The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast helps homebuyers, homeowners, and home inspectors understand real home inspection findings, deal-killing defects, and how houses actually fail in the real world.
Hosted by working inspectors, the show covers foundation issues, roofs, electrical, plumbing, moisture, mold, HVAC, building science, new homes, modern residential construction trends, and inspection report insights—so buyers make smarter decisions and inspectors sharpen their craft.
Be sure to follow us @theridealongshow on all social platforms! And watch the full Ride Along series on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/@theridealongshow!
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What home inspectors should know about solar - featuring Cory Vanderpool of Sprk Home
Episode 76
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • Duration 43:50
Solar is showing up in more home sales, more inspections, and more liability than most people realize. Cory Vanderpool breaks down why solar has become such a transaction headache, how pushy sales tactics create expensive problems, and what inspectors can do to protect buyers before a bad decision gets signed.
If you work in real estate or home inspections, this conversation is a wake-up call. Cory explains why solar keeps spreading in states like Texas, why the first 90 days after a home purchase are prime time for sales pressure, and how Sprk helps turn a confusing, high-stakes topic into something buyers can actually understand.
You'll discover:
- Why solar adoption is driven more by utility costs and grid reliability than by environmental hype
- The difference between a basic visual inspection and Spark's solar condition reporting
- Why 41% of the systems inspectors help evaluate have issues that need attention at the point of transaction
- How inspectors can add an upsell service, generate energy reports, and position themselves as the local expert
Cory also explains Spark's education and software platform, which gives inspectors tools to inspect solar, generate reports, and even create energy efficiency reports from existing inspection data. That means more clarity for buyers, more value for agents, and a better way to spot problems before a solar lease, loan, or underperforming system becomes someone else's costly surprise.
This episode also gets a bit into net metering, batteries, grid shutdowns, a lil bit of Texas energy policy, and why solar only makes sense when the numbers actually support it. If you've ever had a client ask, "Should I get solar?" and wished you had a better answer, this one gives you the language, the framework, and the confidence to respond.
Essential listening for home inspectors, real estate agents, and anyone who wants to understand solar without getting sold a fantasy.
Chapters:
00:00 - Opening banter and the show's solar theme
00:51 - Corey Vanderpool joins and explains his solar background
02:30 - Why door-to-door solar sales are so persistent
04:14 - Why Sprk exists in the real estate and inspection ecosystem
05:23 - What Cory is bringing to Inspection Fuel
07:03 - What Spark does for solar homeowners and inspectors
How home inspectors should tackle re-inspections... featuring Brad Zirlott (AKA @duesouthbrad)
Episode 75
Monday, July 27, 2026 • Duration 01:00:04
Re-inspections are tearing your schedule apart—and you're paying the price. Discover how industry insiders are redefining checklists, pricing strategies, and client management to finally regain control.
Ever wonder why reinspections often turn into frustrating time sinks that eat away your profits and burn out your team? In this episode, home inspection veterans Brad Lowery, Matt Brading, and Brad Zirlott unmask the hidden pitfalls of re-inspect practices — from the chaos of too many slated repairs to the tricky line between quality and client expectations.
Brad Zirlott shares his no-nonsense approach to charging for reinspects, managing builder and buyer frustrations, and setting firm boundaries to protect your time and sanity.
Meanwhile, Matt Brading reveals how team delegation and strategic pricing can help you stay profitable without sacrificing client satisfaction, highlighting the importance of clear communication and expectations.
Key topics:
- The frustrations with re-inspections, especially after repairs, and how homeowners and builders approach repairs differently.
- Strategies for pricing reinspections, including flat fees, per item charges, and managing expectations.
- The importance of clear communication about what reinspections verify—functionality versus craftsmanship.
- The challenge of multiple re-inspections on new construction and the importance of setting boundaries.
- Balancing help and client service with the business realities of time and profitability.
- The potential to delegate reinspections to team members and how company structure influences workflow.
- The industry's need for standardized verbiage and contracts to manage reinspection expectations.
- The impact of industry experience on reinspection practices and pricing.
- How good documentation, reference photos, and establishing boundaries can streamline reinspections.
What to do if you're a new home inspector starting a business from scratch! Featuring Abby Bullock
Episode 74
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 58:12
SIGN UP ASAP FOR THE INSPECTION SUPPORT NETWORK FIRST-YEAR MASTERCLASS:
What would an experienced home inspector do differently if they had to start over today?
In this episode of The Ride Along: A Home Inspection Podcast, hosts Brad Lowery and Matt Brading sit down with Abby Bullock of Merit Property Inspections in Tampa, Florida, to answer one of the biggest questions every new home inspector should ask: "If I was starting over as a new home inspector knowing what I know today, what are the five things I'd do differently?"
Whether you're just starting your home inspection business, attending inspection school, or looking to grow your inspection company faster, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you avoid costly mistakes and build a successful career.
Abby shares hard-earned lessons from her recent launch, including how to market your inspection business, how to grow an audience with social media quickly, attract your first clients, invest in the right tools, and develop the mindset needed to thrive in today's home inspection industry.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro and setup
00:20 "If you started over today…"
01:40 Announcement: Inspection Support Network masterclass
02:39 Welcome Abby Bullock and her background
03:25 Abby's inspection journey and social media growth
05:03 Why Abby's content feels authentic
07:55 Lessons from being a newer inspector
09:55 Social media as a support system
12:18 Going out on your own and the liability of ownership
Lumberyard mold: what it is, how it's treated, and what home inspectors should say about it
Episode 73
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 • Duration 01:02:26
What causes mold in brand-new homes before anyone even moves in? In this episode of The Ride Along: A Home Inspection Show, hosts Brad Lowery and Matt Brading sit down with Jordan Mason to break down one of the hottest topics in the inspection industry: lumberyard mold, microbial growth in new construction, and what inspectors need to know before calling it out.
From attic sheathing stains to full-scale mold remediation, this conversation dives deep into the real-world challenges home inspectors face when evaluating moisture intrusion, ventilation problems, and indoor air quality concerns. Jordan shares practical insight into mold testing, soda blasting, chemical remediation methods, building science principles, and how poor moisture management can impact both health and property value.
Whether you're a home inspector, mold assessor, remediation contractor, realtor, builder, or homeowner, this episode delivers actionable insight you can apply in the field immediately.
Topics covered in this episode:
✔️ Lumberyard mold vs active microbial growth
✔️ Mold in new construction homes
✔️ Moisture intrusion and humidity control
✔️ Mold remediation methods explained
✔️ Soda blasting vs chemical treatment
✔️ Ventilation and attic airflow issues
✔️ Building science for home inspectors
✔️ Indoor air quality and health concerns
✔️ Mold testing and inspection best practices
✔️ Protecting property value during real estate transactions
If you're serious about becoming a better inspector and staying ahead of industry trends, subscribe to The Ride Along: A Home Inspection Show and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.
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How to do 600+ home inspections per year... with the buyer present!
Episode 72
Friday, April 17, 2026 • Duration 01:07:49
Should home buyers attend the home inspection—or does it create more problems than it solves? In this episode of The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast, Brad Lowery and Matt Brading sit down with top-producing inspector Ken Humphreys of BPG Inspections to debate one of the most talked-about topics in the industry.
👉 Watch the full episode to hear how top inspectors approach client presence, reporting, and running a successful inspection business.
Ken shares real-world insights from years of high-level experience, while the conversation dives into home inspection best practices, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and how inspectors adapt to different markets and client expectations. From the role of technology in inspections to balancing efficiency with quality, this episode breaks down what actually drives success in today's home inspection industry. You'll also hear different perspectives on inspection standards, client communication, and whether having buyers on-site improves or complicates the process.
Whether you're a home inspector refining your workflow or a homebuyer trying to understand what to expect, this discussion highlights how communication, consistency, and adaptability lead to better outcomes.
🔧 What You'll Learn
- Should buyers attend a home inspection?
- How top inspectors approach client communication
- The role of SOPs in home inspection businesses
- How inspection practices vary by market and region
- How to balance efficiency, quality, and work-life balance
🎧 Listen to more expert conversations on The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast for insights on home inspection, business growth, and industry best practices.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Home Inspection Excellence
01:46 Ken Humphries: A Veteran Home Inspector's Journey
05:30 The Importance of Client Presence During Inspections
No Home Inspection license required? How great inspectors still win in unregulated states
Episode 71
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 • Duration 48:28
Can you run a successful home inspection business and build trust with home buyers in a state without licensing or regulation? In this episode of The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast, we break down what it really takes to operate with excellence in unregulated home inspection markets. And our guest is a man who needs little introduction!
Brent Fletcher joins the show this week to discuss how home inspectors can build trust, maintain high standards, and deliver consistent value—even in states where there are no licensing requirements. From setting your own standards of practice to developing strong client communication and professional systems, this episode explores how inspectors can rise above the lack of regulation and differentiate themselves in competitive markets.
We also cover how homebuyers and real estate agents evaluate inspectors in unlicensed states, and what separates average inspectors from those who build long-term, reputable businesses.
Whether you're a home inspector working in an unregulated state or considering entering the industry, this episode provides practical insight into running a home inspection business with professionalism, integrity, and consistency—regardless of licensing requirements.
Key topics:
- Differences between regulated and unregulated home inspection markets
- How Colorado inspectors operate without licensing requirements
- The importance of certification and standards (e.g., InterNACHI's SOP)
- Client confidence and reputation-building in unregulated states
- The role of social media in establishing inspector credibility
- Common pitfalls and mistakes in first inspections
- Building inspector accountability and professional reputation
- Practical tips for new inspectors to gain confidence and experience
- The impact of licensing on pricing and market competition
How Porch's Customer Success team helps home inspectors win
Episode 70
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 • Duration 24:14
What makes great home inspection software more than just technology? The people behind it.
In this special edition episode, we take a closer look at Porch Group's Customer Success team and how they help home inspectors get the most value from Porch inspection software and services like Palmtech, ISN, Home Inspector Pro, and other tools like ACC and Guardian Inspection Payments used by professional inspectors across the industry.
Unlike many tech platforms, Porch provides live support from real people, giving inspectors direct access to experts who understand both the software and the home inspection business. The Customer Success team helps inspectors troubleshoot issues, share best practices, and ensure they're using their tools as efficiently as possible.
Porch Customer Success also provides shared company resources and account reviews, helping inspectors optimize their workflows, improve report delivery, and get the most out of the software they rely on to run their inspection businesses.
If you're a home inspector using Porch software—or considering it—this episode explains how dedicated customer success support can improve your efficiency, reduce frustration, and help you grow your inspection business.
Topics Covered:
- Live customer support for home inspectors
- Porch Group inspection software services
- Palmtech and ISN support resources
- How customer success teams help inspectors optimize their tools
- Software training and account reviews for home inspection businesses
You MIGHT be inspecting houses WRONG! And it MIGHT be better for home buyers to not attend.
Episode 69
Monday, February 23, 2026 • Duration 01:14:55
Is there a right and wrong way to perform a home inspection? In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in the home inspection industry — whether there are absolute truths when it comes to inspection standards, reporting methods, and professional judgment. And there's nobody better than Joey McPeek of Peek Home Inspections to speak on the topic. Well known and well respected in the Boise real estate market, Joey's build a reputation for shooting straight... and also pushing back on conventional home inspection norms.
We discuss:
✔ Are there objective "right" and "wrong" ways to inspect a home?
✔ How much interpretation is involved in a home inspection report?
✔ Standards of Practice vs. personal inspection style
✔ Risk management and liability considerations
✔ Should the home buyer be present during the inspection?
✔ Pros and cons of buyer attendance at inspections
From buyer presence at inspections to gray areas in defect evaluation, this episode explores how inspectors balance professionalism, liability, ethics, and client education.
Whether you're a new home inspector, a seasoned professional, considering entering the inspection industry, or a homebuyer wondering what to expect during an inspection... this conversation breaks down the realities behind "right vs wrong" in the field, challenges assumptions, and explores how to balance ethics, standards, communication, and client expectations.
If you're serious about improving your inspection process, client communication, and professional standards, this conversation is for you.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast for expert insight into inspection standards, client communication, and industry best practices.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction: Is it right or wrong? The foundation of inspection integrity
DON'T GET LEFT BEHIND BY AI! How AI tools like CodePro are changing the way Home Inspectors access code
Episode 68
Monday, February 9, 2026 • Duration 54:02
Artificial intelligence is changing how home inspections work — and how home inspectors deliver value. In this episode of The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast, Brad Lowery and Matt Brading discuss how AI, instant access to information, and evolving buyer expectations are reshaping the home inspection industry. And there's nobody better to discuss that with than Karl Stump and Beau Brown of CodePro!
Today's homebuyers arrive at inspections armed with research, thermal cameras, and AI tools, making it more important than ever for inspectors to provide deeper expertise, faster insights, and real-world guidance that goes beyond basic reporting. The conversation explores how inspectors can stay competitive, build trust, and adapt to a rapidly changing technology landscape.
Enter CodePro, a new app designed to help inspectors quickly understand building codes, avoid common construction mistakes, and explain complex regulations to clients with confidence. From AI adoption to building code awareness and future regulations, this discussion breaks down how inspectors can use technology to work smarter and deliver more value. Whether you're a home inspector, homebuyer, builder, or real estate professional, this episode explains how AI and modern tools are shaping the future of home inspections.
Chapters:
00:02 - The critical shift: from being the home expert to offering more value with AI
00:47 - The evolution of home inspections amidst a wealth of buyer information
01:35 - The role of building codes and the introduction of CodePro
02:14 - What is CodePro and how it demystifies building codes
03:57 - Using CodePro to answer specific code questions across jurisdictions
04:52 - The importance of building standards over just quoting codes
05:25 - The national vs. local regulation landscape for home inspectors
06:32 - How CodePro aids in problem-solving and inspection decision-making
Home Inspection as a Second Career: Why Firefighters & First Responders Excel feat. Rhyan Miller
Episode 67
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 • Duration 54:09
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
Discover shows related to The Ride Along: A Home Inspection Podcast, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
- The impact of abundant homebuyer information and AI on inspection work
- How CodePro simplifies understanding and accessing building codes
- The importance of real-time, accurate code references for inspections and legal proceedings - Strategies for integrating AI tools into daily workflows to increase efficiency and confidence
- The role of building codes as standards that protect safety and quality
- Using AI to generate inspection narratives and streamline report writing
- Remote management of inspection teams through AI and digital systems
- Upcoming industry events like IBS and opportunities for networking and product updates
- How AI advances challenge traditional notions of expertise and encourage continuous learning
- 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.
