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—especially concrete—the importance of operational and embodied carbon, and how builders can balance sustainability with affordability. Gene also discusses innovative building practices, including fiberglass foundations, solar energy strategies, and the importance of building homes that serve both people and the planet.

Here's the link to Inspector Empire Builder: https://www.iebcoaching.com/events
To check Gene's company, click here: https://thrivehomebuilders.com/

Takeaways

Gene Myers transitioned from land development to home building during the savings and loan crisis.
Thrive Home Builders focuses on net-zero energy homes that are resilient, healthy, and sustainable.
Net-zero homes produce as much energy as they consume annually, often using solar panels and battery storage.
Concrete has one of the highest carbon footprints among building materials due to its production and transportation.
Fiberglass foundation panels offer a promising alternative to concrete, with lower carbon impact and faster installation.
Operational carbon (energy used to run a home) typically outweighs embodied carbon (carbon from materials and construction) over a home's lifetime.
Gene emphasizes a rigorous cost-benefit analysis to ensure sustainability is attainable for everyday homebuyers.
Partnerships with national labs and programs like Energy Star and DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home are key to Thrive’s success.
Builders should avoid “shiny new objects” unless they are cost-effective and scalable.
Municipalities with climate action plans may value sustainable builders more than individual consumers.
Building a strong, meaningful brand has long-term benefits and helps attract talent and opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and Sponsors
01:32 – Guest Introduction: Gene Myers
03:08 – Gene’s Journey from Land Developer to Builder
04:43 – What is a Net-Zero Energy Home?
06:11 – Building Homes that Serve Communities
07:48 – Advice for Builders: Don’t Go It Alone
10:16 – Leveraging Energy Star and DOE Programs
12:11 – First Net-Zero Home and Choosing Solar Over Geothermal
13:48 – Solar Leasing Options Explained
15:45 – Balancing Sustainability with Cost
19:29 – Why Thrive Avoids Geothermal and SIPs
21:27 – The Carbon Footprint of Concrete
25:00 – Fiberglass Foundation Panels as an Alternative
28:08 – Operational vs. Embodied Carbon
31:53 – Using OneClick LCA for Carbon Calculations
33:26 – Offsetting Carbon Locally in Breckenridge
35:47 – Municipalities vs. Consumers: Who Values Sustainability More?
39:30 – What Thrive Homes Look Like

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 fundamentally broken. The conversation dives deep into housing affordability, productivity challenges, regulatory barriers, and the transformative potential of advanced manufacturing in home construction. Sam also discusses the importance of purpose, resilience, and the need for a national roadmap to fix the housing crisis.

Here's the link to Inspector Empire Builder: https://www.iebcoaching.com/events
Check Sam's LinkedIn profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-rashkin-1684582/
To check his book on Amazon, click here: https://amzn.to/4nhU5nH


Takeaways

Sam Rashkin’s early passion for housing led him to a career in architecture and energy-efficient building.
The U.S. housing market is broken due to a growing disconnect between home prices and median income.
Productivity in the housing industry has declined over the past 150 years, with little innovation in construction methods.
Advanced manufacturing and factory-built homes, as seen in countries like Sweden, offer a model for cost-effective, high-quality housing.
Regulatory complexity and lack of a national building code hinder innovation and scalability in the U.S.
Labor shortages and aging workforce are exacerbating the housing crisis.
Sam advocates for a national attic upgrade program as a low-hanging fruit for energy efficiency improvements.
Emotional connection and simplicity in consumer-facing metrics (e.g., star ratings for home energy scores) can drive better decision-making.
Resilience and disaster preparedness must be prioritized in housing design, especially in high-risk areas.
A collaborative, stakeholder-driven roadmap is essential to transform the housing industry.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and Sponsors
01:35 – Guest Introduction: Sam Rashkin
04:06 – Sam’s Journey into Housing and Architecture
06:45 – The Power of Purpose and Personal Stories
11:18 – Why the U.S. Housing Market is Broken
15:48 – Housing 2.0 and the Need for Disruption
17:42 – Lack of Innovation in Home Construction
20:43 – Customization vs. Standardization in Homebuilding
23:50 – Lessons from Sweden: Factory-Built Homes
33:05 – Labor Shortages and Immigration Challenges
37:29 – The Future of Home Inspection
41:18 – Creating a National Roadmap for Housing Reform
44:07 – The Role of Building Codes and Regulation
50:11 – Insurance Costs and Resilience
55:06 – Government Programs and Hypocrisy in Efficiency
56:29 – Shifting Perspectives and Asking the Right Questions
57:51 – The Need for Change and Sam’s Call to A

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 industry, personal updates about their families, and the challenges of training new inspectors. Additionally, they delve into carbon monoxide safety and the confusion surrounding kitchen faucet standards.

CO Experts Low-Level CO Alarms: https://coexperts.com/
Heartland Chapter Inspector Seminar: https://seminarhouse.org/
IEB Fall Mastermind: https://events.iebcoaching.com/FallMastermind2025#/

Takeaways

Tessa shares her experience at the Inspection Fuel conference in New Orleans.
Building science is becoming more integrated into home inspections.
Home inspectors are increasingly interested in expanding their services to include building science.
AI is rapidly changing the landscape of business efficiency in home inspection.
Reuben discusses the importance of training new inspectors for business growth.
Carbon monoxide alarms are designed for life safety, not for monitoring low levels of CO.
There is a need for standardization in kitchen faucet designs to avoid confusion.
Tessa emphasizes the importance of understanding how homes function as systems.
The hosts express excitement about upcoming educational opportunities in the industry.
Personal updates reveal a busy life for both hosts, balancing work and family.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:53 Conferences and Networking in Home Inspection
06:06 Building Science and Home Inspection
08:55 High Performance Building and Future Trends
11:45 AI Integration in Home Inspection
14:56 Personal Life and Business Updates
18:00 Upcoming Events and Educational Opportunities
31:54 Exciting Developments in Home Inspections
34:10 Understanding Carbon Monoxide Alarms
44:28 The Confusion of Kitchen Faucets
51:40 Engaging with Our Audience

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 preventative measures for homeowners, the costs associated with pest control services, and the unique challenges of wildlife control. The conversation also touches on Matthew's journey in the pest control industry and his vision for the future.

Here's the link to check out Inspector Empire Builder:
https://events.iebcoaching.com/events
You can reach Matthew here: https://abrakadabraenvironmental.com/

Takeaways

Matthew emphasizes the importance of community in business growth.
Home inspectors should be cautious when identifying pest issues.
Building relationships with pest control providers is crucial for home inspectors.
Preventative measures can save homeowners from costly pest issues.
Misidentification of pests can lead to significant problems in real estate transactions.
Regular maintenance contracts can help manage pest populations effectively.
Understanding the biology of pests is essential for effective control.
The cost of pest control services varies widely based on the issue.
Wildlife control presents unique challenges compared to traditional pest control.
Matthew's journey in pest control highlights the potential for business growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:53 The Importance of Community and Business Growth
06:06 Understanding Pest Control and Home Inspections
09:06 Identifying Pests: The Role of Home Inspectors
12:13 Advice for Home Inspectors on Pest Issues
15:03 The Challenges of Misidentification in Pest Control
18:01 The Importance of Relationships in Pest Control
20:56 Preventative Measures for Homeowners
23:49 The Cost of Pest Control Services
27:04 The Difference Between Rodents and Bats
29:48 Wildlife Control and Its Challenges
33:00 The Role of Woodpeckers and Other Wildlife
36:05 Box Elder Bugs and Seasonal Pest Control
38:57 The Nasty Side of Pest Control
41:59 The Business of Pest Control and Growth
44:49 Matthew's Journey in Pest Control
48:13 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

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 conversation also delves into the significance of crawl space inspections, HVAC systems, and the evolving regulations surrounding home energy scores and safety measures.

Takeaways

Paul Barraza started his inspection career in 2007 after being inspired by a friend.
Community forums play a crucial role in sharing knowledge among home inspectors.
Home Energy Scores provide a standardized assessment of a home's energy efficiency.
California mandates home energy scores at the time of sale to improve energy efficiency.
Wildfire preparedness includes creating defensible space and home hardening measures.
Earthquake safety inspections focus on bolting and retrofitting older homes.
Crawl spaces in California often lack proper encapsulation, leading to moisture issues.
HVAC systems need to be properly designed and installed for optimal performance.
The importance of using high-efficiency filters in HVAC systems to improve air quality.
Pest inspections are vital for homes with stucco exteriors to prevent hidden damage.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
03:01 Paul Barraza's Journey in Home Inspections
05:47 The Importance of Forums and Community in Home Inspection
09:06 Understanding Home Energy Scores
12:06 California's Energy Efficiency Regulations
15:03 Wildfire Preparedness and Home Hardening
17:54 Earthquake Safety and Inspections
20:52 Crawl Space Inspections and Challenges
23:56 HVAC Systems and Air Quality
26:57 Final Thoughts on Home Inspection Practices

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 the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the field. The conversation highlights the value of educating clients and the significance of understanding building science to improve home inspection outcomes.

Check out the YouTube video we mentioned here: $2.5 Million can get you this 9 bedroom house in St. Paul, MN!

Learn more about the conference we talked about here: Inspection Fuel

Takeaways

Home inspection is a community-driven industry.
Building science is crucial for effective home inspections.
Podcasting allows for deeper connections and discussions.
Continuous learning is essential for home inspectors.
Client education is a key responsibility of inspectors.
Understanding building science can prevent major issues.
The Inspection Fuel conference offers valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Podcasting can showcase diverse voices in the industry.
Accessibility in home inspection is important for all clients.
Engaging with the audience enhances the podcasting experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
02:54 Brad Lowery's Journey in Home Inspection
06:05 Matt Brading's Background and Podcasting Experience
09:03 The Importance of Building Science in Home Inspections
11:50 Upcoming Conference and Presentations
14:56 Understanding Home Inspection Challenges
17:56 The Role of Inspectors in Client Education
20:53 Final Thoughts and Conference Details
24:43 Exciting Conference Plans in New Orleans
27:54 The Value of Podcasting in Home Inspection
34:43 Learning and Community Building through Podcasts
39:13 Connecting with Diverse Audiences
42:43 Final Thoughts and Conference Reminders

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, and the challenges of identifying and resolving moisture problems in homes.

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

Takeaways

AI tools are evolving rapidly and can be overwhelming for businesses.
Investing time and resources into understanding AI is crucial for growth.
Gutter maintenance can lead to unexpected challenges and solutions.
Homeowners should be aware of potential water intrusion issues in their homes.
Mold problems can arise from various sources, including improper installation.
Investigating moisture issues requires thorough inspection and testing.
Condensation can occur even in summer, indicating underlying problems.
Proper installation of siding and flashing is essential to prevent water damage.
Home inspectors should be vigilant about concealed moisture damage.
Finding qualified contractors for moisture issues can be challenging.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Weather Check
03:02 AI in Home Inspection
05:54 Gutter Cleaning Adventures
09:54 Case Study Introduction
13:40 Homeowner's Water Issues
17:04 Mold and Moisture Problems
21:13 Investigating Water Intrusion
24:55 Condensation Concerns
29:16 Finding Solutions
33:11 Wrap-Up and Future Discussions

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 the potential long-term consequences of moisture in residential structures. The conversation underscores the importance of homeowners staying informed and proactive in maintaining their homes.

Here's the link to check out Inspector Empire Builder:
https://events.iebcoaching.com/events
You can find more information on Tessa’s website:
https://www.yourhousecoach.com/

Takeaways

Air quality in Minnesota is affected by wildfires.
AI is set to disrupt the home inspection industry significantly.
Homeowners need to be aware of moisture issues after roofing work.
Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent ice dams.
Building science is complex and requires careful consideration.
Homeowners should track humidity levels to avoid moisture problems.
Older homes may have more durable materials than modern composites.
Moisture can lead to significant structural issues if not addressed.
Homeowners should consider the cost-effectiveness of repairs.
It's important to consult with professionals before making major home improvements.

Chapters

00:00 Air Quality and Weather Concerns
02:53 AI in Home Inspection: The Future
05:59 Case Study Introduction: Homeowner Challenges
08:52 Case Study One: Roof Issues and Moisture Problems
47:51 Conclusion and Next Steps