To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/0US0bHGynQo

In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry once again welcome Structure Tech’s Service Manager, Eric Houseman, for a deep dive into one of the most debated topics in home inspections: flashing and exterior water management.

Prompted by an email from fellow home inspector Chris, the discussion explores real-world challenges with flashing details, siding clearances, and the gap between best practices and industry standards. The episode highlights why these details are often overlooked, how that impacts homes, and what inspectors and homeowners should know to avoid costly hidden damage.

Here's the link to Inspector Empire Builder: https://www.iebcoaching.com/events

Takeaways

“No damage yet” is not a valid reason to ignore improper flashing—problems can take years to surface.
You often cannot confirm the absence of damage without intrusive inspection, so assumptions are risky.
Even small, undersized, or poorly angled kick‑out flashings can increase water intrusion potential.
Head flashing/drip caps above windows and doors are universally required by manufacturers—even if local builders claim otherwise.
Context matters: overhangs, siding type, wall assembly, and home age affect how serious missing flashing is.
Water‑resistant barriers and tape alone cannot replace properly installed rigid flashing.
When in doubt, report the defect clearly and let the builder or homeowner decide the next steps.
Home inspectors must balance clarity, liability, and real‑world practicality when writing reports.
Builder and agent pushback is common—but manufacturer instructions are the ultimate authority.
Good bedside manner and client communication can prevent inspectors from being labeled “deal killers.”

Chapters

00:00 Intro and episode setup
00:27 Welcoming back Eric Houseman
00:56 Show sponsor: IEB
01:40 Listener Chris’s email and the topic of exterior water‑management defects
02:47 Question 1: Kick‑out flashing
05:23 Undersized or improperly angled kick‑outs
06:15 “There’s no damage—why mention it?”
08:06 When and why Structure Tech calls out inadequate kick‑outs
09:43 Real‑world builder behavior and simple fixes
11:11 How wording in reports focuses on increased potential for problems
12:10 Balancing best practice and liability
13:53 Question 2: Drip caps and head flashing
17:12 Why windows and openings universally require rigid flashing
18:37 Builder pushback: “It’s not required.”
21:07 What siding manufacturers expect (and why it matters)
24:03 Considering home age, siding type, and overhangs
25:46 A continuum of concern: stucco vs. vinyl
28:08 How Structure Tech phrases drip‑cap comments
29:12 Question 3: Z‑flashing, drainage gaps, and siding clearance
31:57 Manufacturer requirements vs. real‑world installations
32:46 Structure Tech’s canned report language
36:57 Should you mention missing kick‑outs on older homes? (Yes.)
38:48 Reuben’s personal stucco repair story
41:25 Why missing flashing matters even on pre‑1990s homes
41:43 How to respond when builders say “No other inspector reports this”
45:13 Handling pushback and the “deal killer” label
47:26 How agents affect deal perception
51:11 Improving client experience and reducing anxiety
52:59 Understanding client “pain tolerance.”
54:24 Closing thoughts and invitation for listener feedback

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/c9hch5yyc-U

In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry are joined by Structure Tech’s Services Manager, Eric Houseman, for a wild home‑inspection story that starts with a simple missing bath‑fan termination and snowballs into a major discovery. What begins as routine training turns into a dramatic game of telephone between inspectors, agents, sellers, and contractors—and ends with one of the most shocking ventilation mistakes the team has ever seen: a bathroom exhaust fan tied directly into a power‑vent water heater exhaust.

Along the way, the trio talked about communication pitfalls, the importance of clear reporting, the routine inspection steps that prevent safety issues, and the unexpected discoveries that even seasoned inspectors don’t see coming. It's an episode filled with lessons, surprises, and plenty of inspector banter.

Here's the link to Inspector Empire Builder: https://www.iebcoaching.com/events
Check out this link to our new favorite Combustible Gas Detector, the TPI 720b:
https://amzn.to/3NgZtv7

Takeaways

Clear communication during inspections is essential—verbal explanations can easily be distorted.
Always wait for the published report, which is the most accurate representation of the findings.
Words matter: “exhaust gas leak” is not the same as “gas leak.”
Inspectors should avoid paraphrasing defects; copy the exact language from the report when relaying information.
Even “routine” findings require careful verification—small details prevent major hazards.
A bath fan must exhaust to the exterior, and improper venting can create serious safety risks.
Creativity in home projects isn't always a good thing—especially when it involves exhaust systems and combustion appliances.
When something seems off, dig deeper; sometimes the truth is hidden behind drywall.
A well‑written report, complete with photos and precise language, is a home inspector’s best protection.
Even experienced inspectors learn new things—sometimes in the most unexpected ways.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Minnesota’s heavy current events
01:07 Shifting to lighter topics and home‑inspection talk
02:35 Combustible gas detectors: retiring the TIFF 8900
05:00 The new winner: TPI 270B
07:21 Show sponsor shout‑out: IEB
08:35 Reuben’s reverse osmosis saga (and user error)
11:35 Tessa’s stinky well‑water updates
13:31 Introduction to Eric’s “thrown under the bus” story
14:25 The inspection setup and counting exhaust points
16:45 The missing basement bath‑fan termination
18:14 The telephone game between clients, agents, and sellers
19:37 HVAC contractor conflicts with the findings
20:55 Re‑inspection and detective work
22:17 The shocking discovery: bath fan tied into water‑heater exhaust
23:59 Why this is dangerous: carbon monoxide risk
25:11 No apology, but valuable lessons
27:33 How communication gaps amplify issues
28:44 Importance of clear reporting and avoiding paraphrasing
30:33 Wrapping the episode; preview of next topic
31:48 Closing remarks

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/GcQUDCQAgsI

In this episode, Reuben Saltzman speaks with film producer George Siegal, known for his documentary Built to Last, Buyer Beware. They explore the hidden risks of home buying, with a focus on insurance coverage, building codes, and purchasing in high-risk areas. Drawing on his background in TV news, George emphasizes how often buyers overlook critical details such as insurance limitations and local hazards. The episode serves as a cautionary discussion, encouraging prospective homeowners to ask the right questions and make informed decisions to protect their investments and families.

Here's the link to Inspector Empire Builder: https://www.iebcoaching.com/events
Check out George Siegal’s LinkedIn profile here -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/
Complete this short form for access to the special offer mentioned on the show: https://pro.speakerhub.com/speaker-feedback/?qr=980babe6-74ff-48c0-b387-83ec6aa6fe38
For the long version of the film, Built to Last:
movetheworldfilms.gumroad.com/l/kaywco

Takeaways

You have to assess your overall situation.
Don't think that just because your house burned down, you don't have to still pay the mortgage.
You need to understand all this stuff, and it's not fun
You have to ask questions and find out as much information as you can.
If someone tells you you’re being a nuisance or refuses to answer your questions, don’t buy the house.
You should know what they are before you go and ask them the question.
You have to dig into that a little bit.
You have to become a detective when you're buying a house.
If a builder ever looks at you, puffs out his chest, and says, “This house is built to code,” I wouldn’t buy it.
You want an inspector who does more than just look at the plug rating and say, “Yeah, that plug’s not connected right.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:55 George Siegal's Background and Career Transition
03:08 Overview of the Documentary "Built to Last"
04:25 Understanding Home Buying Decisions
05:22 The Importance of Insurance Awareness
09:24 Assessing Risks in Home Locations
14:17 Building Codes and Their Implications
18:28 Navigating Insurance Challenges
22:38 The Role of Inspectors in Home Buying
30:23 Key Questions for Home Buyers