Regional Inspection Differences (with Jim Katen)

Structure Talk

In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry interview Jim Katen, a seasoned home inspector from the marine climate zone in Portland, Oregon. Jim offers valuable insights into the region's unique housing characteristics and challenges. Notably, he highlights the relatively young housing stock in Oregon, with few homes predating 1890, and the desirability of Craftsman-style houses from the 1920s. Basements, common in older homes, pose occasional water intrusion issues due to the rainy season.

Jim discusses the evolution of home construction quality and the shift towards electrification in heating systems, causing challenges in homes with limited electrical capacity. The conversation touches on the home energy score system, climate-specific considerations like rain and wind, roofing materials, and vapor barrier placement. Overall, it provides a comprehensive look into the distinctive features and challenges of home inspections in the Pacific Northwest's marine climate zone, shaping the future of home construction in the region.