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A scratchy throat and a pounding head turned into a hard look at what winter really does to a house—and how to stop small issues from becoming big, expensive messes. We open with the realities of backup teams and why a multi-inspector firm keeps your project on track when life happens, then shift into the seasonal steps that keep water out, heat in, and stress low.

We get practical about cold-weather prep: disconnecting hoses and insulating hose bibs, clearing gutters so downspouts actually move water away, and accepting that unconditioned garages crack because materials move with temperature swings. From there, we pull back the attic hatch and get specific about ventilation and insulation—how ice damming forms, why icicles are a warning sign, and the simple checks that prevent water from backing under shingles. If you’ve ever seen a new roof still struggle in winter, we explain the hidden workmanship gaps we find: ridge vents without a cutout, soffit intake stuffed with insulation, and gable vents left to short-circuit airflow. We also share practical venting guidelines, when to use baffles, and why hipped roofs often need more balanced intake.

Maintenance isn’t just for cars. A home has more parts, more pathways for moisture, and more ways to fail quietly before you notice. That’s why we advocate routine maintenance inspections every couple of years, even if we didn’t do your original home inspection. An unbiased set of eyes pays for itself by catching ventilation errors, missing insulation, and risky shortcuts after a roof install. And if you’re choosing a real estate agent, we explain how to vet for thoroughness and why asking an inspector for candid feedback can save you headaches later.

Ready to winter-proof your place and dodge ice dams, mold, and premature roof wear? Hit follow, share this with a homeowner friend, and leave a quick review to tell us the one winter task you’re tackling this week.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

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The sump pump wouldn’t quit, the skies were clear, and the water meter sat perfectly still—yet the service line whispered a steady roar. We follow that mystery from the first clue to the likely culprit: a hidden water leak just outside the foundation, feeding the perimeter drains and keeping the pump cycling. Along the way, we show how a sonic listening device turns guesswork into evidence by tracing sound intensity through soil to narrow the dig and confirm the source.

We break down what matters to every homeowner and buyer: where the city’s responsibility ends and yours begins, why the location of the shutoff and meter decides who pays, and how to involve your municipality to verify ownership. We also unpack the real costs of water line repairs, why polyethylene service lines can sometimes be spot-repaired, and how saturated soil near a foundation can become a winter hazard as freezing and expansion stress concrete. Even a finished basement that looks dry can be masking continuous loss if the sump is doing overtime.

If you’re house hunting, we explain why standard inspections don’t include exterior water service testing or sewer scoping, and how those add-ons—like radon or termite checks—can prevent five-figure surprises after closing. With clear examples, we cover using findings to negotiate repairs or credits, and why proactive maintenance inspections help owners catch problems before they escalate. Forewarned is forearmed: when a pump runs on sunny days, it’s not a coincidence—it’s a signal.

Subscribe and share this episode with someone buying in an older neighborhood, and leave a review to tell us the trickiest mystery your house has thrown at you.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

A roaring fire feels timeless, but the way we move heat and smoke has changed dramatically—from open hearths that once filled rooms with fumes to thoughtfully engineered systems that keep warmth in and hazards out. We explore how castles got away with walk-in fireboxes, why Count Rumford’s angled design still matters, and how Benjamin Franklin’s stove reinvented efficiency by keeping more heat where you need it.

We also get practical about safety. You’ll hear why clay flue liners became a turning point, how the late adoption of refractory mortar left older chimneys vulnerable, and what today’s repair options look like—from one-piece stainless liners to in-place relining systems. We break down the hidden risks inside manufactured chases, where a small misalignment can leak heat into wood framing and quietly prime a structure fire. And we draw a hard line between chimney fires fueled by creosote and full-on house fires caused by heat escaping the flue path.

If you burn wood, the big lesson is simple: avoid “low and slow.” Smoldering fires invite creosote, and creosote can burn near 2,000°F, cracking tiles and opening pathways to nearby framing. We share real-world tips for hot, efficient burns, using stovepipe thermometers, caring for catalytic combustors, scheduling chimney sweeps, and understanding the basic anatomy of your system—firebox, damper, smoke chamber, and flue—so you can spot trouble early. Subscribe for more smart home know-how, share this with someone who loves their fireplace, and leave a review with your best fire-safety habit—we’ll feature our favorites next time.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Fireplaces feel timeless, but the safety of that glow lives inside a dark shaft most of us never see. We pull back the curtain on chimney scopes—the video inspections that reveal cracked terracotta liners, missing mortar, offsets, and even missing tile sections that can channel heat straight into framing. Along the way, we explain pyrolysis in plain language and why wood repeatedly heated over time can ignite at surprisingly low temperatures. That one insight alone can change how you think about “just one more fire.”

We share what a Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 chimney inspection actually mean, and why a Level 2 scope is the difference between guesswork and real risk assessment. You’ll hear field stories: sixteen chimneys scoped in a historic building, a flue section gone near an attic, wildlife nests and bees blocking exhaust, and a seller who lit a “goodbye fire” after being warned—and lost the house that night. We also talk insurance: when sudden damage is covered, how long-term neglect triggers denials, and why receipts for annual cleanings can make or break a fire claim. If you’re a homeowner, buyer, agent, or short-term rental host, this is practical safety you can act on today.

Our goal is simple: keep heat where it belongs—inside a safe, intact flue—and out of the spaces that can burn. Learn how to decide when to scope, what red flags demand immediate action, and how to document maintenance so insurers, buyers, and guests have confidence. If your listing touts a cozy fireplace or you’re eyeing an older home with multiple chimneys, start here. Subscribe, share this with someone who has a hearth, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. What’s your chimney maintenance routine?

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Unexpected challenges can reveal valuable lessons in real estate transactions. When one of our inspectors encountered a malfunctioning jetted tub that temporarily sprayed water onto nearby surfaces, what should have been a minor incident quickly escalated into something much more complicated.

The heart of this story illustrates the vulnerability of For Sale By Owner sellers who lack professional representation. Despite our inspector promptly containing and drying the affected areas within minutes, the buyer's agent began pressuring the seller with exaggerated claims about damage—even suggesting water was dripping from exterior soffits (it was raining that day) and falsely claiming inspection panels had been removed. Without an agent to serve as a buffer, the seller faced direct harassment through calls and texts demanding concessions that violated their "information only, no remedy" agreement.

We personally visited the property to conduct thermal imaging and moisture testing, confirming no damage had occurred, but the incident highlighted why professional representation matters in real estate transactions. A good agent protects sellers from unreasonable demands, understands and enforces contract terms, distinguishes between legitimate concerns and exaggerated claims, and provides critical advocacy throughout the process. While saving on commission fees might seem attractive initially, the protection an experienced agent provides often proves invaluable when complications arise.

If you're considering selling your home, we strongly recommend speaking with a reputable home inspector about recommended agents in your area. Home inspectors interact with hundreds of agents annually and can identify those who maintain high ethical standards and truly advocate for their clients. Remember that proper representation ultimately protects everyone involved in the transaction, ensuring a smooth transfer of property built on honesty and professionalism.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Trust your instincts and never skip the inspection - this crucial advice could have saved one Ohio family significant headaches with their new manufactured home. Their story begins with excitement about upgrading to a newer home on land they already owned, but quickly turns troubling when the installation company prevents them from viewing the construction process.

What seemed like minor ceiling cracks revealed a much deeper problem during our inspection. The site preparation - the critical foundation work that supports the entire structure - was fundamentally flawed. The ground sloped toward the home rather than away, directing water straight at the support piers. Most alarmingly, several piers weren't even making contact with the steel frame, while others used varying numbers of regular (not pressure-treated) wooden shims that were already developing mold. A level survey confirmed the severity - points 1.2 inches out of level across short distances, far exceeding acceptable tolerances.

Manufactured homes offer excellent value and quality construction when properly installed. Built in controlled factory environments on rigid steel frames, these homes can provide decades of trouble-free living. However, they remain entirely dependent on proper site preparation and foundation work. This case demonstrates how cutting corners on this critical phase creates cascading problems that undermine the home's structural integrity. The strange discovery of drywall stacks propping up the furnace further highlighted the questionable workmanship throughout.

The takeaway is clear: regardless of whether you're buying new construction, a manufactured home, or an existing property, professional inspection remains essential. Red flags like builders restricting access during construction should never be ignored. Have you encountered similar issues with your home purchase? Share your experience and remember to subscribe for more real-world inspection insights that could save you thousands.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

What happens when you trust someone else to read your home inspection report? One homeowner's devastating story reveals the dangers of delegating this critical responsibility.

Meet an older woman who moved to Ohio to support her daughter through chemotherapy treatments. She did the responsible thing by hiring Habitation Investigation for a home inspection, but then made a critical mistake: she never read the report herself. Instead, she trusted her real estate agent to tell her if anything was important.

Fast forward, and she discovers serious mold issues throughout the home—a potentially life-threatening situation for her immunocompromised daughter. Every problem she found was clearly documented in the report she never reviewed. To make matters worse, an improper "remediation" had been attempted, consisting of nothing more than scrubbing visible mold and painting over it, with no professional verification or proper containment procedures.

The podcast hosts, certified home inspectors with extensive mold assessment credentials, explain why this approach is dangerous, especially for someone undergoing chemotherapy. They detail how mold releases mycotoxins when disturbed without proper containment, and how these toxins can severely impact those with weakened immune systems.

This eye-opening episode serves as a powerful reminder that home inspections don't have a "pass/fail" outcome—they provide information for buyers to make informed decisions based on their unique circumstances. The hosts emphasize that buyers should never surrender their right to decide what gets inspected or to interpret the significance of inspection findings.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a real estate professional, or just curious about the home inspection process, this episode delivers crucial insights that could save you from devastating health and financial consequences. Subscribe now to hear more real-world stories and expert advice from Ohio's most trusted home inspection team.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Ever wonder if building your dream home from scratch is worth the hassle, or if finding that perfect existing property makes more sense? We tackle this crucial homebuying crossroads with hard-earned wisdom and practical insights.

The housing market in Ohio mirrors challenges seen nationwide – inventory shortages, construction delays, and shifting buyer-seller dynamics create a complex landscape for decision-makers. We explore how timeline considerations often become the deciding factor: can you wait 6-12 months for a custom build, or do you need to move within 60-90 days? The immediacy of an existing home provides convenience but sacrifices customization options that only new construction can offer.

Surprising revelations about modern appliance lifespans (a mere 8-9 years compared to decades for older models) highlight the maintenance realities all homeowners face regardless of choice. Energy efficiency differences between older homes with minimal insulation versus custom builds with six-inch R-19 walls demonstrate long-term cost implications beyond the initial purchase price. We share our personal experience working with a small builder who focused exclusively on our project, contrasting this with cautionary tales about large developers who might literally sell your nearly-complete home to a higher bidder just before closing.

Whether weighing cost per square foot, quality control, or the ability to shape every aspect of your living space, understanding the true advantages and limitations of each path empowers you to make the right choice for your situation. What matters most is aligning your decision with your priorities – speed, customization, energy efficiency, or quality control – while protecting yourself with thorough contract reviews and never waiving inspection rights. Ready to make your most informed housing decision? Listen now and gain the perspective you need before taking your next step toward homeownership.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...