Sergio DeCesare and Rick Kooyman discuss the complexities of insurance requirements in Florida, particularly the wind mitigation process. They highlight the My Safe Florida Home program, which encourages homeowners to upgrade their homes to newer building codes for insurance discounts. Rick explains the four-point inspection process, which assesses roof, electric, plumbing, and AC systems. He notes that the program is currently on hold due to legislative issues. They also discuss the impact of roof slope, the importance of following manufacturer's instructions, and the challenges of verifying compliance, especially with new products like spray foam insulation. Rick emphasizes the need for homeowners to understand these nuances to ensure proper insurance coverage and discounts.

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Episode 3 of the Florida Insurance Survival Series  

Rick Kooyman discusses the impact of Florida building codes on condo owners, particularly regarding impact-rated products. He explains that products must pass large missile tests to meet the code, which increases costs. Discounts for meeting these standards can range from 10% to 68%. He also details the stringent requirements for roofing, including nail specifications, underlayment materials, and roof shape. Kooyman highlights the challenges of maintaining and upgrading older structures to meet these standards, noting the high costs and the need for comprehensive inspections. He emphasizes the importance of understanding insurance policies and the potential for significant assessments in condo communities.

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Episode 2 of the Florida Insurance Survival Series 

Rick Kooyman discusses the stringent insurance industry standards affecting home inspections, particularly the four-point inspection. He notes that roofs, once insurable for 10 years, are now only insurable for 21-22 years, leading to higher costs or refusal of coverage. The industry also scrutinizes electrical panels, wiring, and plumbing, with specific attention to the type and age of materials. Kooyman highlights the impact of humidity and corrosion on appliances like air conditioners and hot water tanks, which are now insurable for only 12 years. He also explains the Wind Mitigation Program, which offers discounts for homes built to the Florida building code, and the importance of arc fault and ground fault outlets in modern building codes.

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Episode 1 of the Florida Insurance Survival Series 

Rick Kooyman discusses the rise in Florida insurance costs, tracing it back to Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which led to the creation of the Miami-Dade building code and later the Florida building code in 2002. The state established Citizens Insurance to cover high-risk areas, but it became a dominant player. Post-Irma, insurance policies required new roofs, inflating costs. Public adjusters and contractors profited, leading to higher premiums. DeSantis's House Bill 1857 favored insurers, reducing coverage and increasing denials. Four-point inspections, now mandatory, are costly and often lead to policy denials, exacerbating the insurance crisis.

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Rick Kooyman, owner of Trade Secret Inspections, discussed the complexities of homeowners insurance in Florida, particularly post-Hurricane Andrew. He explained the evolution of the Florida building code, the rise of Citizens Insurance, and the impact of Hurricane Irma on insurance rates and policies. Rick detailed the four-point inspection process, emphasizing the importance of meeting new standards for roofs, electrical panels, and other systems. He highlighted the wind mitigation program, which offers discounts for storm-resistant homes, and the challenges of maintaining older homes to meet these standards. The discussion also touched on the role of public adjusters and the increasing cost of insurance.

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Sergio DeCesare and Rick Kooyman discuss the nuances of real estate contracts in Naples, Florida, specifically the board contract, the neighbor contract, and the state contract called the Fire bar. Rick emphasizes the importance of due diligence, especially for vacant land, and highlights the differences between the two contracts, particularly regarding defective items and mold. He explains that the neighbor contract shifts more liability to buyers, while the Fire bar contract is more balanced. Rick also stresses the importance of thorough inspections, including environmental assessments, and the potential for addendums to modify contract terms. He offers a 100-day warranty program to mitigate risks for homeowners.

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Rick Kooyman from Trade Secrets Inspections discusses the importance of radon testing in homes, emphasizing that radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer after smoking. He explains that radon originates from the earth, particularly from uranium and radium in soil and building materials, and can accumulate in any enclosed space. Rick advises testing every three to five years or annually for those with health concerns. A typical mitigation for a single-family home costs less than $3,000, while a test can cost around $250. He stresses the importance of accurate testing and the liability for inspectors who downplay radon risks

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Sergio and Rick discuss the impracticality of basements in Florida due to the water table. Rick presents a case study of a house on a barrier island with a basement, highlighting structural issues like water intrusion, mold, and compromised foundations. The basement's floor is only 8-10 inches above the water table, leading to continuous pumping to manage water levels. The house's structural integrity is compromised, and Rick advises against repairing it. He emphasizes the importance of understanding local building codes and environmental conditions to avoid such issues. Rick provides contact information for further inquiries

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Sergio DeCesare and Rick Kooyman discuss the impact of Florida's weather on homes. Rick explains how the sun's energy heats the Earth, creating temperature differentials and resulting in wind and thunderstorms. He emphasizes the role of humidity and mold in homes, noting that Florida's environment is particularly harsh on materials. Rick highlights the importance of proper ventilation and maintenance to prevent mold growth. He also discusses the challenges of maintaining wood-frame homes in Florida's climate. Rick offers services through Trade Secrets Inspections, including mold and air quality assessments, to help homeowners understand and address these issues.

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Join Rick and Sergio of Max Business Profits as they discuss how inspections and forms are crucial for avoiding PMI and meeting insurance requirements.  Let Rick guide you through some of the ins and outs of the affect on policy holders.


To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186 

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 In 2002, Florida building codes improved, but pre-2002 properties may have different construction methods.  Listen in as we join with our new host, Sergio DeCesare of Max Business Profits, for an in-depth look at how previous building codes may now be costing you money.


To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186 

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 Rick Kooyman, a certified home inspector, started Trade Secrets Inspections to provide a better service than other inspectors in Southwest Florida.  Welcome to Season 2, where we introduce our new host Sergio DeCesare of Max Business Profits.   


To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186 

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In this episode, Rick  warns of hidden water and air quality issues in homes, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections


To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186

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Welcome to our newest division, Florida Mold Assessment.   Listen in as Rick talks about the Mold Assessor's role in the remediation of mold.

To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186

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The market is really hot today,  and prices are skyrocketing.  Demand is crazy high and supply levels are at  all time lows.  There's  a calamity of impossibilities coming together to create this storm of buying that's going on. There's lots of people that want to buy and there's lots of competition. That brings about the rushed processes, essentially. So what used to be a 15 day offer period has now been cut back to as little as 3 days.
Learn how we can help you through this during the buying frenzy!

To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186

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There's a shortage of homes listed, and a huge supply of people willing to buy, and it's creating some really crazy things happening in the market.  I just wanted to take a few minutes to talk to the realtors and the buyers out there and give you some ideas and some options on what you can do in this competitive market and some of the risks you might be taking that you may not be aware of.



To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186

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Today's unprecedented market is opening things up to new challenges. One of them being the shortage of actual homes for sale. The result is an ever growing demand for new construction. But don't be fooled! There are challenges and shortages that still occur; listen in as Rick explains how you can help protect yourself if you're looking at building a new home.

To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186

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Many times we are overwhelmed with the amount of information that is freely available to us. Let Rick help guide you through the choices that can be made to make things a little more comprehensible.

To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186

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What are Building Codes, and where did they originate? Why do we abide by them?

If you're curious where building codes originated, listen in as Rick explains the history and meaning behind what now shapes our homes and surroundings.

To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186

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Radon can harm us in many ways, do you know where it even comes from or how it gets into our homes? Listen in as Rick explains all that...and more!


To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186

Support the show

This time of year can be hectic with the holidays, and once you add in the COVID-19 crazy, we all probably need to stop, catch our breath. and gain some perspective...
Please enjoy Rick's tour of Perspectives...
We hope that you find joy, peace, love and understanding while we celebrate the holidays and move into 2022!

To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186

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Why is it that every time you think you've cleaned up all the mold, it's back the next time you turn around? Listen in as Rick walks us through some ways that we can help keep it at bay!


To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186

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If you have an older home, a 4 -Point Inspections could be what your insurance agent orders when looking for insurance. Listen in as Rick describes what a 4-Point inspection covers and it's purpose in the insurance world.


To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186

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Rick from Trade Secrets Inspections can explain what "1802"  and "Citizen's "  are and why they go hand in hand!

To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186 

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Ever wonder what a home inspector really looks for? Or were you curious  what they're not allowed to look at?  Listen in as Rick reveals more secrets of the trades!


To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186 

Support the show

Welcome to the Trade Secrets Inspections Podcast!

In his inaugural episode host Rick Kooyman of Trade Secrets Inspections previews his new podcast designed to keep homeowners in the know.

To learn more:
https://collierhomeinspector.com/

Trade Secrets Inspections
Rick Kooyman
rick@TradeSecretsInspections.com
(239) 537-1186

Support the show