A weekly home inspection podcast hosted by the founders of Inspector Toolbelt - the premier home inspection software. Get tips, insights, strategies, and more from our hosts and guests to help give your home inspection business a boost. Ian and Beon are property inspection and tech industry veterans with over 20 years of experience each. Sometimes they even stay on point :)
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World-class software development requires far more than language/platform expertise and steady sprints. Join us as we describe time-tested, industry-proven software best practices at the team, organization, and leadership levels, sharing examples from recent engagements with software teams of all sizes. Construx is led by industry leader Steve McConnell, author of Code Complete and More Effective Agile. Software experts first and software trainers and consultants second, our team has seen wh ...
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Welcome to The Gauge, brought to you by HomeGauge Inspection Software! We cover valuable insights and expert tips for the Home & RV Inspection Industry, including how to build your business online and out in the real world. Our mission is to help you learn and grow in this exciting field while building a thriving business that provides exceptional value to your clients. Whether you're a certified home inspector, a curious entrepreneur, or simply interested in inspections, join us on THE GAUG ...
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This podcast is dedicated in helping businesses with their fleet maintenance and management. Get tips, insights, and best practices from experienced professionals across various industries.
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Why Recessions Are Good for Home Inspectors
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18:26Recessions aren't something to fear – they're opportunities to seize, especially if you're a home inspection business owner. While conventional wisdom suggests economic downturns are universally negative, historical data reveals a surprising truth: home inspection companies consistently thrive during these periods. During both the Great Recession (…
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Words matter in home inspection reports - especially when those reports might end up scrutinized in court. This eye-opening discussion with Mike Marlow of Veteran Home Inspections reveals why the seemingly innocuous phrase "further evaluation" could be the most dangerous term in your reporting vocabulary. Mike and Ian break down why saying "further…
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How should you spend your always-limited testing resources? Is one part of the product more important to test than another? Construx's Steve Tockey and Earl Beede join host Mark Griffin in looking at one approach to answering those questions: risk-based testing. Steve and Earl look at how to do risk-based testing along with its pros and cons.…
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Effective inspection report writing requires finding the perfect balance between thoroughness and client accessibility, with strategic organization making all the difference in client satisfaction and efficiency. • Report summaries should be placed at the beginning, not the end, of inspection reports for maximum client usability • Common industry f…
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The difference between a successful home inspection business and an extraordinary one often comes down to something that can't be captured on a checklist: the customer experience you create. Mike Ortiz of Homefront Inspections returns to share the hard-earned wisdom that has transformed his business from agent-dependent to client-driven through the…
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The power of well-crafted disclaimers can save home inspectors from costly legal battles and unreasonable client expectations. • Disclaimers about differing professional opinions protect inspectors when specialists later suggest more extensive repairs • Clear language about inspections being limited and visual only sets appropriate client expectati…
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Tony shares his 26-year journey in the home inspection business and the creation of his new book "Beyond Inspecting: A Guide to Growing Your Home Inspection Business." His experience shows how diversification strategies can transform an inspection business when residential markets slow down. • Success is opportunity meeting preparation • Diversific…
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We explore the essential framework of narrative writing that every home inspector should master: observation, implication, and recommendation. The episode emphasizes the importance of clear communication to enhance client understanding and protect yourself legally. - Discusses the significance of structured narratives in inspection reports - Breaks…
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Dive into the evolving landscape of the home inspection market as we uncover the latest insights and predictions for Q2. In this episode, we analyze the surprising shift toward a buyer's market, particularly in regions like Southeast Florida. As inventory levels rise, home buyers are exhibiting more caution, prompting a shift in how inspections are…
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In an earlier webinar, Construx's Earl Beede took on many organizations that create product visions with phrases like, be the world's best ‘x’ or dazzle our customers. Not bad ideas but pretty much worthless in helping you make day-to-day decisions on what work is the most important for your business. This is a follow-up, with Earl and Mark Griffin…
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Unlock the secrets of impactful home inspection reporting with George Karampoulis. George takes us on a journey through the art of creating efficient and intuitive home inspection templates. With a focus on the end-user, he reveals how simplicity in design can enhance clarity and effectiveness, and even offers his own proven template to those eager…
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Learn how to elevate our home inspection reports with our latest episode, where we promise you'll learn how a well-structured rating system can transform your client communication. Join us as we explore the powerful clarity that rating systems bring, much like a doctor's report, helping clients grasp the severity of issues at a glance. With insight…
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#55 Practitioner Quizzes Construx - Session 1
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54:16Construx welcomes Onorio Catenacci to the microphone to ask questions about software development that continue to puzzle him and perhaps to see whether Construx has the answers. Join Contrux's Mark Griffin and Steve Tockey to see if they can give sound, helpful, and actionable answers to Onorio's questions—and find out whether Onorio can stump Cons…
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Setting Boundaries in Your Home Inspection Business
43:33
43:33
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43:33Imagine owning a thriving business but feeling like you're constantly on the verge of burnout. Sound familiar? If so, you are not alone. That's exactly what happened to Buck from Integrity Inspection Service in Knoxville, Tennessee. He shares his compelling story of transitioning from a stressed-out home inspector to a more balanced one. Buck opens…
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Using Past Tense In Home Inspection Reports
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16:14Tune into this episode of Inspector Toolbelt Talk, where we unpack the power of past tense, a simple yet transformative approach that could redefine how you communicate with clients. With insights from seasoned inspectors, attorneys, and insurance agents, we delve into why switching to past tense can be a game-changer for legal protection and clari…
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How To Grow Your Home Inspection Business
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41:27Discover the transformative journey of Tom White and Joe Worthy from Premier Inspector Group, two individuals whose paths crossed, leading to a thriving business partnership. Explore the essence of building robust business relationships as we delve into the impact of intentional networking and marketing strategies. Discover how targeting smaller, m…
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In Season 5, we dive into the shifting dynamics of the 2025 home inspection market, exploring trends in multi-generational buyers, urbanization, and the impact of interest rates. We provide valuable insights to help inspectors remain competitive and responsive to these changes. • Celebrating five years of Inspector Toolbelt Talk • Rhode Island’s ne…
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Construx's Jenny Stuart is retiring from the software industry, and we will miss her! In this podcast, Jenny Stuart looks back on her three decades in the software industry and shares stories and wins from her long career. Joining Jenny are three of her Construx work companions for the last 20 years, Mark Griffin, Steve Tockey, and Earl Beede.…
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Join us on the season finale of Inspector Toolbelt Talk as we unpack the transformative journey of our podcast and explore the growing impact of AI, particularly ChatGPT, in reshaping how we access information. Our reflections on the evolution of this niche podcast underline the surprising success we've achieved, thanks to our dedicated listeners. …
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Discover how grouping issues together during home inspections can unearth hidden problems and provide a legal safety net for all involved. Learn from our personal stories and insights from a legal expert, revealing how this approach not only safeguards you but also enhances the overall quality of your inspections. We'll explore real-life examples w…
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Why do software gurus keep talking about the Cynefin Framework? What is it? How is it even pronounced? In this episode of Inspect & Adapt, Construx puts many brains on the topic with Mark Griffin, Jenny Stuart, Steve Tockey, and Earl Beede making the link between Cynefin and doing actual software development work. They cover where Cynefin is best a…
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Episode 22: Aaron Anderson - Navigating the Challenges of New Construction Inspections
1:27:06
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1:27:06In the latest episode of The Gauge, we sit down with Aaron Anderson from Vigilant Inspection Services to explore the world of home inspection and new construction like never before.From his journey as a construction superintendent to becoming a trusted home inspector, Aaron shares how a life-changing incident reshaped his career path and fueled his…
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Unlock the secrets to mastering the home inspection sales process with expert insights from Sean Garvey of DwellInspect. Ever wondered how the psychology of scarcity, or what we call the "McRib principle," can skyrocket your business demand? You'll discover why creating a perception of limited availability is as powerful as the allure of rare diamo…
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What if focusing on your weaknesses could be the key to unlocking your full potential? Join me on this intriguing episode of Inspector Toolbelt Talk, where I challenge the age-old advice of "play to your strengths" and make a case for embracing our weaknesses instead. Sharing my personal story of overcoming challenges with interpersonal skills and …
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2025 Home Inspection industry Predictions
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39:06Is the home inspection industry on the brink of a major transformation by 2025? Discover how potential interest rate reductions and increased home building could set the stage for a surge in demand for inspections, as we share our insights into the emerging trends and shifting market conditions. With inventory levels echoing those of 2019, we consi…
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Most folks know that the product owner, scrum master, and developers make up the Scrum team, but did you know that these roles are also an accountability triad critical to scaling? In episode #52 of our Inspect & Adapt podcast, Construx’s Earl Beede and Jenny Stuart define the triad and describe its role in scaling agile. Earl and Jenny focus on ho…
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We discuss why cutting essential expenses like professional memberships could be your biggest misstep, drawing lessons from a local restaurant that crumbled under similar decisions. Uncover how staying visible and trustworthy in the market through organizations like Internashi can keep your conversion rates healthy and your business competitive all…
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Learn how to craft reports that strike the perfect balance between detail and clarity, minimizing stress for both inspectors and homebuyers. David brings a unique consumer perspective, helping us explore why reports often end up too detailed or too sparse, and how digital tools can sometimes complicate rather than clarify. Our conversation highligh…
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Discover the powerful communication techniques that can transform your home inspection client interactions. With personal insights and actionable tips, this episode offers valuable strategies for both solo inspectors and larger firms aiming to elevate their sales approach. Join us as we uncover the art of steering clients away from price-focused di…
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To be a professional usually means a commitment to ongoing professional development. Doctors, engineers, nurses, accountants, and teachers all require periodic training to maintain their professional status, but what constitutes professional development in software? Can we consider ourselves professional without it? The Construx team will look into…
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Join us for a compelling conversation with industry expert Randy Lima as we confront the challenge of return fees head-on. Learn why it's crucial for inspectors to charge for return visits, especially when utilities are off or access is restricted, and how to effectively communicate these policies to clients and agents. We share practical strategie…
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Ever wonder why a small group of home inspectors seems to dominate the market while others struggle? Join us in this eye-opening episode of Inspector Toolbelt Talk as Jay and Ian uncover the secrets behind the Pareto distribution and its impact on the home inspection industry. With Jay sipping on his cherished Irish whiskey, The Quiet Man, and Ian …
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Episode 21: From First-Time Buyers to Marketing Success: Real Estate Insights with Jess Bolet
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48:29In this episode of The Gauge, we chat with Jess Bolet, a real estate broker in Western North Carolina. They share their experience helping first-time homebuyers, building a successful brand, and leveraging partnerships with home inspectors. Jess discusses the importance of proactive communication, the marketing techniques that have helped them grow…
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Welcome back for the Q4 Market outlook for 2024! We’ll explore what is coming up this 4th quarter of 2024, and what 2025 may look like. We will share our predictions for the upcoming months, leveraging our track record of accurate forecasts and understanding of market cycles in the inspection industry. Curious about the real estate market’s latest …
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The product owner is often considered the most critical accountability in the triad of . Why? Because garbage in from the product owner gets garbage out of the developers, so it's crucial to give serious consideration to who is best to staff the product owner role. Listen to Construx experts share best pract…
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Can raising your prices actually lead to more sales? Join me on this solo journey as we explore the fascinating and counterintuitive strategy that suggests just that. Inspired by a memorable TED Talk and personal anecdotes, we dive into how higher prices can signal quality to consumers. From a KFC consultant's surprising advice to a personal story …
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How To Beat Burnout in the Home Inspection Industry
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45:08Ever wondered how hidden stressors could be sabotaging your home inspection business? Join us on this episode of Inspector Toolbelt Talk as Michael Ortiz and Ian confront the formidable challenge of burnout in our profession. We uncover startling ways burnout sneaks up on inspectors, from chaotic schedules to deteriorating customer relations. As we…
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Direct-to-Consumer Marketing for Home Inspectors
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17:14Curious about how to capture more direct-to-consumer clients in the home inspection industry? This episode of Inspector Toolbelt Talk promises to equip you with tangible marketing strategies to stay ahead in a shifting market. We'll uncover the secrets to maintaining a high-performing website with strong SEO and the nuances of effectively leveragin…
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There's a lot going on in the home inspection industry! We’ll explore why a potential recession could be a surprising boon for the home inspection industry and get you up to speed on the latest developments in the NAR lawsuit and its ripple effects on the market. Ever wondered how changing mortgage dynamics are shaping the housing market? We break …
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Ever wondered if you’re charging what you’re truly worth? Discover how one home inspector managed to gross $6,390 in just four days by raising prices and adding value, even in a non-booming market. You’ll learn the secret strategies behind this success story, and how not being afraid to lose some clients can actually lead to a better work-life bala…
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Episode 20: Staying Organized, Must Have Tools, and Social Media
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49:20Join me for an engaging and informative episode where I dive deep into the home inspection world with James and Stephanie Underwood from Over and Underwood Inspections. In this episode, we cover a range of topics including:🛠️ Key tools and tech that make inspections more efficient.⭐ Strategies for managing client expectations and earning 5-star rev…
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Ever wondered what keeps even the most accomplished professionals up at night? Imposter syndrome is the silent saboteur that undermines confidence and stunts business growth, especially in specialized fields like home inspection. Join us as we unpack this pervasive issue, diving into personal anecdotes and industry examples that shed light on the c…
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Mastering the Driveway Speech - With George Karampoulis
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43:29How can one simple conversation transform your home inspection business? George Karampoulos, a Certified Master Inspector and owner of Owl's Eye Home Inspections in Georgia, joins us to explore the power of the "driveway speech." This initial interaction with clients sets the stage for clear expectations before, during, and after a home inspection.…
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Can unprofessional communication really deter potential clients in the home inspection industry? Unearth the secrets to mastering first impressions as Kristine Gerber from Inspector Toolbelt joins us for an eye-opening discussion. Kristine sheds light on how something as simple as a full voicemail box or an unprofessional message can turn potential…
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Strategic Goal-Setting for Home Inspection Success
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15:42Can goal-setting be the difference between business success and failure? Join us on this enlightening episode of Inspector Toolbelt Talk as we uncover the vital importance of having clear objectives in the home inspection industry. Reflecting on my own journey to achieving planned successes, we'll explore the stark difference between accidental vic…
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Good Business is Good Business - With Randy Lima
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43:53Can good customer service turn a mundane home inspection into an unforgettable experience? Join us on this episode of Inspector Toolbelt Talk as we host the always insightful Randy Lima. Randy draws compelling parallels between the stellar customer service at Chick-fil-A and what home inspectors can achieve with just a touch of politeness, genuine …
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Ever wondered how a home inspector could become a TikTok sensation? Meet Austin Jenkins, or Inspector AJ, the world’s most famous home inspector. From aviation videos to viral roof inspections, AJ recounts his journey to social media stardom and shares strategies that keep his audience hooked. Listen to AJ's insights on posting frequency, handling …
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Are Mandatory Home Inspections a Good Thing?
48:19
48:19
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48:19What if skipping a home inspection could be a thing of the past? Join us on Inspector Toolbelt Talk as we sit down with Preston Sandlin from Home Inspection Carolina, a pioneer who has been in the home inspection industry since the mid-90s. In a thought-provoking discussion, we dive deep into the legislative efforts spearheaded by Massachusetts, Ne…
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Episode 19: Florida Licensing, Inspection Associations, and Branding
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52:20Join us for an insightful episode as we explore the journey of becoming a licensed home inspector in Florida and starting your own business in the field. Our guest, Natalie Jenkins, shares her experience from exam preparation to overcoming startup challenges and growing a client base. She discusses the impact of FABI (Florida Association of Buildin…
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Relationship Marketing for Home Inspectors
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45:09
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45:09Join Ian and David on Inspector Toolbelt Talk as they dissect the art of relationship building in the home inspection industry. Drawing from their own experiences and a touch of humor, they unravel the complexities of parasocial and intersocial relationships—one-sided interactions versus direct, two-way connections—and how mastering both can lead t…
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