Structure Talk

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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 communication skills, and the transition from teaching to home inspection. Miki shares her accidental journey into the profession, her business in Kansas City, and the lack of regulations in the home inspection industry. The conversation also touches on the significance of inspecting new constructions and the evolving standards set by insurance companies. They also discuss the intricacies of home inspections, focusing on the importance of understanding building codes, the challenges of new construction quality, and the implications of mold and indoor air quality on health. They emphasize the need for home inspectors to educate clients about potential issues and the importance of viewing a house as a system. The discussion also touches on the competitive housing market and the challenges faced by first-time home buyers, as well as advice for aspiring home inspectors.

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You can find Miki at https://www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

Takeaways

Miki Mertz has been a home inspector for over 30 years.
Women in home inspection still represent a small percentage of the industry.
Communication skills are crucial for home inspectors to convey information effectively.
Miki transitioned from being a high school band director to a home inspector.
Miki's entry into home inspection was largely accidental.
Complete Home Inspection is Miki's business, which is located in Kansas City.
There are no regulations for home inspectors in Missouri or Kansas.
New constructions should still be inspected despite city regulations.
Miki enjoys inspecting mid-century homes due to their unique characteristics. Home inspectors should educate clients on the condition of their homes.
Understanding building codes is crucial for effective inspections.
Mold issues often stem from underlying water problems.
Indoor air quality is a significant concern for homeowners.
Crawl spaces can greatly impact a home's overall health.
New construction quality can vary significantly between builders.
Home inspectors must navigate the competitive housing market carefully.
First-time home buyers often face unexpected repair costs.
Continuous education is vital for home inspectors.
Viewing a house as a system is essential for effective inspections.

Chapters

01:01 Introduction to Home Inspection and Guest
02:25 Miki Mertz: A Pioneer in Home Inspection
03:52 Challenges and Advantages of Being a Female Inspector
06:49 The Importance of Communication in Home Inspections
09:39 Transition from Teaching to Home Inspection
12:57 Accidental Career Path into Home Inspection
14:41 Miki's Business and Location
15:40 Regulations and Challenges in Home Inspection
19:01 The Importance of Inspecting New Construction
24:06 Insurance Requirements and Home Inspection Standards
27:03 Understanding Home Inspections and Insurance
28:42 The Importance of Building Codes
30:09 Discrepancies in New Construction Quality
32:10 Mold and Indoor Air Quality Concerns
39:21 Health Impacts of Home Environment
43:05 Crawl Spaces and Building Science
51:01 Navigating the Competitive Housing Market
52:30 Advice for Future