Buying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home Inspector – Details, episodes & analysis

Send us a text

John Laforme and YC with SoCal Seismic Foundation discuss the pros and cons of CMU (concrete masonry unit), brick and River rock foundations. They note that many older CMU foundations are hollow and difficult to retrofit, while brick foundations are often unreinforced and non retrofit-able. They emphasize the importance of inspecting for anchor bolts and rebar, which indicate a foundation's structural integrity. They also discuss the high cost of foundation replacements, averaging $85,000, and the challenges of dealing with historical homes. The conversation highlights the need for proper training and education for inspectors and the importance of working with specialists for foundation repairs.

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 CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

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

Thanks For Listening

Send us a text

The posts and piers under your home support the foundation and floor structure of your house. They help distribute the weight of the home evenly to the ground, preventing sagging, shifting, or structural failure. Specifically, they support:

John Laforme and YC from SoCal seismic construction discuss the importance of posts, piers, and beams in home foundations. They explain that these interior elements support the floor joists and walls, and can face issues like spalling, deterioration, and misalignment, similar to foundation problems. They highlight common defects such as undermining due to plumbing work, settling due to moisture, and water intrusion causing rot. The average cost to replace a post and pier is around $400, depending on accessibility and other factors. They also discuss the pros and cons of different foundation types and the comprehensive inspections conducted during retrofitting.

1. Step-by-Step Process:
   1. Assess the Damage
   • Inspect the post and pier for signs of rot, cracks, or shifting.
   • Check if only the post needs replacing or if the pier itself is damaged.
2. 2. Provide Temporary Support
   • Place a hydraulic jack under the beam near the damaged post.
   • Slowly lift just enough to relieve pressure on the damaged post (do not over-lift to prevent structural damage).
   • Insert temporary support (jack stands or a temporary wood beam).
3. 3. Remove the Damaged Post & Pier
   • If the post is wood, cut it out carefully with a saw.
   • If the pier is cracked or sinking, dig it out and remove any debris.
4. 4. Install a New Pier (if needed)
   • Dig a hole below the old pier (usually 18-24 inches deep, depending on soil conditions).
   • Pour a concrete footing and let it cure for at least 24-48 hours.
   • Place a concrete pier block or pour a new pier using a sonotube.
   • Ensure the pier is level and aligned properly.
5. 5. Install a New Post
   • Cut a new pressure-treated post to the correct height.
   • Secure the post to the new pier using a metal post base.
   • Attach the top of the

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 CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

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

Thanks For Listening

Send us 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 CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

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

Thanks For Listening

Send us 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 CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

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

Thanks For Listening

Send us 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:

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 CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

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

Thanks For Listening

Send us 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 CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

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

Thanks For Listening

Send us 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 CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

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

Thanks For Listening

Send us 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 CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

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

Thanks For Listening

Send us a text

Fire Captain James Walker shares his 24 years of firefighting experience with us to better educate and bring awareness to common causes of home fires. Look, we all get complacent in our own homes and ignore potential fire hazards with everyday bad habits.
Are you cooking dinner on the range and then going outside to watch the kids while the open flame is unattended in the kitchen?
Are you lighting candles next to flammable materials?
Are you falling asleep with a lit cigarette?

If yes to the above you need to listen to this podcast.

Click the links below to better educate your family of the risk of fire in your home.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/residential-fires/cooking.html

https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/media/8428/updated-smoke-alarm-requirement-ib-september-2014.pdf

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 CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

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

Thanks For Listening

Send us a text

Home inspection attorney Greg Pyfrom is back with more legal claim discussion regarding home inspectors, home buyers and realtors. Greg shares a few ongoing legal claims with me as well as some past claims. Did you know that singer/song writer Rihanna had a major house defect claim on a home she had purchased where a major water leak into the home was discovered during a major rain event. Greg fills in some of the details.

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 CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

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

Thanks For Listening