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.