February 2016 Reporter

ASHI

2.16

REPORTER

Learn Abou t the COMP Progra m on Pa ge 7

Inspection News & Views from the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.

12

Pipe and Stack Flashings

18

The Home InspectorReal Estate Agent Relationship: Two Points of View

22

How to Raise Your Prices Without Killing Your Business: Part 1

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The ASHI School After You Graduate FLASHLIGHT SHOOTOUT 2016

P8

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On My Mind: Who is This Guy and How Did He Get Here?

2.16

REPORTER ASHI

February 2016

Vol. 33, #2

Features

8 Flashlight Shootout 2016 Rick Bunzel, ACI

12 Pipe and Stack Flashings

The Industry’s First AFCI Outlet

18

Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop

The Home Inspector-Realtor Relationship:

Two Points of View

Linda Reilly, Coldwell Banker, Residential Brokerage

22

Bruce Fisher, White Glove Inspections

How to Raise Your Prices Without

Killing Your Business, Part 1

Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop

Departments 6

7

8

Being Frank: From ASHI’s Executive Director

The Holidays are Over, but Giving and Receiving can Continue all Year ’Round

Around the CoRner Jim Funkhouser, Speaker of the CoR

25

The ASHI School After You Graduate ASHI School Staff

26 Affiliate Spotlight Joe Ferry, The Home Inspector Lawyer

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32

Your ASHI

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10/2/14 1:22 PM

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New Inspector Status, Chapter Events, Council News and Education Membership News, Event Calendar, Endorsed Member Programs & Anniversaries

Postcards From the Field It’s Wacky Out There

On My Mind

Randy Sipe, ASHI President

Please Support Our Advertisers:

THE FUTURE IS ON®

ASHI Reporter • February 2016

ASHI Community

Visit leviton.com/afci

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Leviton BusinessRisk Partners Ohio Chapter of ASHI Millionaire Inspector Community OREP EBPHI How To Operate Your Home Allen Insurance Group American Home Warranty Co.

ASHI Online Learning Center

2 leviton.com/afci 5 inspectorinsurance.com 7 ohioashi.com/events 11 FreeInspectorTeleclass.com 13 OREP.org 15 NHIEStudyGuide.org 15 htoyh.com 17 allenins.com 19 ahomewarranty.com 20 www.ashi.org

36 Target InspectIt Fort Reports Joe Ferry 3d Inspection System America’s Call Center The ASHI School Sun Nuclear Corporation HomeGauge

21 TargetProIns.com 24 InspectIT.com 25 fortreports.com 27 joeferry.com/agreement 35 3dinspection.com 35 americascallcenter.com 35 theASHIschool.com 39 sunradon.com 40 HomeGauge.com

3February 2016

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ASHI National Officers and Board of Directors Educated. Tested. Verified. Certified.

A SH I M ISS I ON S TATEM ENT To set and promote standards for property inspections

and to provide the educational programs needed to achieve excellence in the profession and to meet the needs of our members.

Officers Tim Buell, Treasurer Marysville, OH, 614-746-7485 tim.buell@gmail.com

Howard Pegelow, President-Elect Gilbert, AZ, 414-379-4186 hpegelow@yahoo.com

Scott Patterson, Secretary Spring Hill, TN, 615-302-1113 scott@traceinspections.com

Robert Walstead, Vice President Colorado Springs, CO, 719-495-2652 rwalstead@aol.com

Alden Gibson, Immediate Past-President Breslau, ON, 519-648-3963 alden@inspectgib.com

Directors Bruce Barker 2015-2017 Cary, NC, 919-322-4491 bruce@dreamhomeconsultants.com

Donald Lovering 2015-2016 Auburndale, MA, 617-698-3903 lovering@earthlink.net

Ken Harrington 2015-2017 Delaware, OH, 614-507-1061 inspectorken@rrohio.com

Blaine Swan 2016-2018 Columbus, OH 614 506-0647 goodeyeinspections@gmail.com

David Haught 2016-2018 Huntington, WV, 304-417-1247 inspector@wvchi.com C. Blaine Illingworth III 2015-2017 Harleysville, PA, 610-565-4181 housemechanic@hotmail.com Keven Kossler 2015-2017 Huntersville, NC, 704-875-3200 Team@CastleCheck.com Bruce Labell 2015-2017 Scottsdale, AZ, 602-765-2140 inspect@cox.net

Tony Smith 2015-2017 Cedar Rapids, IA, 319-533-4565 inspecthathouse@netscape.net Mike Wagner 2014-2016 Westfield, IN, 317-867-7688 mwagner@ralis.com John Wessling 2016-2018 St. Louis, MO, 314-520-1103 john@wesslinginspections.com Kevin Westendorf 2014-2016 Mt. Pleasant, SC, 843-881-7842 kevinw@lowcountryhome inspection.com

Speaker, Council of Representatives: James Funkhouser 2015-2016 Mark Londner 2014-2016 Manassas Park, VA, 703-791-2360 Purcellville, VA, 540-668-6339 jfunkhousr@aol.com mark@LBIhome.com

Publisher: Frank Lesh Editor: Carol Dikelsky Art Director: Arlene Zapata, Jr. Designer: Juraj Ilavsky American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. 932 Lee Street, Suite 101 Des Plaines, IL 60016

847-954-3186 Reporter calls only 847-299-2505 (fax) Reporter only E-mail: frankl@ashi.org Advertising: Dave Kogan Phone: 847-954-3187, E-mail: davek@ashi.org

ASHI REPORTER – ISSN 1076-1942 – the official publication of the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. (ASHI), 932 Lee St., Suite 101, Des Plaines IL 60016, is published monthly. Annual subscriptions: $44.95 to non-members. Periodical postage paid at Des Plaines, IL 60016 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ASHI Reporter, 932 Lee Street, Suite 101, Des Plaines, IL 60016-6546.

Copyright© 2016, ASHI. None of the content of this publication may be reproduced, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Inclusion of or specific mention of any proprietary product within does not imply endorsement of, nor does exclusion of any proprietary product imply non-endorsement, by the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. Opinions or statements of authors and advertisers are solely their own, and do not necessarily represent the opinions or positions of ASHI, its agents or editors. See above for information pertaining to submission of articles, advertising and related materials.

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ASHI Reporter • February 2016

Main Phone: 847-759-2820, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Mon. - Fri., CST Executive Director

Randy Sipe, President Spring Hill, KS, 913-856-4515 randy@familyhomeinspections.com

Richard Hart 2016-2018 Conyers, GA, 770-827-2200 ashi1@comcast.net

ASHI STAFF

Frank Lesh, Executive Director, 847-954-3182, frankl@ashi.org Bonnie Bruno, Executive Assistant, 847-954-3177 bonnieb@ashi.org Education, CE Approval, Smart Track, InspectionWorld

Michele George, Director of Education & Events, 847-954-3188 micheleg@ashi.org Membership, Chapter Relations, Booth Rental, Product Orders

Russell Daniels, Assistant Executive Director, Director Membership and Chapter Relations, 847-954-3185, russelld@ashi.org Mark Lester, Membership Services Coordinator, 847-954-3176 markl@ashi.org Janet George, Membership Services Supervisor, 847-954-3180 janetg@ashi.org Jen Gallegos, Membership Administrator, 847-954-3175 jeng@ashi.org Kate Laurent, Administratove Assistant, 847-954-3179 Katel@ashi.org Accounting

Toni Fanizza, Bookkeeper, 847-954-3190, tonif@ashi.org Beverly Canham, Financial Assistant, 847-954-3184 beverlyc@ashi.org Website, Information Systems, Database

Mike Rostescu, Director IT & Internet Communications 847-954-3189, miker@ashi.org Publications, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations

Dave Kogan, Manager of Marketing & Business Development 847-954-3187, davek@ashi.org Arlene Zapata, Graphic Design Manager, 847-954-3186 arlenez@ashi.org The ASHI School

Kendra Eiermann, Manager, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3178 kendra@theashischool.com Steve Reilly, Senior Sales Representative, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3181, steve@theashischool.com Kimberly McGraw, Administrative Assistant, 847-954-3198 kim@theashischool.com

5February 2016

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E Around the CoRner

From ASHI’s Executive Director

The Holidays are Over, but Giving and Receiving can Continue all Year ’Round N

ow that the holiday season is over, it’s time to start thinking about increasing your business to help pay for all those gifts you bought. You can do what most inspectors do, such as passing out more brochures, advertising in the local media or increasing your search engine optimization (SEO) by going to Facebook, LinkedIn or any number of other Internet options. Those are all good ideas. However, I found that one of the best ways for me to increase my business was to be the “go-to guy” in my area. Whether you focus on the physical area in which your business is operating or you develop a specific area of expertise, your efforts can have lucrative rewards.

The immediate result? I received calls from agents wanting me to do their family members’ inspections. Incidentally, many would then have the nerve to ask if they could get a discount. Of course, the answer was no. But once the inspection was completed, most of them started using me regularly. Sometimes just for family members, sometimes when they had “difficult” clients—the ones who ask a million questions over and over again and are never satisfied.

Also, they would call, asking me to explain something that came up in an inspection that I did not do. I would take the time to answer their questions the best I could, even though they didn’t use me for that inspection. But the bottom line was, I became their go-to guy.

Let me explain the physical location first. If you are giving a presentation at a real estate office, and you suspect many of the agents don’t use you because they think you’re “a deal killer,” you can turn that belief into a great opportunity by making them an offer they can’t refuse. I once did a presentation at a realty office where some agents had seen or heard of deals falling through after I had inspected the house. The belief was that I, not the condition of the house, had been the reason the contract failed. Therefore, they decided to never use me. In addition to that, my prices were higher than most of the competition. Knowing that one of those two reasons was probably why I wasn’t being used, I started off my presentation by saying, “I don’t recommend you use me for any of your clients… (pause for dramatic effect). One, I’m not as cheap as other inspectors (and I used the word “cheap” intentionally) and two, don’t use me unless the clients are your friends, your daughter, your son or other family members.”

also became a resource for other inspectors. Having decided to specialize in Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) installations, I did many presentations to my chapter members on what to watch out for at EIFS houses. Since the Great Lakes Chapter covers seven states, I would get calls from inspectors who had clients in the great states of Iowa, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana and everywhere in between.

( EI very head in the office looked up and stared at me. knew I had their attention. I went on to say, “I’m

going to do a thorough inspection. I’m going to call them like I see them and some of the deals are not going to go through. So, if you’re just looking for an inspection that won’t make waves, then it’s probably best to use some other inspector. But if you want your family and friends to have a good inspection, I’m your guy.”

I

Many inspectors accept going to real estate offices to drum up business, but many miss the opportunity to gain business from other inspectors. That’s why belonging to an ASHI chapter is so important. Inspectors get to know and trust you. There is a misguided belief that other inspectors can only be competitors and that simply is not true. If you give others your time and expertise, you will receive gratitude and business from those you help. In that respect, the holiday season may continue for you all year long.

On another note, please read Council of Representative Jim Funkhouser’s article on Page 7. We have a program in place to help both chapters and members increase their viability. You’ll be hearing a lot more about this in the coming days.

H

ASHI Reporter • February 2016

So, let’s say an ASHI chapter in Northern Colorado (let’s call them “NOCASHI”) has a small, but steadfast, membership that wants to attract more members and raise the recognition of ASHI it’s their area. Poor NOCASHI. Whatever shall it do? (Stop it…you’re getting ahead of me.)

Well, the brilliant chapter leaders in NOCASHI decided to contact the Chapter Relations Committee (CRC) through Ol’ Saint Daniels (also known as Russell Daniels at ASHI headquarters, email russelld@ashi.org) and ask, “Please, sir, may I have some help, too?” (OK, I’m writing this at Christmastime, so I’m mixing in a little Dickens…just go with it.) Lo and behold, the brilliant chapter leaders found themselves with assets, logistics and monies, oh my! (OK…and “The Wizard of Oz”).

Here’s the nitty-gritty: Your chapter writes a proposal for an event you wish to hold. It can be a seminar, an open house, a help booth at a local hardware store… anything. Russell and the Chapter Relations Committee will consider the proposal to figure out how best they can assist you. They can provide speakers, help arrange a location to hold the event, assist in advertising the event and help with the costs involved.

Pretty cool, right? It’s there for the asking. So, what are you prepared to do?

(Fine…and “The Untouchables”).

Now, what’s YOUR great idea? Write me at Speaker@ashi.org and share your ideas with the Council of Representatives (CoR). ~ Jim James Funkhouser • Speaker, ASHI Council of Representatives • Speaker@ashi.org H

ASHI Council of Representatives Speakers and Group Leaders

Speaker: Jim Funkhouser 571-214-4039 jfunkhousr@aol.com

Midwest

Alternate Speaker: John Wessling St. Louis, MO 314-520-1103 John@wesslinginspections.com

South Atlantic

Secretary: Brendan Ryan 724-898-1414 brendan@csahomeinspection.com Group Leaders

New England/ Canada Mike Atwell 617-630-5629 mike@jmhi.com

New York/ New Jersey Kevin Vargo 732-271-1887 kpvargo@comcast.net

Mid-Atlantic

Frank Lesh, Executive Director American Society of Home Inspectors Direct: 847-954-3182 Frankl@ashi.org • www.ashi.org

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From The Speaker of the CoR

ver heard of the COMP Program? Yeah, I thought not. It’s the Chapter Outreach for Member Project and although it might be new to you, it’s been around for a while and may be just the kick in the pants your chapter needs to build awareness in your market and increase membership! This is a program that ASHI Director Bruce Barker and some other guy (yes, that guy would be me) designed to help chapter leaders who find they need assistance puting on seminars or other awareness-raising events due to lack of personnel, money or both. Let’s walk through the program.

Hollis Brown 703-856-7567 Hollis@thorospec.com

7February 2016

Michael J. Von Gunten 262-945-2446 mike@lahigroup.com Richard Hart 770-827-2200 ashi1@comcast.net

Gulf John Knudsen 334-221-0876 jgknudsen111@ elmore.rr.com

South Midwest John Wessling 314-520-1103 john@wesslinginspections.com

North Central Dave Haught 304-417-1247 inspector@wvchi.com

Mountain Kurt Salomon 801-523-6060 kurt@inspectutah.com

Pacific Darrell Hay 206-226-3205 darrellhay@aol.com

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Flashlight Shootout 2016

a problem with the switch on the first unit, but Streamlight quickly repaired it. Streamlight products have a lifetime warranty that I have used in the past. If you have a problem, send it back and they will repair it for free in most cases.

Flashlight Shootout 2016

By Rick Bunzel, ACI

I

t’s been 10 years since I did my first flashlight review, and there have been a lot of changes. Back then, battery life on a MagCharger lasted for about one inspection, the halogen bulb was the brightest and lithium batteries were nowhere to be found.

In 2016, many lights will go for numerous inspections before needing to be recharged.

Today, size doesn’t equate with brightness.

My brightest light in the 2012 review had a 6-inch lens and was 18 inches long. In 2016, I tested a light with a 1-inch lens that’s 4.5 inches long and put out nearly as much light and has a battery that will last for several hours.

My requirements for an inspection flashlight haven’t changed since 2012. The flashlight should be rechargeable, preferably with a 12-volt charger, have a brightness greater than 200 lumens, fit comfortably in my toolbelt and emit a neutral, light color. For this review, I was able to get LED flashlights from LED Lenser, MagLite, StreamLight and Dorcy. I requested a main working light and a pocket light. (I found that I like to carry a pocket light as a backup in case I have a problem in an attic or crawlspace.

The pocket light has to be able to fit in the ruler pocket of my pants.)

8

ASHI Reporter • February 2016

Many lights I received use USB chargers.

This great new feature allows charging on the go with an adaptor and a USB cable (see sidebar). One manufacturer put a battery gauge on its light. Because most of these lights have some “smarts,” it would be nice if each one had an indicator to show when there’s less than one hour of run time left.

The brightness of the 2016 lights is dramatically different and some of the lights are too powerful for interior inspection use. Most lights I reviewed use a Cree LED element, with the more powerful of these elements producing over 1,000 lumens. In the 2012 test, the brightest light produced over 1,300 lumens using five LEDs. In this test, the UltraStinger produced 1,100 lumens with a single C4 LED. In a residential inspection, you really don’t need more than 200 to 400 lumens. Beyond 400 lumens, the light washes out the objects and you lose detail.

Another issue I found with lights over 500 lumens was that the lighted objects are so bright they will dilate your eyes. The exceptions are when you are in an attic, basement or crawlspace.

I used the lights on inspections to provide real-life conditions. I tried to use each light for at least two weeks. Originally, I planned to photograph the beams focused on a target (as I did with the last test), but as lights have gotten brighter, I think this is less relevant.

(Note: All pricing is from Amazon and is subject to change.)

Streamlight Strion HPL ($108; 615 maximum lumens): This light should be considered the successor to the UltraStinger as it is lighter and brighter than the original UltraStinger. This light has three modes of brightness (615, 320 and 160 lumens) and a strobe mode. The lens is not adjustable and using it at the highest setting causes a hotspot in the middle of the beam.

The switch is on the butt, but I wish there was a switch behind the lens to make it easier to cycle through the brightness options. The one drawback to its small size is the reduced run time of one hour on the high setting and two hours on the medium setting. It comes with a lithium ion battery and a charging cradle that takes a 120-volt adaptor or a 12-volt plug. Like all Streamlight products, the Strion is well-constructed and heavyduty. One drawback to this light is its short run time, but with a 12-volt charger and cradle, I would normally just park it in the cradle between inspections. I also did have

UltraStinger LED ($119.95; 1,100 maximum lumens): This is such a bright light that, unless you get used to clicking through its brightness modes, it’s really too bright for inspection work other than in crawlspaces.

At 1,100 lumens, it washes out everything and dilates your eyes. Streamlight has a programing mode (Ten-Tap) that allows you to select high/medium/low with strobe, high only (without strobe) or high/medium/low without strobe.

toggle for the three brightness levels. It comes with a lithium ion battery and both 120-volt and 12-volt adapters. The run time is three hours at high power and six hours at midpower.

ClipMate USB light ($40; 70 lumens): The ClipMate did not fit into my pocket light definition, but it is a cool little work light.

It’s lightweight and it can clip onto a pocket or a hat. The light is on a stalk, so it is easy to clip it and focus it on where you are working. There is a built-in USB jack, so it can plug directly into any USB port.

Unfortunately, what I really would want is to start out at low power and step up through the modes. Also, I’d like the lens to focus to allow a flood beam or narrow spotlight.

Without these features, the UltraStinger LED is really most useful for outdoors or in crawlspaces and attics.

SL-20 ($89.99; 350 maximum lumens): I’ve had this light for 18 months and it has been my daily inspection flashlight. Usually, I can do four to six inspections without recharging it. Its nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries recharge pretty fast and the cradle is superior to the Strion or the UltraStinger cradles. The SL-20 charger has a hoop that easily aligns. The body is a nylon polymer that makes it nearly indestructible. This lens is not adjustable and if I use it to add light to a picture, I have to position the beam’s hotspot out of the picture to prevent washing out detail.

Waypoint Spotlight ($111; 1,000 lumens): In the Pacific Northwest, we have a lot of crawlspaces that are tight, nasty and dark.

I want a bright light so I can look into the crevices and corners. My previous crawlspace light was the Dorcy 750-lumen spotlight. It wasn’t perfect and it had a habit of not wanting to turn back on if it momentarily shut off. Streamlight’s spotlight is twice the price, so I had high expectations. The Waypoint did not let me down. It’s well-built and the features were on par with all the Streamlight products. The Waypoint was 25% brighter with a single C4 LED than the Dorcy Spotlight. The trigger will turn on momentarily or stay on constantly, and there is a separate

LED Lensers LED Lenser P17R ($249; 400 maximum lumens): From the moment you start unboxing the P17R, you can tell it’s a quality product. It has a weight to it similar to the old MagCharger. This is the only light that has a true focusing beam. With a quick twist, this light goes from a tight focus to flood. The flood was great—it allowed me to be able to add light to broad pictures in the crawlspace and attic. The tight focus made the light seem brighter than the Strion HPL. This light also has some technology behind it. In addition to the three modes, it has a 360-degree gauge on the butt that tells you the state of the charge.

LED Lenser P5R.2 ($111; 270 maximum lumens): When it comes to pocket lights, the P5R.2 is superior to anything else out there. This R.2 version gains 70 more lumens over the previous version and it has a handy charger cradle. It is powerful enough to be your main working light and small enough to go into your ruler pocket.

I carried the previous model for over two years—even sent it through the laundry numerous times—and it continued to work.

Mysteriously, my P5 disappeared, eaten by either the laundry basket or the dryer. I have hopes that it will show up someday. In the meantime, the R.2 is taking its place. I love

Flashlight Shootout 2016

the focusing beam and the USB supermagnet charger. The only downside is that this is an expensive light if you use it only as a backup.

LED Lenser F1R ($119.85; 1,000 maximum lumens): This specialty light combines incredible output with a three-hour battery life in the form of a pocket light. When I first used it, I was blown away. LED Lenser did an incredible job building this light; however, for our purposes, it really has too much power. But for anyone who needs a tactical light, this is the product for you. It has the LED Lenser quality to match the battery and lumen output, but it has a high price tag.

Dorcy Dorcy PowerBank ($59.99; 520 maximum lumens): At first glance, I tried to decide whether this was a pocket light or a working light, as it was only 6 inches long and has a small lens. Then I turned it on, and I found it to be really bright for its size. The light has three brightness modes, strobe and an SOS signal, plus it can act as a 2,250 milliamp battery. If you prefer to carry a flashlight on your belt ring, you should consider this light.

If Dorcy could incorporate a focusing beam, this flashlight would be perfect, but as it sits, it’s a pretty nice light and a worthy consideration at this price point.

Dorcy COB Pocket Light ($10.99; 30 lumens): This inexpensive pocket light has a dim spotlight and a semibright floodlight on the side. Compared with other pocket lights, it was disappointing, but considering its low cost, it’s not too bad.

Continues on the next page

9February 2016

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Flashlight Shootout 2016

16 hours (on low power, battery life is 77 hours). I’m not a fan of disposable batteries, but with this kind of battery life, it’s worth considering.

Maglite Maglite ML125 ($79.78; 193 lumens): My first real inspection light was a MagCharger. I think I paid about $200 for it, which was a big investment at the time.

It was bright, but had a short battery life. In 2012, Maglite had a single LED light, but I was hopeful that, in 2016, Maglite would re-establish itself as a major player in the professional-quality flashlight market. I asked Maglite for a rechargeable LED and got the ML125 plus several regular battery lights. My first impression of the ML125, was it this wasn’t built nearly as robustly as a MagCharger. It was small and parts of this light were plastic. When you pulled back the hood, there was a plastic focus mechanism that was different from the LED Lenser; the Maglite allows you to tune the focus of the beam and lock it in place, but not on the fly, which is a critical difference. My other complaint with this light is its claim to be “rechargeable.” Unlike all the other lights in the test, the ML125 requires battery removal for charging; you have to place the NiCad cell in a charger. The redeeming factor is the run time. On high mode, run time is 25 hours, which could last for a week of inspections. In low mode, the light is good for 72 hours. The switch is programmable, so you can select modes with the push of a button. Although this light is a good value, I would buy the Maglite RL1019 ($99.99 on Amazon), which is much brighter and has a real charging cradle.

Maglite ML300L ($56.79; 625 lumens): This light is an improvement on the first Maglite LED I saw in 2012. Its smart switch allows you to easily program modes.

The ML300L has a Quick Focus, which allows you to adjust whether the beam has a hotspot or not, but I didn’t find this feature useful. This model is not rechargeable, but with the use of three D cells, battery life is 10

ASHI Reporter • February February2016 2016

Maglite XL200 ($33.91; 173 lumens): A great pocket light for the money, it has a smart switch that was difficult to figure out, but it goes from bright to dim and back again. Although it stated it had 173 lumens, it did not seem to be that bright. It wasn’t rechargeable, but it is supposed to run for 2.5 hours on three AAA batteries. It’s allmetal construction is very durable. For the money, I thought it was a great value for a pocket light.

The Bottom Line

Both the LED Lenser P5 and the Maglite XL200 were tough competitors in the pocket light category. The LED Lenser is more expensive, but it has additional lumens and can survive the washing machine. Also, the feature that allows you the ability to focus the beam gave it an edge over the Maglite XL200 to take the win.

With only one contender in the spotlight category, the Streamlight Waypoint is still worthy of the win. For those who do crawlspaces regularly, this is a great light to have. H

Rick Bunzel is the principal inspector

with Pacific Crest Inspections and

an ASHI Certified Inspector. He holds

a B.A. in Business Marketing and has chaired the marketing and public relations committees for a national home inspection organization. He is active on the North Puget Sound Board of Realtor’s Communications Committee and is a Lieutenant with the Mt. Erie Fire Department in Anacortes, WA. Check out Rick’s website at http://www. paccrestinspections.com.

You May Have Seen One Of These Yellow Postcards...

Here Are The Stories Of A Few Of The People Who Responded...

“Our First Year, Through September: 165 Inspections...”

"With the help of MIC, I have been able to take my fledgling business (January was our opening) and to date (early September) we have completed 165 inspections. I am told the average first year inspection company does 50... With a limited market share here to be able to have any kind of edge of the competition is invaluable. The marketing tips are so well thought out and easy to execute.”

Debra Cribb - Pillar Professional Services, Macks Creek, MO All of these lights are great, but which one is best? If cost is no object, then the answer is easy: the LED Lenser P17 is the best light. I like that it can change focus on the fly, it is bright, it charges in a cradle with a USB cable and it has a gauge to tell you the battery status.

However, at $250, its cost is outside of my flashlight budget.

When price is a consideration, the best light is the Streamlight Strion. It is lightweight, throws a lot of bright light for its size and sells for slightly over $100.

I know that some of you are asking, “What about the UltraStinger?” Frankly, it’s too bright for interior use and there is no way to set the initial brightness to the lower levels.

USB Charging By Rick Bunzel A few years ago, every rechargeable device had its own cord and charger.

Good luck if you forgot your phone charger! Today, the industry has adopted USB connectors and power supplies and the convenience is priceless. With four specifications—USB 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 3.1—and several connector styles, the biggest difference between the versions is data speed. How long will it take to get your device up to full power? Each device is different, but when you plug a smart device into a USB port, the device will “negotiate” the best charging rate possible. So, try to use a charger that can deliver full power to the device. In most cases, this will be a dedicated wall charger that provides 1,500 mA on each port. If your device is slow to charge, try using the original cable and charger.

Also, sharing data is easier with USB. The newest version, USB 3.0, transfers data at a speed up to 4.8 gigabits, and its USB port provides up to 900mA.

“On Target For 900 Inspections…”

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Frank Cooper - Atlanta Property Inspections, Buford, GA

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www.FreeInspectorTeleclass.com 11February 2016

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11

— Alan, HousePro Home Inspections

Complete Coverage Should Never Be Optional

Pipe and Stack Flashings

Pipe and Stack Flashings

Home Inspector E&O & GL Broad Policy, Peace of Mind

By Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, www.carsondunlop.com

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M

ost homes have round pipes penetrating the roof, such as these examples: • plumbing stacks • electrical masts • exhaust vents from fans or combustion appliances Materials These roof penetrations may be plastic, cast iron, steel, aluminum or copper. The flashing materials may be steel, rubber (neoprene), lead, copper, aluminum or a combination of materials. In some areas, these flashings are called roof jacks. The flashing details are similar for any of these penetrations, although the approaches are different for sloped and flat roofs (or steep and low-slope roofs).

In this article, we’ll focus on sloped roofs.

Sloped-Roof Installation Look for these details: • The roof is shingled up to the height of the stack.

• With asphalt shingles, a shingle is typically cut and slid over the pipe.

• The flashing flange then is placed over the stack and sealed or nailed in place.

– Th e flange is a flat rectangular surface that sits on the roof.

– Th e flange typically has a tapered collar that is approximately the same diameter as the pipe.

–S ome flanges have an integral sealant or gasket that creates a seal when the flange is slid over the pipe.

– I n other cases, a separate storm collar is provided.

–S ome flanges are friction-fit only.

–S ome are gasketed.

–S ome are sealed with caulking or other sealants, a draw band (band clamp) or a combination of these.

–S ome flanges have a sleeve soldered to the flange, with a return on the top of the sleeve that fits over the top of the pipe.

–O thers have a sleeve and separate cap that fits over the pipe.

• Once the flange is in place and sealed, the shingling is continued so that at least half and, in some cases, almost all of the horizontal section of the flashing flange is covered with roofing materials.

• The shingles (if asphalt) that are on top of the flange often are set in a continuous layer of asphalt cement.

• Some roofing authorities recommend that nails should not be driven through the flange.

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Adverse conditions to watch for on these flashings: • r ust • d amage • v ertical misalignment • i nstallation problems In all of these conditions, the implication is the possibility of leakage.

Rust Rusted flashings are caused by the following: • a ge • f ailure to maintain or paint • i ncompatible materials • t ar over the flashings

This stack has rusted through and roofing cement has been used to make a temporary repair.

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12

ASHI Reporter • February 2016

13February 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

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>

Pipe and Stack Flashings

Damage Damaged flashings may be caused by the following: snow and ice accumulation on the roof animal activity foot traffic careless roof work nearby replacement of a pipe or stack without replacing the flashing deterioration of the flashing due to age

Corrections to the January 2016 Reporter

Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors

The Reporter Staff apologizes for the following misprints:

The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) is developed and maintained by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI). This board has received many requests over the years for a study guide to assist those taking the NHIE. This study guide, and the associated NHIE Home Inspection Manual, were developed to address this need.

The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) is devel oped and maintained by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI). This board has received many requests over the years for a study guide to assist those taking the NHIE. This manual, and the associated NHIE Study Guide, were developed to address this need.

The NHIE Home Inspection Manual addresses the technical aspects of the NHIE. This NHIE Study Guide addresses the non-technical aspects. Many come to the home inspection profession as a second or a third career, and may not have taken a professional entrance exam for many years, if ever. This study guide helps to familiarize the candidate with the examination itself, and with the associated administrative procedures. It also includes helpful insights into the types of questions the exam contains, and techniques for success.

This NHIE Home Inspection Manual is based on the most recent Role Delineation Study (RDS). This study surveys thousands of home inspectors in order to determine the services they provide, and the components they inspect. The questions in the NHIE are derived directly from this survey, Exam Administration and constitute the knowledge base for an entry level home inspector. This manual is the Content first of its kind to follow this Exam Outline format. It also informs the candidate about the knowledge base behind the current examination questions, and proHow to Take an Exam vides a technical reference for the experienced home inspector. $98.50

ISBN 978-0-9964518-1-9

HomeInspectionExam.org

1. This photo which appeared on the cover should be captioned Iowa ASHI Chapter instead of The Great Lake Chapter.

2. The Iowa ASHI Chapter should have been ncluded in the ASHI Chapters with the Peer Review Programs listed on page 14.

3. On page 8, the second and third bullets under Randy Sipe’s name should read: • 2002-08, Great Plaines Chapter Director Things to look for when looking at pipes or stacks:

Stack flashing and shingles damaged by vermin.

This is a common failure of the rubber collar.

Collars often fail first on the uphill side of the vent.

• Th ere is a flashing flange in place.

• Th e connection around the pipe or stack is weather-tight.

•N o more than the lower half of the flange is exposed.

• Th e bottom edge of the flange directs water out onto the surface of the roof below.

•E xposed nails at the lower corners of the flange are sealed.

• Th ere is no evidence of lifting of the flange relative to the roof deck or shrinkage of the pipe and buckling of the flange relative to the roof deck.

Both of these rubber collars on the ABS piping are torn.

ASHI Reporter • February 2016

• 2004-06, Great Plaines Chapter President

9 780996 451819

$29.95

52995>

NHIE Study Guide

100 Review Questions

ISBN 978-0-9964518-0-2

HomeInspectionExam.org HomeInspectionExam.org

9 780996 451802

59850>

Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors

NHIE Home Inspection Manual Components and Systems Typical Defects Maintenance and Safety Issues Industry Standards References 100 Review Questions HomeInspectionExam.org

The NHIE Study Guide and the NHIE Home Inspection Manual together contain over 750 pages of technical and administrative information and are produced by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors.

They will benefit the exam candidate along with being a great technical reference for the experienced home inspector.

Be prepared.

Get the NEW

Study Guide and Home Inspection Manual Available from the

Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors

www.NHIEStudyGuide.org

Improper support of this heavy cast iron stack has allowed it to drop. The flashing is not weather-tight.

Roofing cement was used as the flashing material for this roof—a very poor approach— and over time, it has been damaged by UV exposure.

14

Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors

NHIE Home Inspection Manual

• • • • • •

Vertically Misaligned Flashing Vertical misalignment of the flashing is usually the result of movement between the plumbing stack and roof deck. This movement can occur either up or down. If the roof deck moves relative to the plumbing stack (when loaded with snow, for example), the flange will be pulled up off the roof. If the pipe or stack drops relative to the roof deck, the appropriate slope of the flange may be lost and a recessed low area may be created around the pipe. Again, leakage is the implication.

Buckling of the flashing can result in entry of vermin.

15February 2016

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>

Pipe and Stack Flashings

Common Installation Problems

• Missing flashing • Improper flashing material (for example, asphalt cement on asphalt shingles or rubber flashing flanges on curved concrete tiles) • Top half of flange exposed above roofing material or bottom edge of flange concealed below roofing material • Flashing located in a valley • Exposed fasteners not sealed

Strategies Watch for what isn’t there, but should be. Missing components are a very common flashing problem. Most of the installation problems we’ve listed can be readily seen if you remember to check for them.

Insuring Home Inspectors Since 1992

Summary

In this article, we’ve introduced pipe and stack flashings and explained common problems associated with them. In the ASHI@HOME Training Program, we explain various other types of roof flashing materials including chimney flashings, valley flashings, and roof and sidewall flashings.

Thanks to Roger Hankey and Kevin O’Hornett for their many valuable contributions to this article. Special thanks to Roger for providing several great photos! H

• Missing fasteners

A poorly installed flashing may leak, which will reduce its life expectancy.

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ASHI Reporter • February 2016

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17February 2016

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The Home Inspector-Real Estate Agent Relationship: Two Points of View

The Home Inspector-Real Estate Agent Relationship: Two Points of View T

he ASHI Reporter team asked two couples—each of whom include a home inspector and a Realtor® —to share their perspectives on the relationship between home inspectors and real estate agents. Read on to learn what one member of each couple shared.

A Real Estate Agent’s Perspective

By Linda Reilly, Broker, Coldwell Banker, Residential Brokerage, Wheaton, IL As a full-time Realtor,® I wear a lot of hats during a real estate transaction—from responding to the initial call asking for a market analysis of a potential client’s home to managing the listing agreement. As the listing agent, I want to get the most value for my client. But if I list the price too high, the house will sit on the market and prospective buyers will stop looking at it. So it takes experience and a little science to price a home correctly for a quick sale.

As the buyer’s agent, I look at many homes with an eye toward prequalifying my buyers so that they can afford the homes they are looking at. The real work begins once they decide to make an offer on a house. We may go through many rounds of negotiations until finally meeting on an agreed price.

Then I send the contract to the attorney for approval, and the five-day attorney approval clock starts running. Time to order the home inspection! I always recommend ASHI inspectors. I usually give my client contact information for three home inspection companies and let my client choose. If I know that the inspector will be thorough and fair, it makes everything run more smoothly. Most buyers are very nervous and out of their element during the inspection, so if the inspector can communicate the findings in a manner that the buyer will understand, it is all the better for everyone involved. Something minor might be perceived as major, so communication is key.

18

ASHI Reporter • February 2016

I am not looking for inspectors with their blinders on—that hurts everyone. If the house has major concerns and lots of deferred maintenance issues, then these issues need to be addressed. Do we need to call in contractors for further evaluation and cost estimates? If needed, yes. But I am looking for inspectors who offer guidance and recommendations, not inspectors who want to call in lots of contractors to keep the liability off of themselves. Home inspectors are hired to provide their opinion, so they should have one.

Buyers need a lot of hand-holding throughout this process. If the house has too many issues and the buyer decides to move on to another house, fine. If I as their real estate agent did a good job for them and the inspector did a good job in pointing out the deficiencies of the house, then the buyer will continue to work with me to find the right house and hopefully again use the inspector who kept them from making a big mistake.

The home inspection report reflects the inspector’s experience and knowledge. It should meet or exceed the ASHI Standard and any specific state-mandated requirements. The inspector’s report needs to clearly state the description, limitations and recommendations. I get this from most ASHI inspectors.

As a listing agent, other agents may bring buyers who hire their own home inspec-

tor. So, I have the opportunity to review many home inspectors’ reports. Sometimes I wonder how some inspectors can stay in business. Do they just click on software and expect it to do the report for them?

Sometimes I have to ask my husband, Steve Reilly, an ASHI Inspector and instructor for The ASHI School, for clarification on what some of these other inspectors have written. For example, one report included a photo of a can light in a bathroom, with the notation “against code.” There was no other recommendation to the buyer. Another report indicated a break in the firewall between the garage and house, but there was no photo and no recommendation. It turned out to be a small, one-inch diameter puncture in the drywall that just needed a mud patch. But because of the way the home inspector worded it and without a photo to show it, the buyers thought it was a major concern.

Education and communication are key when hiring a home inspector. The less time I have to spend going over the home inspection report with the buyer, the more time I have to keep the process moving toward closing… time to call the appraiser and surveyor!

Linda Reilly is a full-time real

estate broker and consistent

top producer for Coldwell Banker,

Residential Brokerage, servicing

DuPage, Cook and Will counties.

She is a skilled negotiator who consistently gets sellers top dollar for their properties and negotiates great deals for her buyers. Contact Linda at 630-269-2473, email linda.reilly@ cbexchange.com, http://www.LindaReilly.

CBintouch.com.

Continues on Page 20

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>

The Home Inspector-Real Estate Agent Relationship: Two Points of View

Continued from Page 18 A Home Inspector’s Perspective

By Bruce Fisher, President, White Glove Building Inspections Inspectors have debated the home inspector–Realtor® relationship since the very beginning of the home inspection industry. Different inspectors bring forward different major concerns that they feel exist within the home inspector–real estate agent relationship. The following questions are frequently discussed in these longstanding debates: • What is the proper relationship?

• Do referrals create some type of bias?

• W hy do inspectors have concerns, and how can these concerns be addressed?

Today, these old concerns still bring forth strong feelings on both sides of the conversation.

The proper relationship between home inspectors and real estate agents is based solely on professionalism. As a home inspector, a real estate agent’s referral is my best compliment. Looking back in my database, I have known some agents for 20 to 25 years. I know a lot about many of these agents’ personal lives, family members’ names, favorite vacation spots…you get the point. Some inspectors think that if you are too friendly or personable with a real estate agent, it will lead to the agent requesting unprofessional favors during the inspection. Although unfortunately this is a possibility, it all comes back to you doing your job professionally, and doing it exactly the same each and every time, regardless of

Continue learning at the click of a button!

FREE ASHI Member access to past IW sessions.

20

ASHI Reporter • February 2016

your relationship with the real estate agent.

Also, the concern that getting a referral from a real estate agent could cause bias is a justified concern, but if we as home inspectors do our job ethically-withhonesty, integrity and professionalism this should never be an issue. However, the overwhelming concern is one of complicity.

For example, do real estate agents use inspectors who will perform “inspection lite”?

Do inspectors purposefully omit or gloss over potential significant concerns about the home? Because, if so, the potential legal implications of complicity alone should be enough to deter both the agent and the inspector from participating in this sort of activity. On top of that, inspectors should not jeopardize their long-term business to make a quick profit. This type of impropriety, even alleged, can cause significant harm to your business.

A real estate agent should want to build a network of strong, professional service partners. A knowledgeable, professional service provider (not someone who cuts corners) is a strong asset. However, for the reasons already described, it is understandable why inspectors have concerns about aligning their business with an agent or group of agents. In the end, everyone has a business and everyone wants to be as successful as possible. Although some people may think that cheating the system to grow their business rapidly is the best approach, fortunately, most people know that ignoring their professional obligations to their customers and clients will cause more damage to their business in the long run. The longer your clients remain happy with your services, the greater the possibility for you to

attract new business. If you do not perform as thorough a job as you could have, it will come back to bite you later.

How can an inspector address these concerns? If you know the agent, inform the buyer when you meet at the property. Make sure that the potential buyer is aware of your relationship with the real estate agent so that it is clear that you aren’t hiding anything.

Having this information can make the buyer feel more comfortable with you. Full disclosure is your best option. Even though we all have heard that—and saying it is easier than doing it—it is very important to do it. Inspectors also must remember that just because you may have known and worked with a real estate agent for a long time, does not mean collusion cannot occur. Make sure to do your job, keep it honest, be ethical and be professional.

Bruce Fisher has been providing

inspections since 1982, using

his background in general

contracting and construction

remodeling. His mission is to create satisfied, well-informed clients by providing them with the White Glove Treatment.

Contact Bruce at 630-428-4555, email info@whitegloveinspections.com, www.whitegloveinspections.com. H

1. Go to www.ASHI.org 2. Under Education & Training 3. Click on:

ASHI ONLINE LEARNING CENTER

21February 2016

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> How to Raise Your Prices Without Killing Your Business

How to Raise Your Prices Without Killing Your Business, Part 1

By Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, www.carsondunlop.com, 800-268-7070

T

his is the first of a two-part series on how to raise your prices effectively. Here’s the premise: The quickest and most effective way to grow your business is to raise your prices.

What Happens When you Change Your Prices?

The assumption and the fear is this: “If I raise my prices, I will lose business.” That’s logical, but it may be a bad assumption. It assumes that prices are elastic, which means that increasing prices will reduce demand and dropping prices will increase demand.

We can tell you that, from our 37 years of experience in home inspection, increasing prices does not reduce demand for a home inspection company. In fact, people rarely notice when we change our prices.

Here’s the Secret We keep our prices at odd numbers that are not memorable.

We change them in small amounts twice a year on no specific dates. We don’t announce our price changes. If asked about a price increase, we say that we are trying to keep up with inflation so that we can continue to provide the outstanding service that people expect of us.

Many other sectors regularly increase prices without announcing the change. Examples include medical care fees and auto repair service fees.

Don’t Grow by Doing More Most people think that growing their business means doing more inspections, which may involve working longer hours, working more days, hiring and training other inspectors or some combination of these. Others look to add more services. Although these strategies are traditional and effective, there is another way to grow that doesn’t require nearly as much time, effort or money.

Raise Your Prices You can grow your business without having to do more work, find more people or add more services—simply raise your prices.

Keep Up With Inflation You might increase your prices to increase your profit. Or, at the very least, you should increase your prices to keep up with inflation.

If your prices are static, you will make less and less over time as your costs increase. Inflation in the United States has totaled approximately 8.8% since 2010. Have your fees kept up? For example, if your fees were $350 in 2010, they should be $383 now (Sources: World Bank, Multpl.com, Inflationdata.com).

22

ASHI Reporter • February 2016

Timing matters. It’s better to raise your prices when you are busy rather than during a slow time of year. To avoid any perception of price fixing, pricing decisions should be made independently of, not in cooperation with, other service providers.

Another example: If you had raised your 2010 fees of $350 by 1% twice a year for 5 years, you would have kept up with inflation and your fees would now be roughly $383.

If your fees are higher than average, people often will perceive that you will provide a higher quality service. Make sure you deliver at that level!

There are several studies that show that, for many things, the impact of price change on demand is negligible. Prices are inelastic for things like gasoline and tobacco—things that people perceive they need. Prices for luxury items such as diamonds are also relatively inelastic. It turns out that prices for occasionally used consulting services are inelastic as well.

How to Raise Your Prices Without Killing Your Business

What if Volume Goes Down?

Let’s say that we are wrong—you raise your prices and your business does slow down. That’s great! You now have more time to do marketing, sales and promotion. In short order, your business volume will be back up to where it was before, only now you are making more money on every inspection. You can then repeat the process. This is called a ratcheting technique to grow your business.

The premise is simple: Increase your prices and business volume decreases. Market yourself well and business volume increases. Increase your prices again and so on.

For the pessimists: How much business can you lose before you are worse off than before you raised your prices? Let’s look at a dramatic example: Very Hard to Lose We’ll assume that you do 200 inspections per year. You charge an average of $350. Your sales are 200 x $350 = $70,000.

Here’s a simplified income statement: Sales: $70,000 Expenses: $50,000 (for example, your salary, vehicle, sales and marketing, insurance, phones, rent) Profit: $20,000 Let’s raise your price by 10%. (Crazy, I know.) And let’s assume that you lose 10% of your business volume. Your new fee is $385 ($350 x 1.1 [that is, 110% of your previous fee]) and your new business volume is 180 inspections (200 x 0.9 [that is, 90% of your previous business volume]). Your sales are now $69,700 (180 x $385).

So, your sales are down by $700 ($70,000 - $69,300), but you are only working 90% as much for 99% of the sales revenue.

Your expenses also went down! This is because you are only doing 90% of the inspections, writing 90% as many reports and driving 90% as much. If you save even $1,000 in expenses, your profit actually goes up!

Bonus Scenario Just for fun, let’s say we are right and raising your prices won’t reduce sales. If we raise prices by that crazy 10%, sales go from $70,000 to $77,000, and you get to keep the entire 10% or $7,000.

So, if your profit was $20,000, it’s now $27,000—a 35% increase in profit! Let that sink in for a bit. The numbers work, even if you increase your prices by 1%, 2%, 5%, 15% or whatever.

In this article, we explained the rationale for raising your prices to grow your business. We discussed pricing versus volume and price elasticity. In Part 2 of this article, we will discuss prestige pricing, as well as agent reactions, and we will touch on experimenting.

Thanks to Kevin O’Hornett and Roger Hankey for some very helpful input on this article. H

A calculation done by the accounting firm Vine and Partners suggests that if your margin is 60% (meaning 40% of your income goes to expenses, which is typical for a sole proprietor), then you could raise your prices by 20%, decrease your sales volume by 25% and still break even. If your margin is 40% (60% of your sales goes to expenses, which is typical for firms with multiple inspectors), you could raise your prices by 20%, decrease sales by 33% and still break even!

Again, these are dramatic examples and we don’t expect you to raise your prices by 10%, even though you probably should.

The same principles apply to smaller price increases. We hope this convinces you to raise your prices in small increments on a regular basis.

23February 2016

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23

The ASHI School After You Graduate

By The ASHI School Staff

S

o, now you have graduated and are on the path to become a home inspector.

What are the next steps you need to take?

Are you running into roadblocks getting your career off the ground?

With so much information that you need to review, digest, discard or implement, how do you just get out there and do what you have been trained to do—INSPECT HOMES? The ASHI School offers many benefits and resources for graduates to assist them with their new career in home inspection.

Use the list below to check off the steps you have already done and to highlight those you still may need to do: > Complete a comprehensive course in home inspection offered by The ASHI School. > Study for the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE), referencing the NHIE reference manual and study guide. Register to take the NHIE. > Start building your business website with the free software offered to all graduates of The ASHI School.

> If you live in a state that requires licensing for home inspectors, confirm that you have met all the necessary requirements with staff in the appropriate state government office. > Drop off your business cards at local offices of Realtors.® Be sure let them know you are a member of ASHI and a graduate of The ASHI School.

These steps cannot be done overnight! Pace yourself and reach out to ASHI or The ASHI School if you have any questions or concerns.

Remember that you can retake The ASHI School prelicense Home Inspection Course at no charge if you feel you need to brush up on certain systems. You can retake the entire class or just sit in on certain days when systems or topics about which you want to refresh yourself are being taught.

ASHI and The ASHI School wish you the very best in your endeavors!

If you have any questions, contact The ASHI School team at 888-884-0440, email info@ theASHIschool.com. H

> Remember to use the nationally recognized ASHI School Graduate logo on all of your marketing materials and website.

Upcoming Classes at The ASHI School:

> Sign up for your free computer software for professional report writing offered by The ASHI School and become familiar with using it by inspecting your own home and the homes of your friends and relatives.

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ASHI Ad.indd •6February 2016 ASHI Reporter

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25February 2016

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SM

Protecting Home Inspectors from Meritless Claims

Protecting Home Inspectors From Meritless Claims

SM

855-MERITLESS (637- 4853) www.joeferry.com

To Every Professional Home Inspector, In 2016, you should be solely focused on growing your business and avoiding unnecessary distractions.

You must reduce the risk of hostile clients and unwarranted accusations that use up the twin terrors for any business owner… time and money.

MERITLESS CLAIMS DON’T REQUIRE NEGOTIATION

As I write this, I have responded to over 900 home inspection claims and only 5 of them have been meritorious. Five. Out of nine hundred. That means that meritorious claims represent fewer than one percent of all claims against home inspectors.

Meritless claims require a proven strategy that squashes them 97% of the time – right out of the gate.

As an attorney who also represents plaintiffs, I find that quite remarkable. It’s almost as if plaintiffs’ attorneys are not making any investigation at all into the potential validity of their clients’ claims.

Initially, I believed that my string of successful claim responses was aberrational and that the sample was too small, too skewed toward the ridiculous claim to draw any meaningful conclusions.

But as the successful responses began to mount, one after another, I came to a different conclusion. I was not seeing a skewed sample at all. I was seeing the sample. That, as a general proposition, a claim against a professional home inspector is exceedingly unlikely to have any merit.

Yet, time after time, they were being negotiated. Settled. Typical insurance company jargon for surrender.

Even if the claim had zero merit.

And that had to stop. And slowly, but surely, utilizing my strategic method, it has. Thanks to a group of early adopters, I took the leap and began my mission to Stop the Underbussing(!) of competent home inspectors through my ClaimIntercept™ program.

One Florida home inspector’s inquiry in 2006 was the first in a very long line of home inspection claims to which I have responded on behalf of home inspectors throughout the United States, Canada and Australia in the intervening years.

You don’t need the next marketing gimmick or Brand X Insurance Company’s surrender tactics disguised as negotiation.

ClaimIntercept™ puts the industry’s legal experts on your side during every home inspection.

In 2016, you need peace of mind and sleep-well-atnight protection after every home inspection. Do what you do best – grow your business. The Home Inspector Lawyer will protect it. Have Joe Ferry and his team on your side during every home inspection.

JOIN TODAY! www.joeferry.com/claimintercept or 855-637-4853

If you want to learn more about the program, read the details across the fold or visit www.joeferry.com.

I’ve spent the last decade fighting for you as a legal advocate against these ridiculous claims.

I invite all of you to visit my website, subscribe to my free ClaimsAcademy educational video series and join me on my mission.

I hope to see all of you on my 2016 Stop The Underbussing(!) Tour. And best success in 2016.

99%

Of Inspection Agreements Are Imperfect INSPECTION

AGREEMENT

Audit

That standardized agreement or the one you tweaked from a colleague’s template isn’t working as hard as it should be to lower your liability before every inspection.

Joe Ferry The Home Inspector Lawyer www.joeferry.com

CONTACT Jared Trexler 855-637-4853 – Telephone contact@joeferry.com – Email 26

ASHI Reporter • February 2016

Joe Ferry has reviewed more pre-inspection agreements than anybody in order to strategically squash the 900+ claims that have come across his desk in the last decade.

CONNECT WITH JOE www.facebook.com/inspectorlaywer www.linkedin.com/in/inspectorlawyer

Now, Joe Ferry is offering a new service, Inspection Agreement Audit, a thorough examination of your current pre-inspection agreement along with detailed recommendations and a post-review consult to discuss implementation. Strengthen your business with a perfected inspection agreement.

PURCHASE NOW! www.joeferry.com/agreement or 855-637-4853 27February 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

27

NORTH CENTRAL ASHI Central PA www.ashicentralpa.com Second Monday, 6 pm, except Jan. & July, Bonanza Steak House, Walnut Bottom Rd., Carlisle William Weitzel, 717-919-5087 bill@centralhomeinspections.com

Keystone (PA) www.keystoneashi.org First Monday, 5:30 pm The Crowne Plaza, Reading David Artigliere, 610-220-1907 artihi@gmail.com

Ohio www.ohioashi.com Howard Snyder, 330-929-5239 ohashi@neo.rr.com

North Central Ohio www.ncohioashi.com William Stone, 216-308-9663 wstonehomeinspection@gmail.com

Pocono-Lehigh (PA) www.pocono-lehighashi.org Third Tuesday, Tannersville Inn, Tannersville Ronald Crescente, 570-646-7546 amerispec@pa.metrocast.net

PRO ASHI (PA) www.proashi.com Second Wednesday of Jan., March, May, July & Nov. John Fleenor, 412-862-1443 jthefleenor@gmail.com

Tri-State (DE, NJ, PA) www.tristateashi.org Second Tuesday except April, Aug. & Dec., Dave & Buster's Plymouth Meeting, PA Vince Tecca 215-527-5710 bioainsp@aol.com

MIDWEST Central Illinois www.cicashi.com Second Monday, 6 pm Kevan Zinn, 309-262-5006 info@inspectwithzinn.com

www.ashiheartland.com Reuben Saltzman, 612-205-5600 info@ash.heartland.org

Indiana ASHI www.inashi.com Quarterly Danny Maynard, 317-319-7209 danny@inspectinc.net

Iowa ASHI www.iowaashichapter.org Fourth Tuesday, 5:30 pm Clarion Inn, Cedar Rapids Craig Chmelicek, 319-389-7379 elitehomeandradon@gmail.com

Kentuckiana (IN, KY) www.ashikentuckiana.org Allan Davis, 502-648-9294 elitehomeinspections@ insightbb.com

Mid-Missouri www.midmoashi.com Second Thursday, 12:00 pm, Even months of the year; Columbia Board of Realtors office.

2309 I-70 Drive NW, Columbia, MO Stuart Spradling, 573-874-9797 Stuart@SpradlingInspections.com

Northern Illinois www.nicashi.com Second Wednesday, 5:30 pm Associate Corner Dinner, 6:30 pm Main Presentation, 7:00 pm Crazypour, 105 E. North Ave., Villa Park, IL Steve Reilly, 630-248-6500 owlinspection@comcast.net

SOUTH MIDWEST Arkansas Richard Kirkman, 501-327-9794 homeinspectionplus@conwaycorp. net

Great Plains (KS, MO)

www.azashi.org Tony Hecht, 480-507-0837 tony@tonyhecht.com

New Mexico www.ashinm.org Every other month, Second Saturday, (Jan., May., Sept.), Mimi’s Cafe, Albuquerque - 9:15 am Bodega Burger Co., (March, July) Socorro - 11 am Lance Ellis, 505-977-3915 lellis@amerispce.net

Northern Colorado www.ncc-ashi.org Second Thursday, 6:30 pm Fairfield Inn, Loveland Chris Elliott, 970-567-7393 chris@homelandinspectionservices. com

Northern Rockies (ID, MT) Lamar Rase, 406-531-4848 completehomeinspectionsinc@msn. com

Rocky Mountain Fourth Tuesday, 6:30 pm Kathleen Barbee, 303-646-3413 info@ab-inspections.com

Southern Colorado www.ashi-southerncolorado.org Second Thursday, 6:30 pm Valley Hi Golf Club, Colo. Springs Mike Meyer, 719-686-8282 mikehome07@msn.com

Utah www.ashiutah.com First Tuesday, 7 pm Marie Callender’s, Midvale Fred Larsen, 801-201-9583 Fred.larsen@pillartopost.com

PACIFIC

Midwest PRO ASHI (KS)

ASHI Hawaii

For monthly meetings: www.greatinspectors.com/ schedule-of-events/ Carol Case, 734-284-4501 carol@greatinspectors.com

St. Louis (MO)

ASHI Reporter • February 2016

Arizona

Alaska

Jack Koelling, 316-744-9990 jackkoelling@cox.net

www.ashiomaha.com Rick Crnkovich, 402-779-2529 Rick2@cox.net

MOUNTAIN

www.ashikc.org Second Wednesday of even months The Great Wolf Lodge, Kansas City Miki Mertz, 913-268-0222 mikimertz@aol.com

Great Lakes (IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI)

Greater Omaha (NE)

28

Heartland (IA, MN, ND, SD, WI)

www.stlashi.org Second Tuesday, 6:30 pm Spazio’s at Westport Frank Copanas, 314-456-0783 Acropolis-inspection@live.com

Second Thursday, Jitters Coffee House, Eagle River Jim Foss, 907-522-2378 jim@inspectbest.com www.ashihawaii.com Alex Woodbury, 808-322-5174 Woodburya001@hawaii.rr.com

California Randy Pierson, 310-265-0833 randy@southbayinspector.com

Central Valley CREIA-ASHI Peter Boyd, 530-673-5800 Boyd.p@comcast.net

Golden Gate (CA) www.ggashi.com John Fryer, 510-682-4908 johnfryer@gmail.com

Inland Northwest (ID, WA) Chris Munro, 208-290-2472 chris@peakinspections.net

Orange County CREIA-ASHI (CA) Third Monday, 5:30 pm Hometown Buffet, 2321 S. Bristol, Santa Ana Ralph Bertke, 714-317-3792 ralphbertke@msn.com

Oregon www.oahi.org Fourth Tuesday, 6:30 pm 4534 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Portland Ken Meyer, 503-997-4120 kmpdx@easystreet.net

San Diego CREIA-ASHI First Tuesday each month Dave and Buster's, San Diego Sean Blasius, 619-804-8111 sean@bestpropertyinspections.com

San Joaquin Valley (CA) Third Tuesday, 6 pm Rice Bowl, Bakersfield, CA Sam Jabuka, 661-664-8629 jabuka@sbcglobal.net

Silicon Valley ASHI-CREIA (CA) www.siliconvalleyinspector.com Felix A. Pena, 510-573-0367 homesavvyinspections@comcast.net

Southwestern Idaho Second Monday David Reish, 208-941-5760 dave@antheminspections.com

Los Angeles-Greater San Gabriel Valley Second Tuesday, 6 pm Old Spaghetti Factory, Duarte Larry Habben, 714-685-0321 habbenshome@earthlink.net

Los Angeles-Ventura County ASHI-CREIA First Thursday, 5 pm Holiday Inn, Woodland Hills Bob Guyer, 805-501-0733 guyerinspections@roadrunner.com

South Bay (CA) Webinar meetings Randy Pierson, 310-265-0833 randy@southbayinspector.com

Western Washington www.ashiww.com Michael Brisbin, 425-742-1735 seaviewinspections@comcast.net

NEW ENGLAND/CANADA British Columbia www.cahpi.bc.ca Gary Poirer, 604-220-0305 gary@walkaboutinspections.com

CAHPI Atlantic www.cahpi-alt.com Blaine Swan, 902-890-0710 goodeyeinspections@gmail.com

CAHPI Ontario www.oahi.com Donald Beneteau, 519-995-0235 don@beneteauinspections.com Coastal Connecticut www.coastalctashi.org Third Thursday, 6 pm, Westport VFW Lodge, 465 Riverside Avenue, Westport Gene Autore, 203-216-2516 gene.autore@gmail.com

New England (ME, MA, NH, RI, VT) www.ashinewengland.org Fourth Thursday, 5 pm The Lantana, Randoph, MA Michael Atwell, 617-630-5629 mike@jmhi.com

First State (DE) www.firststateashi.org Third Wednesday, 7 pm The Buzz Ware Center, 2121 The Highway, Arden Mark Desmond, 302-494-1294 mark@delvalleyhome.com

Garden State (NJ) www.gardenstateashi.com Second Thursday, The Westwood, Garwood Bret Kaufmann, 973-377-4747 bretkaufmann@optonline.net

Greater Rochester (NY) www.ashirochester.com Second Tuesday, 6 pm, Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, Irondequoit John White, 585-431-0067 john@iihomeinspections.com

Hudson Valley (NY) Second Tuesday, 6 pm Daddy O’s Restaurant, 3 Turner Street, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 Michael Skok, 845-592-1442 ashistatewide@yahoo.com

Long Island (NY)

Greater Baltimore (MD) www.greaterbaltimoreashi.org Third Thursday except July & Aug., 6:30 pm, Maritime Institute Conference Center, 5700 N. Hammonds Ferry Rd., Linthicum Heights, MD George Fair, gfair2004@yahoo.com

ASHI South (AL)

Hampton Roads (VA)

www.centralfloridaashi.org Second Tuesday, 6:30 pm Bill Labita, 407-977-9182 hbis@cfl.rr.com

Second Thursday, 7 pm, Cypress Point Country Club, Virginia Beach Guillermo Hunt, 757-245-3100 huntshomeinspections@gmail.com

MAC-ASHI (MD, VA) www.mac-ashi.com Second Wednesday, Rockville Senior Center, Rockville John Vaughn, 800-767-5904 John.vaughn@yahoo.com

NOVA-ASHI (MD, VA) www.novaashi.com Fourth Tuesday, Associate hour 6-7 pm, Membership meeting 7-9 pm Northern Virginia Resources Center, Fairfax Ferando Barrientos 703-255-6622 fernando@abodecheck.com

www.nnec-ashi.org Bob McDonald, 207-475-7758 omnispect@gmail.com

www.liashi.com Third Monday, 6 pm, Domenico’s Restaurant, Levittown Steven Rosenbaum, 516-361-0658 inspector@optonline.net

Prairies (Alberta) (CAHI)

New York Metro

www.cahpi-ab.ca Bert Bruinsma, 403-348-5550 Red.deer@homealyze.com

www.nyashi.com Last Thursday, Eldorado West Restaurant-Diner, Tarrytown Raymond Perron, 914-329-2584 pres@nyashi.com

ASHI Georgia

Southern New Jersey (NJ)

East Tennessee

Northern New England (ME, MA, NH, VT)

Quebec AIBQ www.aibq.qc.ca Germain Frechette, 514-694-4350 Insp.glf@sympatico.ca

Southern New England (CT) www.snecashi.org First Tuesdays, 6:30 pm Billy T’s, 150 Sebethe Dr., Cromwell, CT Richard W. Hall, 860-281-4238 rhall@usinspect.com

NEW YORK/JERSEY/ DELAWARE Capitol Region (NY) www.goashi.com Third Thursday, 7 pm, Doratos Steakhouse and Pub, Guilderland Robert Davis, 518-885-7949 rdavis@home-inspection.com

Central New York www.cnyashi.com Second Wednesday, 6 pm, Tony’s Family Restaurant, Syracuse Peter Apgar, 315-278-3143 peter@craftsmanhomeinspection. net

www.southernnjashi.com Third Wednesday, 6:30 pm Ramada Inn, Bordentown Rick Lobley, 609-208-9798 rick@doublecheckhi.com

Western New York Second Thursday, 6:30 pm Tony Rome’s, West Seneca Andy Utnik, 716-636-9676 esimail@aol.com

MID-ATLANTIC Central Virginia www.cvashi.org First Thursday, 6:30 pm, Capital Ale House, Midlothian, VA Bronsoson Anderson 540-932-7557 2inspect4u@gmail.com

GULF

Piedmont ASHI (VA) Robert Huntley, 540-354-2135 rwhuntley@cox.net

SOUTH ATLANTIC www.ashigeorgia.com Gregg Allen, 770-745-7574 gregg@totalhomeinspections atlanta.com www.etashi.org Third Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. and Nov. Paul Perry, 866-522-7708 cio@frontiernet.net

www.ashisouth.org Quarterly, Homewood Library, Homewood Derl Nelson, 205-529-1657 dbnelson@bellsouth.net

Central Florida

FLASHI (FL) First Tuesday except July, 6 pm Golden China, 11112 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville David Sorge, 904-484-4847 safetekk@comcast.net

Florida Wiregrass www.ashiwiregrass.org Second Wednesday, 6:30 pm Hyundai of Wesley Chapel Nancy Janosz, 813-546-6090 ProTeamInsp@aol.com

Gulfcoast (FL) First Thursday, 7 pm, The Forest Country Club, Fort Myers Len Gluckstal, 239-432-0178 goldenrulehi@comcast.net

Gulfstream (FL) Ralph Cabal, 305-256-7369 info@cabalinspections.com

Lone Star (TX) www.ashitexas.org Craig Lemmon, 817-291-9056 craig@reioftexas.com

Louisiana Quarterly Michael Burroughs, 318-324-0661 Mburroughs2@comcast.net

Suncoast (FL)

Ray Baird, 615-371-5888 bairdr@comcast.net

www.ashisuncoast.com First Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Please see our website for meeting locations.

Steve Acker, 727-712-3089 steve@buyersally.com

Mid-South (TN)

Southwest Florida

Mid-Tennessee

Steven Campbell, 901-734-0555 steve@memphisinspections.com

North Carolina www.ncashi.com Third Wednesday, 3 pm, Quality Inn at Guilford Convention Center, Greensboro Larry Conway, 336-669-0679 ncashi@triad.rr.com

www.swashi.com Second Wednesday, 6 pm Holiday Inn, Lakewood Ranch 6321 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota Michael Meesit, 941-321-6962 mike@acu-spect.com

South Carolina First Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. & Nov., 8 am Roger Herdt, 843-669-3757 herdtworks@msn.com

29February 2016

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TO SUBMIT YOUR MATERIALS FOR MOVING UP, PLEASE CONTACT JANET GEORGE AT 847-954-3180 OR JANETG@ASHI.ORG SEE PAGE 34 FOR CHAPTER EDUCATION

New ASHI Associates As of December 1, 2015

H Denotes graduate of The ASHI School Robert Benton Birmingham, AL

H David Crockett Midland City, AL

Robert Regard Advanced Home Inspection Services, LLC Birmingham, AL

Eric Tompkins Gulf Coast Home inspections Inc. Fairhope, AL

Antonio Piattelli National Property Inspections Scottsdale, AZ

Laura Ward TGF Home Inspections, dba Pillar to Post Apache Junction, AZ

Jason Barrette Coastal Inspection Services Aliso Viejo, CA

H Ian Bisson Oakland, CA

H Whitney Blake San Francisco, CA

Nik Caraveo Livermore, CA

Paul Ferguson Ferguson Home Inspections Redondo Beach, CA

Andrea Hudnell San Diego, CA

Jim Pillsbury AAA Home Inspections San Jose, CA

Fred Scales Specialty Inspections Pleasanton, CA

Russell Taft Buyers Protection Group Orinda, CA

Harvey Anderson Sedalia, CO

H Conly Brooks Dacono, CO

Bruce Carnes Pillar to Post Littleton, CO

Victor DeLeon Fort Collins, CO

Tony Esclavon Aspen Ridge Home Inspection Colorado Springs, CO

30

H Kurt Gross Denver, CO

H Philip Hutto Hutto Home Inspections Colorado Springs, CO

H Alex Stripe

Dunedin, FL

Rick Auffenberg Home Inspection of Georgia Marietta, GA

Brent Beasley Atlanta, GA Canton, GA Abode Inspections, LLC Villa Rica, GA

Paul Deshong Covington, GA

Dave Duggon Newman, GA

Mack Edwards Augusta, GA

H David Evans Marietta, GA BPG Fairburn, GA

George Hood Wilmington Island Home Inspectors, LLC Savannah, GA

Gary Horton Kennesaw, GA

Washington, DC

Victor Jackson

Raymond Benoit

Buyers Protection Group Johns Creek, GA

H Charles McDaniel

Young’s Home Inspector Service Lawrenceville, GA

H John Chiaradio Tampa, FL

Ernesto Medina Home Inspection Solution Miami, FL

McDonough, GA

Brian Smay US Inspect Berkeley Lake, GA

H Aaron Williams

H Robert Pavelka

Adrian Pascanu

Grinnell, IA

H Patrick McMahon Granite Hills Inspection Athol, ID

H Justin Weatherly

AccuView Home Inspections Boca Raton, FL

ASHI Reporter • February 2016

Jackson, GA

LaTosha Williams Preston, GA

Bromley, KY Lawrenceburg, KY

Jeffrey Fishman

Slaughters, KY

Reliant Home Inspection Services, LLC Frederick, MD

Thomas Willinger

Natasha Hammend

Ethan Watson

Ugly Bob’s Home Inspections St. Louis, MO

John Roach WIN Home Inspection Wentzville Wentzville, MO

Terrific Home Inspections, LLC Louisville, KY

360 Home Inspection Parkville, MD

Douglas Kraus

H Matthew Wilson

Daniel Belmont

Kingsville, MD

St Louis, MO

Medway, MA

Ned Summers

David Cook

Patrick Benedio

Pasadena, MD

Christopher Salatino

Cook’s Inspections New Albany, MS

Belleville, IL

McBride Property Management E. Falmouth, MA

H William Smith

Quinton Blanchard

Schaumburg, IL

S. Boston, MA

H John Winter

John Brown

John Boy Construction Chicago, IL

JFB Inspectional Services LLC Rowley, MA

H Dane Thornton Lewiston, ID

Nick Fortner Palatine, IL

H David Greene Grayslake, IL

Ronald Morgan

Seth Catron HouseMaster Home Inspections Carmel, IN

Gary Chen

Nathan Gogel

Showell, MA

Diversified Home Inspections LLC Newburgh, IN

Benjamin Hollis PHI, dba HouseMaster Westfield, IN

Burlington, MA

Robert Cody James Conrad Brewster, MA

Louis de Geofroy MV Inspections West Tisbury, MA

Jim Doucet Weburn, MA

Raymond Eng

Boothbay Harbor, ME

Brandon Gay Midland, MI

Joseph Holder Comstock Park, MI

Nathan Loman At Bay Home Inspections Kewadin, MI

Carl Heywood

Norman Nealey

Omaha, NE

Cincinnati, OH

Exclusive Home Inspections Eaton Rapids, MI

Aaron Nilius

H Steven Kitchens

Tyler Schmitz

Scott Burdette Cedar Ridge Home Inspection Stanford, KY

Michael Cope Richmond, KY

Allan Cutshall Corbin, KY

Creative Home Solution, LLC Lake Orion, MI

Reginald Street

David Barto Wingdale, NY

Richard Baumel New York, NY

Yonkers, NY

Richard Peal

White Lake, MI

Falmouth, MA

Randi Vexler

Joh Pomykala

Lincoln Park, MI

Plymouth, MA

Eric Fredrickson Lauderdale, MN

Sean Caulfield Manor Inspections Services Inc. Briarcliff Manor, NY

James Craig Assured Home Inspections LLC Floral Park, NY

WIN Home Inspection Newtown Newtown, PA

Mark Schlott Efficient Home Inspections, LLC Leesport, PA

Stephen Calabrese

Ira Davis Krugervillie, TX

Kevin Deatheraye

Marco Santayygo Brownsville, TX

Bobby Schultz

Joshua Evans

Kyle, TX

Springfield, TN

Keith Doseck

Scott Frey

Keith Doseck Austin, TX

Chris Siebels

Thomas Dowdy

Vincent Stewart

Hendersonville, TN

Greg Hinds Cookeville, TN

Albert Jones Professional Home Inspections Inc. Springfield, TN

Michael Ogle Etowah, TN

Stanley Parker Memphis, TN

Jason Pettis SJE Home Inspections Cordova, TN

Thomas Raybon Nashville, TN

Robert Schumacher

Hope, RI

Madison, TN

Robert Costa

Robert Seabourn

Pawtucker, RI

Nashville, TN

Brian Seeley

Mike Sinquefield

Beeville, TX Pflugerville, TX

Austin, TX

Lewisville, TX

Kenneth Duggan

Richard Vela

Pillar to Post Scroggins, TX

Hewitt, TX

James Duke

Weatherford, TX

J+K Home Inspections Huntsville, TX

Angela Wallace

Darrell Faircloth Archer Inspections Allen, TX

Calistro Garza Laredo, TX

Adam Gonzales San Antonio, TX

Mark Gumpert Princeton, TX

William Hart San Angelo, TX

Rhyler Heining Stop Fire and Mold Austin, TX

Michael Vieira

Fort Worth, TX

Russell Walters Austin, TX

Joe Walton Fort Worth, TX

Geno Wand Horseshoe Bay, TX

Mark Yingst Burleson, TX

Ben Beatty Tyjacks Homes Lynchburg, VA

H Brian Buckholtz

Austin, TX

Eunho Choe

CarolinaRES Greenville, SC

Etowah, TN

Matthew Kershner

H Philip Spiva

Austin, TX

KCB, LCC Springfield, VA

John DuBose

Clarksville, TN

David Kleinhans

Adam Donaldson

Kyle Temple

Frisco, TX

Zanesfield, OH

DuBose Home Inspection, Inc. Columbia, SC

College Grove, TN

Colleen Komatz

H Paul Williams

Round Rock, TX

Edward Hayes

Jay Abed Austin, TX

Matthew Lamonica

Brian Armstrong

Powderly, TX

Pillat To Post Home Inspections Powhatan, VA

White Settlement, TX

Leon Leos Dallas, TX

H Daniel LoAlbo

Ron McNally

Tim Banks Texarkoma, TX

Ernest Lowe

LoAlbo Enterprises, Inc. Virginia Beach, VA

Chantz Banks

Corpus Christi, TX

Stephen Park

Norman, OK

Solid Ground Home Inspections Charleston, SC

Pittsburg, TX

Fairfax, VA

Richard Bender

H Robert Ringer

Duncan MacDougall

Kenny Bingham

Dallas, TX

H

Bowie, TX

Jason Macomb

Lemar Brooks

Fischer, TX

US Inspect Reston, VA

Dallas, TX

Anthony McKnight

H John Whittaker

Mark Callahan

Seguin, TX

Arlington, TX

Carlos Montes

Chardon, OH

H Fred Slota Pickerington, OH

Jack Widmark

New Carlisle, OH

Edward Cunningham

Alfonso Peralta

Brad Trainer

Ben Rock

Global Home Inspection Memphis, TN

M.R.S. Home Inspections Royse City, TX

Sean Devine

Jason Buda

Newton, MA

Pillar to Post, dba Newman’s Home LLC Quakertown, PA

Michael Ellis

Terri Rowley

H Jerome Salontay

Jamestown, NY

Saad Moustafa

Kevin Palmer

McMinniville, TN

First Due Home Inspections Allen, TX

Rock Solid Home Inspections El Paso, TX

Tony Smith

Elite Home Inspections Services Sallisaw, OK

Michael Bradshaw

Family Care Home Inspections Portland, PA

Dennis Dockum

Landon Crooks

Antonio Roman

Circleville, OH

Todd Fichter

H Terry Quincel

Premier Home Inspection Services, LLC Brookline, NH

Brian Labar

Nashville, TN

Kyle, TX

Hearthstone Home Inspection Barrington, RI

Kettering, OH

Nicholas Jette

To Do Home Inspection, LLC Greentown, PA

Kenneth Crenshaw

Christopher Crawford

Sinquefield Home Inspections, LLC Collierville, TN

Omaha, NE

Michigan’s Best Inspections LLC North Branch, MI

Boston, MA

H Kendric Glenn

H Scott Koel

Sean Hennegan

Richmond, KY

Innovative Development LLC Shaker Heights, OH

Steve Frye

Lansing, MI

H Martin Gilbert

Gerhard Linde

Kelby Bittman

Cleveland, OH

Marblehead, MA

Vineyard Haven, MA

Endicott, NY

Bellevue, NE

Kurt Fleming

Brandie Jordal

Thomas Tokos

Tim Muluaney

PHI dba HouseMaster Carmel, IN

H Terrance Parker

PhD Home Inspections, LLC Williston Park, NY

H Brennan Gorey

Remco Remodeling & Design Garden City, MI

South Boston, MA

Brian Slattery

Samuel Fluellen

Jim Rhoades

REF Home Inspections York, PA

Kyle Keller

Rob Anderson

On The Level Home Inspections, LLC Wolfeboro, NH

Randy Finkey

Esmirna Ramirez

Williamston, MI

Central Home Inspections Farwell, MI

Chadds Ford, PA

Hickory Home Inspection New Castle, PA

Grand Island, NE

Michael Raines

Thomas Deitz

Stony Point, NY Monroe, NY

Forrest Broderick

Broderick Builders Inc. Great Valley Home Inspection Nashville, TN Malvern, PA

Joseph Pelatti

Pillar to Post Lebanon, OH

Patricia Anderson

Orazio Coscia

Daniel Kauffman

Kent Trader, LLC Home Inspection Services Angier, NC Anderson Inspection Services, LLC Kearney, NE

Portland, OR

Williamsville, NY

Dan McCafferty

Brookline, MA

Wichita, KS

Kent Trader

Bedford, NY

Tyken Inspections LLC Columbus, OH

Shane Peterson

Matt Adams

Lonnie Pechnik

Vladimir Lezaja

Stepan Leskiv

Assurance Home Inspections Suwanee, GA

Tampa, FL

Robert Miller

Saugus, MA

360 Inspection Macon, MO

H John Lawson

Lansing, KS

As Eye See It Home Inspections Macon, GA

Dustin Gray

Joseph Sestito

Scarsdale, NY

John O’Shea

Jason Tabor

H James Vann

Oakland, KY

Josh Boveri

William Jetter

The August Group Inc. St. Louis, MO

Daniel Bettee

John Schneller

Wallace Golden

Poughkeepsie, NY

Keith B. Home Improvements Havre de Grace, MD

BPG Sandy Springs, GA

Tampa Bay, FL

First-Class Home Inspection Royse City, TX

Volneylee Griffiths

All-Pro Home Inspection Services Des Moines, IA

Joaquin Rivas

H Alex Brongel

Antioch, TN

New Rochelle, NY

Jeffrey Noyes

Jacksonville , FL

Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Ditannon Otis

C&C LLC Killeen, TX

Ronald D’Ambrosio

Keith Bloch

HouseMaster Carmel, IN

H Jeffrey Bowden

Kendall Craig

H Richard Taylor

Merid Bekenna

Minneapolis, MN

Bowling Green, KY

Shaun McVey

Eric Kartchner

Estero, FL

Waco, TX

H Travis Zochert

Hartsdale, NY

Norcross, GA

Jordan Berman

Brady Novian

Dallas, TX

H Jared Williams

James Golden

USMC Miami, FL

Sylvester Clayton

Barrett Enterprise Cleveland, TN

Sammy Young

Milford, CT

Valerie McMullen

Donnie Barrett

Red Wall Property Inspection, LLC Newberg, OR

BPG Villa Ridge, MO

Eoin Bradley

Property Preservation Specialists, LLC Washington, DC

Tim Morland

Penfield, NY

Precision Home Inspection Services Somerset, MA

The BrickKicker Duluth, GA

Tory Hunnicutt

Nicholas Crossed

Fox Property Inspection Lexington, KY

Douglas Vogel

New Haven, CT

Celina, TX

Rossville, GA

Ruth Engelberg

Jean-Carlos Rafael

Jeffrey Morgan

Georgetown, TX

Jacksonville, FL

Denver, CO Front Range Professional Home Inspection Services Indian Hills, CO

Paul Cameron

Bluffton, SC

Stuart Blake

Amanda Cherry

Cross Check Property Inspections, LLC Loveland, CO

Brad Thomas

Tigard, OR

Chad Sawyer

Property Repair Services & Inspections LLC Grand Junction, CO

Eric Roberts

Cory Escudero

Oswego, NY

Jon Fox

H Justin Buckley

Buyer’s Protection Group Eagle, CO

Steven Crain

Good Bones Home Inspections St. Louis Park, MN

Dave Williams

H John Thiele

H David Jackson

Kevin Marler

Vince Leeson

PNW Home Inspection, LLC Lake Oswego, OR

H David Diffendorfer Portland, OR

Hayes Engineering Services, LLC Greer, SC

Warrenville, SC

Michael Rowell MJ Rowell Home Inspection, LLC. Effingham, SC

Brian Hunt

Killeen, TX

Good Looking Out Home Inspections Manassas, VA

US Inspect Chantilly, VA

Stephen Gibson

Andrew Riche

Blue Ridge, VA

Continues on Page 34

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Education-ASHI Online Learning Center

Moving Up in ASHI

By Russell K. Daniels ASHI Assistant Executive Director Director of Membership Services and Chapter Relations 847-954-3185, russelld@ashi.org

T

hank you for your support for ASHI throughout the year. We believe it is vitally important for ASHI inspectors to be successful in their businesses. One of the ways to be successful is to move up to the highest level of ASHI by becoming an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI).

Our analysis shows that 89% to 92% of ACIs stay in business. Obtaining the ACI level is not just for bragging rights of being among a select group of home inspectors who have reached the top of the association. It also lets your clients know that you are dedicated to them and to your profession. Whether you work in a state that requires licensing or a state that does not, you can help grow your business by marketing yourself as an ASHI Certified Inspector.

Don’t waste another minute. Go the ASHI website at www.ashi.org and select the “Join ASHI” tab. Then click on “ASHI membership categories and requirements” to find the steps to move up to the premier level in ASHI. We look forward to welcoming you to the ASHI Certified level.

ASHI Membership Categories and Requirements All ASHI members are required to abide by the ASHI Code of Ethics, which specifically forbids home inspectors from active brokerage or sale of real estate or performing repairs on homes that they inspect. ASHI members also agree to perform and report inspections in accordance with the ASHI Standard of Practice. Not only is the ASHI logo widely regarded as the mark of a professional home inspector, its use by the ASHI membership is also carefully controlled.

There are three designations of active professional home inspector membership in ASHI.® These ASHI® membership categories are as follows: ASHI has met the rigorous requirements of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) as a certifying body; therefore, it is able to offer the only third-party-approved home inspector certification program.

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April 21-23, 2016 AEI, Finance Committee, ASHI Foundation and ASHI Board Meeting Des Plaines, IL

ASHI Reporter • February 2016

• Agreed to follow the ASHI Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics.

ASHI Inspector—Inspectors in this category have: • Passed the National Home Inspector Examination or Valid State Exam approved by the Membership Committee and ASHI’s Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics module.

ASHI-ENDORSED PROGRAMS ASHI’s E&O Insurance Program: Target Professional Programs www.targetproins.com 860-899-1862

• Submitted a valid list of performance of at least 75 fee-paid home inspections that meet or exceed the ASHI Standard of Practice.

ASHI Personal Lines Insurance Program: Liberty Mutual www.libertymutual.com/ashi

• Returned an authorized notarized affidavit to ASHI validating at least 75 inspections.

• Agreed to follow the ASHI Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics.

• Passed the National Home Inspector Examination and ASHI’s Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics module.

ASHI Associates— Inspectors in this category have:

• Had inspection reports successfully verified for compliance with ASHI’s Standard of Practice.

• Submitted a valid list of performance of at least 250 fee-paid home inspections that meet or exceed the ASHI Standard of Practice.

• Just joined ASHI and may be new to the inspection profession or may be a seasoned inspector who has not yet completed ASHI’s requirements to move up in membership.

• Passed ASHI’s Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics module.

• Agreed to follow the ASHI Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics. H

ASHI Service Program BuildFax Tricia Julian, 877-600-BFAX x161 TJulian@BuildFax.com www.buildfax.com http://go.buildfax.com/ASHI ASHI Customer Appreciation Program: Moverthankyou.com Brent Skidmore, 864-386-2763 www.moverthankyou.com Brent@POWRsoft.com HomeAdvisor.com Brett Symes, 913-529-2683 www.homeadvisor.com ashi@homeadvisor.com LegalShield Joan Buckner, 505-821-3971 buckner.legalshieldassociate.com buckner@legalshieldassociate.com InspectionContracts.com Dave Goldstein, 800-882-6242 www.inspectioncontracts.com david@inspectoreducation.com

July 21-23, 2016 AEI, Finance Committee, ASHI Foundation and ASHI Board Meeting Des Plaines, IL

October 22, 2016 ASHI Foundation and ASHI Board Meeting Des Plaines, IL

CURRENT ASHI MEMBERSHIP ASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,146 Inspectors/Logo: 98 Associates: 2,522 Retired Members: 109 Affiliates: 64 Total: 5,939 Members as of 1/7/2016

OneSource Solutions 877-274-8632 www.osconnects.com/ashi/

Febru ary Anni versa ries

Thirty Years

Paul Besmertnik Peter Seirup

Twenty Years

ASHI MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT PROGRAMS

• Had inspection reports successfully verified for compliance with ASHI’s Standard of Practice.

ASHI Certified Inspectors—Inspectors in this category have:

ASHI Event Calendar

• Returned an authorized, notarized affidavit to ASHI validating at least 250 inspections.

Now available: unlimited free continuing education hours for your ASHI CE requirements. Just log on to the ASHI website, put the mouse on the Education tab, click on the ASHI Online Learning Center, log on to the Learning Center with your member number and the word “password” and begin taking these exciting education modules. You Earn 2 CEs upon successful completion for each module.

You can also view a list of State-approved online education under each of the past IW course descriptions. A certificate of completion will be available to print out. H

ASHI Rebate Program Quill.com Dana Fishman, 800-634-0320 x1417 www.quill.com/ashi dana.fishman@quill.com ASHI-ENDORSED EXAMS ASHI Standard and Ethics Education Module Go to www.homeinspector.org, click on Education and Training, then click on the link for the ASHI Standard of Practice Education Module.

NHIE Exam: 847-298-7750 www.homeinspectionexam.org ASHI-ENDORSED TRAINING PROGRAMS ASHI@Home Training System 800-268-7070 education@carsondunlop.com

Martin Quarles Richard Pettit Alen Leung Rich Spraggs Kevin Koplar David Szalay

Fifteen Years

Chris Rowe Stephen Sheffield Tom Wagner Rick Crnkovich Aaron Mayer John Fryer Robert Still Willie Macklin John Berry Dennis Nobley Stephen Beloyan Ray Girgis Woody Woods Lawrence Transue Paul Morgan Ronald Tomak Lou Conte

Ten Years

Mark Reed Christopher Harr Rick Michalicek Matt Fletcher Stephen Houmard W. Ryder Kern Mark Perry Jeff Longaker William Craft Dale Duffy Steve Barnes Jay Coleman Justin Nickelsen Scott Freeman Loren (Larry) Stamp

Five Years

Al Giles Shannon Pence John Esposito James Singleto Mike Spencer J. Spencer Prodromos Alex Valenzuela Terry Kleptach David Hartung-Weber Eric Jennings Kyle Kern Patrick Simpson Jake Schneider Gary Moseley

The ASHI School Kendra Eiermann, 888-884-0440 kendra@theashischool.com www.TheASHISchool.com PLATINUM PROVIDER Millionaire Inspector Community Mike Crow www.mikecrow.com dreamtime@mikecrow.com Mention that you are an ASHI member

Porch.com Eliab Sisay, 206-218-3920 www.porch.com Eliab@porch.com

33February 2016

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Continued from Page 31

H Glenn Bell Seattle, WA

Dane Cameron New Castle, WA

Harland Dean Redmond, WA

H Scott Farmer Sedro-Woolley, WA

H Logan Flitton Chehalis, WA

Ted Gulick Inland Home and Building Inspection Spokane, WA

Jimmy Vance Advanced Construction Grafton, WI

ASHI Chapter Education

Cindy Wiegel

Educational Event

Berlin, WI

Xai Xiong Kaukauna, WI

Bryan Elbon Elbon’s Contracting LLC Beverly, WV

John Novisky Nova Inspection Grafton, WV

Bryce Gilbert

Pasco, WA

Cottonwood Home Inspection Thermopolis, WY

Peter Orr

Fred John

H John Kuehn Jr. Rave Home Inspections Vancouver, WA

H Ken Simington

Home Inspection Master, LLC Sheridan, WY

Newcastle, WA

Ryan Whitney Ally Home Inspection, LLC Seattle, WA

Jerrod Beatty

New ASHI Inspectors As of December 1, 2015

Manitowoc, WI

Jeff Brown Ripon, WI

Joseph Chitko

INSPECTOR

Cudahy, WI

Mark Gilbertson Truer, LLC Praire du Sac, WI

Mike Janssen Freedom, WI

Michael Laaksonen Sturgeon Bay, WI

David Larsen No Bull Windsor, WI

Hollie Moericke Green Bay, WI

Gregory Moran

Timothy Arnold Westchester, IL

Mark Kahan Buyers Protection Group Owings Mills, MD

Tim Mitchell Mitchco Enterprises, LLC Wentzville, MO

John Paton Brewster Home Inspections, LLC Mt. Arlington, NJ

Jay Brzezinski

Green Bay, WI

General Home Inspection Garfield Heights, OH

James Muhammad

Marc Jones

Kenosha, WI

Jones Brothers Home Inspections, LLC Brandon Pohezewinshi Kennewick, WA BMP Inspections LLC Hales Corners, WI Christopher Jones Jones Brothers Home Dan Rampetsreiter Inspections, LLC Mauston, WI Richland, WA

When: February 19–20, 2016 Where: St. Vicent’s Hospital Auditorium Little Rock, AR CEUs: 14 ASHI CEs Contact: homeinspectionplus@conwaycorp.net

OAHI/CAHPI-ON 2016 Educational Conference When: March 4–6, 2016 Where: Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel and

Conference Center, Burlington, ON

Corporate Head Office / Training

Centre, 1515 Matheson Blvd. East,

Suite 205, Mississauga, ON L4W 2P5 CEUs: 18 ASHI CEs Contact: 416-256-0960, info@oahi.com

Ohio and North Central Chapters Ohio Home Inspectors Expo When: March 4–6, 2016

DoubleTree Hilton Columbus/

Worthington

175 Hutchinson Avenue

Columbus, OH 43235 Speakers: Bruce Barker and Alan Carson Contact: George Basista

georgebasista@yahoo.com

ASHI Central PA Chapter Education Conference When: March 5, 2016 Where: Park Inn by Radisson

(Harrisburg West) 5401 Carlisle Pike

Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 Subject: Foundations, Thermodynamics and

Design, Communication between

Realtors and Home Inspectors and

Drones Technology CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs Speakers: Cecil Johnson, Andrew Gray Contact: Pat Reilly, 717-357-9589

pwreilly@comcast.net

Garden State ASHI Education Event When: March 10, 2016, 8 am – 6 pm Where: The Westwood, Garwood, NJ CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs & 8 NJ CEs Subjects: Modern HVAC and Plumbing Systems Speaker: Kenny Hart Contact: gsashiedchair@gmail.com

MAC-ASHI Technical Seminar When: May 14th, 2016 Where: John’s Hopkins University 9601 Medical Center Drive Rockville, MD 20850 CEUs: 8 ASHI and State of Maryland CEs Contact: www.mac-ashi.org

South Carolina ASHI Chapter Event When: May 14, 2016 Where: Holiday Inn, Columbia, SC Subject: Moisture Intrusion in Cladding Systems Speaker: Tim Thigpen CEUs: 2 ASHI CEs Contact: Brad Johnson 864-580-3547 orchamist@aol.com

I WANT TO TRAIN YOUR NEXT EMPLOY EE WITH G.I. BILL BENEFITS

Calling all U.S. Veterans! Use your qualified G.I. benefits at our Illinois Location.

The ASHI School has been approved by the Illinois State Approving Agency for the enrollment of qualified veterans to receive G.I. Bill Educational Benefits.

w w w.t h e A S H I s c h o o l .c o m 1- 8 8 8 - 8 8 4 - 0 4 4 0

To have your chapter seminar listed in this section: Email all information about your chapter seminar to micheleg@ashi. org.

Be sure to include all information: seminar subject, when, where, CEUs & a link for more information or contact information.

Information also will be picked up from CE applications.

IMPORTANT Reporter Deadlines APRIL ISSUE - 2/23/16 MAY ISSUE - 3/21/16 JUNE ISSUE - 4/20/16 JULY ISSUE - 5/23/16

Justin Riske JTC Home Inspection Service Cottage Grove, WI

New ASHI Certified Home Inspectors

Johnny Murphree

Craig Singley

Gregory Davis

Murphree Building Inspections Templeton, CA

CS Inspections, LLC Atlanta, GA

ProSpect Property Inspections Newmarket, NH

David Picone

Joe Thomas

HomeGuard Incorporated San Jose, CA

Prime Time Home Inspections, LLC Ely, IA

Bayside, WI

David Ritchie

Alan Peterson

Kevin Tyler

Touchstone Home Inspection Service El Cajon, CA

PHI, dba HouseMaster Home Inspections Carmel, IN

Keith Schnese Neenah, WI

Melody Shaltis Rhinelander, WI

As of December 1, 2015

LaCrosse, WI

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ASHI Reporter • February 2016

Timothy Stolba

Michael McGonigle

Stephen Mulrooney SJC Property Services LLC Lincoln University, PA

Nathaniel Rexrode Covesville, VA

Homestead Inspection Services Inc. Mickleton, NJ

35February 2016

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NEW POSTCARDS EMAIL!! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: postcards@ashi.org

GOT GREAT POSTCARDS? We are running out!

Please send your 1. name 2. company 3. city 4. state 5. photos 6. headings 7. captions to postcards@ashi.org

“Ooh, Honey, Look How Industrial-Chic This Handle Is, I Love It!”

Right when I saw it, I said to myself, “Someone’s got way too much time on their hands.”

Daniel Land Land Made Home Inspections Bethel, CT

WOW! This homeowner installed hot water baseboard right in front of the door.

Matt Leahy, The Edge Home Inspections, Tucson, AZ

Rats For Dinner

Risky Business…

Why you need to make sure all openings are sealed on your electrical panel. AWW, RATS!!

Looks like this guy got shorted out by his tail and then the roaches had a feast.

Barry Wong Building Specs LLC Kailua, HI

36

ASHI Reporter • February 2016

…is standing in sump pit while servicing the panel.

Mark Dolph Northeastern Independent Home Inspections, Inc. Roaring Brook Township, PA

Matthew Steger WIN Home Inspection Lancaster, PA

Let’s Deflect The Water…

Hydronic heat?

…and grow some weeds. Then the termites can have greens with lunch (see photo below).

Charles Ryan Precision Property Inspection Chicago, IL

You have to step over it to go outside.

Lawrence Transue Integrity Inspection Service Easton, PA

Rolled asphalt roofing installed with nails.

Can’t say I’ve ever seen an install like this.

Matthew Steger WIN Home Inspection Lancaster, PA

Jason Gingery Viewpoint Inspections Santa Cruz, CA

Head-Heated Boot Rack

Does Google do drone roof inspections?

When All Else Fails, Use Nails The intake and exhaust vents for a gas-fired direct-vent furnace.

Blow out the exhaust fumes and suck them right back in for combustion.

This “hammock” was found in the side yard of a four-plex I inspected.

When the “Pro” at the home improvement store confuses door hardware with tool isles.

The Next Big Thing!

Red Alert!

Sweet Dreams…ZZZZ

Randy West Professional Building Consultants Roseville, CA

1.

Waste Not, Want Not Creative recycling!

2.

David Grudzinski Advantage Home Inspections Cranston, RI

37February 2016

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By ASHI President, Randy Sipe

Who Is This Guy and How Did He Get Here?

T

hank you for electing me and giving me your trust, not only to lead ASHI, but also to represent you in the public forum. It’s not about me, it’s about us as ASHI inspectors, but as your new president I wanted to share some of my background and how I got here.

I turned 60 in January, I’m married, my wife’s name is Lori and we have two kids. My son, Connor, is attending the University of Kansas and is an Air Force ROTC cadet. My daughter, Lacy, and her husband, Bryce, have given us two grandkids, Taylor and Bryson.

I grew up in a small town with 5,000 residents south of Kansas City, KS, and I still live near there today. For most of my life, I have worked in the engineering field, first as a drafter and later as a mechanical designer. I have worked for small family companies and large corporate groups through the years. Then one day, the final hammer fell and I was without a job and needed a new direction.

I was tired of living my life in a cubicle. I wasn’t a model employee—I was opinionated, strong-headed and wasn’t afraid to give my point of view. A friend of mine asked, “Have you ever thought of being a home inspector?” A career in home inspection wasn’t even on my radar, and honestly, I knew very little about it. With some research and a call to Wayne Trickle, a local home inspector who had inspected our house, I began to get some insight on this new venture of being a home inspector.

phone rang and the voice on the other end said, “Hi, my name is Ron Rusch, and I’m calling on behalf of the Great Plains Chapter of ASHI. It’s a local group of home inspectors, and we would like to invite you to our dinner and education meeting coming up.”

That’s when things started to change for me personally and professionally. The true benefit of ASHI that will help you succeed is your chapter involvement.

Involvement can be just attending meetings or volunteering to help. I will never forget that at my first meeting, I met people who would start me on my ASHI leadership track. I have already mentioned Ron Rusch, and then came Tom Lauhon and Miki Mertz.

I didn’t know it at the time, but they were and are national leaders in home inspection. These are the people who put me on the ASHI leadership track, starting with my local chapter.

The next group that helped me were the chapter members. These people freely gave their time and knowledge to help me succeed. Not only did the chapter members help with my inspection questions, they charted a course so that I and other newbies could advance in the ASHI membership level and Before I knew it, I was on my way to Atlanta, GA, enrolled in a home inspection class and living in my brother-in-law’s basement succeed. Chapter member Virginia Van Valkenburg for the next two weeks. On the first day of class, I and about headed a study group to help us prepare for the 20 other newbies started our new careers with excitement, not NHIE test. She and other experienced chapter memknowing much else or what the future would bring. After bers donated their time to conduct mini-courses and completing the inspection course, I was ready (or at least study sessions so that we, their inspector competthought I was ready) to start my new career. itors, could pass this exam and be good, qualified had no idea how hard it would be to break into this new business home inspectors. If that’s not enough, the chapter and the responsibility that it carries. For those of you just starting, paid for our NHIE testing.

I

it takes more than a flashlight and a screwdriver. The best tool in your toolbox will be a spouse with a good job and a willingness to give you the time needed to start your new business.

Back at home after taking the home inspection course, I started putting into place the things that I learned in the marketing session. Soon, I was up and running—although my wife would say crawling. As most of you know, it doesn’t happen overnight, over a week, a month or even a year—it takes time. Then one day, my 38

ASHI Reporter • February 2016

I tell you all of this for one reason: to let you know that I did not and could not have succeeded and become the ASHI National President by myself. To achieve most any success, it takes lots of people willing to support, help and guide you from start to finish.

For me, my chapter involvement was the beginning and I continue to be blessed with the support of the members of my ASHI Chapter, the National ASHI leadership, the ASHI staff and inspection community. H

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• www.ASHIReporter.org

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40

ASHI Reporter • February 2016