Target Market: Savvy Buyers & High-Integrity Agents 15:14 – Training New Inspectors 17:34 – Tessa’s Travel, Moving, and Sleep Challenges 21:13 – Human Design and Energy Types 25:29 – Complex Home Inspection Case Study 30:05 – HVAC Systems Fighting Each Other 34:06 – Boiler Error Codes and Troubleshooting 36:25 – Homeowner Call and Reset Instructions 39:22 – Why Documentation Matters 42:05 – Not All Homes Are First-Time Buyer Friendly 46:10 – Maintenance Demands and Utility Costs 47:18 – Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts 48:12 – Listener Call-Out and Upcoming Guest

    49 min
  2. The carbon footprint of concrete (with Gene Myers)

    NOV 3

    The carbon footprint of concrete (with Gene Myers)

    To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/vi0mEQemsck In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry sit down with Gene Myers, founder and CEO of Thrive Home Builders in Denver, Colorado. Gene shares his journey from land developer to one of the most forward-thinking builders in the country, known for creating high-performance, net-zero energy homes. The conversation explores the environmental impact of building materials—especially concrete—the importance of operational and embodied carbon, and how builders can balance sustainability with affordability. Gene also discusses innovative building practices, including fiberglass foundations, solar energy strategies, and the importance of building homes that serve both people and the planet. Here's the link to Inspector Empire Builder: https://www.iebcoaching.com/events To check Gene's company, click here: https://thrivehomebuilders.com/ Takeaways Gene Myers transitioned from land development to home building during the savings and loan crisis. Thrive Home Builders focuses on net-zero energy homes that are resilient, healthy, and sustainable. Net-zero homes produce as much energy as they consume annually, often using solar panels and battery storage. Concrete has one of the highest carbon footprints among building materials due to its production and transportation. Fiberglass foundation panels offer a promising alternative to concrete, with lower carbon impact and faster installation. Operational carbon (energy used to run a home) typically outweighs embodied carbon (carbon from materials and construction) over a home's lifetime. Gene emphasizes a rigorous cost-benefit analysis to ensure sustainability is attainable for everyday homebuyers. Partnerships with national labs and programs like Energy Star and DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home are key to Thrive’s success. Builders should avoid “shiny new objects” unless they are cost-effective and scalable. Municipalities with climate action plans may value sustainable builders more than individual consumers. Building a strong, meaningful brand has long-term benefits and helps attract talent and opportunities. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Sponsors 01:32 – Guest Introduction: Gene Myers 03:08 – Gene’s Journey from Land Developer to Builder 04:43 – What is a Net-Zero Energy Home? 06:11 – Building Homes that Serve Communities 07:48 – Advice for Builders: Don’t Go It Alone 10:16 – Leveraging Energy Star and DOE Programs 12:11 – First Net-Zero Home and Choosing Solar Over Geothermal 13:48 – Solar Leasing Options Explained 15:45 – Balancing Sustainability with Cost 19:29 – Why Thrive Avoids Geothermal and SIPs 21:27 – The Carbon Footprint of Concrete 25:00 – Fiberglass Foundation Panels as an Alternative 28:08 – Operational vs. Embodied Carbon 31:53 – Using OneClick LCA for Carbon Calculations 33:26 – Offsetting Carbon Locally in Breckenridge 35:47 – Municipalities vs. Consumers: Who Values Sustainability More? 39:30 – What Thrive Homes Look Like

    59 min
  3. Why the U.S. Housing Market is Broken (with Sam Rashkin)

    OCT 27

    Why the U.S. Housing Market is Broken (with Sam Rashkin)

    To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/qaISUXRUJrQ In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Sam Rashkin, former Chief Architect for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office and creator of the Energy Star for Homes and Zero Energy Ready Home programs. Sam shares his journey into the housing industry, his passion for sustainable building, and his insights into why the U.S. housing market is fundamentally broken. The conversation dives deep into housing affordability, productivity challenges, regulatory barriers, and the transformative potential of advanced manufacturing in home construction. Sam also discusses the importance of purpose, resilience, and the need for a national roadmap to fix the housing crisis. Here's the link to Inspector Empire Builder: https://www.iebcoaching.com/events Check Sam's LinkedIn profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-rashkin-1684582/ To check his book on Amazon, click here: https://amzn.to/4nhU5nH Takeaways Sam Rashkin’s early passion for housing led him to a career in architecture and energy-efficient building. The U.S. housing market is broken due to a growing disconnect between home prices and median income. Productivity in the housing industry has declined over the past 150 years, with little innovation in construction methods. Advanced manufacturing and factory-built homes, as seen in countries like Sweden, offer a model for cost-effective, high-quality housing. Regulatory complexity and lack of a national building code hinder innovation and scalability in the U.S. Labor shortages and aging workforce are exacerbating the housing crisis. Sam advocates for a national attic upgrade program as a low-hanging fruit for energy efficiency improvements. Emotional connection and simplicity in consumer-facing metrics (e.g., star ratings for home energy scores) can drive better decision-making. Resilience and disaster preparedness must be prioritized in housing design, especially in high-risk areas. A collaborative, stakeholder-driven roadmap is essential to transform the housing industry. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Sponsors 01:35 – Guest Introduction: Sam Rashkin 04:06 – Sam’s Journey into Housing and Architecture 06:45 – The Power of Purpose and Personal Stories 11:18 – Why the U.S. Housing Market is Broken 15:48 – Housing 2.0 and the Need for Disruption 17:42 – Lack of Innovation in Home Construction 20:43 – Customization vs. Standardization in Homebuilding 23:50 – Lessons from Sweden: Factory-Built Homes 33:05 – Labor Shortages and Immigration Challenges 37:29 – The Future of Home Inspection 41:18 – Creating a National Roadmap for Housing Reform 44:07 – The Role of Building Codes and Regulation 50:11 – Insurance Costs and Resilience 55:06 – Government Programs and Hypocrisy in Efficiency 56:29 – Shifting Perspectives and Asking the Right Questions 57:51 – The Need for Change and Sam’s Call to A

    1h 8m
  4. Low level CO detectors, hot and cold at kitchen faucets

    OCT 13

    Low level CO detectors, hot and cold at kitchen faucets

    To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/k8U1KBX8ObE In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry catch up on their recent activities, including conferences focused on building science and home inspection. They discuss the importance of integrating building science into home inspections, the growing interest among inspectors, and the future of high-performance building. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in the industry, personal updates about their families, and the challenges of training new inspectors. Additionally, they delve into carbon monoxide safety and the confusion surrounding kitchen faucet standards. CO Experts Low-Level CO Alarms: https://coexperts.com/ Heartland Chapter Inspector Seminar: https://seminarhouse.org/ IEB Fall Mastermind: https://events.iebcoaching.com/FallMastermind2025#/ Takeaways Tessa shares her experience at the Inspection Fuel conference in New Orleans. Building science is becoming more integrated into home inspections. Home inspectors are increasingly interested in expanding their services to include building science. AI is rapidly changing the landscape of business efficiency in home inspection. Reuben discusses the importance of training new inspectors for business growth. Carbon monoxide alarms are designed for life safety, not for monitoring low levels of CO. There is a need for standardization in kitchen faucet designs to avoid confusion. Tessa emphasizes the importance of understanding how homes function as systems. The hosts express excitement about upcoming educational opportunities in the industry. Personal updates reveal a busy life for both hosts, balancing work and family.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:53 Conferences and Networking in Home Inspection 06:06 Building Science and Home Inspection 08:55 High Performance Building and Future Trends 11:45 AI Integration in Home Inspection 14:56 Personal Life and Business Updates 18:00 Upcoming Events and Educational Opportunities 31:54 Exciting Developments in Home Inspections 34:10 Understanding Carbon Monoxide Alarms 44:28 The Confusion of Kitchen Faucets 51:40 Engaging with Our Audience

    54 min
  5. Bat poop, mouse poop, and wildlife control (with Matthew Eickman)

    OCT 6

    Bat poop, mouse poop, and wildlife control (with Matthew Eickman)

    To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/5yOQW18UmVA In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Matthew Eickman from Abra Kadabra Pest Control to discuss the intersection of pest control and home inspections. They explore the importance of community in business growth, the challenges of misidentification in pest issues, and the significance of building relationships between home inspectors and pest control providers. Matthew shares insights on preventative measures for homeowners, the costs associated with pest control services, and the unique challenges of wildlife control. The conversation also touches on Matthew's journey in the pest control industry and his vision for the future. Here's the link to check out Inspector Empire Builder: https://events.iebcoaching.com/events You can reach Matthew here: https://abrakadabraenvironmental.com/ Takeaways Matthew emphasizes the importance of community in business growth. Home inspectors should be cautious when identifying pest issues. Building relationships with pest control providers is crucial for home inspectors. Preventative measures can save homeowners from costly pest issues. Misidentification of pests can lead to significant problems in real estate transactions. Regular maintenance contracts can help manage pest populations effectively. Understanding the biology of pests is essential for effective control. The cost of pest control services varies widely based on the issue. Wildlife control presents unique challenges compared to traditional pest control. Matthew's journey in pest control highlights the potential for business growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:53 The Importance of Community and Business Growth 06:06 Understanding Pest Control and Home Inspections 09:06 Identifying Pests: The Role of Home Inspectors 12:13 Advice for Home Inspectors on Pest Issues 15:03 The Challenges of Misidentification in Pest Control 18:01 The Importance of Relationships in Pest Control 20:56 Preventative Measures for Homeowners 23:49 The Cost of Pest Control Services 27:04 The Difference Between Rodents and Bats 29:48 Wildlife Control and Its Challenges 33:00 The Role of Woodpeckers and Other Wildlife 36:05 Box Elder Bugs and Seasonal Pest Control 38:57 The Nasty Side of Pest Control 41:59 The Business of Pest Control and Growth 44:49 Matthew's Journey in Pest Control 48:13 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

    56 min
  6. Regional Inspection Differences (with Paul Barraza)

    SEP 8

    Regional Inspection Differences (with Paul Barraza)

    To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/cYcD91eX5rQ In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry engage with Paul Barraza, a seasoned home inspector from Northern California. They discuss the nuances of home inspections, including energy efficiency, wildfire preparedness, and earthquake safety. Paul shares his journey into the home inspection industry, the importance of community forums, and the challenges faced in California's unique climate. The conversation also delves into the significance of crawl space inspections, HVAC systems, and the evolving regulations surrounding home energy scores and safety measures. Takeaways Paul Barraza started his inspection career in 2007 after being inspired by a friend. Community forums play a crucial role in sharing knowledge among home inspectors. Home Energy Scores provide a standardized assessment of a home's energy efficiency. California mandates home energy scores at the time of sale to improve energy efficiency. Wildfire preparedness includes creating defensible space and home hardening measures. Earthquake safety inspections focus on bolting and retrofitting older homes. Crawl spaces in California often lack proper encapsulation, leading to moisture issues. HVAC systems need to be properly designed and installed for optimal performance. The importance of using high-efficiency filters in HVAC systems to improve air quality. Pest inspections are vital for homes with stucco exteriors to prevent hidden damage. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 03:01 Paul Barraza's Journey in Home Inspections 05:47 The Importance of Forums and Community in Home Inspection 09:06 Understanding Home Energy Scores 12:06 California's Energy Efficiency Regulations 15:03 Wildfire Preparedness and Home Hardening 17:54 Earthquake Safety and Inspections 20:52 Crawl Space Inspections and Challenges 23:56 HVAC Systems and Air Quality 26:57 Final Thoughts on Home Inspection Practices

    54 min
  7. Inspection Fuel and Building Science (with Brad Lowery and Matt Brading)

    SEP 1

    Inspection Fuel and Building Science (with Brad Lowery and Matt Brading)

    To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/iRw-dmE8GpA In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome guests Brad Lowery and Matt Brading to discuss their experiences in the home inspection industry, the importance of building science, and the role of podcasting in connecting with the community. They explore the upcoming Inspection Fuel conference, share insights on effective home inspection practices, and emphasize the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the field. The conversation highlights the value of educating clients and the significance of understanding building science to improve home inspection outcomes. Check out the YouTube video we mentioned here: $2.5 Million can get you this 9 bedroom house in St. Paul, MN! Learn more about the conference we talked about here: Inspection Fuel Takeaways Home inspection is a community-driven industry. Building science is crucial for effective home inspections. Podcasting allows for deeper connections and discussions. Continuous learning is essential for home inspectors. Client education is a key responsibility of inspectors. Understanding building science can prevent major issues. The Inspection Fuel conference offers valuable insights and networking opportunities. Podcasting can showcase diverse voices in the industry. Accessibility in home inspection is important for all clients. Engaging with the audience enhances the podcasting experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 02:54 Brad Lowery's Journey in Home Inspection 06:05 Matt Brading's Background and Podcasting Experience 09:03 The Importance of Building Science in Home Inspections 11:50 Upcoming Conference and Presentations 14:56 Understanding Home Inspection Challenges 17:56 The Role of Inspectors in Client Education 20:53 Final Thoughts and Conference Details 24:43 Exciting Conference Plans in New Orleans 27:54 The Value of Podcasting in Home Inspection 34:43 Learning and Community Building through Podcasts 39:13 Connecting with Diverse Audiences 42:43 Final Thoughts and Conference Reminders

    44 min
  8. Case Studies, Part 2

    AUG 18

    Case Studies, Part 2

    To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/C6MC7V08nS4 In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss various topics related to home inspection, including the impact of AI on the industry, personal anecdotes about gutter cleaning, and a detailed case study involving a homeowner's water intrusion and mold issues. They explore the complexities of building science, the importance of proper installation and maintenance, and the challenges of identifying and resolving moisture problems in homes. Here's the link to check out Inspector Empire Builder: https://events.iebcoaching.com/events Takeaways AI tools are evolving rapidly and can be overwhelming for businesses. Investing time and resources into understanding AI is crucial for growth. Gutter maintenance can lead to unexpected challenges and solutions. Homeowners should be aware of potential water intrusion issues in their homes. Mold problems can arise from various sources, including improper installation. Investigating moisture issues requires thorough inspection and testing. Condensation can occur even in summer, indicating underlying problems. Proper installation of siding and flashing is essential to prevent water damage. Home inspectors should be vigilant about concealed moisture damage. Finding qualified contractors for moisture issues can be challenging. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weather Check 03:02 AI in Home Inspection 05:54 Gutter Cleaning Adventures 09:54 Case Study Introduction 13:40 Homeowner's Water Issues 17:04 Mold and Moisture Problems 21:13 Investigating Water Intrusion 24:55 Condensation Concerns 29:16 Finding Solutions 33:11 Wrap-Up and Future Discussions

    41 min
See All (288)

4.9
out of 5
57 Ratings

About

Structure Talk is a podcast about houses, home maintenance, home ownership, buying and selling houses, and of course, home inspections.  The show is hosted by Reuben Saltzman at Structure Tech and Tessa Murry, the House Coach. Our podcast is sponsored by Inspector Empire Builder.Email us at podcast@structuretech.com

Information

  • Creator
    Reuben Saltzman
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    288
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Structure Talk
  • Show Website
    Structure Talk

You Might Also Like