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Description
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
299 Episodes
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To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/U0ALmS9vUC0 In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry talk with Sophie Ashley of Energy Vanguard about her journey from hands‑on carpentry and post‑Katrina rebuilding work to becoming an HVAC designer for high‑performance homes. Sophie shares how her field experience shaped her understanding of building science and why proper load calculations, ventilation strategies, and dehumidification planning are essenti...
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/eK-WIS7inMU In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry talk with Steve Rogers, President of The Energy Conservatory (TEC), about the science behind home performance and why so many HVAC systems fall short of expectations. Steve shares TEC’s journey from early prototypes to industry‑standard testing tools and explains how comfort, moisture, and efficiency issues often stem from the building envelope. The conversation...
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/4LmP_3WOezg In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Noah Gavik from Brothers Underground to discuss the impact of private equity on the home service industry. They explore the benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations of private equity ownership, as well as how it influences business operations, customer relationships, and overall market dynamics. Here's the link to Inspector Empire Builder: http...
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...
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 ventilatio...
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 ...
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/eVsiOW_Ynig In today’s episode, Reuben and Tessa reflect on their holiday experiences and catch up on recent home projects, sharing practical insights on everything from snowblowers to indoor air quality concerns. They dive deeper into the complexities of health issues tied to home environments and discuss water quality challenges in Tessa’s new Florida residence. Along the way, the conversation highlights the difficulties...
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/btTlpjM1w2c In this episode, Reuben and Tessa explore practical smart home upgrades and energy-saving tools. They share hands-on experiences with infrared cameras, energy monitoring devices, and water leak prevention systems. The discussion also touches on the challenges of managing multiple smart devices and finding the right balance between convenience and simplicity. If you’ve ever wondered which gadgets are worth the i...
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/nu1GoDS3z-E In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Nate Mielke, a general contractor and remodeler. They discuss Nate's journey in the construction industry, the differences between design-build and general contracting, and the importance of building performance in remodeling projects. The conversation also touches on unique business practices that set Nate apart from ...
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/MpJELehhLbc In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry sit down with Rob Howard, founder of Howard Building Science, to explore how he’s tackling one of the biggest challenges in housing today: building affordable, high-performance homes. Rob shares his journey from Habitat for Humanity to creating Duke Street Cottages, a pocket neighborhood in North Carolina designed for communit...
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/gcF3wVu0630 In this episode, Tessa Murry and Reuben Saltzman welcome Isaac Scott, a builder from Louisiana, to discuss his company, Clare Homes, and the innovative building practices they employ. Isaac shares his journey from working in the construction industry to starting his own business focused on energy-efficient and resilient homes. The conversation delves into the Fortified Home Program, which aims to enhance the r...
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 t...
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—esp...
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 ...
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...
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 pre...
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 convers...
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 th...
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, an...
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 issues. They delve into the intricacies of building science, emphasizing the importance of proper insulation and ventilation, and discuss ...
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Really enjoying this podcast series.