Regional Inspection Differences (with Mark Cramer)

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 the impact of insurance inspections on the home inspection process. This conversation delves into the complexities and challenges of home inspections, discussing the ethical dilemmas faced by inspectors, the future of the industry, and common issues found in various types of homes. They emphasize the importance of thorough inspections, the impact of construction defects, and the significance of air quality and HVAC systems in maintaining a healthy living environment. They also share insights on client interactions and the necessity for home buyers to be informed and savvy in their choices. They also discuss various challenges related to insulation, humidity control, and air conditioning systems in modern homes. They delve into the issues with mini-split systems, the management of moisture in concrete block homes, and the implications of the ASHI standards on the home inspection industry. They highlight the importance of understanding building science to address these challenges effectively.

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You can find Mark at https://besttampainspector.com.

Takeaways

Mark Cramer began his career in home inspections in the late 80s after working in renovations.
The evolution of home inspection training has significantly changed with technology.
Modern home inspectors face challenges due to the vast amount of information they need to know.
Regional differences in home construction can greatly affect inspection practices.
Insurance inspections can complicate the inspectors' home-buying process.
Learning is a continuous process for home inspectors to stay relevant.
The type of housing stock in Tampa includes a variety of construction styles and materials.
Stucco on wood frame homes often leads to water intrusion issues.
Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding the history of homes to predict potential problems.
The insurance landscape has changed, impacting the types of homes and materials seen in inspections. There is a significant amount of fraud in home inspections.
Many inspectors provide clean reports without thorough checks.
Good real estate agents will always refer to ethical inspectors.
Older homes often have more structural issues and mold problems.
Crawl spaces are a common source of indoor air quality issues.
Improperly installed HVAC systems can lead to serious air quality problems.
Home buyers need to be educated about potential issues in homes.
Mold is prevalent in humid climates, especially in crawl spaces.
Inspectors often face challenges with clients who are not handy.
The construction industry is slowly improving its practices.  Insulation thickness is often inadequate in many homes.
Humidity control is crucial to prevent mold growth.
Air conditioning systems can effectively manage humidity if sized correctly.
Mini-split systems can be oversized, leading to humidity issues.
Concrete block homes require careful moisture management to avoid mold.
The ASHI standards are under scrutiny for clarity and relevance.
Home inspectors must focus on significant defects rather than checklists.
Building science knowledge is essential for effective home inspections.
Energy efficiency in homes can complicate humidity control.
Proper installation of insulation is vital for performance.