Buying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home Inspector – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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Hiring a general contractor can feel confusing and overwhelming—especially if you’ve never tackled a remodel, repair, or major home project before. In this episode, we break it all down so homeowners and home buyers know exactly what to expect before they sign a contract.

I’m joined by licensed general contractor Michael Fucci, owner of The Proud Crowd Inc., who walks us through what a general contractor actually does and how the hiring process works from start to finish. Michael explains how general contractors coordinate and manage all the skilled trades involved in a project—including framers, electricians, plumbers, drywallers, and more—and why that coordination is critical to keeping a job on schedule and within scope.

We also dive into the less-talked-about (but extremely important) topics such as contractor licensing and license limitations, liability insurance, and workers’ compensation—what they mean, why they matter, and how they protect homeowners from unnecessary risk. If you’ve ever wondered who is responsible when something goes wrong on a job site, this episode clears it up.

Whether you’re planning a remodel, dealing with repairs after a home inspection, or simply want to be a more informed homeowner, this conversation will give you the knowledge you need to hire a general contractor with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.

🎧 A must-listen for homeowners, first-time buyers, and anyone considering hiring a contractor for their home.

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Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
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Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. john@homeinspectionauthority.com

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified Home Inspector
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

Thanks For Listening

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first-time homebuyer’s emotional rollercoaster — from panic to potential — when they see an abandoned house they just bought.

Part 1 

First time home buyer Jason Land walks out of his first showing because it was a cluttered old home with overgrown vegetation even after i told him Don't Panic! Jason shares his emotional experience and we discuss how to best use his home inspection report.

Support the show

Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. john@homeinspectionauthority.com

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified Home Inspector
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

Thanks For Listening

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My guest Doug Smaldino is the owner of Hillhurst Mortgage located in Los Feliz California. I purchased my home with the help of Doug and and his awesome team at Hillhurst Mortgage back in October 2022.

Doug has a message for all first time home buyers!

Stop Procrastinating and buy a home now!

Don't worry about the rates so much just focus on getting your foot in the door of that house you have always wanted. Once your in you can always refinance to a lower rate when that time arrives as it always does. Call Doug and ask about the tax shelter you will get after you buy your home, after Doug helps you put this in perspective you will be happy you did.

Douglas M. Smaldino, CPA | Senior Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS# 340464 | Cal DRE# 01149672 | FL # LO63047
O (323) 522-1020 | D (323) 522-1040 | C (323) 707-3200 | F (323) 522-1030

https://hillhurstmortgage.com/

1662 Hillhurst Avenue, Suite A | Los Angeles, CA 90027
5535 S. Williamson Blvd., Suite 725 | Port Orange, FL 32128

Support the show

Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. john@homeinspectionauthority.com

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified Home Inspector
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

Thanks For Listening

Send a text

In this episode I am joined by Isaac Colon the owner of Electric Brothers Co. located in Pico Rivera California.
 
I hired Isaac to do a major electrical upgrade on my home. I found his company searching on google, I am 200% satisfied with the work they did and their professionalism before, during and after the electrical upgrade.

I highly recommend Electric Brothers Co.

Isaac explains what we all need to know about electrical panels and which brands you should replace asap!
 
Electrical Panels You should replace on your home:

Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok
Bulldog PushMatic
Zinsco
Challenger

Isaac Colon
562-354-8900
Residential & Commercial
https://electricbro.com/

Support the show

Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. john@homeinspectionauthority.com

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified Home Inspector
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

Thanks For Listening

Send a text

In This episode Skip Walker and I talk about home inspection report writing and you probably suck at it! Yes this means you! The report is your product and thats what your selling to your client, so consider each and every report to be your masterpiece. Fine tune your reports or risk having a potential legal issue with your clients. 

A well written canned response for a system defect written in 1980 is probably not going to cover most of todays homes so remember to proof read your canned responses before sending your final reports.

Support the show

Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. john@homeinspectionauthority.com

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified Home Inspector
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

Thanks For Listening

Send a text

In this episode I am joined by Isaac Colon the owner of Electric Brothers Co. located in Pico Rivera California.
 
I hired Isaac to do a major electrical upgrade on my home. I found his company searching on google, I am 200% satisfied with the work they did and their professionalism before, during and after the electrical upgrade.

I highly recommend Electric Brothers Co.

Isaac explains what we all need to know about electrical outlets aka receptacles & plugs in your home including todays electric code.

What is a tamper resistant receptacle?
What is a GFCI Receptacle?
What is a weather proof receptacle?
When should you upgrade your receptacles?
What is the latest receptacle code?

Isaac Colon
562-354-8900
Residential & Commercial
https://electricbro.com/

Support the show

Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. john@homeinspectionauthority.com

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified Home Inspector
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

Thanks For Listening

Send a text

Part 2: Emil Kapanadze with EKO Flooring joins me to discuss underlayment's for Engineered Hardwood flooring and Luxury Vinyl flooring.
Emil explains correct installation techniques from his years of experience installing all types of flooring including correct underlayment and moisture barrier applications.

Emil also gives ballpark costs for different types of flooring cost and installation.

Did you know that most engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring is discontinued after just a few years? This is great information from Emil, So if your buying flooring be sure to buy an extra box or two so you are covered if you have flooring damage that needs repair.

Contact EKO Flooring for you flooring materials, installation and repairs.
Sales Manager
Emil Kapanadze
Sales: (818) 917-7736
https://www.ekoflooring.us/

Check out part 1 podcast video with Emil on youtube 
https://youtu.be/Ej7_R3xX5Pk

Support the show

Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. john@homeinspectionauthority.com

Check out My Shopify Store: Coffee Mugs, Tote bags, T-Shirts
https://homeinspectionauthority.myshopify.com/products/black-glossy-podcast-mug?variant=44158131175643

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
h

Support the show

Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. john@homeinspectionauthority.com

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified Home Inspector
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

Thanks For Listening

Send a text

I am joined by home inspector Skip Walker who is also one of the co-authors of the Code Check series. Skip and I discuss report writing best practices as well as how to utilize the code check series of books.

Code Check Series books are the most widely used code reference series in the U.S.  Each Code Check book is a condensed guide to the most commonly used code sections.  They include many of the most common code violations encountered by building inspectors, contractors, do-it-yourselfers and homeowners. New editions of codes typically are issued every three years. Each edition of Code Check is based on specific sets of codes, and most books include summaries of code changes to link them to the prior edition of codes as well.

With over 1.3 million copies sold since 1995, Code Check is the leader in navigating and understanding the voluminous, complex and sometimes tedious world of the codes.

As we say, "Code Check - Your key to the codes."

Order Your Books Today with link below.

https://codecheck.com/

Support the show

Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. john@homeinspectionauthority.com

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified Home Inspector
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

Thanks For Listening

Send a text

Emil Kapanadze with EKO Flooring joins me to discuss Engineered Hardwood flooring Vs. Luxury Vinyl flooring.
Emil explains correct installation techniques from his years of experience installing all types of flooring including correct underlayment and moisture barrier applications.

Did you know that most engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring is discontinued after just a few years? This is great information from Emil, So if your buying flooring be sure to buy an extra box or two so you are covered if you have flooring damage that needs repair.

You can watch the Youtube video version of this podcast with link below:
https://youtu.be/Ej7_R3xX5Pk

Contact EKO Flooring for you flooring materials, installation and repairs.
Sales Manager
Emil Kapanadze
Sales: (818) 917-7736
https://www.ekoflooring.us/

Support the show

Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. john@homeinspectionauthority.com

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified Home Inspector
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

Thanks For Listening

Send a text

Is home solar for everyone? Or is solar just snake oil? I have not been sold on solar because of past conversations with solar contractors and realtors as well as home owners. As of now no one has explained solar to me in a way i could understand it and how solar would benefit me. So does it really work? And is solar for all home owners or all homes?

Lets Ask Manny

I met the owner of Solar Service Professionals Manny Hernandez when he hired me to inspect his home from a referral courtesy of his realtor Larry Cook. I had no idea Manny was in the solar business, but when i found out i picked his brain and quickly asked him to be a guest on the podcast.

Manny has years of experience in all solar industry positions which makes him very knowledgeable about designing, installing, monitoring and inspecting solar systems for proper operation.

This multi part podcast will cover all things solar, so sit back and relax as Manny educates both you and me about the pros & cons of solar. Be sure to listen to all parts of this Solar podcast so you can make an informed decision if solar is right for you and your family.

You can contact Manny Hernandez Directly

https://solarserviceprofessionals.com/

866-765-7767

Support the show

Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. john@homeinspectionauthority.com

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified Home Inspector
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

Thanks For Listening