Author Archive

Reuben Saltzman,

reubensaltzman

Reuben’s experience with home remodeling and construction began at age four when he helped his father Neil steam wallpaper, and continued from there. Reuben has worked for as a home inspector Structure Tech in St. Louis Park, MN, since it was purchased by Neil in 1997. Reuben has an A.A. degree in liberal arts and has attended several Building Inspection Technology classes at North Hennepin Community College.

  1. Deck collapse

    May is Deck Safety Month — Is Your Deck Safe?

    May is National Deck Safety Month and the most common cause of deck collapses is improper attachment to a building. Most decks are supported on one More

  2. smoke alarms

    Ionization vs. Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

    Do you know what type of smoke alarms you have in your house? It makes a difference, because there are two basic types of residential smoke alarms: More

  3. drip 25

    Horrors! Scenes from a Home Inspector’s No-No Book

    As a home inspector, once you step foot inside a home to inspect it for a customer, there’s usually a surprise or two awaiting. Because when More

  4. railing

    Problems With Flipped Houses

    Home flippers buy dilapidated houses, fix them up, then sell them again as quickly as possible with the intention of making a tidy profit.  Flipped houses More

  5. faucet

    How to Prevent Your Outside Faucets from Freezing

    Most homeowners who live in cold climates know it’s important to “winterize” the outside faucets to prevent them from freezing, which can destroy the faucet or More

  6. roof stains

    Zinc Strips Prevent Moss Growth on Roofs

    While black stains on roofs are a cosmetic issue, moss growth is more than just cosmetic. Not only does moss look terrible, it will also shorten More

  7. Decks-on-townhouses-440x330

    The Necessity of Full Home Inspections on Townhouses

    There’s a prevailing myth in the real estate industry that a townhouse inspection is far easier than a single family home, takes less time, and uncovers fewer defects.

  8. water stain side by side

    What Do Water Stains on Windows Mean?

    Water stains on window sills are often a source of anxiety for home buyers, and it’s the home inspector’s job to help determine if the stains More

  9. fallen deck

    Is Your Deck Safe?

    How do you know your deck is safe? You certainly don’t want to learn the hard way, which is what happens when a deck collapses.

  10. Home inspector

    How to Choose a Home Inspector

    Would you call a retail store and ask “How much do you charge for a TV?” Probably not. You’d have to do research and decide what More