Honest Home Podcast

Christopher's keen eye leads him to discover a surprise for the new homeowner!

This first episode of Season 2 follows Christopher through searching for and discovering a utility room that wasn't quite up to snuff.

Most of us have a lot of stuff. A great deal of that stuff is useful, but that doesn't mean it has to be immediately accessible at all times. In this episode we take a verbal stroll through the home and discuss the many storage options available for the variety of room types and needs most homeowners have.

Oh, yay! It's time to talk about sewers! Because of Taro Gomi's classic book, we all know that every home needs a way to manage waste. In this episode we talk about all types of sewers, what a sewer scope inspection will find, and talk about many gross and fascinating things. We also address the perennial question: What should I work on first in my new home?? Show notes page: https://www.thehonestinspector.com/?p=1025

This week we talk about radon - what it is, where it comes from, how to measure it, and how to mitigate. The State of Minnesota recently enacted a law requiring licensure for radon measurement professionals, and as a part of that licensure, Christopher has to complete several hours of continuing education a year. In this episode he shares some of the things he learned at his last class. Show notes: https://www.thehonestinspector.com/?p=1015

Hey, guess what? It's hot and humid in Minnesota during the summer! Crazy, right?! Anyway, we know that routine cleaning and maintenance of things that we operate by pushing a magic button on the wall are tasks that slip by us all too easily, so we're here to remind you of what you need to do to ensure your AC unit is in tip-top shape this summer. Show Notes:https://www.thehonestinspector.com/2019/07/15/central-air-unit-maintenance/

Most of what we cover in this episode is: Electricity can kill you. Never hesitate calling a licensed electrician to handle the work for you. Having said that, we do cover some homeowner DIY basics - swapping out lights, switches, and outlets. We also discuss common electrical problems we've found on inspections. Show notes: https://www.thehonestinspector.com/2019/06/05/electricity/

Painting is something most homeowners feel they can tackle on their own. If you've never painted before, or you just want to get some tips from an expert, we'll talk you through tools and technique in this week's episode. Also: Theresa has a revelation that emphasizes the value of enunciation! Show notes: https://www.thehonestinspector.com/?p=1001

This week we talk patching holes in walls! We cover both drywall and plaster patches, and go into detail about what tools and techniques can help you create seemingly seamless patches. Visit the show notes page for more information: https://www.thehonestinspector.com/?p=992

This week we talk about doing home improvement projects with young people - your own children, young relatives, any children you mentor who may want to learn some fix-it skills! We address safety, education, and all the benefits that children reap when they start learning fix-it skills at a young age. Show notes: https://www.thehonestinspector.com/?p=986

This week we look at what types of repairs are great for homeowners who want to really get into the work of maintaining their home, versus those instances when a contractor might be the best person for the job. We also discuss how to vet a contractor. See show notes at: https://www.thehonestinspector.com/?p=978

This week we tackle the perennial question: Do I let the landscaping grow in this first year I own my home, or do I change everything out right away? We cover plant identification, landscaping tips, how to remove dangerous/problem thorny interlopers, and garden planning resources. Visit our show notes page for resources: http://www.thehonestinspector.com/mystery-plants-and-garden-planning

This week we dive into all things fire! Fireplaces, wood stoves, and chimneys all require regular maintenance in order to function properly and SAFELY! Now that the burning season is more or less over, this is the best time to have the fire-heat system in your home serviced. We cover the most frequent defects we find in chimneys and offer solutions for more efficient wood and gas fireplace heating. Fireplace mantles from Antique Woodworks: https://antiquewoodworks.com/ Shownotes page: https://www.thehonestinspector.com/?p=954

It's officially spring! After a rather rough winter, we needed a break from Doom & Gloom podcasts. This week we're talking decks - how to ensure they're ready for spring, and how to maintain them. We touch on patios a bit, too! And we discuss our Maintenance Inspection service for existing home owners who simply want to know what needs fixing around the house. See our shownotes page at: https://www.thehonestinspector.com/2019/03/21/get-that-deck-ready-for-summer/

Over the weekend, Central and Southern Minnesota got an additional 6-12" of heavy, wet snow. Now, two days later, it's starting to rain. Temps will be in the 30s with rain for the next 2-3 days. The potential for flooding is extremely high. That's why we've put together this emergency podcast about water management and what to do when water does get inside your home. Please share! Show notes: https://www.thehonestinspector.com/2019/03/12/spring-thaw-wate…asement-flooding/

This week we address safe means of egress (the means of entering and exiting a location). We were jacked up on cookie dough and exhaustion, so we cover everything from fire safety to serial killers to tapping maples to make syrup! Find photos and resources on our show notes page: https://www.thehonestinspector.com/2019/03/07/dont-lock-people-in-your-basement/

In this episode we talk about water management (especially in light of the record snowfall we had this month!) and how to ensure the spring thaw doesn't leave your basement flooded. We also take a look at landscaping. Our listener question is about repairing loose tiles, and our W.hat T.he F.ail is a heaved deck! See our show notes at: www.thehonestinspector.com

Today we answered several questions from listeners Alesha and Nick who live in an older home in Minneapolis. Topics covered: Hardwood floors, asbestos, paint stripping, and more hardwood floors. They even supplied our W.hat T.he Fail for the week: placing trim around boiler baseboard heaters. Visit our show notes page for pictures: www.thehonestinspector.com

In this episode Christopher and Theresa walk down memory lane and discuss the homes they've owned, the deferred maintenance issues they faced in each home, and what they learned along the way. Also in this episode: door rot - what might cause it and how to address it! Visit our show notes for photos and additional information: www.thehonestinspector.com

Main topic: Ice dams In this episode we tackle that seasonal foe, ice dams. We describe what causes ice dams, how to prevent and/or remove them safely, and take a look at the role your attic ventilation and insulation plays in the formation of ice dams. We also discuss Zonolite, an insulation material used between the 1940s to mid 1980s that was found to contain asbestos. For more information on the identification and mitigation of Zonolite, please visit: https://www.zonoliteatticinsulation.com/ Listener question: Shut-off valves We go over why shut-off valves typically fail and give some recommendations for replacement W.hat T.he F.ail: DIY spark arrestor Don't try to stop fire with flammable material. View images at: https://thehonestinspector.dream.press/2019/02/15/all-about-ice-dams/