March 2016 Reporter by ASHI

ASHI

3.16

REPORTER

4 EX T

of new

RA PA GES s you can u se!

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

Randy Sipe 2016 ASHI President

2015 ASHI Award Winners

ASHI Leaders Look Back: 40 Years of Trust

Skylights

How to Raise Your Prices Without Killing Your Business, Part 2

ON MY MIND: BUILDING ON ASHIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 40 YEARS OF TRUST

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ASHI 2015 Annual Report

3.16

REPORTER ASHI

March 2016

Features

8 InspectionWorld

2016: San Diego

Public Communications Inc.

The Industry’s First AFCI Outlet

2015 ASHI Award Winners

ASHI Staff

ASHI Leaders look Back: Sally Chapralis

Skylights Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop

How to Raise Your Prices Without Killing Your Business, Part 2

ASHI 2015 Annual Report

Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop

Alden Gibson, ACI and Tim Buell, ACI

Departments 6 Around the CoRner Jim Funkhouser, Speaker or the CoR 23

Vol. 33, #3

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

Insider Tips

Tom Fezia, Mr. Fix-It, Inc.

Postcards From the Field It’s Wacky Out There

Test YOur Knowledge Engaging our Readers

On My Mind

Randy Sipe, ASHI President

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ASHI Reporter • March 2016

10/2/14 1:22 PM

8 3March 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.

ASHI Reporter • March 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

5March 2016

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Around the CoRner

From The Speaker of the CoR

It’s three days after the end of InspectionWorldTM 2016, and I am more energized than ever. First, you can’t beat the weather in San Diego; second, you can’t beat the friends you make; and third, you can’t beat the quality education when you attend IW. Please start planning now to join everyone in Las Vegas in January 2017! You will thank me (I accept small unmarked bills and Starbursts). As promised, the Council of Representatives (CoR) considered your ideas and proposals during our annual meeting on January 25 in San Diego. Six of the proposals passed, and two were tabled. Here are the proposals that I will present on your behalf to the ASHI Board of Directors for their consideration: 1. M ake it ASHI policy to encourage all chapters to treat home inspector members equally with regard to voting rights within the chapter and inclusion in lists of members in publications, advertising and websites as deemed appropriate by the specific chapter Board of Directors. 2. H ave ASHI staff refer every new ASHI member to a chapter.

3. Hold the October Board of Directors meeting in the same location as the Leadership Training Conference (LTC), rather than at ASHI headquarters. 4. Provide a $300 per chapter stipend to each chapter sending Council Representatives to the ASHI CoR Annual Meeting. (This could be in our CoR budget.) 5. Have ASHI staff and national leadership hold a web conference with all chapter leadership to address ASHI’s agenda and to hear the concerns of the chapters. 6. Have the officer nominating committee develop a series of questions to be responded to by nominees and that video responses be made available to the general membership. Please take a minute to thank your representatives to the CoR who gave their time to address these important issues. Be proud that you belong to an organization that includes such folks who look after your needs and who help your voice to be heard. I will report back to you on these proposals after the Board deliberates in April.

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

ASHI Reporter • March 2016

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

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

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

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

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

7March 2016

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InspectionWorld® 2016

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR RAFFLE WINNERS!

InspectionWorld 2016: San Diego ®

By Public Communications Inc.

IW Las Vegas 2017 Package: Barbara Stecher

iPad Mini: Barbara Freeman

$200 Gift Cards:

elebrating 40 Years of Trust at InspectionWorld® 2016

IW attendees enjoyed valuable educational sessions, interesting exhibitors and meeting other ASHI members in sunny San Diego IW San Diego was a slam dunk. Read on to find out why we mean that literally. Attendees were immersed in a meeting full of education, mingling and exchanging ideas. The Annual Meeting Luncheon kicked off ASHI’s 40th anniversary celebration. A truly historical moment occurred at the luncheon when Ron Passaro, ACI, the first member of ASHI, swore in 2016 ASHI president Randy Sipe. New board members were also sworn in and 2015 awards were presented to exemplary ASHI leaders, members and staff. The award recipients are listed on pages 10-11. After the luncheon, the Expo Hall ribbon was cut and the exhibit floor was opened featuring a record-breaking number of exhibitors. On the first day we also welcomed new members and first-time IW attendees at our Welcome to ASHI Event and The ASHI School held a class reunion. InspectionWorld® offered 45 educational sessions this year in five different specialty focuses. Attendees chose between “Inspecting Essentials,” “Advanced Learning,” “Environmental Issues,” “Specialty/Diversification” and “Business Management.” Other educational opportunities included pre- and post-conference courses, lunch ’N learns and special events. In short, there were plenty of formal and informal opportunities to learn from knowledgeable experts in discussions and classes. The IW Event App connected attendees with peers and exhibitors and kept everyone upto-date on the latest IW news, schedules and details on conference events and education (and more!). More than 1143 attendees enjoyed the conference at the Town and Country Resort & Convention Center. Several lively events provided attendees the chance to mingle, meet other ASHI members and talk all things home inspection. The Opening Night Reception in the Expo Hall offered the chance for fun networking, The real fun began the next night at the InspectPac Reception. When we referred to the slamdunk in the opening paragraph we really meant the dunk tank fundraiser. Kudos to the “volunteers” who

ASHI Reporter • March 2016

really got “immersed” in InspectionWorld.® The President’s Gala Reception and Dinner/ Dance featured a live band, great food and a chance for attendees to dance the night away.

Marlon Page Paul Misener Scott Swickard

$500 Grand Prize: Robert Mayberry

Many spouses (and attendees, too) enjoyed the organized tours of San Diego. Day trips included a San Diego Bay tour cruise, a trolley tour, a tour of Balboa Park and more. InspectionWorld® 2016 proved to be a successful conference packed with educational opportunities and the fun of getting to meet other ASHI inspectors. We hope everyone enjoyed their time in sunny San Diego and thank you to all of our attendees, exhibitors and sponsors. For those of you who weren’t there, start planning now to join us in Las Vegas for InspectionWorld® 2017 at Bally’s Hotel, January 22-25, 2017. A link to free IW photos is included in an InspectionWorld® Recap article found on the homepage of the ASHI website. H

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS FOR IW LAS VEGAS 2017 InspectionWorld® Las Vegas, January 22-25, 2017, will provide a forum for attendees to learn the profession's best practices and to expand their knowledge, improve their professional skills and explore emerging issues relevant to the profession. ASHI invites those interested in presenting at InspectionWorld Las Vegas to submit a proposal for review by the IW Education Committee. To request a Call for Presentation form contact: Michele George Director of Education and Events micheleg@ashi.org 847-954-3188 Complete the form electronically and submit it with materials by email. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, March 15. Contact Michele George with any questions.

9March 2016

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2015 ASHI Award Winners

President’s Award

Ironman Award

Philip C. Monahon Award 2015 Winner: Jim Katen ASHI members take pride in receiving the award created in the memory of the man who led the society in its early years as Executive Director. Described as a visionary who maintained the organization’s focus on valid standards, combined with strict conscientious business practices, Philip C. Monahon

set the bar high for the leaders who have followed. In addition to recognizing an outstanding member every year, ASHI donates $500 to the NewtonWellesley Hospital, Newton, Mass., in the name of deceased member Philip C. Monahon.

C. Blaine Illingworth III

Jim Katen receives the 2015 Monahon Award from the 2014 winner, Skip Walker

John Cox Award 2015 Winner: Jim Funkhouser of the NOVA ASHI Chapter John Cox served on a national committee, taught week-long seminars and routinely inspected homes, although numerous operations on his legs due to diabetes meant using crutches and a wheelchair to do so. Nevertheless, it was dedication and service to two ASHI chapters that earned the greatest respect from his peers.

ASHI Reporter • March 2016

2015 Winner: Jim Funkhouser Adlen Gibson, 2015 ASHI President, chose Jim Funhouser as the recipient of the President’s Award, which is given for outstanding service to the President and the Board of Directors for a specific year.

Chapter Enterprise Award

Jim Funkhouser (R) receives his John Cox Award from John Wessling 2015 alternate Speaker of the CoR.

2015 Gold Achievement Award: Mike, Director of IT and Internet Communications, was given this award by ASHI Executive Director, Frank Lesh. 10

Jim Funkhouser (R) was honored with the President’s Award from 2015 ASHI President, Alden Gibson

2015 Winner: C. Blaine Illingworth III Outgoing President Alden Gibson chose Blaine Illingworth for the Ironman Award. Accepting special assignments and working behind the scenes, he was the perfect fit for an award described as follows: Every organization has its unsung heroes, who labor quietly in the background but with great dedication. The Ironman Award, established in 1998 by John Palczuk, recognizes an individual member who has given time, energy, talent and determination to ASHI over a long period of time and with little recognition.

An ASHI member established this first-of-its-kind award because he attributes his personal success as a home inspector and the prosperity of his multi-inspector firm to the ideas and information acquired by regularly attending InspectionWorld. The basis for the awards are

the total confirmed reservations for InspectionWorld [preceding the date of InspectionWorld] for a chapter in each of two categories based on size. This year Silicon Valley, CA and the Arizona ASHI, chapters each received an award of $750.

View & Download Photos Relive the conference or see what you missed! Photos are available free of charge for download or to order prints. Go to www.inspectionworld.org.

11March 2016

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ASHI Leaders Look Back: 40 Years of Trust

ASHI Leaders Look Back: 40 Years of Trust By Sally Chapralis

hen, in 1976, visionary home inspectors established the American Society of Home Inspectors, their commitment included high standards, ethics, education and certifications for members. They also understood the critical importance of maintaining public trust. ASHI members know that a home inspection provides essential information about safety for the people who live in the home. That’s why home owners, real estate professionals and the media respect and trust ASHI for its Standard of Practice, professional resources and knowledgeable members who can identify current and potential concerns and challenges. In celebration of ASHI’s 40 Years of Trust, four ASHI members shared their memories. You’ll see that their experiences and perspectives reflect their pride in ASHI membership. Randy Sipe – ASHI National President 2016 “For 40 years, ASHI inspectors have been trusted in the inspection community to provide accurate, knowledgeable information to educate, inform and assist home buyers, home sellers and real estate agents. ASHI has worked with these groups along with federal, state and local jurisdictions to establish this trust throughout ASHI’s history. Everyone has heard the phrase ‘For Your Protection Get a Home Inspection,’ which is even used on government documents. Where do you think this phrase came from? Yes, ASHI. Our presence on the federal level without a doubt has established ASHI as the professional leader in the home inspection profession. ASHI works with HUD and other allied 12

ASHI Reporter • March 2016

professional organizations for the good of all inspectors, not just ASHI members.

( “How did we establish this

trust? It started with a solid Standard of Practice, the ASHI Standard of Practice, which has been developed through the years and is recognized throughout the home inspection community. The ASHI Standard of Practice has been used either in part or in whole by regulated states or other inspection groups. This was not an accident; it is because of the hard work by ASHI to universally establish these standards.

“Backing the ASHI Standard of Practice is Knowledge. ASHI’s mission statement sets this goal: ‘To set and promote standards for property inspections and to provide the educational programs needed to achieve excellence in the profession.’ ASHI does this through its chapters, website education and The ASHI School, and by providing InspectionWorld®, the premier annual conference for inspectors in the profession. “ASHI inspectors abide by a Code of Ethics that ring loud in the inspection profession. “ASHI inspectors are trusted because we realize that we are not just inspecting a house; we are inspecting a home for a family. There is a difference, and let me explain. I did an inspection years ago that I will never forget. Most inspectors in their career will have

one of these inspections that brings them into reality and reveals the importance of their inspection. “I had arrived early at the home, as most inspectors do, to get a little ahead of the exterior inspection with no interruptions. As I rounded the house to the front, I saw a man on the sidewalk watching me. It was a curious moment, and I approached him and asked if I could help him in any way. He informed me that he was the buyer. I was puzzled and asked how he got here and where was his car? “He then explained that he had walked part way due to an illness that sometimes overcomes him and he can’t drive, and this happened on the way here. He then looked me in the eyes and said he was dying and would not be here within the next year and, in reality, I was inspecting this house for his family. He asked that I please do a thorough job so he would know that his family has a good safe home. I tell this story to exemplify the trust people have in us as inspectors—to use the skills we have developed through knowledge, experience and the morality to do a good job. “Many ASHI inspectors before us have put all these elements together, developing ‘40 Years of Trust’ as ASHI inspectors. I, as well as you, should be proud of our history and to be an ASHI inspector.” Anthony Galeota – Past National President Since the inception of ASHI, Anthony (Tony) has been a member. After graduating from college, Tony was employed by a Boston consulting engineering firm that focused on civil and sanitary engineering for towns and municipalities. In the late 1960s, he was hired by the Town of Acton, MA, as its Town Engineer with the added responsibility of Building Inspector. It was during that time that Tony became aware of this as yet unknown field called “Home Inspection,” and he encouraged an acquaintance who was a local builder to pursue this business. After leaving the Town of Acton, Tony established his own business as a Builder and Land Developer. During this time, he worked part-time for Area Home Inspection and became involved with ASHI’s New

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ASHI Leaders Look Back: 40 Years of Trust

England Chapter. In 1980 Tony organized ASHI’s National Education Conference (as InspectionWorld® was called back then) in Boston. He served on the National Board of Directors and was elected National President of ASHI, serving a two-year term in 1986 and 1987. During his tenure, he attended and participated in chapter meetings throughout the country. “When meeting with existing as well as new members, I was always impressed with their eagerness and desire to increase their knowledge and awareness of our profession. At that time, consumers were beginning to understand and appreciate the importance of a home inspection for their biggest investment, their homes. I found mentoring very rewarding. I am a strong proponent of ongoing education, which is critical in our field.” In 1979, Tony purchased Area Home Inspection, which employed 15 home inspectors. In 1994, with a name change to Galeota Associates, Inc., the company became a family business for Tony, along with his two sons Christopher and Greg. Chris and Greg are enthusiastic about their home inspection careers, increasing awareness of the importance of home inspections, addressing misconceptions and educating consumers to keep them informed. Over the years they have been featured in the media and have provided presentations. Tony’s wife Dolores, who had been a sales operations manager for a large high-tech company, also is part of the family business. Tony is a graduate of Boston College High School and holds a degree in Architectural Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology. In addition to his roles in ASHI, he has served as president of the Builders Association of Greater Boston and as national director of the National Association of Home Builders. In 1990, he received ASHI’s Philip C. Monahan Award. Wayne J. Falcone – Past National President “I began doing home inspections in the mid-1970s, after being inspired by my brother, Jules Falcone. Jules, one of the founders and charter members of ASHI, 14

ASHI Reporter • March 2016

was ASHI’s first Membership Chair. He helped develop the standards of practice and served in many national and chapter posts. After ASHI was established, I joined in 1976 and became certified in 1978,” explained Wayne Falcone. As ASHI celebrates its 40th anniversary, so, too, does Wayne and other family members who also chose home inspection as a career and who attribute their professional success to ASHI—its standards, resources and members—as well as to their involvement with ASHI at the chapter and national levels. Wayne began his career by working for Jules in his home inspection company. Then, in 1983, Wayne launched Accurate Home and Building Inspections Services, so he could have his own business. He became involved with the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, and in 1984 when there were enough members to start the Tri-State Chapter, Wayne joined and served as chapter president from 1986 to 1988. Tri-State sent Wayne to ASHI’s National Educational Conferences (now known as InspectionWorld®), and he became involved on a national level: elected to the national board as a director, serving in board and committee positions including national Treasurer, national Membership Co-chair, and ASHI President in 1992. Wayne’s professional experience and credentials, as well as his interaction with clients, has led to more and more referrals. He said, “In fact, my business is totally based on referrals. The home inspection profession has evolved, and ongoing, new ASHI resources and education can keep us current. The whole reporting system has changed, and my interest in home inspection reports has resulted in referrals from clients (buyers and sellers) and real estate agents.” For example, Wayne has developed a 75-page manual for home owners. It includes sections on maintenance, energy tips, basement water penetration, checklists, and other important information. H

An ASHI Member Remembers… “One of my first memorable experiences in ASHI came at an ASHI convention in Chicago (I think it was in January 1986),” recalls Allen Blaker, ACI. “As a brand new inspector, I was in awe of everything, and just like a kid in a candy store, I took in every moment as my three-day experience unfolded. The first day of seminars, I found myself in a large room of mostly candidates, probably about 400 people, listening to a panel of the ASHI elite discussing ethics. The moderator was ASHI’s very own founder, Ron Passaro, and as fate would have it, at the next year’s National Educational Seminar, I found myself, at break, standing right next to Ron in the bathroom. I started our conversation by thanking him for serving as the moderator of the ethics session the year before. His reply is one that I will never forget: ‘I can sum up how I feel about ethics with one phrase: If you have to ask the question, you are too close to the problem.’ “I have shared that phrase with every student I have taught over the last 30 years, and I will continue to use it until the day I die, making it a primary part of my personal and professional life, with the hope that all those students I touch also make it part of theirs. “Thank you for letting me publicly thank Ron for that memorable moment and for the opportunity to share his words with everyone in ASHI. ASHI is truly special, and I am grateful for each day I can say I am affiliated with ASHI. Sincerely, Allen Blaker, ACI Arizona ASHI Chapter, Founder 1991, President (two years), Chapter Secretary (two years), and Central District Director (current). Past ASHI National Board Director (six years of service), past member, Council of Representatives (two years) and other positions. SEND IN YOUR SUBMISSION TODAY! Please submit your most important or lasting memories and experiences as an ASHI member to Frank Lesh (frankl@ashi.org) and look for these remembrances throughout 2016 in the ASHI Reporter.

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15March 2016

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Welcome to “In Case You Missed It.”

Skylights

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

Since moisture issues will be coming to a head with the warmer weather, I thought

kylights are popular architectural features in homes, on both flat (low sloped) and sloped (steep) roofs. They may be single-, double- or triple-glazed, and they may have flat or curved glazing. Skylights may be installed on curbs, or they may be flush mounted. Most templates are manufactured units, but they also may be site built. A Word About Glazing Glazing may be glass, polycarbonate, fiberglass or acrylic. Some are a combination of these. There are many types of glass used for skylights. Because they are not vertical, like windows are, they need to be stronger. Glass may be tempered or laminated, both of which are stronger than regular glass. Some manufacturers offer a hybrid with laminated glass on the inside and tempered glass on the outside. Laminated glass stays cleaner and is more noise-resistant than tempered glass. Glazing may be Low E and gas-filled for improved energy efficiency. The Challenges Skylights are more susceptible to problems than windows for several reasons. Because they are not vertical, they are more exposed to rain, wind, hail and, in some climates, snow and ice. Skylights are more likely to catch and hold water. They also see far more direct sunlight, including ultraviolet light, than windows. Here are some common problems to watch for with skylights: • Leaks: As always, water is the No. 1 enemy of homes. • Rot: Typically, rot stems from long-term minor leakage and often is concealed in the framing system. • Mechanical damage: Animal damage and falling branches are common culprits. • Patches: Evidence of previous repairs is a red flag. • Cracked or broken glazing: These problems may be caused by mechanical damage, structure movement or thermal stresses. • Loss of seal on double-glazed units • Installation problems, including the following: > No curb or low curb (although some are designed this way) > Improper or incomplete flashings > Wrong application (for example, a system designed for steep roofing is installed on a flat roof or vice versa; a system designed for asphalt shingles is installed on a tile roof) > Window being used as a skylight > Skylight that is poorly secured to the roof

you may want to re-read “Air-Transported

Inspecting Skylights Again, water is the issue. Skylights should be inspected from above and below, as well as from the attic, if possible.

Moisture: A Stealthy Enemy” which was published in the August 2015 ASHI Reporter. Just go to this link for a great arti-

On the exterior, inspectors should look for a curb and proper flashing details. On sloped roofs, check the area above the skylight carefully for evidence of water collecting there. Ice damming around skylights is a common cold weather issue. Check the glazing for damage and the area around the skylight for evidence of previous repairs. Roofing cement or caulking on a skylight is a temporary repair at best. Inspectors can lift up (gently) on skylights to ensure that they are well secured.

cle from Alan Carson. http://www. ashireporter.org/HomeInspection/ Articles/Air-Transported-Moisture-AStealthy-Enemy/14716. H

From the interior, we look for stains and damage to the ceiling or skylight well finishes. We use a pin-less moisture meter (which goes beyond the ASHI Standard of Practice) to help determine whether the problem is active. If it is wet, the problem is active. If it is dry, it is inconclusive. Even if it shows dry in the summer, it may be active in winter due to ice damming. If it is dry in winter, it may be wet during spring or summer rains.

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ondensation may also be an issue, especially in bathrooms and kitchens in cold climates. Many skylights have an interior tray around the perimeter to collect condensation. Trays may leak or overflow. Condensation problems often look like leaks. Allow for both possibilities in your report where appropriate. Implications Leaking skylights can damage interior finishes, but can also cause rot and mold in concealed areas, and can damage the structure. Good, Fair, Poor Here is our ranking of skylight types: 1. Curb mount: Good 2. Integral curb: Fair 3. Flush mount: Poor We’ll look at each one. 1. Curbs preferred We have found that skylights set on wood curbs are the most successful. Curbs should be a minimum of 4 inches high on sloped roofs and 8 inches on flat roofs. Curbs should be installed and flashed independently of the skylight. Different roofing materials require different flashing systems.

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Skylights

The skylight is simply set onto the top of the curb and screwed into place. The skylight may have a gasket to ensure a tight fit on the curb. The illustration below shows a double-glazed, curb-mounted skylight on a sloped roof with a four-inch curb. It shows a head flashing at the top, and an apron flashing at the bottom. There would be step flashings and counter flashings along the sides, just like a roof/ sidewall flashing system.

The skylight in the photo below is flashed into the concrete tile roof with lead flashing. Irregular roofing materials require a different approach. Many skylights have proprietary flashing details for different roofing materials.

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The photo below shows the bottom corner of a curb mount installation. There is a self-adhering modified bitumen membrane (“ice and water shield”) on the roof surface, which runs up the sides and over the top of the curb. You can see the step and counter flashings on the side. The frame is set on the curb and screwed onto the curb from the sides. You can also see the curved, double-glazed acrylic panes.

Curbs done wrong Although we like skylights on curbs, the installation still has to be good. A skylight on a curb is like a short chimney, and it should be flashed the same way. The photo below shows an incomplete installation with step flashings, but no counter flashings. The wood curb is visible above the flashing and below the skylight. This also reveals the fact that there is no self-adhering underlayment on the sides of the curb.

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2. Integral curb The integral curb skylight is a hybrid between the curb and flush mount approach. The illustration below shows how the raised skylight frame sits on the roof. The frame typically has an apron that sits flat on the roof. A self-adhering modified bitumen membrane covers the apron.

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19March 2016

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Skylights

Roofing material missing

3. Flush mount We have mentioned our preference for curbs. The illustration below shows a flush-mounted skylight. These skylights are more prone to leakage in our experience. The photo below is an integral curb skylight. Note the white apron and the self-adhering modified bitumen underlayment, which seals it. There is no step or counter flashing here, although some systems use them.

The skylight below has failed and endured temporary repairs, which were not successful. The acrylic glazing has discolored. The good news is the roof needs to be replaced, presenting a good opportunity to replace the skylight and then make interior repairs. By the way, is there any chance the valley flashing has been an issue as well? An integral-curb skylight installation

The side flashings may be step flashings interwoven with the roofing material. The counter flashings ideally extend onto and are secured to the top of the curb. The photo at the top of the next column shows a problem at the top of the skylight, where the roofing material is incomplete. This creates a vulnerable spot in a critical location. A skylight in distress

ASHI Reporter â&#x20AC;˘ March 2016

21March 2016

â&#x20AC;˘ www.ASHIReporter.org

Sky Lights

General Comments Now we will look at some issues that apply to all skylights. Check the glazing: Look carefully at all of the glazing for cracks or movement within the frame. Remember that many skylights are double- or triple-glazed, and you have to look at each piece of glazing. Observe whether the edges of the glazing are set in a gasket or terminate in a tray that allows for condensation to drain. Sealed units should never have condensation, whereas the vented and drained skylights will have condensation from time to time.

Windows used as skylights: Watch for windows that are used as skylights. Windows should be vertical. Some people say that windows should be completely vertical. Many authorities require that any glass more than 15° off vertical must be strengthened by tempering, laminating, wiring, annealing or equivalent. This is one of the reasons that acrylic may be used rather than glass on skylights. Strengthening glass is fairly expensive. The acrylic is strong, although it does scratch easily. Go inside the building: From the interior of the building, look for evidence of leakage, particularly at the bottom corners of the skylight opening. A stepladder often provides a better view.

Look from the inside for damage and leaks

Be careful: Almost all skylights will leak eventually. Problems may be concealed by recent decorating. We suggest you let your clients know that these are susceptible to leakage.

Patches: Most skylights leak eventually. If you see evidence of patching on the outside, you can assume that the skylight has leaked.

Susan Walker Walker Inspection Service, LLC susan@walkerinspections.com 503.740.8267

ore than a decade ago, Susan Walker was looking for a career change. While remodeling a home, she began focusing on a new direction—home inspection. Susan dove in and learned all she could. Before long, she discovered the ASHI chapter in Portland, OR, and started attending meetings to become familiar with the technical topics. Susan made an early, strong connection with a veteran home inspector, Paul Frey. Paul’s experience and solid mentoring skills shortened Susan’s learning curve. She said, “Paul has strong ‘teacher’ qualities. For example, we would be on a job site together and he’d detect something very subtle to find. He’d say to me, “Go to the south corner of the basement and tell me what you see.” He made it clear that I should stay there until I found it. Also, he frequently quizzed me about what I saw and e-mailed me lists of questions to be sure to cover in my reports. It was nice to have a supportive mentor who was willing to help me succeed in a predominantly male field. Years later, we still work together on commercial inspections.”

Look carefully—cracks are easy to miss.

Sealed units should not have condensation.

Herspective

Light wells or tunnels Skylights installed on steep roofs often have large wells around the skylight extending down through the attic to the ceiling level. We described that in the first illustration in this article. These wells often widen as they get closer to the ceiling to allow better light disbursement. Skylight wells should be insulated, and in cold climates, there should be a vapor barrier on the warm interior side of the well.

Summary In this article, we have introduced skylights and some of the common issues. In the ASHI@HOME Training Program, we explain the details of other common conditions and their associated causes and implications, along with strategies for inspection. H

Over time, Susan built more relationships with other chapter members. And as her confidence as an inspector increased, she took on important roles in the chapter, including president. Susan said, “One of the reasons I support ASHI is because of the way ASHI encourages education.” Susan makes it clear to others who want to become home inspectors that significant education is required and that getting licensed and certified is key. She said, “I believe that there is always room for more home inspectors… as long as you are going to be a good home inspector.” “Continuing education is critical. Think of just one example: electrical changes to breakers and outlets that occur each year. You have to stay on top of things like that and so many others. You cannot rest on your laurels or rely on what you already know.”

( “ I wouldn’t have made it without a mentor and a group of people on whom I could call. No matter how long you’ve been a home inspector, having a network is always important.”

clients. Home inspection is a job of the mind, and that’s why it works so well for me. I tell my clients, ‘You are hiring me for my brain. Each house tells a story. It’s not just the roof or another single part of it. And I can tell you that story.’” Another way Susan helps others understand the value of home inspection is in her role as an instructor at the Portland Housing Center’s home buyer program. During class, she educates people about selecting a home inspector and describes what the job entails. She encourages prospective buyers to seek out ASHI-certified inspectors and empowers them to hire the home inspector they choose… not necessarily the person their real estate agent selects for them. “I encourage people to take the time to find and interview home inspectors on their own. Personally, I like it when a person calls me—I think we both get a sense for whether we will be a good fit. I learn whether the person feels comfortable asking me questions, and I can establish my ability to report pertinent information about the home and answer questions about anything that’s unclear.”

usan said, “I believe in arming my clients with as much information about the house as possible. Some real estate agents might prefer that I give clients an ‘inspection lite’; however, one of the things I stress to people at the Portland Housing Center is how important it is to understand what’s involved in order to make good, independent decisions about purchasing a new home.” “Some clients have tough questions. The home they may be able to afford might have some really major problems. So people can become very emotional when the inspector reveals potentially scary and awful things about the house. These clients are looking for an inspector who will give them honest information so they can weigh the pros and cons of their decision. I take pride in doing my part to encourage people to find and hire that person—that ASHI-certified home inspector—on their own.” H

Susan said that when people hear that she’s a home inspector, sometimes they misunderstand and think that she’s an appraiser. She said, “I always clarify by explaining that I’m the one who gets on their roof and in their crawl space. Then I get a look that tells me the person is either uninterested or just thinks I am crazy!” Susan’s two mantras that keep her going on the job and in life: • Be outstanding and don’t settle for anything less.

Susan also feels strongly that home inspectors should have or pursue a college degree. She explains, “I take time to research and understand issues so that I can explain them clearly to my

• Passion equals persistence.

Patched at top

ASHI Reporter • March 2016

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Asbestos… As White As Snow By The ASHI School Staff

nyone who remembers the 1939 film,

A“The Wizard of Oz,” probably recalls the scene in which Dorothy and her companions, having been placed under a sleeping spell by the Wicked Witch of the West, began getting snowed on while lying unconscious in the poppy field. Another film of that era, “Holiday Inn,” showed Bing Crosby with snow falling all around him as he sang the popular Irving Berlin song “White Christmas” in the final scene.

In both cases, the “snow” effects were created by showering the performers with chrysotile asbestos fibers. These fibers resemble snow and often were used in those days, not only on movie sets and in theaters, but also in department store displays and even in private homes. From the mid-1930s through the 1950s, asbestos was seen as a very versatile and harmless substance. Until the past couple of decades, many roofing and siding products were sold that contained asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that can be hazardous to your health. The reason that it was used is that it is very strong and durable and it is heat- and fire-resistant, thus an almost perfect product for roof construction. Inspectors can be exposed to potentially harmful asbestos fibers when working with asbestoscontaining material (ACM). Most roofing and siding products today are made without asbestos, but older products that are found on many homes may still contain asbestos. The following roofing and siding materials have commonly been found in homes: Roofing Products • Asphalt roofing felt • Asphalt roofing shingles • Cement roofing shingles • Roof underlayment • Sealants • Flashing 24

ASHI Ad.indd •6March 2016 ASHI Reporter

3/25/15 10:33 AM

Siding Products • Wood shake vapor barriers • Cement-asbestos board (Transite) siding • “Slate” siding • Mastics • Adhesives • Paint To be sure whether the materials you are handling contains asbestos, you could look for asbestos markings on the roofing or siding material or check the material’s packaging, or you could call the manufacturer. More likely, if you decide not to check for asbestos, you should presume that the material contains asbestos and treat it accordingly. Remember, just having asbestos siding and roofing on a home does not pose a hazard to your health. ACM in good condition is best left alone. However, damaged roofing and siding should be handled carefully. Sometimes ACM can be covered with newer, non-asbestos-containing materials. H

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having to be a computer geek! Your focus is on providing the best service possible to your clients and doing so in a way that maximizes profitability. We get that, which is why we focus on having software that is easy to use and creates the best looking reports in the industry. When you use Palm-Tech, you’re able to focus on the inspection, and your client, and not be distracted by your software. You can use a mobile device to quickly collect information, take pictures and then send the report toofyour client once the The standard excellence Defining the Standard in home inspection software inspection is complete. Palm-Tech’s innovative Electronic Signature feature lets you deliver a complete report on site, including signatures and dates, direct from your Pocket PC.

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ASHI Reporter • March 2016

27March 2016

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NEW ENGLAND/CANADA 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

Great Lakes (IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI) For monthly meetings: www.greatinspectors.com/ schedule-of-events/ Carol Case, 734-284-4501 carol@greatinspectors.com

Greater Omaha (NE)

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

ASHI Reporter • March 2016

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

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 (except Dec.) 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm Crazypour, 105 E. North Ave., Villa Park, IL Jeremy Meek, 630-854-2454 jeremy@discoveryinspector.com

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

Great Plains (KS, MO)

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

Midwest PRO ASHI (KS) Jack Koelling, 316-744-9990 jackkoelling@cox.net

St. Louis (MO)

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

MOUNTAIN Arizona

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

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)

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

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

Southern Colorado

Silicon Valley ASHI-CREIA (CA)

Rocky Mountain

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 Alaska Second Thursday, Jitters Coffee House, Eagle River Jim Foss, 907-522-2378 jim@inspectbest.com

ASHI Hawaii

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

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

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)

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

Central Florida

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

Greater Rochester (NY)

MAC-ASHI (MD, VA)

FLASHI (FL)

www.mac-ashi.com Second Wednesday, Rockville Senior Center, Rockville John Vaughn, 800-767-5904 John.vaughn@yahoo.com

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

Hudson Valley (NY)

NOVA-ASHI (MD, VA)

Florida Wiregrass

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

New York Metro

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

ASHI South (AL)

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

Prairies (Alberta) (CAHI)

Quebec AIBQ

GULF

Hampton Roads (VA)

www.nnec-ashi.org Bob McDonald, 207-475-7758 omnispect@gmail.com www.cahpi-ab.ca Bert Bruinsma, 403-348-5550 Red.deer@homealyze.com

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

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

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

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

Greater Baltimore (MD)

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

Southern New Jersey (NJ)

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

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

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

SOUTH ATLANTIC ASHI Georgia

www.ashigeorgia.com Gregg Allen, 770-745-7574 gregg@totalhomeinspections atlanta.com

East Tennessee

www.etashi.org Third Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. and Nov. Paul Perry, 866-522-7708 cio@frontiernet.net

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

Mid-South (TN) 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.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)

www.ashisuncoast.com First Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Please see our website for meeting locations. Steve Acker, 727-712-3089 steve@buyersally.com

Southwest Florida

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

29March 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

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

New ASHI Associates As of January 1, 2016

H Denotes graduate of The ASHI School

Nathaniel Bradley

Tony Turnage

Lon Bivens

James Hayes

Carla Oliver

West Palm Beach, FL

Home Probe Decatur, GA

Baltimore, MD

The Hayes Company, Inc. Memphis, TN

Alexandria, VA

Britannia Building Consultations New Port Richey, FL

Leonard Sabol

Gerry Davis

Travis Nichols

Loganville, GA

Pillar to Post Caledonia, MI

Camelot Home Inspections, LLC Albuquerque, NM

Tullahoma, TN

Ted Byrd

Jason Sapp

Jack Shepard

Home Insights Inspection Services LLC Culpeper, VA

Atlanta, GA

Rochester Hills, MI

Dakota Burke

Sean Brady

Cross Roads Home Inspections LLC Owens Cross Roads, AL

Specquest Woodland, CA

Seth Carr

LMI Home Inspections San Jose, CA

Michael Collins

Will Johnson

Jose Diaz

Carr’s Home Inspecting Guntersville, AL

Loxahatchee, FL Delray Beach, FL Kissimmee, FL

Dadeville, AL

Inspection Perfections San Diego, CA

Stephen Harper

Peter Manjuck

Palm Coast, FL

Headland, AL

SoCal Home Inspections San Diego, CA

Neil Downing

Javas Middleton

Niko Emmer

Matthew Geur

Bernard Knotts Hoover, AL

Joseph McAleer

Vallejo, CA

Mobile, AL

Roy Mittleider

Randy Perdue

RLM Construction Folsom, CA

Pike Rd, AL

Emem Udodiong Birmingham, AL

Mark Warren Jones-Warren Home Inspection Services Vestavia, AL

Linda Wilson

Tim Podbreger Real Vision Home Inspection Services Fair Oaks, CA

Kolten Brewer New Beginnings Home Inspection Paonia, CO

Gardendale, AL

Jeff Brown

Keith Baughman

WIN Home Inspection Denver, CO

Superior Home Inspection Services LLC Wilmar, AR

Jeff Mastre Far North Inspection Services Soldotnia, AR

Shawn Bates

Casey Larson Freedom Home Inspection, LLC Lakewood, CO

Ryan Dorsten

Kissimmee, FL Davie, FL

John Fioretti Edgewater, FL

Michael Giacalone Delray Beach, FL

Bruce Murray

David Benge

Cory Rogers

Cornerstone Inspection Services Carmel, IN

Lakeville, MN

Eric Carr Indianapolis , IN

Attention To Detail Home Inspections Lake Ozark, MO

Bradley Fox

Shalon Hollaway

Mary Esther, FL

Indianapolis , IN

Steve Katona

Mark Long

Port Orange, FL

Terre Haute, IN

Tina Larmond

Zachary Pies

Miami, FL

Terre Haute, IN

Deborah Leible

Kandi Smith

Justin Feenstra Euclid, OH

Scott Frey Professional Real Estate Consultants Twinsburg, OH

Christopher Sammon Willoughby Hills, OH

Michael Torem Columbus, OH

Spradling Home Inspections, LLC Columbia, MO

Alexander Hall

Larry Brown

Dajan McKoy

61 Inspections, LLC Natchez, MS

The Real McKoy Home Inspection Philadelphia, PA

Gabriel Ben-Or Pillar to Post Raleigh, NC

Hall’s Home Inspection Norristown, PA

Samuel Mormack Greensburg, PA

Vincent Machnig

Denny Volz

Carolina Professional Inspections, LLC Spartanburg, SC

Joe Green

Bryan Batewell

Sutko Real Estate Services (DBA - Amerispec -NE) Omaha, NE

LaVergne, TN

Medley, FL

Simon Prendergast Lake Wales, FL

Zachary Putnal Myakka City, FL

Kyle Wright

Pembroke Pines, FL

McIntosh Home Inspection Inc. Skull Valley, AZ

Peak Home Inspections LLC Colorado Springs, CO

JE Rubio

Christopher Peters

Kulemia Masalla

John Thomas

Fresh Start Home Inspection Coloa, FL

OneFocus Home Inspections, LLC Loveland, OH

Stephen and Son Home Inspections, LLC Durham, NC

Josh McIntosh

Brian Blood

John Donovan

Brian Franklin

Justin Williams

Allen Berqal

Professional Home Inspections Service Binghamton, NY

Stephen Mihaich

Braulio Perez

Oviedo, FL

Frederick Lawrence

Vincennes, IN

Middlebury, IN

Jose Barreira

Melanie Spradling

Santa Fe, NM

Naples, FL

Port Saint Lucie, FL

Code-3 Home Inspection Service Highland, CA

Guardian Home Inspection Services Herculaneum, MO

Gary Galeski

All Pro Inspections Thornton, CO

KMfi Enterprises LLC Washington, DC

Drew Cole

Greenwood, IN

Michael Parkinson

Aaron Nadeau

Phoenix Builders Stillwater, MN

Jarrett English

Brian Hughes

Scottsdale, AZ

ASHI Reporter • March 2016

Hawaii Certified Home Inspection Hawi, HI

Pensacola, FL

AIC Home Inspection LLC Arvada, CO

Tahoe Home Inspections South Lake Tahoe, CA

John Horning

Justin Martin

National Property Inspections Colorado Springs, CO

Don Benfield

A+ Home Inspection St. Paul, MN

Devon Weaver

Sean McCarville

Glendale, AZ

Conyers, GA

Dillsboro, IN

Larry Benham

Michael Lutz

CJ Mulder

Cornerstone Inspection Services Carmel, IN

Vernon Holmes

Todd Calhoun

Robert Sullivan

Pomaand Beach, FL

Tucson, AZ High Country Home Inspections LLC Winslow, AZ

Terry Bomar

Stephen Bounds

Michael Ippoliti

SEE PAGE 32 FOR CHAPTER EDUCATION.

Neftali Rodriguez

Trinity Home Inspections, Inc. Davie, FL

Cornerstone Inspection Services Carmel, IN

Brady Yoder New Palestine, IN

James Pavageau Metairie, LA

Debora Hendrickson Home Quest Consultants Monument Beach, MA

Stephen Moro

Lutz, FL

Steven Hills Foundation Sterling, MA

Gregory Thomas

Jason Wood

Jupiter, FL

Isaac West Ardenix Design Group St. Pete, FL

Joseph Zona Edgewater, FL

Richard Hall RS Inspections Plattsmouth, NE

Jess Lammers Sutko Real Estate Services (DBA - Amerispec -NE) Omaha, NE

Thomas Ciccarello Town and Country Home Inspection LLC Chester, NH

Robert Blackburn Chattanooga Home Inspector Chattanooga, TN

Travis Brewer

David Throckmorton

Terry Price

Jodat Inspections Virginia Beach, VA

Doyle, TN

John Walline Franklin, TN

Shawn Witherow Juston Bramble Arlington, TX

Ahlers Home Inspections Omro, WI

Richard Galvan

Juan Covarrubias

Grand Prairie, TX

Franklin, WI

Matt Guden

Christopher Dannenmann

Mark McKinney McKinney, TX

Chris Mouton Richardson, TX

Donny Ramirez

Carkuff Home Inspection Nunnelly, TN

Benjamin Cataldo

North Jersey Property Inspections, Inc. SaddleBrook, NJ

John Conzalina

Pillar to Post Lunenburg, MA

Brandon Jefferies

Donald Rankin

Cordova, TN

Rods Engineering Dallas, TX

David Schmidt New Horizon Home Inspection Tyler, TX

INSPECTOR

Glomb Frank Terra Home Inspections, LLC North Plainfield, NJ

Bruno Charles Premier Home Inspections Wichita, KS

Stewart Scott Pillar to Post/ Green Peak Inspections LLC Dorset, VT

New ASHI Certified Home Inspectors As of January 1, 2016

Waukesha, WI

John “Kenny” Larsen

B-Sure Home Inspection Gold Canyon, AZ

Platinum Inspection Services Kennewick, WA

Johnson Creek, WI

Ken Novinski

Arthur Bateman

Ray McDonald

Buyers Protection Group Wichita, KS

Bateman Home Inspections, LLC Forest, VA

Deforest, WI

Patrick Matuszewski

Waukesha, WI

Branden O’Brien Kenosha, WI

Richard Sechrist

Kevin Thompson Green Valley Home Inspections LLC Unionville, PA

Neopit, WI

Michelle Belknap

Southern Onsite Inspection Whitesboro, TX

Michael St John Greenfield, WI

The Archwood Studio Atlanta, GA

Wesley Smith

Kevin Turner

Thomas Frey

Dallas, TX

Shawn Sprague Allen, TX

Anthony Stish

Focus Real Estate Inspections Garland, TX

Tom Wharton I-Group Home Inspectors Belton, TX

Eric Williams

Spencer Earnest

Brent Stephens ALS Environmental Salt Lake City, UT

William Lee Sterling, VA

JC Turnerinvestment/ Journey House Greenfield, WI

Florida Building Inspection Group Riverview, FL

William Klatt

Mike Lanphere

Cheyenne, WY

Gerald Adams Summerside, PE CANADA

Essential Home Inspection Services Olympia, WA

Chris Jackson ProTec Inspection Services Poolesville, MD

Kenneth Horkey Amerispec Inspection Service Newark, DE

Robert Tami Trident Building Inspections Somerset, NJ

David Beck Integrated Inspections LLC Gilbert, AZ

Joby McDonald Checkpoint Property Inspections Orleans, VT

James Zamiska Pillar To Post Home Inspections McDonald, PA

Brent Taylor WIN Home Inspection Riverton, UT

David Beck Lighthouse Home Inspections Westlake, OH

James Bourbeau HomeSight Inspection, Inc. Inver Grove Heights, MN

Steven Boyle Steven Boyle Home Inspections LLC Scottsdale, AZ

John Watkins Watkins Home Inspection, LLC Jefferson City, MO

John Pescatore

HELP ASHI GROW & Earn $50 in Gift Cards

(

Mike McCreery

Jeffrey Shugart

The WillCo Group Missouri City, TX

Knoxville, TN

John Tuck Home Inspection Services Westchester, PA

James Learned

Yubany Rodriguez

Smyrna, TN

Dustin Farmer

Muskego, WI

Nick Loppnow

Kirk Watson

Maurice Carkuff

Erik Hansen

American Fire Home Inspections Fort North, TX

Mary Canady Centerville, TN

Milwaukee, WI

ASHI’s Recruit-aMember Program

Tuck John

Criterium-Lalancette Engineers Rutland, VT

Anthony Ahlers

Irving, TX

As of January 1, 2016

Kris Rosner

Elizabethton, TN

Wartrale, TN

Anthony Di Iorio

BPG Buyers Protection Group Atlantic Highlands, NJ

Brentwood, TN

Anna, TX

Wartrace, TN

National Property Inspections LLC Columbia, MD

Catherine Powell

Ronda Sink

New ASHI Inspectors

Who knows best how to sell ASHI membership? YOU!

Who deserves to be rewarded for helping ASHI grow? YOU!

Earn $50 in gift cards for every new member you recruit. Download the membership application form, have the new member fill it out (including your member number in the referral field) scan and email it to: russelld@ashi.org or fax to 847-759-1620. Questions? Contact Russell Daniels, russelld@ashi.org.

All Through The House, LLC New Egypt, NJ

31March 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

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

Arizona ASHI Chapter Education When: Where:

March 12, 2016 Black Canyon Conference Center,

Phoenix, AZ Subjects: Report writing/Cracks/Heat Pumps/ Defect recognition CEUs: 6 ASHI CEs Contact: brick@msn.com

MAC-ASHI Technical Seminar When: May 14, 2016 Where: John’s Hopkins University 9601 Medical Center Drive Rockville, MD 20850 CEUs: 8 ASHI and State of Maryland CE’s 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

ASHI Western Washington 2016 Spring Seminar When: March 19, 2016 Where: Holiday Inn Downtown, Everett, WA House as a System/Infrared/Decks/ Wood-framed houses CEUs: 7 ASHI CEs Contact: joanne.ashiww@gmail.com

ASHI Reporter • March 2016

NOVA ASHI Spring Seminar When: March 26, 2016 Where: Best Western Fairfax, Fairfax, VA Subjects: Decks/Furnaces and Heaters CEUs: 7 ASHI CEs Contact: jim@homeauthority.biz

Great Lakes Chapter When: April 8-9 Where: Holiday Inn-Southgate MI (near Detroit Metro Airport) Subjects: Friday: Peer Review, Board Meeting, Hospitality Suite Saturday: Vendors, Wet Basements/Craig Ceccarelli, Chimney Safety/Thomas Rhines, MI Builders Renewal Course + Code Up dates/Frank Bayer Contact: 734-284-4501, www.greatinspectors.com

ASHI Suncoast Chapter Annual Conference Suntech 2016 When: Where:

May 6-7 Hampton Inn Oldsmar, FL 4017 Tampa Road Oldsmar, FL

Great Lakes Chapter When: September 23-24 Where: Grand Rapids, MI Subjects: Friday: Peer Review, Board Meeting, Hospitality Suite Saturday: Vendors, Furnace Inspections/ John McAuliffe, Infrared Technology/Bill Fabian, Exploring the Metal Roof/ Mike Griffin Contact: 734-284-4501, www.greatinspectors.com

Mid-Missouri ASHI Chapter Educational Seminar When: November 4, 2016 Where: Columbia Board of Realtors Office, Columbia, MO Speaker: Shannon Cory CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs Contact: mark@inspectcolumbia.com

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

Speakers: Mark Cramer, Michael Conley, Jon Levey, Jim Wallace, Tom Miller & more Subjects: I nspecting Trusses, Crawl Spaces, Wind Mitigation Reports, Fireplaces & Chimneys, Plumbing, Tie downs and anchors, Foundation Repairs and more CEUs: 16 ASHI, 14 State of Florida License Contact: Kevin Koplar, Suntech Chairman, ashisuncoast@gmail.com, or see website www. ashisuncoast.com for info and forms

BE SURE TO INCLUDE ALL INFORMATION: seminar subject, when, where, CEUs & a link for more information or contact information.

Great Lakes Chapter

ASHI ONLINE LEARNING CENTER

When: July 22-23 Where: Holiday Inn - Mt. Prospect ,IL (near Chicago O’Hare Airport) Subjects: Friday: Peer Review, Board Meeting, Hospitality Suite Saturday: Vendors, Asphalt Shingle Roofs / Attics – Proper Inspection and Report ing/Tom Feiza, Business & Marketing/Toby Adamson, IL CE Approved Course/Speaker TBD Contact: 734-284-4501, www.greatinspectors.com

IMPORTANT REPORTER DEADLINES: • MAY ISSUE - 3/21/16 • JUNE ISSUE - 4/20/16 • JULY ISSUE - 5/23/16

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

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 that you are 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. ASHI Certified Inspectors— Inspectors in this category have: • Passed the National Home Inspector Examination and ASHI’s Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics module. • Had inspection reports successfully verified for compliance with ASHI’s Standard of Practice. • Have submitted a valid list of performance of at least 250 fee-paid home inspections that meet or exceed the ASHI Standard of Practice.

• Have returned an authorized notarized affidavit to ASHI validating at least 250 inspections. • Must agree 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. • Had inspection reports successfully verified for compliance with ASHI’s Standard of Practice. • Have submitted a valid list of performance of at least 75 fee-paid home inspections that meet or exceed the ASHI Standard of Practice. • Have returned an authorized notarized affidavit to ASHI validating at least 75 inspections. • Must agree to follow the ASHI Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics. ASHI Associates— Inspectors in this category have: • 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. • Have passed the ASHI’s Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics module. • Must agree to follow the ASHI Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics. H

ASHI Event Calendar

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

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

33March 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

Education-ASHI Online Learning Center 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 CE’s 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

CURRENT ASHI MEMBERSHIP ASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,203 Inspectors/Logo: 100 Associates: 2,576 Retired Members: 110 Affiliates: 66 Total: 6,0055 Members as of 2/1/2016

ASHI Personal Lines Insurance Program: Liberty Mutual www.libertymutual.com/ashi 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 OneSource Solutions 877-274-8632 www.osconnects.com/ashi/

Forty Years

Marvin Goldstein

Thirty-five Years

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

Marc h Anni versa ries

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 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

Brian Koepf Alrek Meipoom David Meacham Thomas Gaba Fredrick Heskett Michael Meyer Craig Pletta Michael Marosok Larry Beverungen Michael Kenny Willard Pearson

Fifteen Years

Jerry Spiva John Boudreaux Joe Zammit Mark Eigenbrod Mark Sucher Robert DeFalco George White Michael Stabile

Five Years

Paul Stratton Larry Reed Don Brasher Richard Houghtalin Waqar Quraishi Nathanial Klein Walter Roby Jennifer Davidson James Cortez Bruce Ramsey Patrick Reilly Tommy Hayes Frank Caunday Charles Flynn Isaac Kieffer Glenn Rider Avi Levy Christian Strnad Jason Daley Chris Stout

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

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

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

ASHI Reporter • March 2016

35March 2016

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How to Raise Your Prices Without Killing Your Business: Part 2

How to Raise Your Prices Without Killing Your Business, Part 2

Orphaned Water Heaters – It’s Adopt-a-Chimney Time

Insider Tips

for Smart Inspectors

By Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc. • HowToOperateYourHome.com

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

n Part 1 of this article, we introduced the reasoning behind raising your prices to grow your business. We discussed this in terms of pricing versus volume and a concept called price elasticity. In Part 2, we turn our attention to what it means to have prestige pricing, as well as the reaction to price increases from real estate professionals. Prestige Pricing Prestige pricing refers to a strategy that convinces a client that a product or service is as high quality as the price tag suggests. This strategy is also called price signaling. The price signals the quality. Even if the quality of a product is low, the high price encourages people to buy it anyway. Cosmetics present the classic example for price signaling. Inexpensive cosmetics don’t sell well. If you make cosmetics, don’t worry about who or what it was tested on, just make it expensive and it will sell! Every marketing textbook has the story about the store owner who can’t unload the overstock of widgets. The widgets are priced to sell, but no one will buy them. Due to a miscommunication between management and staff, an employee raises the price of the widgets by 50 percent. Suddenly, the widgets start selling like hotcakes. In the home inspection industry, the combination of prestige pricing and the inspection’s highly intangible nature means that the demand is not only inelastic, but sometimes, there is an inverse relationship between price and business volume. Depending on where you sit in the market, you may find that raising your prices increases your business volume.

ASHI Reporter • March 2016

Agent Reaction to Price Increases Prospective customers don’t generally have a problem with inspectors raising their prices periodically. Our experience, however, shows that some real estate agents react with temporary sticker-shock each time that inspectors raise their prices. Although your prospective clients won’t perceive anything out of the ordinary in your pricing (because they may have not had a home inspection recently or at all), the agents know how much you charged previously. The agents like to look good to their client. If the agent refers a home inspection company, and the client finds out that a different company charges $50 less, the client might wonder why the agent did not tell them about that option. The agent wants to be the one who gets a good deal for their clients on all fronts related to the house transaction. Keep Your Agent in the Loop The agent looks uninformed and sloppy if he or she tells the client that you charge $375 and you subsequently tell the client that the price is actually $450. The agent’s frustration with you is understandable. They are trying to look well connected and on top of the transaction. If you don’t keep the agents up to date, you have hurt their ego, and possibly their pocketbook, if they lose the client’s confidence. It’s an issue of trust. Keep Agents’ Perspective in Mind Educate the agent about your pricing. Remember, agents don’t have to think in terms of increasing their fee because they generally get paid a percentage of the selling price. This pricing strategy guarantees that they always stay in step with inflation. In addition, although their commission is negotiable, the range is more or less within an industry standard. In short, agents do

not function in the same world or in the same way as professional service providers who compete with other professional service providers. They don’t rely on pricing strategies as a marketing tool that gets them a bigger piece of the pie. Some real estate organizations do use reduced rates as their marketing strategy, but these companies are the exception rather than the rule.

hatever the cause of the backlash over prices from the agents, experience shows that it’s temporary. If the agents are loyal and are in the habit of referring business to you, they will continue to do so in spite of your increased fees, as long as you keep them in the loop. Experiment with Pricing Why not experiment with increasing your prices? You have little to lose and a whole lot to gain. You can always go back to your original pricing, but you’ll never know what it’s like to earn more and work less unless you raise your prices. Don’t forget to keep everyone in the loop, except, of course, your prospective clients. They didn’t know what you charged before, so why inform them of a price increase? In the end, your goal should be to separate yourself as a service that is a commodity. Not all home inspectors are the same. Better lawyers charge more. Better accountants charge more. Why not home inspectors? A higher fee means that you do have to be better than the others. By charging more money, you may have some extra time to increase your skill sets as well as put together marketing efforts to target customers who are focused on receiving a quality service instead of simply a lower price. Good luck on your efforts! H

ou’ve seen it often – an older masonry chimney damaged by moisture, with loose mortar joints, missing mortar, spalling brick and missing brick. When this masonry damage above the roof line is combined with signs of backdrafting, metal flue condensation, and damage at a gas water heater, you may be looking at an “orphaned” gas water heating crying for adoption. (This condition can also be caused by 85% furnaces and boilers.) From about 1900 through 1980, many homes were built with masonry chimneys and clay tile liners. A skilled mason built the chimney to carry products of gas or oil combustion out of the living space to a point above the roof. These masonry chimneys depended on the fact that heated air rises, taking with it the products of combustion, which were pushed out into the atmosphere. This type of chimney worked well back then, when oil and natural gas furnaces and boilers operated at about 60% efficiency; that is, 60% of the fuel energy went into heating the home, and the remaining 40% literally went up the chimney. That was a good arrangement when fuel was cheap and chimneys needed to be kept warm for proper draft. Masonry chimneys were warm and happy, and the temperature inside the flue and vent connectors stayed well above the dew point of the products of combustion.

Fixing the Chimney We can rescue the chimney by inserting a thin metal liner inside the tile. Often, this liner is made of expandable aluminum with a special connector to the water heater flue. At the top of the masonry chimney, the clay tile is capped with metal, and a metal cap tops the metal liner as well. When the water heater operates in the winter, the small metal liner heats quickly, and there is no condensation. Similar liners are also needed to prevent condensation on chimneys serving 85% furnaces and boilers. If you see a newly rebuilt chimney or a new metal flue pipe with an orphaned water heater, you should suspect that the orphaned water heater caused damage, requiring parts to be replaced and the chimney rebuilt. Consider including this in your inspection report. Remember: outside chimneys and cold climates compound the problem. Tom Feiza has been a professional home inspector since 1992 and has a degree in engineering. Through HowToOperateYourHome. com, he provides high-quality marketing materials that help professional home inspectors boost their business. Copyright ©2015 by Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc. Reproduced with permission. H

Efficient Furnaces Changed the Equation As fuel prices increased, we made our homes more efficient. We vented furnaces and boilers directly to the outside with no masonry chimney. Many 90% efficient condensing gas furnaces vented with PVC pipe. Boilers became about 80% efficient, and now modern condensing boilers vent with a PVC pipe, too. Deprived of the heat produced by a 60% furnace, the clay-tile chimney turns cool. The “orphaned” water heater just doesn’t send enough heat up the chimney. When the temperature of the liner tile dips below the dew point of the water heater’s products of combustion, moisture condenses on the tile, masonry and mortar. Leaks can occur. Wet masonry chimneys alternately freeze and thaw, and eventually they fall apart.

37March 2016

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ASHI 2015 Annual Report

2015 Annual Report

Alden Gibson, ACI 2015 ASHI President

ASHI started 2015 with a successful InspectionWorldTM in Philadelphia. Thankfully, we had very little snow, and a large number of inspectors attended IW. Attendance at IW has been growing steadily, along with our membership. Approximately 840 inspectors attended IW in San Diego this year. ASHI membership reached a total of 6,402 in 2015, and we expect to exceed our 2006-2007 membership numbers of 6,414 in 2016. I spent approximately 65 days on the road for ASHI in 2015, meeting many members at their local conferences and attending meetings. Attendance was up at every conference. Congratulations to all the volunteers who put in hundreds of hours to make these events successful. Please keep up the good work. It was another challenging year for the ASHI Board. We held our Board Meeting at ASHI headquarters in the board room to save on expenses. Some board members would prefer using a larger room at the hotel and having more convenient access to their rooms and the Internet, but I believe this arrangement worked out quite well with substantial savings to our bottom line. The space is tight, but with the reduction of the board this year, we will have more room in the future. 38

ASHI Reporter • March 2016

We have a new Strategic Planning Committee this year. The committee will evaluate our current strategic plan and keep it up to date for the future. The ASHI Online Learning Center, accessible through the ASHI website, contains FREE online education for our members. These 2-hour modules are recordings of IW presentations. There has been a steady increase in the use of these modules, which offer a great way to get education on a variety of topics. Members can earn continuing education units for membership renewal, and many courses are also state-approved. Over 2,000 modules were viewed and completed over the first 11 months of 2015. This is a great ASHI benefit and resource for our members. Thank you, Michele George, Director of Education and Events, for keeping this area up to date. ASHI Foundation The ASHI Foundation is organized exclusively for research and educational purposes—to receive funds, donations, bequests, endowments and gifts and to disburse such moneys in cash and in kind to the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc., and qualified others in support of the development of educational material, educational programs and research opportunities related to the home inspection profession. The Foundation also may engage in any and all lawful activities that may be incidental or reasonably related to any of the forgoing purposes. I am pleased to announce that the Foundation is underway. A task force was formed to give the board direction. We have a staff member assigned to the Foundation who will provide direction and follow-up. I look forward to seeing progress with the Foundation in the future. If you have any experiences with foundations, we could certainly use your help.

ASHI Education Inc. (AEI) AEI will be working closely with the ASHI Foundation and the ASHI School to coordinate efforts in providing education for the home inspection field.

aircraft systems, which appear to be generally favorable for ASHI members. ASHI filed comments with FAA.

( I would like to thank the

volunteers, committee chairs, directors, and ASHI staff and Executive Director Frank Lesh for making my year one that I will remember as a wonderful experience. I will be on the Board as Immediate Past President to assist President Randy Sipe in any way I can.

The ASHI School (TAS) TAS is maintaining a steady enrollment and holding classes across the country. They are creating additional educational classes on different topics. TAS is working on an online radon class. Did you know that TAS pays for one year of ASHI membership for every student if they are not already a member of ASHI? Washington, DC In Washington, DC, our lobbyist Mr. Randy Pence had an extraordinarily active and fruitful year. Randy met with HUD regarding the Single Family Handbook to make a clear distinction between appraisals and home inspections. Randy met with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in Washington, DC; both companies are corporate entities and not government, and they represent upward of 90% of current mortgage originations. ASHI provided copies of HUD’s “For Your Protection, Get a Home Inspection” document to both companies, with the suggestion that they adopt a similar suggestion to mortgage applicants—to obtain a home inspection—and extend the message about radon to their clients. ASHI had an invitation from HUD for a possible business relationship to Healthy Homes. This is still in progress, and we will keep you informed. ASHI assisted HUD and OMD with updating HUD’s “For Your Protection Get a Home Inspection” in both English and Spanish. HUD finalized its Single Family Handbook, with favorable guidance’s regarding home inspection to homebuyers, homeowners. This will help our members. The FAA published its proposed regulations for drones and unmanned

ASHI CONTINUES STRONG FINANCIAL GROWTH AND MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT

Tim Buell, ACI ASHI Treasurer 2015

First and foremost, on behalf of the Board, Officers and Staff, I want to personally thank you for your financial support. As required in our bylaws, our financials are audited by a Certified Public Accountant. We engage Legacy Systems, a CPA firm that specializes in nonprofit organizations. For the third year in a row, we have increased our “net assets” and have budgeted for another gain in 2016. Our financial form 990 will be soon be available online in the “Members Only, Downloads and Forms” section of the ASHI website.

Our mission statement is “To set and promote standards for property inspection and to provide the educational programs needed to achieve excellence in the profession and to meet the needs of our members.” To that end, your Board of Directors and Staff work hard to be good caretakers of your money. With every financial decision we make, we always ask ourselves, “Does this benefit the membership?” Here are some of the member benefits in which we have invested over the past year: • Promoted membership growth with new marketing materials • Offered online credit card payment options (annually or monthly) for membership dues • Provided free NHIE study guides for new Associates who have not taken the NHIE exam • Continued increased investment in InspectionWorld® • Sponsored Leadership Training Conference • Added budget for the Council of Representatives • Decreased the number of Board members, which will reduce expenses • Invested significant sums to upgrade our search engine optimization (SEO) and create a new, more user-friendly website. • Upgraded the infrastructure with the purchase of new computers for staff • Uploaded all financials to QuickBooks Enterprise software • Initiated the use of a Lockbox for dues, resulting in better control of cash receipts • Transferred the handling of the ASHI store to GEM Marketing, thus reducing staff and inventory expense • Recertified the ACI program (by the way, we are the only inspection organization with an independent certification)

As ASHI enters its 40th year, we will continue to “earn your trust” by being good stewards of your money. Again, we extend a sincere thank you for your membership and a wish for you and your family to have a very prosperous year. H

REPORT OUT ASHI BOARD MEETING JANUARY 23, 2016

Motion was made and second to direct and support staff implementation of The Year of the Chapter Program using a Chapter to be selected as a model within the next 30 days. PASSED Motion was made and second to accept the following Directors for the AEI Board: Ken Harrington, Bruce LaBell and Kevin Westendorff. PASSED H

39March 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

INSPECCTIONWORLD® HEADING CONTEST WINNERS

Having a Blast

This shell was not marked inert, so it was suspected live. The fire department was called, then they called military specialists to remove it. It was found to be a dud.

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

Spider’s Nightmare

Why bother running the laundry, kitchen and bathroom exhaust ducts to the exterior when you can have this convenient furnace flue as a connection.

I was just wondering if the paint would void the warranty on the duct tape siding. Lawrence F. Niles National Property Inspections Wattsburg, PA HEADING: Jeremy O’Brien Building Performance Institute, Inc. Malta, NY

Sunken Water Heater

Scott Mitchell The Quality Assurance Home Inspections Suwanee, GA HEADING: Carolyn Stravinski Chattahoochee Valley Home Inspections

I found the most unsual water heater installition. It was half in the kitchen sink cabinet and half in the crawl space.

Chris Hill Top of the Hill Home Inspections Bensalem, PA HEADING: Terry Kleptach TK Home Inspection N. Canton, OH

ASHI Reporter • March 2016

• No support under the I-beam • Screw Jack used as a support (permanent) • Unsecured PVC Plumbing • Light without dome • Floor collapsed • Standing water • No parge coat on wall • No railing on stairs • Basement ceiling not insulated

Fritz Gunther Gunther Home Inspections Rochester, NY

HEADING: Greg Allen G.A. Home Services Mableton, GA

• Missing clean-out access • Untreated furnace condensate entering a septic system/sewer • Improperly installed check valvue (backflow valve) • Imporper clamps/connector on PVC/cast iron connection • Sewer not venting properly

Elbow Room Now I know why there were missing spimdles on the staircase!

INSPECCTIONWORLD® CONTEST WINNERS

Garnerville, NY not Doylestown, PA

David G. Jones Expert Inspection Service, Inc. Chapel Hill, NC

Midland, GA

X Marks the Spot!

Stephen Tyler of STAT Home Inspections is located in

Gerry Aubrey Blue Bell Consultion Blue Bell, PA

Not Appealing Paint

John Dirks Jr. Arundel Home Inspection, LLC Severna Park, MD HEADING: Jason Havel Nation Wide Inspections San Diego, CA

CORRECTION TO THE JANUARY 2016 POST CARD TITLED “FORM OVER FUNCTION”

If the shelf for paints and other combustibles is too close to the water heater flue vent pipe, no problem, just move the flue pipe!

Participants were asked to look at each photo and find as many incorrect things as possible. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Doug Ramsthaler Precision Inspection Services, Inc Brick, NJ HEADING: Terry Kleptach TK Home Inspection N. Canton, OH

41March 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

By ASHI President, Randy Sipe

Building on ASHI’s 40 Years of Trust I

n the last issue of The Reporter, I described how I got into the inspection profession and how my local ASHI chapter helped me advance professionally and personally. How does this relate to ASHI’s 40 years of trust? Simply because, as my chapter trusted me, ASHI trusts all of us to simply do the right thing. Many years ago, an agent asked me, “Randy, do you know why I refer you?” Knowing my reputation as being “picky” (not my term, and I’m sure a lot of you have been called the same), I thought I knew the answer, but I replied, “Nope.” She then said, “Because you’re picky and I don’t want to be sued.” I then thanked her for the backhanded compliment and told her that maybe she should think of it another way—that she refers me to buyers because I do a good, thorough job, and it’s simply the right thing to do for your client.

ASHI has been here 40 years, and over these 40 years, ASHI has developed a trust with the real estate community, the public and government agencies. With any type of trust, it can be lost if it is not carefully guarded and maintained. Whether you’re new to ASHI or you’ve been a member for a long time, you probably joined ASHI for the same reason as most others—to gain the credibility that ASHI provides. When we first joined ASHI, most of us probably didn’t realize what was behind that credibility and how it has evolved. If you’d like to know more about that, be sure to check out “40 Years of Trust” on page 12 to learn some stories of ASHI’s history. We have a duty to ASHI and to our fellow inspectors to maintain this credibility and trust. How can we maintain this trust? Simply by doing the right thing. Let’s talk about the right thing and what that means. In January every year, like hundreds of migrating salmon returning to their origin, home inspectors return to InspectionWorld® for continuing education and to renew and gain additional knowledge to make them better inspectors. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do (and not just because they need the continuing education units).

If you’ve been inspecting long enough, you know that improving your knowledge base is necessary to provide your clients with the best inspection you can provide and that there’s always more to learn. In return, you maintain the respect and credibility that ASHI has provided us as members. I use IW as the example because it is the premier annual conference for the home inspection profession. There are plenty of other ways to get continuing education, but if you have ever attended IW, then you know that it’s not just education you are getting. You are also getting opportunities to improve your business and (not least of all) network with other inspectors who’ve had similar experiences and can provide you with credible advice.

ot only should we strive to make ourselves more knowledgeable to maintain this trust, we also need to follow the Code of Ethics to which ASHI adheres. Integrity, honesty and objectivity are the fundamental principles embodied by this Code. If it’s been awhile since you’ve read the Code, then now is the time to review it. This Code of Ethics is an important element of the trust that ASHI has earned, and by abiding by the Code, we can maintain this trust. Most people outside of the inspection profession will never fully understand the responsibility that an inspector carries. I’ve never had a job in which I put as much effort and time into doing the right thing, and I believe that most inspectors truly feel the same way. No one wakes up in the morning, getting ready to start their day inspecting, and says to themselves, “Man, I’m going to do a crappy job today.” Not only will you not be in business for long, but your fellow inspectors won’t want you around, either.

Let’s remember that the job we do not only reflects on us personally but also reflects on other ASHI members as well. ASHI has worked hard to make us look good—that’s why you joined. By maintaining your reputation, you also help maintain this trust for all ASHI inspectors. H

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ASHI Reporter • March 2016

43March 2016

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ASHI Reporter â&#x20AC;˘ March 2016