To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/0nv6QgYTy50

In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Reuben Saltzman and Eric Houseman welcome Nick Roberts and Sam Despres, the team behind HomeTrace, to discuss how AI is changing home inspection software. They explore tools designed to reduce administrative work, including AI-assisted report writing, voice dictation, photo organization, appliance data extraction, and automated defect documentation. The conversation also highlights HomeTrace’s AI-powered 3D room scanning, software migration capabilities, integrated business tools, and plans to make the home inspection process more efficient for solo inspectors and larger firms.

Ready to simplify your home inspection workflow? Check out HomeTrace, an AI-powered home inspection software designed to help streamline reporting and reduce repetitive tasks.

Get 2 Months Free if you sign-up using our link: https://hometrace.co/structuretech
Use promo code: STRUCTURE

Explore Upcoming Inspector Empire Builder Events:
https://www.iebcoaching.com/events

Takeaways

HomeTrace’s AI agent can match voice dictation with timestamped photos, organize findings, populate report sections, and attach images to the appropriate locations.
Inspectors can use AI to extract appliance information from data plates, create draft inspections from text messages, and streamline documentation.
AI-powered 3D room scanning can help inspectors identify where defects are located, while giving clients, agents, and contractors a clearer view of the property.
HomeTrace combines report writing, scheduling, payments, websites, review tools, and file sharing to reduce the need to switch between multiple systems.
AI integrations with tools such as Claude can help transfer existing inspection templates into HomeTrace, although some adjustments may still be needed.
The developers emphasize automating time-consuming tasks so inspectors can focus more on inspections and client service.
At the time of the discussion, HomeTrace did not yet replace every back-office function or integration used by larger inspection firms, including some established systems such as ISN.
The guests discussed a base price of $50 per month for solo inspectors, team pricing starting at $60 per month with additional inspectors at $50 each, and a standard 30-day free trial.
The HomeTrace team encourages inspectors to share problems and feature requests so the software can continue improving.
A central philosophy shared by Nick is that a business is a collection of problems it solves for its customers.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and Inspector Empire Builder Podcast Mention
03:08 – Meet Nick Roberts and Sam Despres: The Story Behind HomeTrace
08:46 – Sam’s Journey from Engineering and Homebuilding to Home Inspection
14:55 – Why Sam Wanted Better Home Inspection Software
20:14 – HomeTrace’s Mission: Eliminating Friction and Repetitive Work
21:53 – AI Tools for Booking Inspections and Managing Client Information
23:53 – Introducing HomeTrace’s AI Agent
26:31 – Using AI to Analyze Photos and Complete Inspection Reports
29:19 – Voice Dictation, Photo Matching, and AI Integrations
31:09 – Migrating Inspection Templates with AI
34:07 – HomeTrace Pricing, Website Hosting, and Built-In Features
37:19 – AI-Powered 3D Room Scanning with LiDAR
40:01 – How 3D Reports Could Transform Home Inspections
42:12 – Pinpointing Defects and Sharing Interactive Reports
44:30 – HomeTrace for Solo Inspectors and Larger Inspection Companies
45:27 – ISN Integration, Back-Office Needs, and Future Plans
48:24 – Free Trials, Discounts, and Opportunities for Inspection Schools
50:30 – Customer Feedback and the Future of HomeTrace
52:16 – The Business Philosophy Behind HomeTrace
52:42 – Where to Find HomeTrace and Episode Wrap-Up

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/acuCH3qjeEc

In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Reuben Saltzman joined by co-host Eric Houseman, talks with Jamie Smith, Deputy Chief of the St. Paul Fire Department, and AJ Neis, St. Paul’s Fire Code Official, about residential fire safety, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements, and common household fire hazards. They discuss the growing risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, practical charging precautions, and seasonal fire prevention tips involving space heaters, holiday decorations, and cooking. The conversation also highlights why homeowners and inspectors should understand the intent behind fire codes and consider safety improvements beyond minimum requirements.

Explore Upcoming Inspector Empire Builder Events:
https://www.iebcoaching.com/events

Takeaways

Smoke alarms are not required in garages under the guidance discussed for St. Paul, but interconnected heat alarms can provide an additional layer of protection.
Fire code requirements and interpretations can vary by jurisdiction. Always confirm requirements with the local authority having jurisdiction.
Test alarms regularly, replace batteries as needed, and replace expired units. Hardwired alarms also need functioning battery backups.
Carbon monoxide alarms are generally placed within 10 feet of sleeping rooms under the requirements discussed. The 10-foot distance is a minimum placement standard, not a protective bubble.
Use undamaged, approved chargers; charge devices on hard surfaces; keep them away from combustible materials; monitor charging; and unplug them when fully charged.
Stop using batteries that are swollen, damaged, or otherwise showing signs of deterioration.
Keep space heaters at least three feet from combustible materials, plug them directly into wall outlets, and use models with automatic shutoff and appropriate safety listings.
Replace frayed, chewed, or damaged cords. Never ignore repeatedly tripping breakers or replace a breaker with one rated above the circuit's capacity.
Avoid leaving cooking unattended. Remember the fire safety reminder: “When you cook, stay and look.”
Home inspectors can strengthen their reports by explaining why a condition matters and recommending practical improvements that provide additional protection.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome
04:37 – Meet Jamie Smith and AJ Neis: Fire Service Roles and Experience
09:45 – Are Smoke Alarms Required in Garages?
14:10 – Heat Alarms and Choosing Smoke Alarm Types
19:03 – Hardwired Smoke Alarms and St. Paul Requirements
23:57 – Garage Fires and the Growing Risk of Lithium-Ion Batteries
27:41 – Safe Battery Charging Practices
33:44 – Why You Shouldn't Charge Devices in Bed or Leave Them Plugged In
36:33 – Carbon Monoxide Alarm Placement: Understanding the 10-Foot Rule
42:19 – Code Minimums vs. Additional Home Safety Measures
44:34 – What Home Inspectors Should Communicate About Fire Safety
47:12 – Seasonal Fire Risks: Space Heaters, Electrical Safety, and Holiday Decorations
50:38 – Space Heater Precautions, Electrical Warning Signs, and Christmas Trees
52:51 – Cooking Fires and the “Stay and Look” Reminder
53:28 – Heating Pads, Damaged Cords, and Electrical Device Safety
57:20 – Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/QptKPRH_2h4

In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Reuben Saltzman and Eric Houseman welcome Trent Fuller to discuss construction-phase inspections, RESNET, and residential energy ratings. They explore how HERS scores help evaluate home energy efficiency, the role of insulation, windows, and blower door testing, and how energy ratings can help builders meet compliance requirements and qualify for Energy Star certification.

Trent shares the challenges inspectors face when implementing new standards, particularly the ACCA 310 HVAC performance verification standard, which can require specialized equipment, training, and additional time. He also introduces the Rater Overhead Impact Index (ROII) initiative, which aims to improve transparency around the time, costs, equipment, and practical demands of new requirements. The discussion highlights the importance of better communication between RESNET and field inspectors to make standards more practical and effective.

Learn More About the ROII Initiative: https://roiiletter.org/
Explore Upcoming Inspector Empire Builder Events:
https://www.iebcoaching.com/events

Takeaways

Construction-phase inspections help identify defects before they are concealed by finished materials.
Third-party inspections help builders maintain quality and reduce liability.
Efficient scheduling and territory management improve inspection team productivity and profitability.
RESNET standards support residential energy ratings and energy code compliance.
HERS scores measure home energy performance and can support ENERGY STAR certification.
Energy ratings consider insulation, windows, solar heat gain, and building orientation.
Window specifications must be documented to verify energy model accuracy.
Blower door tests measure airtightness and help verify air leakage requirements.
ACCA 310 HVAC performance testing can contribute to additional HERS points.
New standards require proper equipment, training, documentation, and field time.
Clear guidance and reliable testing equipment help inspectors produce accurate, defensible results.
Standards should account for implementation costs, administrative work, and operational efficiency.
ROII advocates for greater transparency around the costs and workload of energy rating requirements.
Inspectors should participate in public comments and industry discussions to improve standards.
Better collaboration between standards organizations and field inspectors can strengthen the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Eric Houseman Joins the Show
00:24 Inspector Empire Builder & Upcoming Events
02:05 Trent Fuller’s Construction Inspection Business
03:57 Construction-Phase vs. Home Inspections
05:07 Construction Inspection Services
06:24 Who Pays for Construction Inspections?
07:55 Why Builders Hire Third-Party Inspectors
08:43 Inspection Results & Reinspections
09:44 Managing an Inspection Team
10:29 Scheduling & Service Coordination
12:22 Handling Last-Minute Requests
14:12 Understanding RESNET
14:37 RESNET & Energy Code Compliance
17:31 The Growing Importance of Energy Ratings
18:10 HERS Scores & ENERGY STAR Certification
19:06 Key Factors in Home Energy Ratings
21:13 Window Performance & Energy Modeling
23:33 Blower Door Testing & Airtightness
25:12 Air Changes per Hour & CFM Measurements
27:03 Energy Modeling vs. Field Inspections
27:26 Helping Builders Meet Energy Requirements
28:36 Challenges With RESNET Standards
28:41 ACCA 310 & HVAC Performance Testing
30:59 Implementing New Standards
32:02 Understanding Testing Procedures
33:30 Reliable Equipment & Accurate Results
34:22 The Need for RESNET Transparency
34:33 Introducing the ROII Initiative
35:36 Simplifying Standards Implementation
36:02 Evaluating Time, Equipment & Administrative Costs
38:02 How Inspectors Can Support ROII
39:26 Industry Perspectives on Standards
40:39 Balancing Costs & Benefits
41:34 Improving Inspection Standards
41:50 Understanding the Rater Overhead Impact Index (ROII)
42:25 Closing Remarks & Contact Information