I get this question a lot, and the truth is, there’s no single “biggest” red flag that applies to every house. Every property is unique, and what’s catastrophic in one home might be minor in another. That said, if I had to pick the number-one deal-breaker I see, it would be structural problems. Why Structural Issues […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
As a home inspector, I’m asked the same question over and over: “What’s the thing you find most often?” People expect a dramatic answer, something like “a crumbling foundation” or “mold lurking behind every wall.” The truth is a little less exciting, but a lot more important: water issues. Water is a home’s biggest enemy. It causes more […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
If your insurance company has asked for a 4-point inspection, you might be wondering what it is, why it’s needed, and how much it costs. Let’s break it down. What’s a 4-Point Inspection? A 4-point inspection is focused on four main systems in a home: Unlike a full buyer’s inspection, a 4-point isn’t about finding […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
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 […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
After almost eight years, one of my favorite flashlight models has been upgraded. The Fenix TK35 instantly became my favorite flashlight back in 2011, and| Structure Tech Home Inspections
PODCAST: Case study: Re-roof with a new water problem| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Thanks to Moore’s Law, infrared cameras keep getting better and less expensive. The folks at Thermal Master are getting into the handheld infrared camera game, and they sent me a Thor001 camera to check out, which is available for $599. They also offer a Thor002, which has some minor differences and retails for $399. The […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/hBY-5QroZsQ In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry explore a range of topics, including air quality concerns in Minnesota, the evolving role of AI in the home inspection industry, and a detailed case study involving a homeowner’s struggles with a new roof and moisture-related […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/NJ0uDa2aL7w In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry explore the essential fixes homeowners should tackle before a home inspection. They share practical tips and personal stories about common issues like gutter maintenance and electrical checks. The discussion highlights […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
If you’re selling your house, you’re probably a little worried about the home inspection. Heck, I’m a home inspector and an extremely diligent and knowledgeable homeowner… but I still get worried about the home inspection when I sell a home. To help prevent hiccups during the home inspection, there are two major categories of things […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/iIWheUyrBvk In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman| Structure Tech Home Inspections
I replaced my leaking powervent water heater in November of 2020, and my new one has already started leaking. I blame the water here in Maple Grove. When I inspected the anode rod about six months ago, I found it was entirely gone. How long had it been gone for? Who knows. However, that surely […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
A true mark of professionalism for any home inspector or home service technician is the ability to enter and exit an attic without leaving any evidence.| Structure Tech Home Inspections
We Inspect Thousands of Homes Every Year| Structure Tech Home Inspections
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 definition of a firewall (actually, […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/noKM0Ijpafg In this episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss various topics related to home inspections, including the impact of weather on home maintenance, the integration of AI in home inspections, and the importance of building relationships with team members. They share insights from recent ride-alongs, highlighting […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
A lot of us home inspectors need to calm down when it comes to reporting the length of a clothes dryer duct. While the code book says the maximum developed length of a dryer duct is 35′, that’s only part of the story. What’s a dryer duct? A dryer duct is permanently installed, and […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
If you get a home inspection in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, or the surrounding areas, you'll probably have at least one of these items show up on your| Structure Tech Home Inspections
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/LzP_zb7BsGQ In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss various common home inspection issues, focusing on the top five problems that often arise in older homes. They delve into the importance of water management, electrical safety, chimney maintenance, gas leak concerns, and sewer problems. […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
I’ve worked for Structure Tech since 1997, and during this time, I’ve developed some strong opinions about who should attend a home inspection and who shouldn’t. Today, I’ll discuss buyers, sellers, agents on both sides, and all of the extra people like family, friends, kids, coworkers, and contractors. The Buyer The buyer should attend […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
We’ve added a new home inspection tool to our arsenal, called the Judgy Finger. Check it out. | Structure Tech Home Inspections
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/Skx7vjdsdo8 In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss the dynamics| Structure Tech Home Inspections
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/B4lgieKGvtI In this episode of the Structure Talk Podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome back Noah Gavic from Brothers Underground to discuss various sewer types and cleaning techniques. Noah shares insights on the most common pipe types, including cast iron and clay tile, […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/jwVDbI86XKs In this episode of the Structure Talk Podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Drive through any neighborhood in Minneapolis or Saint Paul and you'll find a handful of gas vents with missing or improper vent caps. These all need to go.| Structure Tech Home Inspections
You found the house. You booked the inspection. You got the report. Now what? If your first reaction was, “This list is a mile long,” you’re not alone. Feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. At Structure Tech, we see it all the time: good homes paired with inspection reports that look a lot scarier than they […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
I’ve already ranted and complained about clothes dryers venting through the roof. It’s a dumb place to run your dryer duct, but it happens all the time, especially in new construction homes. The main problem is that dryer terminals need to be regularly cleaned, and most homeowners aren’t going to get up on their roof […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/2cNHgOFCes0 In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman| Structure Tech Home Inspections
I get a lot of training questions from aspiring home inspectors about how to get into this business and how to get trained. I have some advice for people who don’t get hired by a company with an established training process, but first, I’d like to share our internal process here at Structure Tech. We’ve […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/MVcLWet9gqw In this episode of the Structure Talk Podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss various topics related to home inspection, including the latest trends in home inspection tools, a Q&A session addressing homeowner concerns, and the importance of combustion air in furnace safety. […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
While the knee-jerk reaction that most homeowners have is to call a roofer when a stain shows up at the ceiling fan, this type of staining is rarely the result of a roof leak. This is typically the result of condensation.| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Noah Gavic from Brothers Underground. The conversation delves| Structure Tech Home Inspections
We find loose outlets at most home inspections. The fix is usually straightforward; remove the cover plate, tighten the screws, and replace the cover plate. Boom, you’re done. But not always. If the electrical box is recessed into the wall, and tons of them are, this might not work. Electrical boxes are supposed to […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss various homeowner questions, focusing on health effects related to sleep deprivation, the intricacies of high-efficiency furnaces, crawl space concerns, and the importance of proper ventilation and insulation. They emphasize the need for safety in home systems, particularly regarding carbon monoxide risks, and explore best practices for insulation techniques, […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
I recently did a presentation for Career Day at my daughter’s middle school, and to make sure I kept their attention, I decided to share some of my favorite toilet photos. I mean c’mon, who doesn’t like potty humor?! So here goes. Painted toilet. I can’t make this up. Laundry chute above toilet. One more […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
This podcast contains a handful of visuals that we thought would be helpful, so we've published a video version of this podcast| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this new episode, our hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss the intricate relationship between energy efficiency and durability in home construction. They explore how increasing energy efficiency through insulation and air sealing can lead to potential moisture issues and reduced durability if not appropriately managed. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding house […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss the transition into spring, personal life updates, and mold remediation challenges. Tessa shares her firsthand| Structure Tech Home Inspections
When these masonry chimneys go bad (and they all go bad) the repair can be very expensive. Repair is just one option. The other option is removal.| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Michael Simpson, a geotechnical engineer, who shares insights into forensic engineering, the impact of water management on foundations, and the differences between serviceability and safety in structural integrity. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper assessment and management of foundation problems, […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
That reminded me of another aspect of municipal inspections in the Twin Cities that most people don't know about: Municipal inspectors typically don't walk on roofs to inspect them.| Structure Tech Home Inspections
This training video shows how to use a moisture meter, both in pin probe mode and scan mode. The moisture meter I used for this video is a 2nd-generation Protimeter Surveymaster. The newest version of this moisture meter can be found here: https://amzn.to/42J0UYy| Structure Tech Home Inspections
A powervent water heater uses a fan to get the exhaust gases out of the home. They’re great because there’s almost zero possibility of backdrafting, a common problem with natural draft water heaters. Most powervent water heaters use a 3-inch PVC pipe to get the exhaust gas out of the home, but sometimes we find […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Click this link to learn more about the Business Mastery Class for Solo Inspectors: https://events.iebcoaching.com/BusinessMasteryforSoloInspectors25 In| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Click this link to learn more about the Business Mastery Class for Solo Inspectors: https://events.iebcoaching.com/BusinessMasteryforSoloInspectors25 In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss the challenges and experiences of home inspection with Miki Mertz, a pioneer female home inspector. They explore the unique advantages and challenges faced by women in the industry, the importance of […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Joist hangers are metal brackets that support deck joists. It’s almost impossible to build a deck without them, and there is a ton of stuff that can go wrong with the installation. Today, I’ll cover the most common defects we find as home inspectors. Simpson Strong-Tie® is the largest manufacturer of these products, so I’ll […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murray interview Mark Cramer, a seasoned home inspector from Florida. They discuss Mark’s journey into home inspections, the evolution of training in the field, and the challenges modern inspectors face. They also cover regional differences in home construction, particularly in Tampa, and […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Is your attic free of frost? Are your ducts dutifully connected in the attic? Is there anything shocking in your electric panel? Is your sump system up to snuff? Do you heed your HRV’s homeowner guidelines? Do you have an HRV?? Most homeowners are fuzzy on these details. While it’s easy to sit back and do […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Charles Buell, a veteran in the home inspection community. They| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Bryan Standley from Inspect KC to discuss the unique challenges of home inspections in Kansas City. They explore Bryan’s journey into the field, the lack of state licensing and building codes, and the implications for home inspectors and buyers. The conversation delves into typical housing stock, […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Will Misegades from Redfish Inspections in Houston, Texas.| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Happy New Year! I’m delighted to share our Top 20 Home Inspection Photos. I’ve been compiling our top photos of the year since 2011, meticulously pouring over all of the crowd-favorites from our Facebook and Instagram pages. Enjoy! Attic time-out chair – child behavior problems plummeted after moving the time-out chair to the attic. Window sill/ash tray – “The […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome back Mike Casey to discuss the unique challenges and building practices in hot and dry climates, particularly in Southern California. The conversation covers various topics including housing stock, building science issues, post-tension slabs, plumbing materials, cooling systems, and the impact […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
The average home inspection fee in Minnesota is $438. This is based on a price survey of all the home inspectors we could find in Minnesota. We conducted this survey during the fall and winter of 2024. Who are these Minnesota home inspectors? Because there is no licensing here in Minnesota, there is […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
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 qualified professionals, and the need […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
This is a re-blog from two years ago with more details. I continue to get emails and messages from home inspectors and homeowners with questions about high-efficiency furnace venting details, which makes me realize I have a bunch of other stuff that still ought to be covered. High-efficiency furnaces use PVC pipes to vent the […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss personal health changes related to diet and cholesterol| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Water heater manufacturers tell you to remove and inspect the anode rod yearly, but seriously, who does this? Nobody! An anode rod is big stick of aluminum, magnesium, or zinc that comes with your water heater. It’s there to prevent the tank from corroding away. The less noble metal corrodes, thereby saving your tank. Once […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
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 significance of blower doors in […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
While I was teaching about chimney inspections to a group of home inspectors in Maryland last week, one of the inspectors in the audience asked me a| Structure Tech Home Inspections
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has proposed a new Standard of Practice (SOP) for home inspections. I strongly oppose many of the changes, and I urge all ASHI members to read the standards and voice their opinion. Here are the key details: The existing SOP was written in 2014. The new proposed SOP […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss the recent changes to the ASHI standards of practice for home inspectors with guest Jim Katen. They explore the implications of these changes, the necessity for updates, and the potential impact on home inspection reports and client service. The conversation emphasizes the importance of providing valuable […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Never skip the home inspection, even if the house is brand new. I don't care what the builder tells you; you need a home inspection. There's too much at| Structure Tech Home Inspections
If you’re like me, you were raised to never (EVER!) turn on a garbage disposer without first running water down the sink. Just a few seconds of this dastardly deed could be enough to overheat and fry the motor. But is there really any truth in this? What the manufacturers say I read through […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss the nuances of home inspections, focusing on the balance between technical reporting and addressing homeowner concerns. They explore the evolution of infrared technology, the importance of understanding client needs, and the standards for reporting issues during inspections. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication and the […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
I’m frequently asked about nasty-looking vertical cracks in wood deck posts. Is this a problem? Is the deck going to fail? How big of a crack is too big of a crack? It’s called Checking The appropriate term for these so-called cracks is “checking”. This happens when big wood timbers quickly dry; the outside dries […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this conversation, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry discuss the importance of proper HVAC sizing and the upcoming refrigerant changes that will affect| Structure Tech Home Inspections
It’s the best time of year to share these photos. Be warned: some of these have a high creep factor. Enjoy? Shh… don’t wake the sleeping bat. In the bedroom. Don’t worry about waking this one. It’s a bit crispy. BHAS = Big, Hairy, Audacious Spider. This is a Fishing spider, the largest spider […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murray discuss the growing trend of four-point inspections in Minnesota with guests Eric Houseman and John| Structure Tech Home Inspections
The folks at Thermal Master sent me a new infrared camera to test out. Dubbed the world's second-smallest infrared camera, it's called the Thermal Master| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode of Structure Talk, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murray discuss the impact of natural disasters on communities, particularly in light of| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Fall is officially here, so it’s time to get your house ready for winter. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of fall maintenance items to help you remember everything you’re supposed to do as a Minnesota homeowner. I’m also including a podcast episode where we discuss most of the stuff on our list in-depth. Water Disconnect […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode of Structure Talk, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Tim Hammack from Paul Bunyan Plumbing to discuss the plumbing industry, focusing on tankless water heaters. Tim shares his journey into plumbing, the benefits of tankless systems, and the importance of proper installation and maintenance. The conversation also touches on water quality, […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
I installed a new 2.5-gallon point-of-use water heater under my kitchen sink exactly one year ago. My old one failed after less than three years, and it wasn’t covered under warranty because I was supposed to inspect the sacrificial anode rod every year, and replace it at least every two years. My bad. I didn’t read the […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, the hosts welcome special guest Mike Casey, an experienced home inspector and educator. The conversation focuses on the topics of grounding and bonding in electrical systems. Mike explains that grounding connects the system to the Earth, maintaining a reference of 120 volts to the ground and providing […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Most of the home inspectors that I know go out of their way to get acquainted with knowledgeable professionals, and we're happy to refer them.| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Ruben Saltzman and Tessa Murry are joined by Michael Bartus. They discuss the recent legal settlement involving the National Association of Realtors and its impact on the real estate industry. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating the new regulations and provides advice for buyers and sellers […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Ruben Saltzman interviews Dennis Fiorilli, the Director of Product Excellence at Sherwin Williams, about a product called Loxon Concrete Masonry Coating. The conversation revolves around the challenges of painting stucco homes and the traditional belief that stucco should not be painted. Dennis explains that Loxon is a […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Today’s topic is a frequently asked question about home inspections in Minnesota. In short, no. Home inspectors do not need to be licensed in Minnesota. Those cheeseheads in Wisconsin require licensing, but we don’t. It has always been this way in Minnesota, and I hope it stays this way. Yep, you heard me right. I’m […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode, Reuben and Tessa share stories about storm damage and water problems in their homes. Reuben talks about door knockers who claimed hail damage on his roof, but he discovered that the damage was not significant enough to warrant an insurance claim. Tessa shares her experience with a leaking on-demand water heater and […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Unnecessary roof replacements are out of control, and they’re driving homeowners insurance rates sky-high in Minnesota. Everyone needs to take a chill pill when it comes to roof replacements. From a home inspection perspective, here’s how it affects me: We inspect a home, we say the roof is in good shape. New buyers move […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry interview Michael from Standard Water about helical piers. They discuss the process of stabilizing homes using helical piers, the different applications for helical piers, and the cost associated with the installation. They also touch on the benefits of helical piers for decks and the limitations of helical […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
While cruising through my local Home Depot the other day, I stopped and did a double-take in the smoke alarm section. Almost all of the smoke alarms had been replaced with a single model: the Kidde Detect. Do you see what I’m seeing? They come in many options, such as hardwired, battery, sealed 10-year-battery, […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
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 importance of providing accurate solutions […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode, Skip Walker joins Reuben and Tessa to discuss the current state of smoke alarms and the standards that govern their manufacturing. They delve into the UL 217 standard and the challenges of updating it. They also explore the role of manufacturers in the standards process and the impact on consumer safety. The […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
One of the most critical parts of a home inspection is the structural part, and we’re frequently asked about exactly what this entails. Home inspection standards of practice don’t clearly define what this means, so I can understand why people want to know about this. The short and sweet answer is the bones of the […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode, Reuben and Tessa are joined by Tim Molgren from Woodlands Insurance Group focuses on the insurance problems in Minnesota and the changes happening in the industry. The main topics discussed include the increase in insurance premiums due to severe weather events and rising construction costs, the introduction of four-point inspections in Minnesota, […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
It’s perfectly acceptable to install a high-efficiency furnace with one pipe. Just flip through the pages of any high-efficiency furnace installation manual, and you’ll find the answer. I’m blogging about this because many homeowners have asked me about it. And now the rest of the story. Why Two Pipes High-efficiency furnaces come with two […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss various topics, including their summer experiences, illnesses, and home updates. They also discuss the challenges of finding contractors and the shortage of skilled trade workers. Reuben shares some interesting findings from recent home inspections, including corroded galvanized water pipes and structural issues in a garage. They emphasize the […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Attention Home Inspectors: The IEB Summer Mastermind is coming up on August 2nd. Details here: https://events.iebcoaching.com/IEBSummerMastermind2024#/ In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murray discuss dryer ducts and the importance of fire safety. They cover the materials and thickness required for dryer ducts, the size and location of vent terminals, […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
I constantly see the rules about dryer duct safety and dryer transition ducts being brought into question, mostly on home inspector forums.| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Attention Home Inspectors: The IEB Summer Mastermind is coming up on August 2nd. Details here: https://events.iebcoaching.com/IEBSummerMastermind2024#/ In this episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss repairing ungrounded three-prong outlets. They explain the importance of testing three-prong outlets and the dangers of ungrounded outlets. They discuss the different options for updating two-prong outlets and ungrounded three-prong outlets in […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Buying a home in Saint Louis Park? I have some helpful information for you about the home inspection. Our company is based in Saint Louis Park and we’ve inspected over 1,200 homes here in the last decade alone. Point-of-Sale Inspections Before a home is sold in Saint Louis Park (SLP), the city requires a point-of-sale […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In today’s episode, Reuben, Tessa, and Pat discuss heat pumps and their use in heating and cooling homes. They discuss the different types of heat pumps, including air-to-air and air-to-water systems, and the advantages of using heat pumps, such as energy efficiency and reduced fossil fuel emissions. Overall, they highlight the increasing popularity of heat […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Casement windows, aka crank-out windows, often fail where the hardware connects to the sash. The wood takes on water, the wood gets soft, and the screws holding the hardware in place come loose. When this happens, the windows don’t crank open and shut properly. The image below shows an example of this, courtesy of my […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In today’s episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss their recent experiences with house-sitting and caring for pets. They also discuss their participation in outdoor activities like disc golf and the Tough Mudder. The main topic of the conversation is about dishwashers and the use of double traps. Reuben shares his findings from testing the drainage time […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Here in the Twin Cities metro area, running a separate water line for unsoftened cold water to the kitchen is standard procedure. I don’t like it, and I think this trend should change. But that’s just my opinion. When I used to live in Minneapolis, this was a non-issue. Minneapolis has soft water and […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
In this podcast, Reuben and Tessa discuss the problems with chimneys and the venting of exhaust gases from appliances. It highlights the issues with older masonry chimneys and the need for proper venting with more efficient appliances. They also discuss the importance of chimney liners for gas appliances in older homes. They highlight the potential […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
As I'm sure you already know, May is Deck Safety Month, so it's a good time to talk about deck inspections. Is your own deck safe? Now is the time to check. If you're going to have a party or a large gathering, you better be sure. The best way to be sure...| Structure Tech Home Inspections
Spring is officially here, so I’ve created a Spring Checklist. I’ve shared a fall maintenance checklist forever because there’s a ton of stuff for Minnesota homeowners to do before winter. For spring, however, we get to take it easy. Mostly, just enjoy the weather. But there are a few things to take care of, so […]| Structure Tech Home Inspections
