ASHI REPORTER 12/14

ASHI

Reporter DECEMBER 2014

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

WOMEN GROWING IN BUSINESS ‌ ASSUMING MANAGEMENT POSITIONS Details on Page 7

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Winter Roof Inspections | 12 Air Barriers Versus Vapor Barriers | 14 Herspective: What's it Like Being the FBI? | 17 Advertising Opportunities | 18 Top 16 Things I Learned | 23 1

December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

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ASHI

Reporter December 2014

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Vol. 31, #12

Features 7 |

InspectionWorld® Register Online!

Michele George, Director of Education and Events

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Home Inspectors Look at a House for What it Truly is ...

By the ASHI School Staff

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Women Growing in Business ...

Assuming Management Positions

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Sally Chapralis 12 |

Winter Roof Inspections ...

Without Going on the Roof Sally Chapralis

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Air Barriers Versus Vapor Barriers Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd.

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Advertising Opportunities Alan Carson, ACI, Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd.

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Message to ASHI Chapters Howard Snyder, E.D., Ohio ASHI

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Top 16 Things I Learned in the Last 10 years Rick Hartman

Departments 6|

My, How Time Flies!

Frank Lesh, Executive Director

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Herspective From the Women of ASHI What's it Like Being the FBI (Female Building Inspector)?

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You Tell Us Letters From Readers

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Test Your Knowledge Response Engaging our Readers

28 | 32 | 34 | 38 |

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ASHI Community

New Inspector Status, ASHI Staff, Chapters

Your ASHI

Membership News & More

Postcards From the Field

It’s Wacky Out There

On My Mind InspectionWorld® — Premier Event in our Field Bill Loden, ASHI President

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ASHI National Officers and Board of Directors ASH I M I S S I O N S TAT E ME N T 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.

Main Phone: 847-759-2820, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Mon.-Fri., CST

Officers Bill Loden, President Madison, AL, 256-464-7060 insight@knology.net

Michael Stephens, Treasurer Fairfax Station, VA, 703-307-8678 stephensmj@cox.net

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

Howard Pegelow, Secretary Milwaukee, WI, 414-545-4186 hpegelow@yahoo.com

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

Bill Jacques, Immediate Past-President Ravenel, SC, 843-556-3755 Billaischas@aol.com

Directors

ASHI Staff

Executive Director Frank Lesh, Executive Director, 847-954-3182, frankl@ashi.org Virginia Baker, Executive Assistant, 847-954-3177 virginiab@ashi.org Kimberly McGraw, Executive Assistant, 847-954-3179 kimm@ashi.org

Education, CE Approval, Smart Track Michele George, Director of Education & Events, 847-954-3188 micheleg@ashi.org

Lisa Alajajian 2013-2015 Milford, MA, 508-634-2010 homequest1@comcast.net

Scott Patterson 2013-2015 Spring Hill, TN, 615-302-1113 scott@traceinspections.com

Membership, Chapter Relations, Booth Rental, Product Orders

James Allen 2013-2015 Overland Park, KS , 913-894-5893 james@sweethomeinspections.com

Robert Peterson 2013-2015 Carmel, IN, 317-581-0774 inspectorbobp@sbcglobal.net

Mark Lester, Office Services Coordinator, 847-954-3176 markl@ashi.org

Eric Barker 2012-2014 Barrington, IL, 847-408-7238 ebarker@morainewoods.com

Bob Sisson 2012-2014 Boyds, MD, 301-208-8289 bob@inspectionsbybob.com

Tim Buell 2012-2014 Hilliard, OH, 614-777-7922 tim.buell@pillartopost.com

Bill Sutton 2012-2014 Milton, MA, 617-698-0945 wsuttoninspector@hotmail.com

Larry Cerro 2014-2016 Tallahassee, FL, 850-222-4404 larrycerro@comcast.net

Mike Wagner 2014-2016 Westfield, IN, 317-867-7688 mwagner@ralis.com

Shannon E. Cory 2013-2015 Fayetteville, GA, 770-461-3408 shannon@rainbowhome inspections.com

Robert Walstead 2013-2015 Colorado Springs, CO 719-495-2652, rwalstead@aol.com

C. Blaine Illingworth III 2012-2014 Harleysville, PA, 610-565-4181 housemechanic@hotmail.com

Kevin Westendorf 2014-2016 Mt. Pleasant, SC, 843-881-7842 KevinW@LowcountryHomeInspection.com

Mark Londner 2014-2016 Purcellville, VA, 703-409-9762 Mark@LBIhome.com

Speaker, Council of Representatives: Tony Smith 2013-2014 Cedar Rapids, IA, 319-533-4565 inspecthathouse@netscape.net

Publisher: Frank Lesh

847-954-3186 Reporter calls only 847-299-2505 (fax) Reporter only E-mail: frankl@ashi.org

Editor: Sally Chapralis American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. 932 Lee Street, Suite 101 Des Plaines, IL 60016

Advertising: Dave Kogan Phone: 847-954-3187 E-mail: davek@ashi.org

The Industry’s First AFCI Outlet

Russell Daniels, Director of Chapter Relations, 847-954-3185 russelld@ashi.org

Janet George, Membership Services Supervisor, 847-954-3180 janetg@ashi.org Bonnie Bruno, Membership Administrator, 847-954-3175 bonnieb@ashi.org

Accounting, Human Resources Belienda Schultz, Accounting Manager, 847-954-3190 beliendas@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, Communications Design Manager, 847-954-3186 arlenez@ashi.org

The ASHI School

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AFCI outlets may be used on any wiring system as specified by the National Electrical Code and are easy to install as an upgrade in retrofit applications. Leviton OBC AFCIs are the smart solution for improved home electrical safety.

Visit leviton.com/afci

Jack McGraw, Managing Director, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3178 jack@theashischool.com Steve Reilly, Senior Sales Representative, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3181, steve@theashischool.com Kendra Eiermann, Administrative Assistant, 847-954-3198 kendra@theashischool.com

THE FUTURE IS ON®

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.

© 2014 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright© 2014, ASHI. None of the content of this publication may be reproduced, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Inclusion of or specific mention of any proprietary product within does not imply endorsement of, nor does exclusion of any proprietary product imply non-endorsement, by the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. Opinions or statements of authors and advertisers are solely their own, and do not necessarily represent the opinions or positions of ASHI, its agents or editors. See above for information pertaining to submission of articles, advertising and related materials.

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ASHI Reporter | December 2014

10/2/14 1:22 PM

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December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

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Being Frank From ASHI’s Executive Director

Register Online!

My, How Time Flies!

Early-Bird Pricing Extended to December 20!

InspectionWorld® • January 6-9, 2015 • Philadelphia • Marriott Downtown Hotel

IT IS AMAZING HOW FAST the year went and how much we covered in the Reporter.

January: We started the year with the swan song of our Immediate Past-President, Bill Jacques, who gave a tribute to some of those who helped him succeed in his goals as ASHI’s 2013 President. Here are the topics we covered: • Radon (Kurt Saloman) • A luminum Wiring (Bruce Barker) • Handling Complaints (Alan Carson) • Chapters in Compliance with the IRS? (Mike Stephens) February: President Bill Loden’s first column, “You Want to be a Home Inspector?”

• Lessons in Risk Management (Michael Casey and David Madariaga, Esq.) • A sphalt Shingled Roofing (Bruce Barker) • Gas Fireplaces (Alan Carson) • Radon Part Two (Kurt Saloman) March: Jack McGraw gave a report about the ASHI School.

• Non-Traditional Gas Appliance Venting (Bruce Barker) and the new ASHI SoP (Bruce Barker again) • Service Philosophy (Alan Carson) • The 10 Most Common Home Inspection Issues (Tim Buell) April: National Home Inspection Month (Sally Chapralis) • Vent Connectors (Carson Dunlop) 6

ASHI Reporter | December 2014

Attend the largest gathering of professional home inspectors at ASHI’s annual educational conference and expo, offering a packed schedule of education and training, networking events and good times.

• Siding ABCs (Bruce Barker) • Budgeting for Success (Belienda Schultz) • Success by Association (Tony Smith) May: National Building Safety Month (Sally Chapralis) • New departments: Herspective (Annie-Laurie Hunter) and War Stories (Dave Grudzinski) • Siding Part 2 (Bruce Barker) • R isk Management (Mike Casey) • W hy Volunteer (Bill Sutton) • Budgeting (Belienda Schultz) June: Home Inspection Software History (Carl Fowler) • Herspective (Molly Grady) • Siding Part 3 (Bruce Barker) • Pricing Your Services (Alan Carson) • Budgeting Part 2 (Belienda Schultz) • Inspection Photos (Jay Hensleigh) • Deck Inspections (Sally Chapralis) July: Independent Home Inspectors (Sally Chapalis) • Herspective (Cynthia Tracman) • Branching Out (Jim Nemastil) • InspectionWorld® (Michele George) • Siding Part 4 (Bruce Barker) • Pricing Your Services (Alan Carson) • Water Cooled Condensers (Carson Dunlop) • Chapters (Sally Chapalis)

August: Lower Your Risk (Joe Ferry) • Herspective (Tammy Nicholas) • Heat Recovery Ventilators (Alan Carson) • Habitat for Humanity (Sally Chapalis) • Marketing Concepts (Alan Carson) • National Healthy Housing SoP (Sally Chapalis) September: Mold (Jeff May) • Herspective (Nancy Janosz) • Networking (Alan Carson) • Building Your Business (Bob Peterson, Tony Smith, Shawn Price) • Chimneys (Alden Gibson) • Leadership Training Conference (LTC) October: New Learning Programs (Sally Chapralis) • Herspective (Mary Anne Tonini) • CSST Gas Piping (Bruce Barker) • Call Centers (Paul Zak) • Marketing (Mike Crow) • High Strength Concrete (Portland Cement Association) • Business Networking (Alan Carson) November: Veterans Training with the GI Bill (TAS) • Vietnam (Howard Pegelow) • Herspective (Lore Hemsell) • Electric Radiant Heating (Alan Carson) • Advertising (Alan Carson) • Ben Franklin at IW (Michele George)

Of course, Postcards from the Field and the President’s monthly column, On My Mind are favorites.

December: InspectionWord This month we give special recognition to IW, the inspection industry’s largest and most productive conference. President Bill Loden’s On My Mind, article hits the nail squarely on the head. IW is the Super Bowl of inspection conferences. I can attest to Bill’s assertion that all of us remember our first IW. I can attest that if it weren’t for ASHI’s annual conference, held during a frigid January in Chicago, I would not be where I am today.

If you missed any of these topics, or you question why you should bother reading the Reporter, I ask that you take another look. The ASHI Reporter is truly an asset for home inspectors. 

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

Bonus: Instantly connect with your peers and exhibitors, make appointments, get the latest news, give feedback on your educational sessions, take real-time polls, post to social media and more – all from ASHI’s InspectionWorld App!

Schedule of Events and session details at www.inspectionworld.org Pre-Conference & Post-Conference Courses – Arrive Early, Stay Later Additional training opportunities • RESNET HERS Rater Training Certification Course • BPI Building Analyst Training Certification Course • RESNET Home Energy Survey Professional (HESP) Certification Course • RESNET Energy Smart Contractor Certification Training Course • BPI Building Science Principles Certificate • NADRA – Deck Inspection Certification Course • FEMA Disaster Inspection Course presented by VANGUARD • Inspecting Radon Mitigation Systems Course, approved by NRPP • Post-Conference 3-day Commercial Building Inspection Course Excellent Educational Sessions • Select from 45 classes taught by industry experts • 5 concurrent education tracks: Inspection Essentials, Advanced Learning, Building Science & Technical Issues, Specialty/Diversification, and Business Management • Fulfill 20 ASHI CE credits and credits towards state and other industry organizations’ continuing education requirements Expo Hall & Networking Events • Welcome to ASHI Event (for new ASHI members and first time attendees) • North America's largest home inspection expo • Lunch'N Learns • Daily prize drawings & raffles • Opening Night Expo Reception - Kick off the Conference in style • Annual Meeting & Awards Breakfast • Taste of Philly Wednesday evening in Expo Hall • Gala Dinner & Dancing (optional) • InspectPAC Cocktail Reception (tickets may be purchased onsite)

®

Spouse Tours Planned • Visit the historic landmarks. Spend time in the birthplace of the United States.

Inspect ionWorld ®

Revolutionize Your Business

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December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

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Home Inspectors Look at a House for What it Truly is …

Home Inspectors Look at a House for What it Truly is …

BY THE ASHI SCHOOL STAFF

ASHI Suggestion Box Do you have a great idea for the ASHI organization or Reporter magazine? All suggestions are welcomed. Please e-mail: Frankl@ashi.org.

Product of the Month: FLIR TG165 Imaging IR Thermometer The FLIR TG165 Imaging IR Thermometer bridges the gap between single spot infrared thermometers and FLIR’s thermal cameras. Equipped with FLIR’s exclusive Lepton® micro thermal sensor, the TG165 lets you see the heat and measure it too.

Easily finds unseen hot and cold spots for instant trouble shooting plus store images and data to show customers and also include in your reports.

For more information, specs, data sheet, lease options and a camera comparison sheet, visit: http://monroeinfrared.com/shop/flir-tg165-imaging-ir-thermometer, email Monroe Infrared at sales@monroeinfrared.com or call 800.221.0163. 

AS AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME Inspectors (ASHI) graduates progress in their home inspection careers, each inspection they perform offers areas of concern that may require closer review.

They evaluate a house in order to make it a home.

A news article from MSN Real Estate discusses the story of a Chicago couple who, as homebuyers sometimes do, opted to pass on a home inspection. The article explains how the home had been listed with “many upgrades” and that the buyers felt these upgrades were professionally done. So, what really could go wrong?

1. Roofing, flashings, and chimneys 2. Exterior 3. Structure 4. Electrical 5. Heating 6. Cooling and heat pumps 7. Insulation 8. Plumbing 9. Interior and appliances

Not much later, the couple experienced recurring problems with their furnace, which was listed as one of the “upgrades.”

The cost of a repairman was considered; however, they finally decided to call a home inspector. The inspector was able to identify the problem with the furnace, which finally helped the couple solve their problem.

The real moral of this story is for homeowners and inspectors alike. Both parties should be aware that no assumptions should be made when inspecting any property because even recent upgrades can have problems.

“Home inspectors see a home the way no one else does. They don't care how the kitchen will feel for entertaining or whether the bathroom tiles will impress guests.

Their judgment is not clouded by emotion.”

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ASHI Reporter | December 2014

The ASHI School trains a student in the nine components of inspection.

With school registration increasing annually, we do believe that home inspection is more commonplace now than in the past.

Homeowners are becoming more educated about who they choose to do their inspections. Over 70% of homes bought or sold are now being inspected according to the realtors.

Graduating from The ASHI School and becoming a member of ASHI will enhance an inspector’s career. It can give confidence to the homebuyer when selecting him or her to do their inspection.

If you are a past graduate of the school, you may not know that you can sit in on any class for a refresher at no cost. Whether you

are interested in the entire two weeks or just to review a few components, please give the school a call and let us know. The ASHI School wants to make sure that all our students remain confident in their home inspection career. 

THE ASHI SCHOOL REUNION – INSPECTIONWORLD® 2015 Please plan to attend The ASHI School’s annual reunion at InspectionWorld® (IW) 2015. This is for all students who have graduated from The ASHI School and all instructors presently working for the school.

We will gather Tuesday, January 6, 2015, from 7PM–8PM. Meet up with fellow graduates and school instructors.

Please RSVP to the school at kendra@theashischool.com if you are planning to attend.

If you have not received an email detailing a special discount to IW for all students, please call 847-954-3198 or email kendra@ theashischool.com for details.

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December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

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Women Growing in Business … Assuming Management Positions

444Women Growing in Business … Assuming Management Positions

Women Growing in Business …

Assuming Management Positions

BY SALLY CHAPRALIS

MORE WOMEN ARE BECOMING HOME inspectors, establishing their own businesses or working for inspection companies.

They’re enthusiastic and appreciate receptive consumers and supportive colleagues.

trations were elevated. In just a few minutes, everything changed. Environmental problems became more than polluted rivers or lakes. Now they included the air we breathe in our homes.”

Other women have been promoted to executive management positions for organizations in the field. Their experiences have been challenging and rewarding. Carolyn Allen, Carol Case and Dorothy Pirovano discuss their interests and progress in the field, and they stress the importance of a positive attitude, teamwork, persistence, dedication and potential.

During her next position, as sales manager for a radon equipment manufacturer, Carolyn met other professionals in the field and in government agencies in the United States and in Europe who were addressing radon’s health challenges and testing. After eight years in that position, she joined RadonAway, the leading manufacturer of radon fans, as Director of Sales in 2000. The company continued to grow and acquired radon test laboratories. Carolyn became president of AccuStar Labs, a position she has held since 2005. Laboratory operations include radon test device manufacturing, sales, analysis, reporting and quality assurance. AccuStar Labs also provides the RadStar line of continuous radon monitors.

> Carolyn Allen, President, AccuStar Labs “Since I first learned about the health risks and effects of indoor radon 20 years ago, my curiosity and commitment have remained compelling,” says Carolyn Allen, President, AccuStar Labs, with sites in Medway, MA, and Lebanon, PA. “Addressing radon’s public health and safety challenges is an opportunity to educate the public, save lives and know that our business is growing for important reasons.”

Carolyn Allen first learned about radon as an indoor health concern when she was working for a property management company in the 1980s. “Interest rates had dropped, and the company needed to refinance several mortgages. We discovered that radon had been added to a bank’s checklist of required documentation, and we had to provide evidence including radon test results. So while I knew what radon was, we had a lot more to learn: how to test and to fix any properties if concen10

ASHI Reporter | December 2014

“Many women work in the radon field in diverse roles. For example, AccuStar’s laboratory managers are women. I’m fortunate to work with a company that wants to hire the right person for the position.

We are all serious about this issue, given the fact that you could get lung cancer just by living in your own home with radon.”

“It is,” Carolyn Allen explains, “all about persistence, a positive attitude, appreciating the value of teamwork, and the willingness to work hard. I’m grateful to my employer and especially to those who work for me … they are my biggest inspiration. At our company, women are not just a category in the workplace. Each is an individual with skills and potential. I am passionate about reducing lung cancer risk from radon and it’s wonderful to be a part of a team that is trying to solve the problem.”

> Carol Case, Executive Director, ASHI Great Lakes Chapter ASHI’s Great Lakes Chapter offers a variety of resources and opportunities that respond to member interests and keep the chapter thriving and dynamic. “And, most importantly, we’re personally there for each other,” explains Carol Case, Executive Director, of ASHI’s largest chapter, established in 1982.

One of the opportunities is the chapter’s monthly events covering different subjects. Great Lakes members appreciate the program’s learning experience as well as the camaraderie. “They get to know each

other, personally welcome new members and, when the occasion arises, help another member, reinforcing the chapter’s support system. “For example, one time I received a phone call from an inspector who was in the middle of an inspection and confronting a hot water tank problem that he had trouble addressing,” Carol says.

“I suggested that he continue with the inspection, and I would try to contact other inspectors who might have the answer. I sent an email out, and in the space of a few minutes, five chapter members responded to help him resolve the issue then and there.”

The Great Lakes Chapter also holds threeday weekend conferences several times each year, which it can do because of its large membership. “A conference includes a Peer Review of a home currently for sale, a Field Review involving 10 inspectors, speaker presentations, vendor exhibits, and great food.” Sometimes unexpected PR opportunities emerge. “One of our members was volunteering for our exhibit when a radio station covering the conference saw our chapter’s display banner. The DJ interviewed him, offering great PR for the chapter and for the home inspector.”

“Members, even those who have moved to other states, also appreciate the chapter’s interactive website, which keeps search engine ratings high and produces lots of referrals. They like the quarterly membersonly newsletter, the chapter banners they can use for their own marketing and PR purposes, and our active support system.

“Our chapter is more like a family because we’re there for each other … not competitive. When

members have been very ill and could not work, other members responded … so heart-warming.”

Carol Case was introduced to the home inspection industry in the mid-1990s. She always had an interest in home construction and real estate and “then met ASHI member Melvin Jacobs, who had become so busy he was looking for help with marketing, bookkeeping and other activities, that he hired me.” The Great Lakes Chapter was growing and also needed help. Carol was hired by the chapter in a secretarial position, which led, in 2009, to her promotion to Executive Director. “It was such an honor, when, in 2013, I was approached by some of the longtime ASHI members to sit on their “Panel of Experts” at the ASHI Leadership Training Conference (LTC). Plan to attend LTC again this year and look forward to interacting with other chapters, ASHI staff, and longtime members to bring fresh, innovative, ideas back to the Great Lakes Chapter.”

> Dorothy Pirovano, CEO, Public Communications Inc. “I loved being a partner in our firm but never envisioned myself as the CEO where ‘the buck stops here.’ It’s been very rewarding to see the firm prosper and grow since I moved into the top spot, but it has only happened because of the terrific team we have here – from interns to owners,” explains Dorothy Pirovano, CEO, Public Communications Inc. (PCI), the public relations firm that works with ASHI. While Dorothy is retiring after 33 years at PCI, she will stay on as a Senior Counselor.

Established in 1962, PCI is a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise and is one of the largest women-owned communications firms in the United States. However, “we want to be hired as a best choice, not because we are women owned.”

“My goal is to be perceived as someone you would want to work with,” Dorothy says. “Once you gain confidence through experience and capability, you can ’own the room’ and feel in control. While this is true for both men and women, leadership qualities are particularly important for women when you’re working in what has traditionally been a man’s field, such as home inspection.”

In its work with ASHI, PCI’s job is to make sure the public knows why home inspections are so important. “Both homebuyers and home sellers should understand the inspection process, its goals and how beneficial it is to everyone. Many sellers may fear an inspection because flaws will be discovered. But in public relations and as a home seller, you have to think like your audience in this case, the homebuyer.

The buyer might feel better if you had a pre-purchase inspection and could show that you cared enough to find out what might be wrong and fixed it before putting it on the market.”

It’s true that women in business have overcome many barriers and continue to make progress.

The key, Dorothy says, is to “do more listening than talking.

Find something in common. You want to become interested in a client beyond the transaction. It’s enlightening and rewarding for everyone.” 

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December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

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444Winter Roof Inspections … Without Going on the Roof

Winter Roof Inspections … Without Going on the Roof

2005. Becoming a home inspector is the best career move I could have made. I love every minute of it. In fact, I teach at The ASHI School.”

Winter Roof Inspections …

Without Going on the Roof

BY SALLY CHAPRALIS

Phantom 2 Vision+ by DJI

IF YOU’RE NOT COMFORTABLE CLIMBING A

ladder to check the roof during a home inspection – when facing winter weather or other challenges – then you might appreciate two options that let you inspect from the ground level: a video mounting system or a “flying camera” (drone). While neither can see through snow covering a roof, they’re on top of it in cold weather.

conditions, and actually all year long, as well as issues such as exposure to mold or asbestos. When I started looking for a safe, cost-effective option to replace the ladder, there didn’t seem to be anything available.

So I thought about tying a camera to the top of the ladder or the top of a pole. That’s where it all began,” Mark says.

Meet home inspector Mark Hendley, who developed the Eye-Stick Video-Mounting System, and home inspector Jory Lannes, who is inspecting roofs with his drone … and ladders when needed.

Eye-Stick for Roof Inspections Through research and experimentation, Mark Hendley developed Eye-Stick, a video-mounting system, which extends up to 25 feet and weighs only 10 pounds.

“You stand on the ground, using your smart phone, which communicates with the camera at the top of the pole via a personal, hot spot wi-fi connection.”

> Mark Hendley and Eye-Stick VideoMounting System “I always used a 32-foot ladder to check the roof during a home inspection, but with increasing risks of climbing ladders, I went looking for another option,” explains Mark Hendley, CEO and founder of EyeStick, Inc., which provides industrial video mounting systems.

Mark, a member of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI), has been a certified home inspector since 1997. His home inspection company, Hendley Building Consultants, is based in Russell, Ontario, as is Eye-Stick, Inc., which he established in 2008. Mark’s credentials include education and experience as an architectural technician.

“I was concerned about climbing and standing on a ladder during severe weather 12

ASHI Reporter | December 2014

The Eye-Stick also addresses other challenges and issues faced by home inspectors.

For example, “When using ladders, you could be exposed to legal liability if there’s damage to property or injury to individuals,” Hendley adds. “Eye-Stick allows inspectors, engineers or claim adjusters to view, record, save and evaluate roofs, gutters or attics from a safe distance and have photographed proof for their reports.”

Are there any problems with the Eye-Stick during cold weather? “Winter cold is not a problem. In fact, an ASHI member working in Alaska uses the Eye-Stick yearround. As with any electronics, however, the device shouldn’t be exposed to constant moisture.”

Eye-Stick’s marketing efforts are also attracting companies in other fields, including sports equipment manufacturers and stadium sites, airport security firms, manufacturing production lines and even Walt Disney World. “We always have an exhibit at CAHPI’s annual trade show, and we’re looking forward to InspectionWorld 2015 in Philadelphia.” > Jory Lannes and “flying camera” drones “About four years ago, I read an article about drones. The subject caught my eye because I prefer not walking on a roof during an inspection. As a retired noncommercial licensed pilot, the notion of a ‘flying camera’ or ‘quadcopter’ sounded like a great solution for me,” enthuses Jory Lannes, President, Lannes Home Inspections, Evanston, IL

Ready for a Drone Jory bought his first drone three years ago in 2012. “It’s a good thing that I’m a tactile learner, willing to learn on my own, because that was my only option then. Today, there’s YouTube, but that still doesn’t replace formal learning or an instructor.” Jory’s first drone had a flight time of about 8 minutes, and “through the magic of technology, you just turn it on, and it seeks out satellites and almost flies itself. It was very stable, weighed 3 pounds, and was 12 x 12 inches in size.

Today’s quadcopter has a built-in camera that connects with your smart phone or tablet. Flight time has increased to about 25 minutes. Drones have a range of about one-third of a mile and can fly up to 25 miles per hour. It’s very responsive. The

biggest challenges are wind bursts, not cold weather. You can even control how often it takes photos.”

Jory is now on his third flying camera and explains that the technology has improved.

“New software helps you lay out a course or approach to the roof inspection. You can pre-program via the auto-pilot and do a roof inspection “hands free.” The quadcopter is a tool I use 70% of time. I still bring ladders along during inspections.”

Jory’s Reflections about Flying Cameras “Technocrats interested in using leadingedge technology will appreciate this experience. Once the technology has proven itself, it will be a more productive way of doing our jobs – just five minutes on the roof. However, a drone is not for the casual user, and you can’t just take it out of the box and be proficient. You’re always learning to stay on top of it. A quadcop-

ter is great in winter. The colder the air, the better it flies. But snow is a challenge because the drone is an electric device running on a battery. It’s fun, can offer a return on your investment and attracts attention to your business. A quadcopter makes you unique. Before using a quadcopter, check with your municipality about restrictions and regulations for using drones. These issues are overseen by the FAA. There’s no replacement for walking a roof. But, a good percent of the time, the quadcopter is a tool that could work for you. Prices are dropping, and the improving technology means there’s a growing potential for the flying camera as a viable alternative for roof and exterior chimney inspections.”  Sally Chapralis is the Consulting Editor for the ASHI Reporter. Her writing, business communications and PR experience includes working with construction and real estate industry publications.

Eye-Stick Video Mounting System

Jory became a home inspector after retiring from his career as a CPA, owning his own firm. He had worked with many real estate management, inspection and construction companies. Recovering from a back injury, he decided it was time for a career change. Because he had worked with and in the construction industry for many years, Jory decided to become a home inspector. Upon getting licensed, Jory called a seasoned inspector to ask for ride-alongs and mentoring.

“During a two-year period, I immersed myself in the field. I joined ASHI as well as the Northern Illinois and Great Lakes Chapters, and established my own firm in 13

December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

13

Air Barriers Versus Vapor Barriers

444Air Barriers Versus Vapor Barriers

Air Barriers Versus Vapor Barriers

BY CARSON, DUNLOP & ASSOCIATES LTD.

WHILE WE OFTEN USE THE SAME MATERIAL

to act as both an air barrier and a vapor barrier, the functions are different.

Function Of Air Barriers Air barriers are designed to stop air movement through the building walls and roof.

There are two reasons this is important: • Air carries heat. We want to minimize the flow of building heat to the outdoors.

• Air carries moisture. This moisture may be deposited in the building structure as it cools and condenses. This can cause damage to the building.

Function Of Vapor Barriers A vapor barrier, vapor retarder or vapor diffusion retarder (VDR) is designed to protect the building from moisture damage. A VDR minimizes (but does not completely stop) the diffusion of vapor from inside the house to the wall or roof cavity. Remember that no air movement is necessary for vapor diffusion to take place. We also said that air leakage is roughly one hundred times more important than vapor diffusion with respect to moisture damage to buildings.

As you can see, a vapor diffusion retarder has fewer functions and is less critical than an air barrier. Let’s look at air barriers first.

Qualities of a Good Air Barrier These are qualities of a good air barrier: • Stops air movement.

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ASHI Reporter | December 2014

• Durable, ideally lasting the life of the building.

• Strong and either rigid or well enough supported to stay in place.

• Continuous. A bucket that is missing one percent of its bottom cannot do its job.

Similarly, an air barrier that is 99 percent intact cannot do its job.

• Inexpensive.

• Resistant to moisture, rot and chemicals.

Common materials Common air barrier materials include polyethylene film and housewraps. We’ll look at those first, and then look at several other materials that act as part of the air barrier system in a house, sometimes by accident.

Polyethylene - Polyethylene sheets have traditionally been provided on the inside face of wall studs and on the underside of ceilings, immediately behind the plaster or drywall. Polyethylene film is light and inexpensive to work with. It is also a vapor barrier.

Housewraps - Housewraps are typically spun-bonded polyolefin or polypropylene fabrics. These are good air barriers, but are not vapor barriers. You can think of them as a windbreaker. They will allow vapor diffusion readily, but will not allow wind to blow through them.

Foam insulation boards - Most of the foam insulation boards, including polysty-

rene, polyurethane, isocyanurate and phenolic board, are good air barriers as long as their seams are sealed with tape, caulking or gaskets. These are typically installed on the outside of a building.

Drywall, plaster and wood paneling Most interior wall and ceiling finishes are effective air barriers, but there are many gaps at the edges and penetrations through the finishes. Conventional wisdom has suggested we cannot rely on these systems as air barriers.

Vapor Barriers Vapor barriers, vapor retarders or vapor diffusion retarders (VDRs) have a different function than air barriers, although the same materials are sometimes used for both.

Let’s look at the properties of a good vapor barrier: • Vapor-diffusion-resistant • Durable • Moisture-and rot-resistant • Chemically inert • Inexpensive

Vapor Barrier Defined How do we know if a material is a vapor barrier? Vapor barriers are described by their permeance. The unit of permeance is the perm. The lower the perms, the more effective the vapor barrier. Unfortunately, there are metric and imperial perms. An imperial perm is the number of grains of water that will move through one square foot of material in one hour, under a pressure difference of one inch of mercury. One grain is 0.002285 ounces.

Sheathing - We’ve talked about plywood and OSB sheathings. We’ve explained how they are usually not effective air barriers because of the intentional gaps at the joints.

Lumber sheathing is not an effective air or vapor barrier because of the large number of unsealed joints.

Common Vapor Barrier Materials Let’s look at some of the materials that are commonly used as vapor barriers.

Polyethylene film (visqueen) - This is probably the most common material used as a vapor barrier. As we discussed, it’s typically also used as an air barrier, immediately behind the drywall in wall and ceiling assemblies.

Building paper - Building paper does not perform well as an air barrier because of the many loose joints in a typical buildingpaper application.

Other common air barrier materials include: • Sill gaskets • Gaskets for electrical boxes and plastic enclosures around electrical boxes • Backer Rods • Caulking and Weatherstripping • Polyurethane foams • Duct Tape and Duct Mastic

Must be on the Warm Side Vapor barriers must be on the warm side of the wall to perform their function. We said that air barriers could be on the warm side, in the middle or on the cool side of a wall assembly. A vapor retarder must be on the warm side. If the water molecules are allowed to move into a cool space, they are likely to condense. A vapor retarder on the outside will not protect the wall from moisture damage due to vapor diffusion.

Kraft paper - Old fiberglass and mineral wool insulation batts were often faced with brown kraft paper, which is a vapor barrier.

Aluminum foil - This vapor barrier may also be used as a radiant barrier to reflect heat.

Although building paper can be used as an air barrier, it is often ineffective because of loose joints

Oil-based paints and vapor-retardant paints - Many paints act as vapor barriers.

Latex paints generally do not unless they are specially formulated to act this way. Varnishes and shellacs also act as vapor barriers.

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December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

15

Herspective

444Air Barriers Versus Vapor Barriers

From the Women of ASHI

Herspective – Janni Juhasz

What’s it like being the FBI (Female Building Inspector)?

Damaged polyethylene film such as this is an ineffective vapor barrier, and an even more ineffective air barrier.

Insulations - Some insulation materials act as vapor barriers. This includes polyethylene and polyisocyanurate boards. Expanded and extruded polystyrene boards can also act as vapor barriers if they are thick enough. The same is true of foamed-in-place polyurethane and isocyanates.

Vinyl wallpaper - Vinyl wallpapers make quite good vapor barriers. This is unfortunate for people in hot climates who don’t want vapor barriers on the interior of their wall assemblies.

Plywood and OSB sheathings - While these materials may or may not be quite vapor barriers in the true sense of the word, they do have fairly low perm ratings. They are almost vapor barriers. 

Summary We have introduced the difference between air barriers and vapor barriers, and outlined some of the common materials used. A more detailed explanation involving conditions, implications and strategies for inspection can be found in the ASHI@HOME training program

.......................................................................................................

Wishing you a bright and joyous holiday season from the ASHI family!

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ASHI Reporter | December 2014

ASHI’s Recruit-aMember Program HELP ASHI GROW & Earn $50 in Gift Cards

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) and fax it to 847-759-1620. Questions?

Contact Russell Daniels, russelld@ashi.org.

I STARTED IN THIS BUSINESS in 2000. I have always held a job in nontraditional roles for women. Being a groundbreaker for other women wasn’t easy.

Just prior to becoming a home inspector I was, as my husband would say, a termite man. As a “termite man,” I spent my days crawling around under houses inspecting for termites, carpenter ants, and powder post beetles as well as treating for them.

I also worked with several home inspectors performing pest inspections. All the other exterminating companies in town kind of laughed at him for having a woman for a termite man.

My husband (prior to us knowing each other) started his own “bug business” in 1996. He hired me as a secretary in late 1997. Pretty soon I couldn’t take

sitting behind a desk all day, not understanding what I was attempting to convey to the customer on the other end of the phone. I asked to be sent to training about bugs and that’s how it all started.

Little did the local PCO’s (pest control operators) know, I was his secret weapon! I sold and performed a lot of bug work. Eventually, the bug guys accepted me and I became the president of TPCA (Toledo Pest Control Association). In 1999, I suggested to my husband that he get into home inspections. I thought it would be a perfect add-on to his business.

I told him he could be a “onestop shop.” His reply to me was, “Absolutely not! I’m a bug killer. I kill bugs!” So I started talking to the home inspectors I knew about getting into the business. One of them told me “Janni, if you’re going to do it, HomeTech Seminars is the only school in the country to go to.”

“HomeTech Seminars” is long gone, but yes, it was an excellent school. So, in May of 2000, I went to school and my dream became a reality.

Initially (the first couple of years), I took a lot of flack being a woman. My first summer, I was inspecting the exterior of a home when the buyer’s agent arrived. She asked me if I was the inspector. When I told her yes, she responded, “You have no business doing this job. This is a man’s job.” To quote the late James Brown, “This is a man’s, man’s, man’s world, but it would be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.”

The local inspectors were divided regarding me getting into the business. A couple of them mentored me, while some of them hated the idea of a woman in their business.

Early on in my career, I took an appointment for an inspection.

When I arrived at the inspection, three men were waiting for their inspector. Little did they know that their inspector was a woman. Attitude was hanging out all over the place and two of the men left. About halfway through the inspection, the one who stayed said to me, “You’re pretty good at this. When you pulled in the drive, my partners’ said, ‘I thought you hired an inspector’?”

Honestly, I didn’t take my business very seriously in the beginning. I was still a full-time “termite man.” Until the end of 2003, I was only performing 25-30 inspections a year. In 2004, I performed nearly 100 inspections! Unfortunately, the more inspections I performed, the more tense the atmosphere became with some of the local inspectors.

It came to my attention in the spring of 2005 that a hand-

ful of home inspectors were having regular meetings and one of their topics of discussion was how to get me out of the business. That really didn’t bother me, though, because I figured I must be doing something right. However, when a potential client informed me that one these inspectors told him I didn’t carry insurance, I was very upset because it wasn’t true. Being the outspoken girl that I am, I decided to give him a call. One thing led to another in the conversation and I finally said to him, “I don’t understand. You are the one who told me what school to go to. You took me out and mentored me on inspections and told me I could hang my home inspector’s hat on your door anytime. Now you act like you have a problem with me in the business.” His response was, “I didn’t think you would make it.”

That was the BEST MEDICINE anyone could have ever given me. I am so grateful for that conversation because it was the wake-up call that motivated me to get where I am today.

That’s when I decided I wanted to be a full-time home inspector. I had brochures made and started knocking on real estate agency doors. With a lot of hard work and perseverance, at the end of 2006, I was able to quit my job as a “termite man” and become a full-time home inspector.

During the crash, I was fortunate as my business continually picked up year after year.

Over time, the idea of a woman doing your home inspection has caught on in Northwest Ohio Continued on Page 27 December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

17

444Adver tising Oppor tunities

Adver tising Oppor tunities

Beware Real Estate Agent’s Business Card Some real estate agents have a laminated business card. They may have advertising on the back to cover the cost, and they may come to you for advertising on that space. Once again, this may not be good advertising for you, but you may want to maintain a relationship. Remember to ask for something more.

Advertising Opportunities

Direct Mail Direct Your Efforts to the End-User

BY ALAN CARSON – CARSON, DUNLOP & ASSOCIATES LTD.

In our last article, we looked at advertising methods that tap into your existing marketing tools. You can apply these methods in any ads. In this section, we’ll look at some advertising opportunities that may not be as straightforward as they first seem.

A Real Estate Agent's Newsletter Beware Real Estate Agent Newsletter Some real estate agents write their own newsletters to send to previous clients and prospects. As a way to defray the costs, some agents sell advertising spots to suppliers like home inspectors.

In terms of an advertising opportunity, this is clearly focused on the real estate agent even though the ad is directed at the homebuyer. The opportunity to reach homebuyers is not great for a home inspector, but that may not be the point. If a real estate agent refers 20 or 30 clients per year, it’s hard to say that you don’t want to spend $100 every quarter to advertise in his or her newsletter.

The money you spend is not really for advertising at all; it’s for maintaining a relationship. We are often told that if we don’t take the opportunity, another home inspector will.

If you have 50 agents who refer business to you, and all of them write a newsletter and tap you for advertising money, you may be in trouble. You will probably have to be selective if you do this kind of advertising.

You have some options for dealing with this kind of advertising: You may choose to stay out of it altogether, negotiate the deal or ask for more benefits or opportunity. You may offer to submit a column that will make the newsletter even better. The same column, or series of columns, can be used for any agent. You don’t 18

ASHI Reporter | December 2014

have to write a custom column just for this agent. And the column doesn’t have to be long. The agent would rather have your advertising dollars, but your article may be attractive as well. The article has the added benefit of putting you in the role of an expert rather than an advertiser. The column can also be used on your Website and in your information packages.

Ask for Something in Return You may want to try to get more out of it for your money.

Following are some things you can ask for: • A sk for an exclusive. That means no other home inspectors will get their business card in the newsletter. Tell the real estate agent that it’s not worth $100 if other inspectors buy ad space next to yours. In many cases, this is easy to get. It may even be offered at the outset as an inducement.

• Ask the agent to refer you exclusively to their clients.

• A sk for an endorsement. Maybe just above your business-cardsized ad, the real estate agent can write an endorsement of your services or tell a testimonial story.

• A sk the agent to help you set up a presentation at his or her office.

Clear the way through to the office manager or the broker.

• A sk for an introduction to other successful agents.

• Ask for a testimonial you can use in your other advertising.

• Ask for a link from the agent’s Website to yours.

The official term for advertising to the end user is direct marketing. But because most direct marketing campaigns involve direct mail, especially in the home inspection business, we’ll refer to this strategy as direct mail. Direct mail may be addressed to real estate agents or to consumers, but there would usually be a different piece for each group.

Direct mail looks for a response directly from the customer, but it has specific applications. For instance, contacting your past clients directly by mail is effective for offering an ancillary service. On the other hand, direct mail to the general public offering a home inspection may not make sense. To decide if a direct mail campaign is worth considering, it should have at least a few of the features discussed below.

do a mailer with a particular offer, then do another mailer to a similar area with a slightly different offer and compare the response rate. You may find that reducing your fee from $325 to $299 increases your response rate by five times. If that were the case, it would make sense to reduce your fee. We will talk more about testing later.

Here are two areas in the home inspection profession that respond well to direct marketing: 1. Inspection of new homes 2. A ncillary inspection services targeted to past clients The main reasons for the successful response is that these two markets are easy to target and there is some time flexibility. They also meet the other criteria we have outlined above. You may come up with other things you can offer using direct mail.

This article completes our discussion on discretionary advertising. In a future article, we will discuss other advertising opportunities. 

Identify a Target Market An example from the world of home inspection is to mail to people who have a home for sale. There is a good chance they will be buying another home in the community and need your services.

Know the Time Sensitivity For home inspectors, the critical time to reach prospective homebuyers is right when they need your services, but the chances of your mailer reaching them within that narrow time frame are slim to none. Pre-purchase home inspections are time sensitive, whereas indoor air-quality inspections for homeowners can be done anytime. Sending a mailer for indoor air-quality inspections to past clients might give the homeowner a sense of urgency about hiring you (because they are concerned about their health), but you are not under the gun to deliver the mailer at a critical time.

Make It Easy to Explain/Measure Response/Track and Test A direct mailer has to offer something people can grasp in a few lines. Easy-to-measure response. Measurement is critical in this kind of campaign. When you are dealing with large numbers, you have a good opportunity to experiment. For example, you could 19

December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

19

Leadership Training Conference 2014

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Message to ASHI Chapters

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ONE OF THE POINTS OF INTEREST DISCUSSED AT LTC FOR SUCCESSFUL leadership was CORE VALUES. Your CORE VALUES will identify the personality of your leadership, and they form and inform the kind of leader you are. Take time to sit down and identify, discuss and evaluate those core values. Core values of the leadership determine how members will perceive not only you, their leader, but the chapter as a whole, and ultimately cultivate your chapter's CULTURE. Some chapter values and ideas we took away from LTC were:

• • • •

E – Energized. Your drive and enthusiasm will determine the reflection of your chapter. People can tell when they walk into a meeting if it is energized or another so-so get together.

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A – Awareness. Members need technical advice, however, they also need a steady diet of business awareness and marketing to keep them in business.

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20

ASHI Reporter | December 2014

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Another Benet:

E – Engaged. Enlist the membership for tasks in running the chapter or chapter events.

Developing, coordinating, administering and communicating chapter events takes time and people. The more members engaged, the greater the pool becomes for future growth.

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R – Recognize. Often and in Public. Anniversaries, accomplishments, gaining ACI status, all are achievements of the members and should be recognized in front of the membership.

I – Influence. Successful leadership is all about a positive influence. Ensure members feel welcome at events, make them feel appreciated and make them feel a part of the chapter.

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Congratulations to the raffle winners at LTC! Tony Smith is a member of the Great Lakes Chapter. He won full conference registration to InspectionWorld Philadelphia and a three-night stay at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel.

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21

December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

21

Top 16 Things I Learned (the hard way) in the Last ten years

You Tell Us Letters From Readers

Inspecting Monsters

Our goal as inspectors is to help customers feel comfortable with their new home purchase. This week, I had an experience I wanted to share.

I received an email from my client for the afternoon inspection. He stated that their daughter had a nightmare about monsters being in the home they were buying. She did not want to buy that house. He asked if I could help put her at ease.

During the inspection, the little girl would not go upstairs without her parents. She and Mom entertained themselves in the living room while Dad and I did the inspection. When I had completed my normal inspection, I said, “There is one more thing we need to look at.” I got out my TIF and explained to the girl that this was a Monster Tester. I then

explained that if a monster was present, the unit would make a loud noise. If there had ever been a monster, it would make a quieter noise. Finally, if no monsters were ever present, the unit would just go ‘chirp chirp’.

We went through the house and “inspected” every nook, cranny, closet, fireplaces and any other potential monster hiding places. We found none. After the inspection was complete, she ran down the stairs, yelling, “Mommy, Mommy, there are no monsters in this house!” I assumed this put all fears to rest.

How many jobs are there that can help a small child overcome a major fear? I felt as good about that inspection as most I have done. One little girl was comfortable with her new home. You know, I really do love my job!

Steve Willis, ACI Colorado Springs, CO

Check Your State Requirements

Mike writes, in brochure advice, "Company Address — Not Needed."

New Jersey, where I do most of my inspecting, requires in its regulations that all advertising and promotional materials for inspection firms include the physical address of the company or corporation (P.O. Box numbers not acceptable), as well as other information. So, we NJ guys can't even hand out promotional pens without having our physical address and license number on it. Other states with licensing and regulations may have similar requirements.

My problem with Mike's advice is that a wellmeaning inspector who hasn't read our rule book thoroughly could spend hundreds of hard-earned dollars on a brochure that he may then be required to withdraw and replace at considerable trouble and expense.  Best Regards, Glenn Woertz, ACI NY Metro Chapter

We need to correct some information supplied by Mike Crow and presented as a "suggestion" in his short article on page 18 of the October Reporter.

Top 16

BY RICK HARTMANN, HOME INSPECTION PLUS, INC. - LINCOLN, CA

I'M GETTING OLDER AND BECOMING a little wiser each day, albeit slowly. I guess one day I'll be one of those guys on the message board. You know, the one who has been posting on the various inspector message boards since 1994, offering up very sage advice to the 'newbies,' who sometimes scoff and challenge his writings. I used to be one of those newbies – learning the hard way the things I could have avoided if I just heeded the advice of that guy. What the heck do you mean, “don't turn on the water supply valve” How am I supposed to fill the tub if there's no water?” Activate a breaker? Big deal ... do it all the time at home. Here's a list of the Top 16 things I learned in the last 10 years … most of them the hard way. Am I turning into that guy?

16. Real Estate Agents are not your

friends. They may bat their eyes at you, bring you Starbucks and be your Facebook friends, but all you are is a necessary evil that is standing in the way of their commission check. One or two deals that you blew for them and you'll be out on your butt. Yes, I know ... there are many of us who do not need agent referrals and do not solicit agents for business. But, many of us do. There's nothing wrong with that as long as you remember to keep them at arm's length and remember the first sentence of this paragraph.

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www.amerispec.com/franchiseopportunities © 2013 AmeriSpec L.L.C. All rights reserved.

22

ASHI Reporter | December 2014

Call today for more information

Things I Learned (the hard way) in the Last 10 Years

15. The worst defects are the farthest

from the attic and crawlspace accesses. I got this from the late, great Jerry McCar-

thy. This was one of the first things I remember reading when I first started in this business. This was also one of the first things I scoffed at. How wrong I was! On a side note, when in attics and crawlspaces, bring your phone.

14. Don't get complacent in a nice home with few defects. That's when something will bite you. Complacency kills. This seriously affected my wallet a few years ago while inspecting a six year old home in a retirement community. Everything was well maintained and absolutely no evidence of any homeowner modifications or other shenanigans. What I failed to do was to thoroughly look at the interior of the microwave, not to mention operate it. That little error cost me $2,400. Too bad the microwave was part of a microwave/oven combination.

13. Don't be a hero. No one wants to

know how much you know. Report and verbalize your findings in a simple and precise manner. Don't expound on the history of baluster spacing widths and when GFCIs were required at particular locations. No one cares.

12. Don't activate breakers, turn water

supply valves or use a wrench for anything.

All too often, something will go wrong. In the last 10 years, I have flooded bathrooms and garages, melted wiring and wiped egg off my face more than once. Not worth it. Document what was OFF and collect your fee to come back and inspect when the utilities are restored. Occasionally, you

will be challenged by someone to turn on the water, gas or power. I enjoy pointing to the valve/breaker and telling them to do it.

They never do.

11. Never leave a filling hydrotherapy

tub (or any other sink/tub). I did this once or twice. The last time, and the one I will never forget, was when I was speaking with the client in the garage in a two story home. A drop of water landed on the client's head and I thought, crap ... the tub! I ran upstairs and found the tub overflowing. Needless to say, 30 minutes later and after wringing out my towels 28 times, I had most of it sopped up. I never did get the “there's mold in my home now” phone call. Lucky! Perhaps I should carry a wet/ dry vac?

10. Don't ever talk about politics, reli-

gion or any discussions that don't pertain to the task at hand. I recently made the mistake of getting into a discussion about fluoride in the water with a seemingly lovely young lady. That escalated into a diatribe about how the government is poisoning the people and what can be done about it. That ruined a half hour of my life, which I will never get back. She wasn't so lovely after all.

I still get an occasional propaganda email from her.

9. Don't ever guess about client

relationships. Don't assume that the woman standing next to the man is his wife. Don't assume the two guys at the inspection are brothers, if they have the same last name.

Don't assume that the younger girl with 23

December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

23

444 Top 16 Things I Learned (the hard way) in the Last ten years

the older man is his daughter (Jerry McCarthy). See #3.

8. Always write the report as if you are

preparing a legal document. Don't get complacent because the client is a contractor and told you he is tearing down the house anyway, so “it really doesn't matter what you write in the report.”

7. Carry toilet paper. (Thanks Kurt

Mitenbuler.) You never know when your body will want to discharge some waste.

If you're lucky enough to find a toilet in a timely manner and you have some privacy, don't ruin that beautiful moment by being unprepared. I keep a supply of Starbucks napkins in my rig. A pack of matches is also helpful.

6. Look up! (Thanks, James Katen.) Ever

conducted a home inspection, then finished with the client review and they ask, "What's up with that moisture stain in the bedroom ceiling?" and your heart skips a beat?

5. Don't ever ask the woman when she

is due. (Thanks, Ken Goewey.) Don't ask clients about the meaning of tattoos. Don't ask if that tongue piercing hurt. Don't ask what's under that 4x4 bandage on their head.

4. Don't have a big, spicy lunch before

your afternoon inspection. (Thanks, Don Woodring.) Refer to #7.

3. Don't assume. (Thanks, Eric Barker.)

Don't assume the client is dumb. Don't assume your physician client knows nothing of home construction. Don't assume your electrical engineer client knows more than you. Don't assume that the swollen baseboard was caused by a loose toilet next to it. Don't assume anything because when you do, the client will remember what you told them (assumptions) and not what is written in the report (facts).

Ohio Chapter’s Peer Review Eleven Ohio Chapter members attended the chapter's Peer Review October 11 in Delaware, OH. The 11 included one with no inspections under his belt and another with 20 years of inspection experience. Seven of them were reviewed by their peers. "The review focused on an original house that is 120 years old, and all of us learned something from this joining of forces," says David Argabright, ACI, and Vice President, Ohio Chapter.

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Peer Reviews result in four MRCs (Membership Renewal Credits). "The cost to attend was and will be free, and we hold several reviews every year. The location changes so that everyone has the opportunity to attend one close to their area of the state." 

1-800-457-2366 Visit us at InspectionWorld 2015

2. Always secure your ladder to the roof.

(Thanks, Welmoed Sisson.) I had this happen to me once. Went up on the lower story of the roof, then dragged the ladder up to access the second story. Atop the second story, the ladder went crashing to the ground in front of real estate agent and buyer. They weren't strong enough to get my ladder back up to me. Luckily, I had my phone and an inspector buddy who was nearby, came to my aid. That was embarrassing!

Booth #415

1. You don't know what you don't know.

If you don’t learn something new each day, you’re not doing it right. 

.......................................................................................................

Silicon Valley ASHI/ CREIA Chapter walks for Alzheimer's The team from SV ASHI/ CREIA walked in the San Jose Alzheimer's walk October 11.

We raised almost $1,200, including $500 from the chapter.

Pictured: Skip & Machelle Walker, Ken Collins and Steve Fishman.

CERTIFIED BY n al Rado Safety Bo ion ar at d N

R CA

Certified Radon Professionals

RADON TESTING CORPORATION OF AMERICA 2 Hayes St., Elmsford, NY 10523-2502 Tel: 914-345-3380 • Fax: 914-345-8546 • www.rtca.com 24

ASHI Reporter | December 2014

© 2014 RTCA

25

December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

25

Test Your Knowledge Engaging Our Readers

Groundbreaking E&O/GL from BRP Check out our new policy form which now includes everything that isn’t nailed down!

E&O HIGHLIGHTS: • Limit options from $100K to $2M • 50% deductible credit for mediated claims • Protection for your spouse against claims • Real Estate Referring Parties • Sublimit for Lead Paint, Termite and Mold Defense Coverage (Except LA) www.businessriskpartners.com

• Thermal Imaging • Indoor Air Quality • Commercial Inspections (up to 50,000 square feet) • Premises Liability • Radon Testing

Up to 10% discount for ASHI members

• $2,500 or $5,000 deductible • No minimum earned premium • Optional riders for Pool/Spa, Septic and Carbon Monoxide • 2 hours of FREE Risk Management Advice

GL HIGHLIGHTS: • Policy limits up to $1M/$2M • Deductibles starting at $250 • Premiums starting at $315 This list is solely intended to be a summary of policy coverage.

Please reference the actual policy for specific terms and conditions.

The policy supersedes all representations made above.

Herspective Continued from Page 27 and Southeast Michigan. Single women fear a man talking down to them or treating them like they are stupid. Most of the men now have a positive reaction as well.

Women in general have a reputation for being picky and detail-oriented.

Women buyers want to know everything.

They want to know how long that Oswigin’s Day list is. What is Oswigin’s Day, you ask? Oswigin’s Day is that day that never comes. We as women want to know how big that list of stuff (aka the honey-do list) is that your husband promises to fix, but he never gets done. That’s what Oswigin’s Day is.

I accept the fact that I get treated differently being a woman vs. a man. Clients often “worry” about me getting into the crawlspace. Often they will ask, “Are you really going in there?” Many times I have been offered a hat because they are so worried about me getting cobwebs in my hair.

I typically wrap up my inspections by telling my clients, “Once you receive the report, if you have any questions, call me.

If you buy the house and live here a couple of years and have a problem, call me anytime. If I don’t know the answer to your question, because I’m NOT a man, and therefore don’t know everything, I will find the resource and get you the answer.” The women always laugh and nod, knowingly, while most, but not all men will groan.

Some men will even admit, “Hey, I don’t know everything!”

26

ASHI Reporter | December 2014

7. W hile the picture lacks some detail, it does not appear that the furnace connector pipe sections are mechanically joined with screws.

1. The flue connector pipe as it approaches the chimney is reduced in size: not permitted!

2. T he connector pipe from the water heater must enter the chimney above the larger furnace connector pipe. It cannot be co-joined (T'd) with the furnace connector pipe!

3. The ball valve appears to be installed in the hot water side of this heater (although it¹s hard to tell which is the front elevation of the heater).

4. T he masonry seal for the connector pipe at the chimney appears to have voids at the connector pipe perimeter that should be properly sealed.

8. The pitch of the furnace connector pipe is much greater than a two percent slope.

Otherwise, it is a picture-perfect installation.

With best regards, Fred Freer Four Square Restorations, Inc., Four Square Home Inspections and Four Square Infrared Mayfield Village, OH 

5. I hope that the hanging metal flex pipe isn't for the dryer on the floor above.

6. We can't tell whether a TPR and extension pipe are present.

This Test Your Knowledge photo appeared in the October 2014 issue.

Thank you to Fred Freer for sending us his response.

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Quote: www.inspectorinsurance.com · Questions: Capitol Special Risks 866.268.1327

This is a heated topic for sure

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27

WWW.3DINSPECTION.COM

December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

27

ASHI Community New Inspector Status, ASHI Chapters, Council News

New ASHI Associates

ASHI Chapter Education

As of October 1, 2014.

H D enotes graduate of The ASHI School Christopher Carlson Willow, AK

Todd Dillard Little Rock AR

Bretton, Austin Legacy Home Inspections Flagstaff, AZ

David Waeschle Cactus Coastie Home Inspections Chandler, AZ

HM ichael Wertz Fairfield, CA

HM atthew DeMartini DeMartini Construction Millbrae, CA

HO mar Fazli Los Angeles, CA

H J osue Orellana Pasadena CA

HK evin Davidson

H J edidiah Cook

H C arl Chasteen

Decatur, GA

Five Star Building Inspections, LLC Guilford, IN

Niangua, MO

Total Peace of Mind Home Inspection Fairfield, OH

Jeffrey Roerdink Pillar to Post Professional Home Inspection LaFayette, GA The Cornerstone Inspection Group Marietta, GA

McKinney Home Inspection Lawrence, KS

Rob Conley

Sedgwick, KS

Protech Home & Property Inspections, Inc. Braselton, GA

Manny Murillo Protech Home & Property Inspections, Inc. Braselton, GA

Elbert Hayes Buyers Protection Group Riverdale, GA

Obispo, CA

Kennesaw, GA

H J effrey Buna

HO scar Libed

Aloha Home Inspections Lakewood, CO

Honolulu, HI

HK enneth Wetzel Colorado Springs, CO

PREI Ewa Beach, HI

H T im Tyner

H A llan Schuster Jr.

Thorton, CO

Nevada, IA

HK enneth Clark

Don Bassett

Castle Rock, CO

Olympia Inspection, LLC Nampa, ID

Kurt Benedict Aurora, CO

Indianapolis, IN

Patrick Smith

James Hobbs

Advocate Home Inspections Thornton, CO

H J immie Richardson

Sidney Carter

Randolph Treur San Luis

HD on Ball

Terry Bollman

H C ody Brown H Z hao Huang Newton, MA

Max Polsak

HD avid Massey Compass Inspectors, LLC Oxford, MS

Jose Roberto Montiel

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

Metropolitan Residential Inspection Silver Spring, MD

George Leone A Comprehensive Home Inspection Service, LLC North East, MD

G-Michael Lentz North Bethesda, MD

HM assimo Uzzardi

Gregory Moos Randal Gelderloos

Buffalo Grove, IL

HN ick Cosentino

H P eter Brownson

North Franklin, CT

Willowbrook, IL

Gold Star Real Estate Inspections, LLC Grandville, MI

Anne Kendall

Richard Driber

Kasznay's Building Inspection Service, LLC Harwinton, CT

Wind River Consultants Oswego, IL

Robert Gustafson

Palatine, IL

H J ason Meadows Jasper, GA ASHI Reporter | December 2014

Wilmette, IL

HM ichael Pappas Crown Point, IN

Ozarks Home Inspections LLC Hartville, MO

Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc Springfield, MA

MBE Home, Inc. Brunswick, ME

Chris Masiewicz

Michael Dedmon

Robbin Jones

Wiscasset, ME

JAB Holdings, Inc. Palatka, FL

Ozarks Home Inspections LLC Hartville, MO

Michael Jeude

Matt LaForge

HomeSpec Corp Decatur, IL

Nancy Dedmon

Corbly Gulch Home Inspections Livingson, MA

H E dward Kilwien

H C harles Brooks

Pillar to Post St. Louis, MO

Brewer Inspection Services Arnold, MO

Inspection Chicago Inc. Chicago, IL

Jared Wilson

Mark Miller

Mark Goodman

Elk Grove, IL

Davinci Partners, LLC Sun City Center, FL

St. Peters, MO

Westfield, MA

Chris Brown

H T im Darling

HD aniel Austin

HK erry, Plourde

Axium Inspections Broomfield, CO

Wade Williamson

28

H Z huo "George" Chen

Joseph Skelton Accurate Inspections Nashville, MI

Michael Walsh Walsh Consulting Services, LLC St. Louis, MO

H A aron Hasheider St.Louis, MO

HM ark Hasheider Cape Girardeau, MO

H S hawn Wells

BPG Buyers Protection Group Festus, MO

Jeff Kramer

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

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

National Property Inspections San Antonio, TX

Shawn Martens Seagate Inspections, Inc. Holland, OH

Brenda, Julian

Fairfax, VA

HH aichen Ren

Justin Andler

Oakton, VA

Your Whole House, Inc. Amelia, OH

Julie Radloff Erie Inspection Service, Inc. Believue, OH

Jordan Radloff Erie Inspection Service, Inc. Bellevue, OH

Curtis Midkiff

U.S. Inspect, LLC Chantilly, VA

Harrelson Home Inspection Seattle, WA

U.S. Inspect, LLC Chantilly, VA

H A aron Nemitz

H C hristopher

Palmyra, WI

Chang

HD avid Jenkins

Michael Mallott

H J eremy Spicer

Vince Harrelson

James Clayton

Manassas, VA

Woodbridge, VA

BuildingMaster Inspections Edmonds, WA

Richard Rockwood

U.S. Inspect, LLC Chantilly, VA

H A nthony Griffin

Brad Thompson

Todd Woelfel Racine, WI

Leesburg, VA

H J ohn Fields CJR Property Inspections Fredericksburg, VA

Aldie, VA

New ASHI Inspectors

As of October 1, 2014.

Brooke Simon Erie Inspection Service, Inc.- Bellevue, OH

Ted Aucreman Lancaster, OH

HK irk Rogers Camp Hill, PA

Jarrod Lape Momongahlea, PA

Scott Wallin

ACSC Hatfield, PA

Iron Dog Silver Lake, OH

HG arritt Parsons

Full Service Property Inspection, LLC Clinton, OH

Inspections by Dennehy Nogal, NM

Bryan Taylor

U.S. Inspect, LLC Chantilly, VA

Cincinnati, OH

Patrick Dennehy

Closer Look Home Inspections Inc. Baldwinsville, NY

Steve Pilkinton

Frank White

LifeHouse Home Inspections Mercersburg, PA

Debbie Chapman

James Hall and Associates Inc. Camano Island, WA

HK evin Ruffner

William Barrett

Ideal Home Inspections Albuquerque, NM

James Hall

U.S. Inspect, LLC Chantilly, VA

Maumee, OH

H J ared Schmidlin

EXCEL Home Inspections, LLC Howell, NJ

H J im Lowrey

Gregory Allen

Construction Science and Engineering, Inc. Westminster, SC Steve Pilkinton Home Inspections Lawrenceburg, TN

John Youmans

Mich-Lor, Inc., DBA Pillar to Post Moriarty, NM

Derek Hodgin

Robert Ashton

INSPECTOR

Rusty Gear

Ian McNaught

Top Gear Home Inspections, LLC Mulvane, KS

Excel Home Inspections, LLC Sterling, VA

New ASHI Certified Home Inspectors As of October 1, 2014.

Donny Williams

Aaron Cunningham Pillar to Post Glen Mills, PA

Sarah Jameson Shamokin, PA

Charleston, SC

Candid Home Inspection Service Arnold, MO

Belfair, WA

Munhall, PA

Hardwick Jr.

Nathan Shorette

Allview Home Inspections, LLC Marietta, GA

John Van Dijk

Jay Paulding

HR aymond

Mark Hill

Marshall Mayer Pillar to Post Denver, CO

Gregory Truesdell

Amerispec Inspection Services Woodstock, GA

Home Inspection by P.R.O.S. Livonia, MI

Britt Baker

Richard Alton

Inspect-All Services Conyers, GA

Alton Inspection LLC Pennellville, NY

Sean Puckett

Kim Christensen

Performance Home Inspections Taneytown, MD

Lubbock Inspections Lubbock, TX

North Central & Ohio ASHI, Ohio NAHI Winter Seminar

North Central Ohio & Ohio ASHI Chapters Inspector Expo

When: December 6, 2014 Where: Holiday Inn 7007 North High Street Worthington, OH CEUs: 4 ASHI CE hours Contact: thompsonbk@king home-inspection.com

When: February 27, 28 and March 1, 2015 Where: Holiday inn, Worthington, OH CEUs: 17 ASHI CEs Contact: thompsonbk@kinghome-inspection.com

The Third Annual Hampton Roads ASHI Holiday Season Tech-Talk When: December 6, 2014 Where: Chesapeake, Virginia

Alan Carson and Kenny

Hart, Speakers Prizes: Thousands $$$ in

Door Prizes CEUs: 7 CEUs Contact: conta.cc/1qDAyOX Phone: 800-643-6683

The MAC-ASHI Chapter Winter Seminar When: January 24, 2015 Where: Rockville, MD, in the Rockville Senior Center What: Mike Casey will offer an update on electrical systems. JD Grewell will present a session on defect recognition with effective report writing and then a comparison of the ASHI SoP and the Maryland SoP. CEUs: Proposed to allow for 8 CEUs Watch for future email announcements, visit MidAtlantic Chapter: American Society of Home Inspectors or contact David Goldberg at reliablehomeservices@yahoo.com for further information.

To have your chapter seminar listed here: Email all information about your chapter seminar to micheleg@ ashi.org. Information also will be picked up from CE applications.

To share details of a chapter event and photos of events that have already occurred, please send your information to arlenez@ashi.org.

Deadlines are the 1st of the month prior to the issue in which you would like your information to appear.

Poplar Bluff, MO December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

29

ASHI Chapters

Find the Chapter Nearest You and Join Today Chapter meetings and contacts are subject to change. Please contact the chapter to confirm meeting time and location.

NEW ENGLAND/CANADA www.cahpi-alberta.com Bert Bruinsma, 403-348-5550 Red.deer@homealyze.com

www.cnyashi.com Second Wednesday, 6 pm, Tony’s Family Restaurant, Syracuse Dan Hager, 315-440-1237 Dhager3@yahoo.com

British Columbia

First State (DE)

Alberta

www.cahpi.bc.ca Gary Poirer, 604-220-0305 gary@walkaboutinspections.com

CAHPI Atlantic

www.cahpi-alt.com Blaine Swan, 902-890-0710 goodeyeinspection@gmail.com

CAHPI Ontario

www.oahi.com Donald Beneteau, 519-995-0235 don@beneteauinspections.com

Coastal Connecticut

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

Garden State (NJ)

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

www.coastalctashi.org Third Thursday, 6 pm, Westport VFW Lodge, 465 Riverside Avenue, Westport Gene Autore, 203-216-2516 gene.autore@gmail.com

Greater Rochester (NY)

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

Hudson Valley (NY)

www.ashinewengland.org Fourth Thursday, 5 pm The Lantana, Randoph, MA Michael Atwell, 617-630-5629 mike@jmhi.com

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

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

Prairies (Alberta) (CAHI)

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

Quebec AIBQ

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

Southern New England (CT)

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

NEW YORK/JERSEY/ DELAWARE Capitol Region (NY)

www.goashi.com Third Thursday, 7 pm, Doratos Steakhouse and Pub, Guilderland Robert Davis, 518-885-7949 rdavis@home-inspection.com

30

Central New York

ASHI Reporter | December 2014

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

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

New York Metro

www.nyashi.com Last Thursday, Eldorado West Restaurant-Diner, Tarrytown Stephen P. Tyler, 845-521-4144

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, Independence Golf Club, Midlothian Ray McMurdy, 804-639-1171 ray@capitolinspections.com

Greater Baltimore (MD)

www.greaterbaltimoreashi.org Third Thursday except July & Aug., 6:30 pm, Snyder Willow Grove Restaurant, Linthicum Stephen R. Dallmus, 410-323-7600 dallmus2inspect@yahoo.com

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

MAC-ASHI (MD, VA)

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

NOVA-ASHI (MD, VA)

www.novaashi.com Fourth Tuesday, Associate hour 6-7 pm, Membership meeting 7-9 pm Northern Virginia Resources Center, Fairfax Dave Rushton, 540-636-6200 ableinsp@centurylink.net

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

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

GULF ASHI South (AL)

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

FLASHI (FL)

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

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

North Central Ohio

Florida Wiregrass

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

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

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

Pocono-Lehigh (PA)

PRO ASHI (PA)

www.proashi.com Second Wednesday of Jan., March, May, July & Nov. George W. Kasimirsky, 724-747-7321 www.npiweb.com/kasimirsky

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

St. Louis (MO)

Indiana ASHI

www.iowaashichapter.org Fourth Tuesday, 5:30 pm Clarion Inn, Cedar Rapids Mike Tomash, 319-310-1557 tomashprohome@mchsi.com

Kentuckiana (IN, KY)

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

Mid-Missouri

Southern Colorado

www.nicashi.com Second Wednesday, 5:30 pm 237 W. St. Charles Street Villa Nova Restaurant, Villa Park Steve Reilly, 630-248-6500 owlinspection@comcast.net

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

Oregon

Northern Colorado

Rocky Mountain

Northern Illinois

Third Monday, 5:30 pm Hometown Buffet, 2321 S. Bristol, Santa Ana Ralph Bertke, 714-317-3792 ralphbertke@msn.com

New Mexico

www.ashikentuckiana.org Allan Davis, 502-648-9294 elitehomeinspections@ insightbb.com www.midmoashi.com Second Tuesday, 12:00 pm Daniel Boone Regional Library 100 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO Joe Pangborn, 573-228-4509 jpangborn@mchsi.com

Chris Munro, 208-290-2472 chris@peakinspections.net

Orange County CREIA-ASHI (CA)

First Saturday, 10 am Charles Smith, 505-670-4442 prevuesf@gmail.com

Iowa ASHI

Inland Northwest (ID, WA)

Arizona

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

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

www.ggashi.com John Fryer, 510-682-4908 johnfryer@gmail.com

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

www.ashiheartland.com Todd Wiessner, 612-747-6382 twiessner@comcast.net

Golden Gate (CA)

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

www.oahi.org Fourth Tuesday, 6:30 pm The East Bank Saloon, Portland Jon Nichols, 503-324-2000 housedetective@hotmail.com

San Diego CREIA-ASHI First Tuesday each month The Butcher Shop Steakhouse, San Diego Sean Blasius, 619-804-8111 sean@bestpropertyinspections.com

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

Fourth Tuesday, 6:30 pm Phil Tatro, 303-838-5175 phil@fspiinc.com

Silicon Valley ASHI-CREIA (CA)

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

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

PACIFIC

Los Angeles-Ventura County ASHI-CREIA

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

First Thursday, 5 pm Holiday Inn, Woodland Hills Bob Fuywe, 805-501-0733 guyerinspections@roadrunner.com

ASHI Hawaii

South Bay (CA)

www.ashihawaii.com Alex Woodbury, 808-322-5174 Woodburya001@hawaii.rr.com

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

California

Western Washington

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

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

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

31

December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

31

Your ASHI

444Your ASHI

Your Link to Membership News and Information

Report Out from the October18, 2014, ASHI Board of Directors Meeting Motion Motion was made and seconded that the ASHI President shall appoint a task force to select from the Past-Presidents a list of those Past-Presidents who have no conflict of interest and are willing to serve on the Executive Director Whistle-Blower Committee.

They shall also recommend policy and procedures to establish and maintain this committee. The Task force will report back to the board at the January 2015 ASHI Board Meeting. PASSED Motion To create a Task Force to explore and report back to the Board at the January 2015 Board Meeting what will be needed to develop certificate program(s) which would include inspection guidelines/standards for the inspection of and reporting on systems such as Sealed Crawlspaces and Radon Mitigation Systems in residential construction. The goal of such programs would be to provide them in a cost-effective manner for our member so that all members could participate.

The Task Force will be comprised of current board members to be named by the Chairman of the Task Force, as well as the ASHI Certification Committee Chair, ASHI Staff Liaison for ACC and other knowledgeable individuals in the respective fields as deemed necessary for the completion of this task. PASSED

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Thirty-five Years Larry Wasson Twenty-five Years William Hargadon Twenty Years John Myskowski M. Douglas Myers Jeffery Fielder-Bey Robert Jeffries Gerry Aubrey Drew Howard Timothy Rooney Fifteen Years Joseph Cawein Jon C. Bolton Bradford Kershner Larry Thise Muhammad Nasir Paul M. Gaudette C C Motes Randy Barnhart Steve Hadduck Aldo Marcozzi Richard Hall Larry Stumph

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ASHI Reporter | December 2014

Ten Years Leonard Rucker Michael Dugan Charles Lambert Dennis Hoffman Forrest Taylor Scott Ternasky Norman Halladay Robert Shoenfelt Kirk Juneau Donald Bissex Robert Hahn Don Lariviere John Mease William Guthrie George Gould Five Years J. Steven Hubbard Robert Kulakowski James Siverio Rick Johnson Mark Ward John Dirks William Blake Terrence Lewis Stephen Higgins

Gary Hinkle Robert Vierra Linas Dapkus Dave Klutch Steven Brown Normand Rene Dan Shewell Michael Bales Alex Dankovich Myron Tannenbaum Joe Moore Theodore (Ted) Rabenberg Robert Gibson Richard Parrish David Roche Robert Bowen Harlan Glebe Fred Tonte Joseph Schoen Matthew Muehling David Neves

ASHI Council of Representatives and Group Leaders

ASHI-ENDORSED MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT PROGRAMS ASHI’s E&O Insurance Program: Business Risk Partners (BRP) www.inspectorinsurance.com 866-268-1327 ASHI Personal Lines Insurance Program: Liberty Mutual www.libertymutual.com/ashi ASHI Service Program BuildFax Susan Ward, 855-237-8711 http://land.buildfax.com/buildfax-specialpricing-for-ashi-members/ support@buildfax.com 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 thenowbenefit@comcast.net InspectionContracts.com Dave Goldstein, 800-882-6242 www.inspectioncontracts.com david@inspectoreducation.com OneSource Solutions 877-274-8632 http://www.osconnects.com/ashi/

ASHI Rebate Program Quill.com Dana Fishman, 800-634-0320 x1417 www.quill.com/ashi dana.fishman@quill.com

Speaker: Tony Smith 319-533-4565 inspecthathouse@ netscape.net

Platinum Provider Millionaire Inspector Community Mike Crow www.mikecrow.com dreamtime@mikecrow.com mention that you are an ASHI member

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 Jack McGraw, 888-884-0440 jack@theashischool.com www.TheASHISchool.com

ASHI Event Calendar

Inspectors/Logo: 95 Retired Members: 116 Affiliates: 65 TOTAL: 5,767

as of November 11, 2014

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

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

South Midwest: Paul MacNeill 314-392-9313 paul@appleinspections.com

GROUP LEADERS

North Central: Brendan Ryan 724-898-1414 brendan@csahomeinspection.com

New York/New Jersey: Jerry Sanangini 856-232-6607 jsantangini@comcast. net

Mountain: Marcus Richter 520-271-8582 info@handsonhome inspection.com

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

Pacific: Scott Swickard 949-454-1389 scott@inspectoc.com

Midwest: Michael J. Von Gunten 262-945-2446 mike@ashigroup.com

ASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,426 Associates: 2,065

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

New England/Canada: Mike Atwell 617-285-8554 mike@jmhi.com

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

Current ASHI Membership

South Atlantic: Richard Hart 770-827-2200 ashi1@comcast.net

ecember 10-11, 2014 D AEI Board Meeting ASHI Headquarters Des Plaines, IL J anuary 6-9, 2015 InspectionWorld and ASHI Board Meeting Philadelphia, PA

pril 23-25, 2015 A Finance Committee, AEI and ASHI Board Meetings Des Plaines, IL

July 23-25 Finance Committee, AEI and ASHI Board Meetings Des Plaines, IL

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October 22-24

LTC and ASHI

Board Meetings

Des Plaines, IL

December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

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Target ASHI Ad 8-4-14.pdf

444 Preparing for an IRS Audit

1

8/4/14

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

Uh oh!

Your client tripped on your ladder during the inspection.

Now what!?!

Deck of Thrills

There's a Hole in the Bucket, Dear Liza

For Target’s clients, no worries! The General Liability coverage included in our Errors & Omissions Insurance Program is designed to cover home inspectors for 3rd party trips and falls just like this one. It also covers many other bodily injury and property damage mishaps associated with inspections.

Randy Sipe Family Home Inspection Services, Inc. Spring Hill, KS

Target Insurance Services has been serving home inspectors across the country for over a decade. Our underwriters know their stuff and can quickly and easily build an insurance plan that meets the specific needs of your business. We can even cover your tools and all your great gadgets! What’s more, as an ASHI member, you’ll receive a full 15% premium discount.

There is a reason why you inspect the outside FIRST! Homeowner still uses this deck for BBQs & couldn't understand my concerns!

http://youtu.be/IpLC6taAdNw

Jim Foss, Best Inspection, Inc., Anchorage, AK

Washable HVAC filter being used as a gable vent. Should help to filter any dust that might want to enter or leave the attic; won't help with ventilation, though.

Jeremy Provan Pro Vantage Home Inspections Columbia, MD

Elitric Spelling Test

No current coverage? No problem! Whether you’re a seasoned home inspector or just getting started in the business, we can help. In fact, we now offer lower limits ($100,000 / $100,000) that may be ideal for new or smaller firms.

Contact Lisa Belz: 860-899-1870 lbelz@target-capital.com Visit our Web site for details or an application:

While digging for the septic, I found worms and tossed a few to the onlookers. They chased after me the rest of the time.

© 2014 Target Insurance Services is a division of and operates under the licenses of CRC Insurance Services, Inc. CA Lic No 778135. No claim to any government works or material copyrighted by third parties. Nothing in this communication constitutes an offer, inducement, or contract of insurance. Financial strength and size ratings can change and should be reevaluated before coverage is bound. This material is intended for licensed insurance agency use only. This is not intended for business owner or insured use. If you are not a licensed agent please disregard this communication. Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran.

David Grudzinski Advantage Home Inspections Cranston, RI

Beware, Auto Mechanics and Plumbing ...

The electrician doesn't know how to spell "electric."

Learning how to become an electrician doesn't include a spelling test, apparently.

Matthew Steger WIN Home Inspection Elizabethtown, PA

ASHI Reporter | December 2014

TM

www.target-capital.com

Early Bird Gets the Worm

Vent or Filter?

34

12:59 PM

... could steer you in the wrong direction.

Brother-in-law, auto mechanic, disposal installation.

James Brock Boston Home Inspectors, Inc. South Boston, MA

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December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

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444 Preparing for an IRS Audit

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

THINK

444Tribute to the Vietnam Veteran ...

For the Electric Toothbrush?

You Light up my Life!

James Brock Boston Home Inspectors, Inc. South Boston, MA

James Brock Boston Home Inspectors, Inc. South Boston, MA

New Inspector Mentoring and Training Program Balancing Act

Overheated Receptacle?

Not to worry.

Self-cooling system in place.

James Brock Boston Home Inspectors, Inc. South Boston, MA

James Brock Boston Home Inspectors, Inc. South Boston, MA

We are Buyers Protection Group – the largest employee-based home inspection company in the nation. We are powered by local teams of inspectors, engineers, and service professionals, and fueled by the support personnel and tools of a nationally-recognized brand. We vow to go above and beyond to provide our inspectors with what they need to succeed.

Are you ready to be apart of our January 2015 class of Fast Track Inspectors?

BPG’s Fast Track Program is a mentoring program for inspectors who want to gain practical knowledge – quickly. The Fast Track Program develops the entire inspector from a technical, as well as a business and interpersonal perspective.

Inspectors will be teamed with a top producer as a personal mentor who will teach them the profession from the ground up. In addition, Fast Track inspectors receive special marketing tools and incentives to help them grow their business quickly.

Multi Purpose Product-Plumbing Vent Stack, Ashtray, Glass Recycling bin James Brock Boston Home Inspectors, Inc. South Boston, MA

Hey, Inspector!

Did you really have to remove the ceiling panels?

James Brock Boston Home Inspectors, Inc. South Boston, MA

Our Fast Track program produces results - alumni are producing 200+ inspections in their 2nd year with BPG. Contact us today to learn how you can become a part of our January 2015 class of Fast Track Inspectors.

We are always hiring inspectors at all levels. In addition, acquisition and earn out dollars are available for multi-inspector firms. Contact us today or go to thinkBPG.com/ASHI.

Contact the Inspector Hiring & Acquisition Department 770-777-8640 | recruiting@bpgwi.com

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ASHI Reporter | December 2014

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December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

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On My Mind

By ASHI President Bill Loden

InspectionWorld® – Premier Event in Our Field EVERY SPORT HAS ITS BIG SEASON-ENDING EVENT. Baseball has the World Series, football has the Super Bowl and hockey has the Stanley Cup. The biggest sporting event is the Olympics. It is the premier sporting event in the world.

In the home inspection profession in North America, there is an annual event that, like the Olympics, is unparalleled in size and quality. That event is the American Society of Home Inspectors' InspectionWorld®! InspectionWorld® eclipses all other conferences and inspection events in all categories: Number of attendees: Number of vendors: Number of education sessions: Quality of education: Quality of presentations: Entertainment: Spouse activities:

Number One Number One Number One Number One Number One Number One Number One

Most everyone who has been to InspectionWorld® remembers the first one they attended. And that brings up a point that anyone who has never attended this event should consider. Inspectors who go once almost always go back again. Why? Because of what they see happening to their bottom line in their businesses.

InspectionWorld® provides world class education by experts in any field important to the professional home inspector. A home inspection business is built on a foundation of knowledge and competence and both of those foundational elements are strengthened by the education you will receive at InspectionWorld®.

Another important element of InspectionWorld® is the massive vendor hall. You won’t find more service providers for the home inspection profession in one place at any other conference. The vendors are there because they have developed products or provide services that are designed to help you grow your business and increase your bottom line.

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ASHI Reporter | December 2014

I still remember my first InspectionWorld® in New Orleans in the late 1990s. I did not know a soul, but I was there to learn. I even made my wife go along and I signed her up for classes so, while I was in the technical sessions, she could go to the business and marketing presentations. It was like trying to drink out of a fire hose and I was trying to get every drop.

That first InspectionWorld® for me was the key to my success in the inspection profession. Over the years, the education has been incredible, but the real value is from the friendships I’ve developed all across North America. Fellow home inspectors from New York to California have offered their wisdom and knowledge, and our vendors keep pushing the envelope on the products and services they provide to help make us profitable.

Now, about 15 years later I’ve attended most of the InspectionWorld®s since that first one and things are a little different. I know a lot more of the faces I see at the conferences.

On a personal note, as President of our association, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know the incredible staff at ASHI headquarters, all of whom are committed to our success. I have seen how hard the staff works to make this the most amazing event in the industry. No detail is overlooked and if something unexpected arises, they are right there with a solution. My hat is off to the great folks in Des Plaines.

As I stated earlier, people who attend one InspectionWorld® usually go back again and again. If you’ve never been, you should be asking yourself why home inspectors, maybe your competition, continue to go to this one event?

The question is not whether you can afford to go to InspectionWorld®. The real question you should ask yourself is can you afford not to go the InspectionWorld®?

I hope to see all of you in Philadelphia. 

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December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org

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