Advertise on podcast: The Ride Along: A Home Inspection Podcast

Home inspection is one of the most popular second careers and side businesses for first responders, and for good reason. In this episode of The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast, we talk with a working firefighter and home inspector about why firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders often excel as home inspectors. We break down how skills from emergency response—risk assessment, situational awareness, building knowledge, and communication under pressure—translate directly into better home inspections. We also discuss how inspection experience can make first responders safer and more effective in their primary careers. Whether you're a firefighter, EMT, or police officer exploring home inspection as a second career, or a homebuyer curious why inspectors with first-responder backgrounds bring extra value, this episode explains the crossover skills, challenges, and real-world benefits from both sides of the job. Chapters:  00:00 Home Inspection Basics: What Inspectors Look for and Why It Matters 05:33 Firefighters as Home Inspectors: Why First Responders Excel in Inspections 11:13 Home Inspection Safety: Identifying Fire, Electrical, and Life-Safety Risks 16:45 How Home Inspectors Explain Safety Hazards to Homebuyers 22:25 Real Fire Hazards Found During Home Inspections (Real-World Examples) 27:50 Home Inspection Takeaways for Buyers, Inspectors, and First Responders The Links: Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter  Leave us a VOICEMAIL here: http://theridealong.show  Key Points: - Why home inspection works as a second career - Skills firefighters bring to inspections - Inspection training vs fire training - Advice for first responders getting started - How Ryan Miller integrates his firefighting experience into home inspections - Effective communication is key in delivering inspection findings - Home inspectors should educate clients about real hazards - Fire safety knowledge enhances home inspection practices - Understanding structural integrity is crucial for both firefighters and inspectors - Home inspections can reveal hidden dangers in properties - The importance of addressing common fire hazards like dryer vents - Inspectors should balance honesty with sensitivity to clients' concerns. - Real estate agents and buyers must understand the implications of inspection reports - The role of the home inspector is to inform, not to kill deals.    

Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to Healthy Homes 00:03:00 Cristina's Personal Journey 00:09:00 Building Science and Healthy Living 00:15:00 Managing Water and Vapor 00:21:00 The Role of Education in Home Health 00:27:00 Passive House Principles 00:33:00 Proactive Home Maintenance 00:39:00 Understanding Building Materials 00:45:00 Home Inspections and Air Quality Home inspectors have a reputation for being a lot of things: advocates for home buyers, educators, communicators... deal killers. But health experts isn't necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when a home buyer goes to book a home inspection prior to buying a home. However, what if they could be? Home inspectors see more homes inside and out than almost any profession in the real estate industry second only to realtors. What if we were trained to not only identify structural and major system issues, but also potential environmental health issues? As building science begins to dominate discussions around real estate and residential construction, the way we think about health intersects directly as we continue to learn to view a home as one major system. Air leaks, poor or improper ventilation, and moisture intrusion can all factor into mold growth. Proper site location can affect a home owner's health long before the home even exists. Illness is often the final symptom of factors that have existed long before the human body even knows there's an issue. We already test for radon... so what if we learned to look out for common sense issues that could allow us to not just advocate for home buyers... but also for their long-term health? Cristina Greenfield, of Conscious Healthy Home, has some ideas as to how we can do just that. Learn more about Cristina at: https://www.conscioushealthyhome.com Subscribe to our Newsletter at: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter Leave us a VOICEMAIL and tell us what you'd like to hear more about this year at: https://www.theridealong.show  

It's almost 2026! And as we look back on the year, we've got much to be grateful for. Both here on the show, and in the field. But we see a lot of issues throughout the year as home inspectors... and as such, there's also a few things we'd be grateful to never see again. So, who better to help us wrap up the year than one of the OG TIkTok Inspectors: Brad Zirlott, aka  @duesouthbrad ! We've wanted to get him on the show for a while, and together we talk about the impact of social media on our businesses, the importance of maintaining relationships with realtors, and the challenges of balancing work and personal life. But as always, we want to hear from you too! What were some of your highs and lows in 2025? Sound off in the comments, and we'll see y'all next year! The TLDR: - Introduction and Year-End Reflections - The Role of Social Media in Home Inspections - Building and Maintaining Realtor Relationships - Balancing Work and Personal Life - Gratitude and Lessons Learned - Humor and Authenticity in Business - Learning and Adapting in the Industry - The Importance of Networking and Mentorship  The Links: Check out our sponsor: http://Getsync.pro Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter Leave us a VOICEMAIL! http://theridealong.show Follow  @duesouthbrad  on TikTok, IG, and here on YouTube!

Want to grow your home inspection business quickly in a new city? Charles Bellefontaine, a seasoned home inspector and founder of GetSync, has a few ideas on how it can be done. In one of the last episodes from Inspection Fuel, we sit down with Charles to talk about how inspectors can reach home buyers quickly and directly. We also get into the question of which forms of marketing are most effective: online ads or social media marketing... or both! We explore the importance of thorough inspections, the impact of marketing strategies, and the role of technology in streamlining business operations. The conversation also touches on personal experiences and lessons learned from overdoing it in growing a business and the effects it can have on our personal lives... lessons we've learned firsthand. So, be sure to check out our FIRST EVER sponsor at GetSync.pro to learn more! Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:03:00 Challenges in Home Inspections 00:09:00 Marketing and Business Growth 00:15:00 Technology and Innovation 00:21:00 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned 00:27:00 Conclusion and Future Outlook The TLDR: - Home inspections should be thorough and not rushed. - Marketing directly to consumers can significantly boost business. - Technology like GetSync can streamline operations and reduce overhead. - Building relationships with real estate agents is crucial for business growth. - Understanding client needs is key to providing valuable services. - Personal experiences can shape business strategies and decisions. - Effective communication with clients builds trust and credibility. - Adapting to market changes is essential for long-term success. - Balancing work and personal life is important for mental health. - Continuous learning and adaptation are vital in the inspection industry. The Links: Check out our sponsor: http://Getsync.pro Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter Leave us a VOICEMAIL! http://theridealong.show  

Brianna Beans fell off a ladder on a home inspection... and it rocked her career. In fact, it inspired a complete overhaul of her business model and a pivot from home inspections... to rental property inspections. This opened up an entirely new stream of recurring revenue while allowing her to operate within her new safety limits. By focusing on building relationships with property managers and rental companies, she was able to build a snowballing schedule where she was inspecting the same properties on a regular basis every time a new lease was signed. She details the whole story here and more. Key Moments: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:02:00 - Brianna's Unique Inspection Approach 00:05:00 - Market Opportunity and Expansion 00:08:00 - Safety and Maintenance Focus 00:11:00 - Business Model and Property Management 00:14:00 - Challenges and Career Transition 00:17:00 - Franchising and Future Plans 00:20:00 - Branding and Recognition 00:23:00 - Conference Insights and Networking 00:26:00 - Conclusion and Future Outlook The TLDR: Introduction of Brianna Beans : Brianna, known as "Inspector Beans," specializes in rental property inspections, focusing on cosmetic and maintenance aspects rather than full home inspections. Unique Inspection Approach : Brianna's inspections are more simplified than traditional home inspections, emphasizing the current condition of rental properties before tenant move-ins. Market Opportunity : Brianna identified an untapped market for rental inspections, which led her to expand her services in the Fort Collins area after training with Axiom Inspections. Safety and Maintenance : Emphasis on safety and maintenance, including checking smoke detectors and addressing minor issues during inspections, which is not common in traditional home inspections. Business Model : Brianna's business model involves working closely with property management companies, offering initial free inspections to build trust and secure recurring business. Challenges and Adaptations : Brianna transitioned to rental inspections after a serious injury from a fall during a roof inspection, which led her to focus on safer inspection practices. Franchise Potential : Brianna is considering franchising her business model to expand her services beyond her current location. Conference Insights : Brianna appreciates the networking opportunities at industry conferences, which help her connect with other professionals and share innovative business ideas. Branding and Recognition : The unique name "Inspector Beans" helps Brianna stand out and is memorable to clients and peers. Future Plans : Brianna aims to continue growing her business, potentially selling it in the future, and is exploring additional services like light maintenance to enhance her offerings.   The Links: Follow Inspector Beans on TikTok: @inspectorbeans Sign up for our Newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter And you can even leave us a VOICEMAIL to suggest ideas for future episodes here: https://www.theridealong.show

We've got another episode of The Ride Along this week featuring social media management experts Saiya Patel and Lindsay Freeman... the founders of Social Saiya! Most business owners are too busy to keep up with the latest trends and algorithm changes that can keep your company's social channels relevant and visible... and that's why proper, knowledgable social media management matters so much! Saiya Patel launched her company to help take her father's multiple booming businesses to even greater levels after seeing that social media marketing was the one area where they were truly lacking. And she did that while still in college! Today, she's sharing the story behind her company's launch and how her company can help YOUR company continue to grow. Learn more at: https://socialsaiya.com Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter And you can even leave us a VOICEMAIL to suggest ideas for future episodes here: https://www.theridealong.show  

In part two of our ISN product feature from Inspection Fuel 2025, we hang out with Lindsay Grimm... the Head of Product for ISN. As one of the key product vendors at Inspection Fuel, it was awesome to hear not just what's happening on the software side, but also on the product feature side of ISN. Including things like an AI Voice Assistant and improved online scheduling. The TLDR: - ISN has made the FlexFund fee more transparent, leading to increased adoption among inspection companies.  - big update and improvements to Zapier Integration, allowing for more customizable and efficient operations for users. - Digilatics Integration: Lindsay explains the one-way sync with Digital Addicts, streamlining operations and enhancing marketing insights. - AI Voice Assistant Development: The team is working on an AI voice assistant to handle client calls after hours, ensuring no call is lost. - Order Form Overhaul: ISN is redesigning its order form to modernize the user experience and improve backend stability. - Premium Time Slots Feature: A new feature allowing inspectors to charge more for high-demand time slots, offering greater control over scheduling. - Commitment to User-Centric Innovation: Lindsay emphasizes ISN's focus on developing features that respond to user needs and enhance the inspection process. The Links:  Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter And leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show Find out more about ISN at: https://www.inspectionsupport.com  

Inspection Fuel 2025 was FIRE! Pun intended. And we have SO much content to share with y'all starting with this episode! We kick off the show reflecting on some Fuel highlights during our time in New Orleans, including networking opportunities we had, engaging presentations we saw, and memorable moments. We also get into the evolution of the show, the concept behind 'The Ride Along,' and the importance of vendor insights in the inspection industry. In fact, the next couple of episodes highlight one of the key vendors at Fuel, ISN. As two inspectors who use ISN daily, we were stoked to hear about all the improvements made to the Report Writer, the app, and even some of the neat time-saving AI features they're launching. Be sure to comment about you favorite Inspection Fuel highlights!  The TLDR: - Networking is a key highlight of events.  - Mardi Gras World exceeded expectations.  - The live show format was a unique experience. - Audience participation added to the event's success. - The show's name change reflects its purpose. - Riding along with inspectors is a valuable learning experience. - Vendors play a crucial role in the industry. - Feedback from the audience helps shape the show. - The venue's layout fostered community interaction. - Future episodes will feature insights from various vendors. The links: Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter  And leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show  Find out more about ISN at: https://www.inspectionsupport.com      

Inspection Fuel 2025 was FIRE... pun intended. And if you were there, we hope you were able to attend the first ever live recording of The Ride Along podcast! But in case you weren't, don't worry. We've got you covered because you can see the entire thing right here. We get into everything from Building Science and the importance of deepening our understanding of homes can be made more durably and efficiently... and we also get into the best ways to present our knowledge as inspectors via social media. Travis Jones and  @Inspector_Fletch  are two guests you DO NOT want to miss. So, watch the whole thing, and be sure to like and share. Also: Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter  And leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show  

Franchises... do they work? Are they better than starting independently? Are they worth the cost? We get into all of that and MORE with Nate Boucher of Mike Holmes Inspections! If you've followed the HGTV/DIY space for the past 20 years, the name Mike Holmes should be familiar to you. Pivoting off of his on-screen success, he launched his home inspection franchise in Canada where inspectors like Nate have been thriving. And Mike Holmes Inspections is one of the largest groups using Home Inspector Pro! There are an abundant amount of franchise options if you've ever considered it as a foot into the inspection space, so if you've been wondering how/if they work and whether they're worth it... then maybe Nate's story will help. The Links: Register for Inspection Fuel (September 8-10 in New Orleans) here: https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show Learn more about Home Inspector Pro: https://homeinspectorpro.com  

If you're a brand new home inspector and looking to break out in the industry, you're not alone! In fact, we get comments from new inspectors all the time asking for tips whether it's about the job on-site or about growing a business. So, if that's you, then you'll love our guest Ashleigh Flores from Horizon City, Texas. Because she's in her sixth month of doing just that! We get into the ins and outs of starting a career in home inspection, the importance of consistency, and the tools of the trade. Ashleigh shares her journey, offering insights and advice for new inspectors. And if she can do it... so can you! ALSO... WE'VE GOT SOMETHING REALLY COOL HAPPENING THIS MONTH ON OUR INSTAGRAM! Go follow @theridealongshow on Instagram so you can be part of it :) The Links: Register for Inspection Fuel (September 8-10 in New Orleans) here: https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show  

The conversation around PEX piping has generated a LOT of opinions on this channel. We thought the episode with Eric Aune would be the last on the topic, but inspector Jon Bolton reached out to us regarding material failures and class action lawsuits that are still ongoing surrounding the product. So, we figured we'd bring him on for a rebuttal of sorts. But we want to kick the conversation to YOU guys? As inspectors, have we reached the point of discovery where a PEX disclaimer is warranted? Or are we still sorting out and improving a product that has a strong future use case? Sound off in the comments! Oh and if you're in the Dallas area tonight, go hear Matt speak at the regional BS and Beer event happening this evening! BS = Building Science 😉  The Links: Register for Inspection Fuel (September 8-10 in New Orleans) here: https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register Subscribe to our newsletter at: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter

Y'all had some STRONG thoughts on our episode about PEX last year, so who better to straighten things out than Master Plumber Eric Aune of  @mechanical-hub  and  @buildshow ?! If you haven't followed him yet, he's a plumbing and heating expert from Minnesota... and you absolutely should follow him! On top of hosting and contributing on both sites, he's also the host of the Make Trades Great Again podcast. In a nutshell, if you have questions on plumbing, this guy has answers, and this week we discuss the evolution of plumbing technology, particularly focusing on PEX and its comparison to Polybutylene. Eric shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry, including the importance of adapting to new technologies and the challenges faced by professionals in the field. The conversation also touches on the significance of audience engagement through social media and podcasts, highlighting the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the plumbing industry. The Links: Register for Inspection Fuel (September 8-10 in New Orleans) here: https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter Check out  @mechanical-hub  there. Check out The Build Show Network here: https://buildshownetwork.com  The TLDR: Discussion on the evolution of plumbing technology. PEX is often compared to Polybutylene, but they are not the same and one is vastly superior.  The industry has learned from past mistakes with Polybutylene. Engagement with the audience is crucial for industry professionals. Social media plays a significant role in sharing knowledge. Continuous learning is essential in the plumbing field. Innovations in water heating technology are emerging. The importance of adapting to new technologies is emphasized. Eric likes a hybrid system and installs both PEX and copper.

Growth... it's almost as weird as the word MOIST. But this time of year, it's a very real concern as we enter the warm, humid, wet summer. Especially in the dirty South, mold and organic growth is super prevalent this time of year. That's why we brought in expert Kristian Geiger of Avid Inspection Specialists to talk about it, as we dig into: the process of inspection for mold his personal experiences from the field, including injuries and interesting finds and the ethical considerations and licensing requirements surrounding mold inspections.   Other areas of mold inspection we discuss involve things like consumer protection, the methodology for large inspections, the importance of adhering to health standards, and the tools and techniques used in the field. We also touch on the competitive landscape of mold inspection and how it influences standards of practice. So GROW your knowledge with us as we discuss all things mold and organic growth.  The Links: Register for Inspection Fuel (September 8-10 in New Orleans) here: https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter The TLDR: Summer market is busy and full of opportunities. Training new inspectors involves hands-on experience and gradual responsibility. Mold inspections are a growing area of focus in the industry. Unique regional challenges exist, such as termite issues in Louisiana. Ethical practices are crucial in mold inspection to avoid conflicts of interest. Licensing requirements for mold inspections vary by state. Continuous learning is essential for inspectors to stay updated. Field experiences often lead to unexpected and interesting stories. Networking with other inspectors can provide valuable insights. Maintaining high standards in inspections builds trust with clients. There are things that protect the consumer in mold inspection. Licensed inspectors follow a code of ethics. Mold inspections require a thorough understanding of moisture sources. The inspection process can be time-consuming and requires foresight. Tools should enhance the inspection, not replace the inspector's judgment. Health concerns should dictate the standards of practice used. Inspectors should rely on visual assessments first. Competition influences the tools and techniques used in inspections. Mold inspection standards can vary significantly by region. Networking and collaboration among inspectors can enhance practices.

YOU SHOULD BE CHARGING A $1000 AVERAGE FEE FOR YOUR INSPECTIONS! At least that's what many leading inspectors and inspection company owners are saying. Ben Gromicko, COO of InterNACHI, is one of them. And while we fully support the idea... we want to know how it can be done and how feasible it is for the average inspector around the country. And that's why we brought on Ben! Watch the whole thing, because we get into the importance of understanding the value of home inspections, the role of marketing and consumer perception, and the psychology behind pricing strategies. The conversation also touches on the significance of community engagement and generosity in building long-term client relationships.  We also get into how InterNACHI is growing their educational content to train inspectors on natural disasters, modern technologies, water management, and innovative building techniques. The Links: Register for Inspection Fuel (September 8-10 in New Orleans) here: https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter  Learn more about InterNACHI here: https://www.nachi.org  The TLDR: Home inspectors need to understand the value they provide to clients. Raising prices can lead to working less while earning more. Marketing to the local community is essential for home inspectors. Consumer perception can be influenced by social media and reviews. Home inspectors should differentiate themselves from competitors. The home inspection industry can support higher pricing through perceived value. Networking with real estate agents can enhance visibility and credibility. Generosity in times of crisis can build long-term client relationships. Understanding market competition is crucial for pricing strategies. Business success requires a combination of skills, including marketing and psychology. Home inspectors can play a crucial role in disaster recovery efforts. Leveraging trained home inspectors can help address inspection shortages after disasters. InterNACHI continuously updates its coursework to include modern technologies. Understanding water management is essential for effective home inspections. Innovative practices in crawl space management can enhance home safety. Home inspectors should charge based on their individual business needs, not just competition. Effective marketing strategies are crucial for communicating the value of inspections. Home inspections should not be limited to buyers; there are other opportunities in the market. Home inspectors need to measure their marketing efforts to ensure profitability. The health of occupants is directly linked to the quality of their home inspections.