Shows
Buying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorHow to Hire a General Contractor: What Homeowners & Buyers Need to Know (Part 1)Send us a textHiring a general contractor can feel confusing and overwhelming—especially if you’ve never tackled a remodel, repair, or major home project before. In this episode, we break it all down so homeowners and home buyers know exactly what to expect before they sign a contract.I’m joined by licensed general contractor Michael Fucci, owner of The Proud Crowd Inc., who walks us through what a general contractor actually does and how the hiring process works from start to finish. Michael explains how general contractors coordinate and ma...
2026-02-0126 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorFirst-Time Homebuyer’s Emotional Rollercoaster from Panic To Potential Part 1Send us a textfirst-time homebuyer’s emotional rollercoaster — from panic to potential — when they see an abandoned house they just bought.Part 1 First time home buyer Jason Land walks out of his first showing because it was a cluttered old home with overgrown vegetation even after i told him Don't Panic! Jason shares his emotional experience and we discuss how to best use his home inspection report.Support the showListener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.Is there a particular topic I have...
2025-07-1230 min
Key to the City of AngelsThe Importance of Home Inspections with John Laforme: Red Flags and Key Insights - Ep 15Join host Rick Albert as he speaks with John Laforme, an expert home inspector, in this episode of The Key to the City of Angels. John breaks down the essential elements of a thorough home inspection, from sewer inspections to identifying common hazards like asbestos. He also shares tips on evaluating older homes, fixing issues like uneven toilets, and the red flags to watch for in flipped homes. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or real estate professional, this episode offers key advice for navigating the home inspection process.🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert 🎙 Featuring: John Laforme...
2025-05-161h 06Buying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorCMU, Brick and River Rock Foundations And What You Need To Know!Send us a textJohn Laforme and YC with SoCal Seismic Foundation discuss the pros and cons of CMU (concrete masonry unit), brick and River rock foundations. They note that many older CMU foundations are hollow and difficult to retrofit, while brick foundations are often unreinforced and non retrofit-able. They emphasize the importance of inspecting for anchor bolts and rebar, which indicate a foundation's structural integrity. They also discuss the high cost of foundation replacements, averaging $85,000, and the challenges of dealing with historical homes. The conversation highlights the need for proper training and education for inspectors and...
2025-04-1219 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorLets be Clear About Post & Pier Repair!Send us a textThe posts and piers under your home support the foundation and floor structure of your house. They help distribute the weight of the home evenly to the ground, preventing sagging, shifting, or structural failure. Specifically, they support:John Laforme and YC from SoCal seismic construction discuss the importance of posts, piers, and beams in home foundations. They explain that these interior elements support the floor joists and walls, and can face issues like spalling, deterioration, and misalignment, similar to foundation problems. They highlight common defects such as...
2025-03-1410 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorEfflorescence Vs Spalling Vs Your FoundationSend us a textJohn Laforme and YC of SoCal Seismic discuss foundation issues such as efflorescence and spalling. Efflorescence is white mineral deposits from moisture intrusion, while spalling is concrete crumbling. They emphasize the importance of proper foundation inspections and testing, such as the pen test, to assess the sturdiness of foundations. A foundation replacement can cost around $85,000. They also highlight the impact of expansive soil, which expands and shrinks with moisture, causing cracks. Proper ventilation and drainage are crucial to prevent moisture issues. They also discuss the use of structural-grade plywood for cripple wall bracing...
2025-03-0717 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorSeismic Retrofitting Your Homes Foundation ( Yes I Mean Bolting It Down! )Send us a textSeismic retrofitting your foundation is crucial if you live in an earthquake-prone area. Here’s why it’s a smart investment:1. Protect Your Home from Structural DamageMany older homes were not built to modern seismic codes and can suffer severe damage or even collapse during an earthquake. Retrofitting strengthens your foundation and connections to prevent shifting or cracking.2. Enhance Safety for You and Your FamilyA stronger foundation means less risk of walls, roofs, or chimneys collapsing during a quake, reducing the chance of i...
2025-02-2819 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorVertical Vs. Horizontal House Foundation Cracks Explained! What You Need To Know!Send us a textJohn Laforme and YC from SoCal Seismic Construction House Bolting discuss foundation issues, emphasizing the commonality of cracks in raised foundations. YC explains that vertical cracks are typically caused by improper drainage and can be repaired with epoxy injection and metal straps. Horizontal cracks, however, indicate foundation failure due to rebar issues. They highlight the importance of proper drainage and rain gutters to prevent foundation problems. Contact InformationSoCal Seismic House Bolting323-770-9611https://www.ycbuilder.com/Vertical CracksCommon Causes
2024-11-2028 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorDo Not Miss Your (BOI) Filing Deadline On 12/31/24! Fines Can be 500.00 Per Day for non Compliance.Send us a textJames Walsh Explains what Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) is and how important it is to file before the 12/31/24 deadline. If you own a business in the United States do not delay and file today with link below.James has created a website to help you with filing your BOIhttps://boifilings.com/Click link below to watch the YouTube version of this episode.https://youtu.be/r7gfkBV8tWkFiling your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) before December 31, 2024, is essential...
2024-11-1124 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorThe Crawler Podcast Part 1 With Ore Babatunde From Uplink RoboticsSend us a textIn this podcast I am joined by Oreoluwa Babatunde Co-Founder & Head of Software @ UplinkRobotics LLCJohn Laforme and Ore Babatunde discussed the latest developments in robotics for home inspections, including drones, rovers, crawl bots, and camera technology. They explored potential applications such as navigating tight spaces and providing detailed images. Later, they discussed starting a robotics company and potential uses in search and rescue operations. They discussed designing a customized RC vehicle for home inspections and improving a handheld inspection camera. Lighting was emphasized as crucial for camera functionality....
2024-07-0129 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorHard Water And What You Need To Know With Water Specialist Ron KingSend us a textJohn Laforme and Ron King discuss the effects of hard water on homeowners, They emphasize the need for proper evaluation and recommendations for water treatment systems, highlighting the importance of testing water quality and evaluating plumbing system tolerance. Ron also discuss's water quality standards and regulations set by the EPA and local water providers, arguing that these standards should balance consumer preferences with what providers can deliver.Homeowners can check their local water quality report or request a water test from Culligan to determine hardness levels. John will refer homeowners with hard w...
2024-06-2126 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorDoug Smaldino Says Stop Procrastinating, Buy That Home Now!Send us a textMy guest Doug Smaldino is the owner of Hillhurst Mortgage located in Los Feliz California. I purchased my home with the help of Doug and and his awesome team at Hillhurst Mortgage back in October 2022.Doug has a message for all first time home buyers!Stop Procrastinating and buy a home now! Don't worry about the rates so much just focus on getting your foot in the door of that house you have always wanted. Once your in you can always...
2024-05-0538 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorElectrical Panels You Need To Upgrade Now!Send us a textIn this episode I am joined by Isaac Colon the owner of Electric Brothers Co. located in Pico Rivera California. I hired Isaac to do a major electrical upgrade on my home. I found his company searching on google, I am 200% satisfied with the work they did and their professionalism before, during and after the electrical upgrade.I highly recommend Electric Brothers Co.Isaac explains what we all need to know about electrical panels and which brands you should replace asap! Electrical Panels You sh...
2024-04-1155 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorWhy You Probably Suck At Report Writing!Send us a textIn This episode Skip Walker and I talk about home inspection report writing and you probably suck at it! Yes this means you! The report is your product and thats what your selling to your client, so consider each and every report to be your masterpiece. Fine tune your reports or risk having a potential legal issue with your clients. A well written canned response for a system defect written in 1980 is probably not going to cover most of todays homes so remember to proof read your canned responses before sending y...
2024-03-1526 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorElectrical Outlets And What You Need To Know!Send us a textIn this episode I am joined by Isaac Colon the owner of Electric Brothers Co. located in Pico Rivera California. I hired Isaac to do a major electrical upgrade on my home. I found his company searching on google, I am 200% satisfied with the work they did and their professionalism before, during and after the electrical upgrade.I highly recommend Electric Brothers Co.Isaac explains what we all need to know about electrical outlets aka receptacles & plugs in your home including todays electric code.What i...
2024-01-2943 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorUnderlayment's for Engineered Hardwood Flooring & Luxury Vinyl FlooringSend us a textPart 2: Emil Kapanadze with EKO Flooring joins me to discuss underlayment's for Engineered Hardwood flooring and Luxury Vinyl flooring. Emil explains correct installation techniques from his years of experience installing all types of flooring including correct underlayment and moisture barrier applications.Emil also gives ballpark costs for different types of flooring cost and installation.Did you know that most engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring is discontinued after just a few years? This is great information from Emil, So if your buying flooring be sure to buy an...
2024-01-1033 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorCode Check Series With Skip Walker Part 1Send us a textI am joined by home inspector Skip Walker who is also one of the co-authors of the Code Check series. Skip and I discuss report writing best practices as well as how to utilize the code check series of books.Code Check Series books are the most widely used code reference series in the U.S. Each Code Check book is a condensed guide to the most commonly used code sections. They include many of the most common code violations encountered by building inspectors, contractors, do-it-yourselfers and homeowners. New ed...
2023-12-1432 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorEngineered Hardwood Flooring Vs. Luxury Vinyl FlooringSend us a textEmil Kapanadze with EKO Flooring joins me to discuss Engineered Hardwood flooring Vs. Luxury Vinyl flooring.Emil explains correct installation techniques from his years of experience installing all types of flooring including correct underlayment and moisture barrier applications.Did you know that most engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring is discontinued after just a few years? This is great information from Emil, So if your buying flooring be sure to buy an extra box or two so you are covered if you have flooring damage that needs repair....
2023-11-0435 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorIs Home Solar For Everyone? The Final Chapter With Manny HernandezSend us a textIs home solar for everyone? Or is solar just snake oil? I have not been sold on solar because of past conversations with solar contractors and realtors as well as home owners. As of now no one has explained solar to me in a way i could understand it and how solar would benefit me. So does it really work? And is solar for all home owners or all homes?Lets Ask MannyI met the owner of Solar Service Professionals Manny Hernandez when he hired me...
2023-10-1038 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorWhat Causes House Fires with Fire Captain James WalkerSend us a textFire Captain James Walker shares his 24 years of firefighting experience with us to better educate and bring awareness to common causes of home fires. Look, we all get complacent in our own homes and ignore potential fire hazards with everyday bad habits. Are you cooking dinner on the range and then going outside to watch the kids while the open flame is unattended in the kitchen?Are you lighting candles next to flammable materials?Are you falling asleep with a lit cigarette?If yes to the above you...
2023-09-2339 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorMultiple Legal Claims Including Rihanna's Leaking Home with Attorney Greg PyfromSend us a textHome inspection attorney Greg Pyfrom is back with more legal claim discussion regarding home inspectors, home buyers and realtors. Greg shares a few ongoing legal claims with me as well as some past claims. Did you know that singer/song writer Rihanna had a major house defect claim on a home she had purchased where a major water leak into the home was discovered during a major rain event. Greg fills in some of the details.Support the showListener Feedback Is Always Welcome and...
2023-09-1157 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorIs Home Solar For Everyone? Part 3 With Manny HernandezSend us a textIs home solar for everyone? Or is solar just snake oil? I have not been sold on solar because of past conversations with solar contractors and realtors as well as home owners. As of now no one has explained solar to me in a way i could understand it and how solar would benefit me. So does it really work? And is solar for all home owners or all homes?Lets Ask MannyI met the owner of Solar Service Professionals Manny Hernandez when he hired me...
2023-08-2826 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorSwimming Pool Disaster With Jeff SchulteSend us a textPool Inspector/contractor extraordinaire Jeff Schulte is this episodes guest, Jeff shares his experience with a recently built built pool by an unknown pool contractor that has completely failed. This below ground pool has multiple major cracks in it and the pool cannot be repaired. This pool will need to be completely removed and then rebuilt from scratch. Listen to find out the potential cost to remove and replace a pool.Listen to Jeff Schulte previous podcast with links below.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buying-a-home-dont-panic-with-john-laforme/id1584253933?i=1000552660765...
2023-08-2030 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorAttorney Allan B. Gelbard Explains Trademark and how it may affect your business.Send us a textTodays guest is attorney at law Allan B. Gelbard Esq. Allan has been practicing copyright/trademark cases for about 27 years. Allan explains what trademark means and how it may affect you and your business.A trademark is a type of intellectual property that helps to protect your brand by distinguishing it from competitors. It is used to protect the name, logo, or slogan associated with a product or service from being used by others without permission.Allan B. Gelbard, Esq.The Law Offices of Allan...
2023-07-2422 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorIs Home Solar For Everyone? Part 2 With Manny HernandezSend us a textPart 2 with Manny Hernandez from Solar Service Professionals.Is home solar for everyone? Or is solar just snake oil? I have not been sold on solar because of past conversations with solar contractors and realtors as well as home owners. As of now no one has explained solar to me in a way i could understand it and how solar would benefit me. So does it really work? And is solar for all home owners or all homes?Lets Ask MannyI met...
2023-07-1627 min
Manx NewscastIn conversation with the Mississauga First NationRepresentatives of the Mississauga First Nation have visited the Isle of Man as part of the first official visit to the British Isles since the 19th century.
It's part of what's described as a 'nation-to-nation diplomatic mission to renew relationships and explore cultural, education and business opportunities', while re-animating the Silver Covenant Chain of Friendship - first established with King George III through the Treaty of Niagara in 1764.
At one time Indigenous Nations often sent delegations to these Isles, but the practice was stopped in 1867 by Canada's Confederation.
Lewis Foster speaks to Giima Bob Chiblow and Giima Stacey Laforme at...
2023-07-1307 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorHVAC Contractor Dean Gilford Answers FAQ for Home Owners Part 2Send us a textHeating & Cooling Contractor and owner of Kilowatt HVAC Dean Gilford Answers FAQ For Home Owners: Part TwoDean offers 30 plus years of heating and cooling experience installing retro fit upgrades for existing homes. Dean and I answer frequently asked questions from our everyday customers to help current and future home owners better understand their heating and cooling systems.Topics In This Episode:How often do you need to have your HVAC serviced?Dean recommends more maintenance on a newer HVAC system.What does...
2023-07-0929 minBuying A Home? Don't Panic! with Home InspectorAttorney Allan B. Gelbard Explains Copyright and how it may affect your business.Send us a textTodays guest is attorney at law Allan B. Gelbard Esq. Allan has been practicing copyright cases for about 27 years. Allan explains what copyright means and how it may affect you and your business. Copyright is a type of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression.Is your your website copyrighted?Is your home inspection report copyrighted?Is your youtube channel copyrighted?Allan B. Gelbard, Esq.The...
2023-07-0124 min