This week, Jamie tackles a question every homeowner faces: Should you handle home improvement projects yourself or hire a professional?

He breaks down common projects into three simple categories: green light, yellow light, and red light, based on safety, risk, and complexity. You’ll learn which tasks are generally safe for DIY enthusiasts, such as cosmetic updates and basic maintenance, and which ones, like electrical work or structural changes, are better left to licensed professionals.

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Episode Highlights

1. Green, Yellow, Red Projects: A simple framework to decide which home improvements are safe to DIY and which require caution.
2. Know Your Limits: Why electrical, plumbing, and structural work often demand professional expertise.
3. Skill vs. Savings: How to evaluate whether doing it yourself truly saves money in the long run.
4. Safety First: Understanding building codes, long-term risks, and how to protect your home investment.

This week, Jamie breaks down the often-overlooked danger of electrical overload, a leading cause of residential fires.

Jamie explores how silent electrical fires start, the subtle warning signs many people miss (like flickering lights or warm outlets), and the common mistakes that put homes at risk, such as overloading circuits or treating extension cords as permanent fixes. Listen for practical prevention tips and smart safety habits that will help you protect your property and enjoy real peace of mind.

Episode Highlights

1. Why electrical overload is a major (and underestimated) cause of house fires
2. The hidden warning signs of silent electrical fires you shouldn’t ignore
3. Common homeowner mistakes that put electrical systems under strain
4. Simple, proactive steps to improve electrical safety and reduce risk

This week, Jamie shares water heater problems that can cause major inconvenience and costly damage if left unchecked.

He breaks down the common causes, from sediment buildup and corrosion to poor maintenance habits. You’ll also learn the early warning signs to watch for, including inconsistent water temperatures and strange noises from your unit. Whether you’re a homeowner, real estate agent, or investor, Jamie has tips to help you stay proactive, protect your property, and avoid unexpected water heater disasters.

Episode Highlights

1. Most water heaters last about 8–12 years, which isn’t very long.
2. Sediment buildup can cause overheating and tank failure, so regular maintenance matters.
3. Warning signs include rusty water, strange noises, and small leaks.
4. Proper installation and upkeep help prevent major damage and expensive repairs.

Dryer fires are far more common than most homeowners realize, and the dryer vent is often the root cause. In this episode, Jamie explains how lint buildup, restricted airflow, and improper vent materials create serious fire hazards inside the home.

Jamie shares practical guidance on proper dryer vent maintenance and material selection, helping you reduce risk, improve appliance performance, and protect your home through simple preventative steps.

Episode Highlights

1. Why dryer fires are more common than most homeowners realize
2. How lint buildup and poor airflow create serious fire hazards
3. The importance of proper dryer vent materials and installation
4. Simple maintenance tips to reduce risk and improve safety

This week, Jamie shares why gutter maintenance is one of the most overlooked and most critical parts of protecting your home from water damage. Improper roof and yard runoff account for an estimated 90–95% of basement water intrusion. Jamie walks through the most common gutter failures, including clogs, improper pitch, and disconnected downspouts, and how these issues can quickly escalate into costly structural problems. Learn practical maintenance tips, warning signs to watch for, and when it’s time to call in a professional to keep your home safe during the rainy season.

Episode Highlights

1. Why gutters play a key role in protecting your foundation
2. How poor water management leads to basement leaks
3. The real source of most basement water problems
4. Common gutter issues homeowners overlook

Welcome back to the Thoughts from the Crawlspace podcast! This week, Jamie breaks down the vital role sump pumps play in protecting your home from water damage, especially during heavy rain and severe weather. Jamie shares practical insights into proper sump pump testing, routine maintenance, and common failure points homeowners often overlook. He also discusses the importance of backup systems, including battery and water-powered backups, to keep your sump pump running during power outages.

Episode Highlights

1. Why sump pumps are one of the most important defenses against basement flooding
2. Common reasons sump pumps fail and how homeowners can spot issues early
3. How often you should test and maintain your sump pump
4. The risks of relying on a single sump pump system

In this episode of Thoughts from the Crawl Space, Jamie shares what it really takes to be an outstanding home inspector. He breaks down the difference between just getting by and truly excelling in the profession, while stressing the value of solid technical skills, ongoing training, and smart problem-solving to protect buyers from expensive surprises. Just as crucial are strong communication and customer service skills, which help build trust and guide clients through the often emotional process of buying a home.

Episode Highlights

• Key skills that set top home inspectors apart.
• Importance of training and problem-solving.
• Building trust through communication and service.
• Tips for confident, informed home buying.

In this episode of Thoughts from the Crawl Space, Jamie breaks down one of the most misunderstood hazards in older homes: asbestos. Once prized for its fire-resistant and insulating qualities, asbestos now poses serious health risks, especially when its presence goes unnoticed.

Every homeowner and prospective buyer should know where asbestos commonly hides, why it becomes dangerous when disturbed, and how to approach it with caution. Listen as Jamie highlights the importance of professional testing and remediation, reminding listeners that DIY solutions can worsen exposure risks.

Episode Highlights

• Asbestos is a serious health risk often found in older homes, especially when disturbed.
• Professional testing and remediation are essential; DIY approaches can increase exposure.
• Knowing common asbestos locations helps homeowners and buyers make safer decisions.
• Proper maintenance and cautious renovations reduce risks and ensure long-term home safety