ASHI
12.18
REPORTER INSPECTION NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME INSPECTORS, INC.
LEAD IN WATER:
A DANGER AFFECTING HOMES AND SCHOOLS By Neil Perry P14
GET A NEW VIEWPOINT: TRY A 360o CAMERA FOR YOUR HOME INSPECTIONS By Norm Richert, P32
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ASHI Reporter • December 2018
Radon Gas Test kit Call For Pricing!
ASHI
12.18
REPORTER
December 2018
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FEATURES 6 M ANAGING RISK
Claim 4: MOLD By InspectorPro Insurance
Vol. 35, #12
8 MARKETING FOCUS
The Value of Offering Continuing Education to Market Your Home Inspection Business
Jamison L. Krugger
10 HES UPDATE: Options to Score…At InspectionWorld® or Online! By ASHI Staff
12 Big Little Hydronic Pipes
By Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc. HowToOperateYourHome.com
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14 Lead in Water: A Danger Affecting
Homes and Schools By Neil Perry
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Outside of the Framing: A Home Inspector’s Perspective on Culture By Matt Smith
20 INSPECTIONWORLD®2019 SAN DIEGO, CA By Michele George, Director of Education, Events and
Chapter Relations, 847-954-3188, micheleg@ashi.org
28 Are These Violations of the ASHI Code of Ethics? By Jamison Brown, ASHI Ethics Committee Chair 32
Get a New Viewpoint: Try a 360o Camera for Your Home Inspections By Norm Richert, ASHI-RM, CPCLA, HCRI, MSA
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Meet APPLICA Solutions, an ASHI Premier Partner By ASHI Staff
DEPARTMENTS 34 Put Your Chapter on the Map!
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By Clay Ridings, Founder of First State ASHI Chapter, Delaware
35 Moving Forward at ASHI’s Leadership Development Conference 2018 By ASHI Staff 39 Take Part in ASHI’s Holiday Home Contest! By Jen Gallegos
40 Postcards From the Field
It’s Wacky Out There
By Tim Buell
44 On My Mind: It’s Not If, But When...
December 2018 • www.ASHIReporter.org
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ASHI National Officers and Board of Directors Educated. Tested. Verified. Certified.
A S H I M I S SIO N STATEM EN 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.
OFFICERS Tim Buell, President Marysville, OH, 614-746-7485 tim.buell@gmail.com
Bruce Barker, Treasurer Cary, NC, 919-322-4491 bruce@dreamhomeconsultants.com
Scott Patterson, President-Elect Spring Hill, TN, 615-302-1113 scott@traceinspections.com
Michael Conley, Secretary Anna Maria, FL, 941-778-2385 FLinspector@outlook.com
Mike Wagner, Vice President Westfield, IN, 317-867-7688 mwagner@ralis.com
Howard Pegelow, Immediate Past-President Gilbert, AZ, 414-379-4186 hpegelow@yahoo.com
DIRECTORS Bronson Anderson 2018-2020 Waynesboro, VA, 540-932-7557 2inspect4u@gmail.com
Darrell Hay 2018-2019 Snohomish, WA, 206-226-3205 darrell@safesoundhome.com
Eric Barker 2018-2020 Lake Barrington, IL, 847-408-7238 ebarker@morainewoods.com
Reuben Saltzman 2017-2019 Maple Grove, MN, 952-915-6466 reuben@structuretech1.com
Bob Sisson 2018-2020 Shannon Cory 2018-2020 Boyds MD, 301-208-8289 Fayetteville, GA, 770-461-3408 shannon@rainbowhomeinspections.com Office@inspectionsbybob.com James J. Funkhouser 2017-2019 Manassas Park, VA, 571-214-4039 jfunkhousr@aol.com
Blaine Swan 2016-2018 Columbus, OH, 614-506-0647 goodeyeinspections@gmail.com
Bryck Guibor 2017-2019 Tucson, AZ, 520-795-5300 bryck@msn.com
John Wessling 2016-2018 St. Louis, MO, 314-520-1103 john@wesslinginspections.com
Richard Hart 2016-2018 Conyers, GA, 770-827-2200 Ashi1@comcast.net
Speaker, Council of Representatives Hollis Brown, 2017-2018 Manassas, VA, 703-754-8872 Inspectors@ThoroSpec.com
Skip Walker 2018-2019 San Bruno, CA, 650-873-4224 homeinspection@sanbrunocable.com
Publisher: James Thomas Editor: Carol Dikelsky Art Director: Kate Laurent Assistant Art Director: George Ilavsky American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. 932 Lee Street, Suite 101 Des Plaines, IL 60016
847-954-3179 Reporter calls only 847-299-2505 (fax) Reporter only Email: jamest@ashi.org Advertising: Dave Kogan Phone: 847-954-3187, Email: davek@ashi.org
ASHI REPORTER – ISSN 1076-1942 – the official publication of the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. (ASHI), 932 Lee St., Suite 101, Des Plaines IL 60016, is published monthly. Annual subscriptions: $44.95 to non-members. Periodical postage paid at Des Plaines, IL 60016 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ASHI Reporter, 932 Lee Street, Suite 101, Des Plaines, IL 60016-6546. Copyright© 2018, 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 2018
ASHI STAFF Main Phone: 847-759-2820, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Mon. - Fri., CST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James Thomas, Executive Director, 847-954-3182, jamest@ashi.org Bonnie Bruno-Castaneda, Executive Assistant, Human Resources & Project Coordinator, 847-954-3177, bonnieb@ashi.org EDUCATION, CE APPROVAL, ASHI ONLINE LEARNING CENTER, INSPECTIONWORLD, CHAPTER RELATIONS Michele George, Director of Education, Events and Chapter Relations, 847-954-3188, micheleg@ashi.org MEMBERSHIP & PRODUCT ORDERS Jen Gallegos, Manager of Membership Services & U.S. DOE Home Energy Score Assessor Coordinator, 847-954-3185, jeng@ashi.org Janet George, Membership Services Project Coordinator 847-954-3180, janetg@ashi.org George Herrera, Membership Services Coordinator 847-954-3196, georgeh@ashi.org Michael Krauszowski, Membership Services Administrator 847-954-3175, Michaelk@ashi.org Gaby Nava, Membership Services Administrator 847-954-3176, Gabyn@ashi.org ACCOUNTING Toni Fanizza, Accounting, Purchasing & Human Resources Manager 847-954-3190, tonif@ashi.org Beverly Canham, Financial Assistant, 847-954-3184 beverlyc@ashi.org WEBSITE, INFORMATION SYSTEMS, DATABASE Mike Rostescu, Assistant Executive Director & Director of IT 847-954-3189, miker@ashi.org COMMUNICATIONS Dave Kogan, Director of Marketing & Business Development Advertising, IW Expo Hall, Public Relations 847-954-3187, davek@ashi.org Kate Laurent, Design & Digital Strategy Manager, “ASHI Reporter” Art Director, 847-954-3179, katel@ashi.org Chris Karczewski, Social Media & Digital Strategist 847-954-3183 chrisk@ashi.org George Ilavsky, Graphic Designer & Free Logos, “ASHI Reporter” Assistant Art Director, georgei@ashi.org THE ASHI SCHOOL Michelle Santiago, Education Manager, 847-954-3198 Michelle@theashischool.com Janna Grosso, Education Coordinator, 847-954-3181 jgrosso@theashischool.com Rhonda Robinett, Marketing and Communications Specialist (847) 954-3194 Rhonda@theashischool.com
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Managing Risk
Managing Risk Claim 4: Mold By InspectorPro Insurance
Note: The Managing Risk column reviews the most common allegations in the industry and provides tips to make inspectors better equipped to prevent claims.
WHY ARE MOLD CLAIMS COMMON? Regardless of whether or not you decide to perform mold screenings, clients can file mold claims against you. Mold claims are the fourth most common type of allegation against home inspectors and they are costly. In 2004, the number of mold claims in general, including those against home inspectors, increased by more than 1,000 percent1 in some areas. Mold claims continue to be one of the most frequent claims we receive at InspectorPro Insurance and that doesn’t look to be changing. A possible health risk and a costly issue to fix, mold deters many potential homebuyers away from otherwise great finds. Others who buy a home, only to find mold in it later, frequently look for someone to blame, leaving you, the inspector, with a sizable target on your back. Although how mold affects people is still largely up for debate and extreme health claims often lack scientific support2, mold’s potential side effects spook many homebuyers and that fear can influence mold claims’ price point. With many clients fearing and misunderstanding mold’s nature and side effects, it is important to know how to deter mold claims.
WHERE IS MOLD DAMAGE COMMON? Mold needs moisture to grow. Many areas of the home can get damp and humid. An unpleasant, musty odor may indicate when mold is near; however, only a careful survey of the property will reveal what is and what isn’t plagued by mold.
FOR A BREAKDOWN OF COMMON MOLD ISSUES BY ROOM, SEE THE GRAPHIC.
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ASHI Reporter • December 2018
WHAT CAN INSPECTORS DO? It’s important that your clients understand both mold and home inspections. In most states, home inspectors don’t have to do more than report when they do or do not observe mold. Mold inspectors, however, should be able to provide more information. “Giving your clients a report from the mold lab isn’t going to mean anything to the client because they don’t know anything about the types of mold and what [they] mean,” explained Robb Graham, President of the Professional Mold Inspection Institute (PMII) in Madison, South Dakota (https://www.moldinspectioninstitute.com/index.php), which provides mold training and certification for inspectors and remediators. “You have to understand what the lab is doing, how to analyze its results and how to give that information to the client in a meaningful manner.” Making sure clients receive and understand the inspection’s limitations will help them look at its results realistically. What about inspectors who aren’t performing mold inspections? How do they prevent meritless mold claims? Our claims team recommends prominently including a mold advisement in your pre-inspection agreement. An advisement, which is often included with a limitation of liability clause,3 states what is and what isn’t covered in your inspection. It’s important to make this advisement prominent to decrease the chance that your client could overlook it. Our claims team estimates that few inspection clients read the entire pre-inspection agreement,4 making it essential to make any advisement stand out. For example, our claims team suggests using boldface type or another color or font type to highlight the advisements related to mold and other additions to both your pre-inspection agreement and your report. Some inspectors whom our team has defended had included an advisement in the footer of every page of their inspection reports. It’s also smart to have the client initial or sign off on any advisement to guarantee that the client is aware of and understands the terms.
Managing Risk
BREAKDOWN OF COMMON MOLD ISSUES BY ROOM 1.
A wet or stained roof or ceiling may indicate water damage conducive to mold growth.
2.
Window condensation may indicate high humidity conducive to mold growth.
3.
Bathrooms are common places for mold growth. Check for excessive moisture.
4.
B edrooms are subject to mold in the same areas as the rest of the house, including the windows, sills and vents.
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T he sink, refrigerator, pantry, stove and cabinets are all places in which mold may reside.
6.
et spots or buckling or peeling paint may be signs of water W damage and mold inside the walls.
7.
old often goes unnoticed in cluttered spaces. If the closet is M open, check the walls and floors for mold that may have grown.
8.
I f clothes dryers aren’t vented outdoors, they may cause increased humidity and subsequent mold growth.
9.
B asements can be one of the most damp and most humid areas. Look for mold around the pipes, ducting, foundation and sump pump.
Also keep in mind that, when it is wet and humid outdoors, chances are that it could be wet and humid inside the house. Know that you are likely to see seasonal changes in the frequency of mold and plan accordingly. Disasters such as hurricanes and floods also can lead to escalated mold cases. Consider the context and the history of the home so that pertinent information may inform your inspection.
CLAIMS PROTECTION Even if you do everything right, you can still get a mold claim. That’s why it’s essential to carry errors and omissions insurance (E&O) for defense and payout help. Contact your InspectorPro broker or submit an application (https://www.inspectorproinsurance.com/application/?utm_ source=ASHI%20Reporter&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=Claim%201) with us to receive a quote at no obligation.
SOURCES
2. R.E. Gots. International Center for Toxicology and Medicine. Mold claims. http://wilsonweb.physics.harvard.edu/soundscience/mold/gots7.pdf
10. Water pooling around the foundation may be a sign of water
3. USLegal.com. Limitation of liability law and legal definition. https://definitions.uslegal.com/l/limitation-of-liability/
intrusion and subsequent mold problems.
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4. InspectorPro blog. Behind the “pre” in pre-inspection agreement. December 1, 2017. (https://www.inspectorproinsurance.com/risk_management/ why-pre-inspection-agreement/).
UP NEXT MONTH: PLUMBING CLAIMS
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InspectorPro Insurance is ASHI’s one and only Premier Insurance Partnership. Through risk management education, pre-claims assistance and straightforward coverage, InspectorPro gives you peace of mind and unparalleled protection. Learn more and apply for a quote at www.inspectorproinsurance.com .
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1. International Risk Management Institute (IRMI). Expert commentary: Mold and fungi insurance claims. August 2004. https://www.irmi.com/articles/ expert-commentary/mold-and-fungi-insurance-claims
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Marketing Focus
MARKETING FOCUS
THE VALUE OF OFFERING CONTINUING EDUCATION TO MARKET YOUR HOME INSPECTION BUSINESS
Jamison L. Krugger is the Director of Education Systems for Preferred Systems, Inc., and co-founder of the InspectionMarketer Program. The InspectionMarketer Program is a turn key service that enables home inspection companies throughout the United States to establish and manage a continuing education program. Preferred Systems handles all the paperwork and administrative tasks, including instructor filings, course filings, course offering notifications, credit filings for agents and ongoing customer support.
Jamison L. Krugger
Continuing education—or lifelong learning beyond a degree or certificate program—encourages professionals to expand their foundations of knowledge and stay up to date on new developments. When deciding on a career path, it’s important to find out whether your potential profession requires ongoing continuing education.
WHO NEEDS CONTINUING EDUCATION? Continuing education is required for many professions. People who need continuing education include engineers, lawyers, certified public accountants, educators, nurses, architects, real estate agents, mental health professionals and social workers. Just about any career that requires a license or certification also requires ongoing continuing education.
HOW MUCH LEARNING IS REQUIRED? Licensing boards, certifying agencies and professional associations set continuing education (CE) credit requirements for each renewal period. For example real estate agents in Pennsylvania must renew their licenses every two years and they’re required by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission to get 14 CE credit hours during that time. Continuing education records are widely used to provide evidence of completion of CE requirements.
HOW ARE CE REQUIREMENTS FULFILLED? Depending on the field, CE requirements may be satisfied through college or university coursework, extension courses, conferences and seminars, or courses that may be taught in a classroom setting or offered online.
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ASHI Reporter • December 2018
HOW CAN HOME INSPECTORS USE CONTINUING EDUCATION EFFORTS TO GROW THEIR BUSINESS? Many home inspectors grow their businesses by developing relationships with local real estate agents. During a real estate transaction, homebuyers often consider their real estate agent as a trusted source for selecting a home inspector. Home inspectors can substantially increase the number of home inspections they complete each year by building relationships with more real estate agents who are willing to provide referrals. Many home inspectors ask: “How can I get more real estate agents to recommend my services?” Many marketing tactics can help home inspectors attract and connect with agents; however, getting your foot in the door of a brokerage office can be difficult.
REAL ESTATE AGENTS ARE BOMBARDED WITH REQUESTS FROM BUSINESS OWNERS OF ALL TYPES WHO ARE LOOKING FOR REFERRALS. One of the best methods for gaining the trust and respect of agents is to present a “lunch and learn” program to teach them about important home inspection topics. During the meeting, the inspector also can provide information about their services.
Although these types of presentations are a great marketing tool for home inspectors, it is often hard to schedule them and agents may consider attendance to be a low priority. The secret to getting more of these types of presentations on the agents’ schedules is to offer agents the opportunity to earn CE credits by attending your program.
Marketing Focus
To maintain their real estate licenses in the state(s) in which they operate, agents and brokers need to participate in defined amounts of CE each year or during a recurring time period. These requirements are set forth in state laws and are administered by states’ real estate commissions. The specific requirements, time frames and due dates vary considerably across states. Home inspectors who become state-certified CE instructors have a much easier time scheduling appointments with local agencies because they can offer CE credits for their presentations. And, because most home inspectors are not approved CE instructors, those who are can set themselves apart from their competitors and can be regarded as trusted experts in the field of home inspection.
WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR A HOME INSPECTOR TO OFFER CE CREDITS? The requirements for becoming a CE instructor vary by state. The process of managing a CE program can be overwhelming and outside of the normal operations of a home inspection business. For this reason, many home inspectors choose not to pursue it.
IS THERE AN EASIER WAY TO IMPLEMENT A CE PROGRAM? Home inspectors can seek professional help when implementing a continuing education program. Finding a company to manage the entire program can save a great deal of time and money. Most home inspectors are busy and prefer to leave the administrative work to someone else.
If you are ready to take your presentations to the next level, Preferred Systems, Inc. offers a turnkey program called InspectionMarketer that will provide you with everything you need to start teaching continuing education courses. Preferred Systems will get you approved as an instructor in your state, provide you with approved courses and give you access to a cloud-based administrative portal for managing every aspect of the program. To learn more about InspectionMarketer, attend a webinar at www. InspectionMarketer.com or arrange a one-on-one demonstration by calling 814-434-9080. For more information about Preferred Systems, please visit www.PreferredEducation.com.
December 2018 • www.ASHIReporter.org
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HOME ENERGY SCORE UPDATE
OPTIONS TO SCORE…AT INSPECTIONWORLD® OR ONLINE! By ASHI Staff
SATURDAY, JANUARY 19 8 AM-5 PM AT THE TOWN AND COUNTRY RESORT SAN DIEGO–8 ASHI CE credits $300 tuition includes ID Energy’s Remote Mentorship service; attendees will become fully certified to begin providing Home Energy Scores
OPTION 1: IN-PERSON TRAINING AT IW 2019 If you’ve been paying attention to the Home Energy Score updates in the Reporter, you’ll know that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Home Energy Score program is catching on, with multiple state and local governments, financing firms and, yes, major inspection firms getting on board in reaction to popular demand and to a shifting home buying clientele.
What you might not know is that, despite the ease of using the Score in the field, the simulator-based (“Sim”) training that instructs you how to conduct a Home Energy Score is nobody’s idea of a good time. In fact, many ASHI members who jumped into the HES program in its early days told us that the Sim’s video-game format isn’t the most inviting learning experience for people who didn’t grow up with joysticks or game consoles embedded in their hands 24/7. And even though the online availability of the training allows for a lot of scheduling flexibility, one can be a lonely number when there’s some stubborn little aspect of the training that you just can’t figure out. The good news is that the DOE listened to this feedback and fixed a lot of quirks that bedeviled trainees in the early days. They’ve also discovered that the best way to make the whole Sim experience painless—and maybe even fun—is to offer an “old-fashioned” option, with real, live people who can answer real, live questions! It’s this kind of live training event that ASHI members can take part in at InspectionWorld® 2019 in San Diego. If you’ve read the inspiring stories in the Reporter, or have heard directly from inspectors about their success with offering the Home Energy Score and if you’ve been kicking yourself for waiting to get on board, now is your chance!
We think the in-classroom Sim training is a great way to race through the onboarding process and we can tell you that it will be a lot more enjoyable than going it alone. Co-trainers Brent Loya from ID Energy and Ken Slattery from the DOE will be dropping the knowledge. 10
ASHI Reporter • December 2018
Don’t waste your energy by training alone—these two are here to help. Meet Brent Loya and Ken Slattery at IW 2019 in San Diego.
If you’ve been to InspectionWorld® in the last few years, you’ve probably met Brent and Ken—they are the energetic duo (representing ID Energy and the US DOE, respectively) who have been faithfully beating the drum about the Home Energy Score™ to get the program to its current level of enthusiastic acceptance in the inspection industry. In-person events like this are widely recognized as the best way to get on board as a Certified Home Energy Score Assessor, so sign up today through the IW registration website (www.inspectionworld. com/register/) to save your place.
OPTION 2: VISIT THE ASHI ONLINE LEARNING CENTER In-person training is great, but you don’t have to attend a live session to decide whether becoming a Home Energy Score Certified Assessor™ is the right move for you and your business. ASHI now features the two-hour presentation from IW 2018 on the ASHI Online Learning Center, so you can listen, learn and earn CE credits at your leisure (without having to pretend to laugh at Brent’s or Ken’s corny jokes!).
The online presentation covers the basic nuts and bolts of delivering the Home Energy Score to your clients, including the technical aspects of the program, the best ways to build it into your business and the specific steps to get on board as quickly as possible. The online course offers two CE credits, which you’ll receive after you listen to the module and take a 20-question quiz. To check it out, visit the ASHI Online Learning Center (www.softconference.com/ashi/default.asp) and select the Specialty/Diversification category.
For more information, contact Jen Gallegos at ASHI HQ (jeng@ashi. org) or sign up through ID Energy (energyscoreusa.com/sign_up.php).
Inspect Our New Home NEW WEBSITE. NEW TOOLS FOR YOUR TRADE. • NHIE Study Curriculum • NHIE Exam Registration Information • Professional Inspectors Database • Communications & Marketing Toolkit
HomeInspectionExam.org 11December 2018
• www.ASHIReporter.org
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SMART INSPECTOR SCIENCE
BIG LITTLE HYDRONIC PIPES
I
f you’ve ever inspected a 100-year-old home with radiators, you’ve seen 4- to 6-inch pipes snaking through the basement; large pipes are reduced to smaller ones that rise through the floor and connect to cast-iron radiators. A two-story home has large riser pipes that reach the second floor. You will also find an expansion tank in the attic. Most of these systems have been upgraded to new boilers with circulating pumps.
MOST GRAVITY SYSTEMS CONVERTED
HOW THE OLD GRAVITY SYSTEMS WORKED The original gravity hydronic heating systems depended on hot water rising and cool water dropping from radiators (Illustration H071C). Heat radiated into the room from air convection over the warm cast iron. The water cooled and naturally dropped through the return piping; there was no need for a circulation pump (Illustration H072). When designed properly, these were very comfortable systems.
Photo 1. Hydronic boiler with large to small piping.
Eventually, as boilers were replaced, so were the gravity systems. The new boilers were much smaller and used smaller pipe fittings and circulating pumps (Photo 1). The pump forced water through the system at a much faster rate, moving much more energy. This allowed the use of smaller pipes and smaller boilers. When inspecting one of these converted systems, you will see the original large piping necked down to smaller piping. Photo 2 shows newer 1-inch black iron piping connected to the original 3- or 4-inch piping. This type of system would have been installed about 1980. After 1980, even smaller copper piping connected to the large piping. Modern systems may use special PEX piping.
Photo 2. Close-up of large to small hydronic piping.
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ASHI Reporter • December 2018
Tom Feiza has been a professional home inspector since 1992 and has a degree in engineering. Through HowToOperateYourHome.com, he provides high-quality marketing materials that help professional home inspectors educate their customers. Copyright © 2018 by Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc. Reproduced with permission.
By Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc. HowToOperateYourHome.com
WHAT TO DO DURING YOUR INSPECTION In most cases, the large, old steel piping performs well, but you should look for leaks.
POINT OUT TO THE BUYER THAT THE PIPING SYSTEM IS ORIGINAL TO THE HOME AND MAY NEED ONGOING REPAIR. Do your normal boiler inspection; fire the boiler with the normal operating control. Check the type of fuel, visible burner, pump, zone valves, water fill with backflow preventer, expansion tank and heat sources in every room. If you see any leaks, burn marks, rust or maintenance issues, suggest that the boiler heating system be evaluated by a specialist.
To learn more, attend Tom’s technical presentations at educational sessions for ASHI chapters. Tom will be presenting “Describe That Defect” and “The Practical Science Behind Great Home Inspection” at InspectionWorld® 2019 in San Diego. Tom can also provide his knowledge for your educational event; contact him at Tom@HTOYH.com.
Promote your business with customized books! Your information on the front, back and spine of our comprehensive guides. A high-quality, customized book sets you apart from the competition. The content-rich book helps your customers, impresses the realtors and reflects the quality of your inspection. Cost as low as $2.40 per book.
mail@htoyh.com
262-303-4884 13December 2018
• www.ASHIReporter.org
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Lead in Water
LEAD IN WATER: A DANGER AFFECTING HOMES AND SCHOOLS
Neil Perry is a consultant serving the home inspection industry. Neil serves as a marketing adviser to ANDalyze, a water testing company based in Illinois. ANDalyze Inc. provides handheld, portable testing units capable of on-site, instant analysis of lead in a home’s water supply to the home inspector marketplace. Contact him at neil@ neilperryassociates.com or 610-420-0852.
By Neil Perry
Cities across the United States are uncovering potential crisis-level danger from poisoning due to lead present in a home or a school’s water supply, and from older residual lead paint. Home inspectors are playing a critical role in helping to protect buyers as more attention is being given to this issue. What is the health danger? Lead contamination poses a serious threat to the safety of drinking water. Often colorless, odorless and tasteless, the metal can go undetected.
Exposure to excessive amounts of lead places adults at risk for cancer, stroke, kidney disease, memory problems and high blood pressure. At even greater risk are children, whose rapidly growing bodies absorb lead more quickly and efficiently than adults. Lead can cause premature birth, reduced birth weight, seizures, hearing loss, behavioral problems, brain damage, learning disabilities and a lower IQ level. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that lead is the most serious environmental health hazard for children younger than six years old. Blood tests to determine if lead exposure is occurring are often recommended for very young children. 14
ASHI Reporter • December 2018
How does lead get into homes and schools? Lead paint and dust, often found in older homes (built before 1986), are the primary sources of lead poisoning. Drinking water is another, smaller source of exposure to lead, but the amount of lead varies greatly among homes, schools and other buildings. Infants drinking formula can get half of their lead exposure from drinking water.
Lead is much more likely to enter water from household plumbing. For this reason, lead is a potential concern for all homes, whether on a public (municipal) or private (individual well or spring) water supply. Lead also can corrode from metal faucets and fixtures made from brass, including chrome-plated brass fixtures. Brass fixtures can leach lead, even in homes with plastic water lines. Lead also may originate from the corrosion of brass fittings on certain types of submersible pumps used in groundwater wells through the mid 1990s.
Lead in Water
How prevalent is the lead issue? In 2015, the water crisis in Flint, MI, put a spotlight on the seriousness of lead in water. More recently, on October 30, 2018, the New York Times posted a story on the danger of lead in New Jersey’s water supply. As of the writing of this article, state officials in New Jersey have begun an urgent giveaway of 40,000 water filters in the city of Newark (285,000 people) to address lead that has been leaching into drinking water at one of two Newark treatments plants. State officials warned that children younger than six years old and living in homes with lead pipes served by those water plants should not drink unfiltered tap water. In Indiana and many other states, schools are tearing out water fountains and old faucets after finding elevated levels of lead in their drinking water. Detroit schools turned off all drinking fountains. Every state is experiencing some level of concern about lead levels in home and school water supplies.
Moreover, the results of a 2014 Pennsylvania Department of Health Study revealed that children in 19 communities tested positive for lead at levels higher than those seen in children in Flint, MI. This report is part of what brought the issue of lead in drinking water to the forefront, said Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia). The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, long plagued by lead contamination in its water supply, is still struggling to meet the state’s Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) 15 ppb standard, said State Representative Karen Boback.
In October 2018, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf proposed that every Pennsylvania child under age 2 be tested for lead poisoning. As reported by Lancaster Online, the governor called on the state’s Department of Health to work with the General Assembly and community partners to draft legislation to require universal testing statewide. Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of lead poisoning in children in the country. The Scranton Times Tribune published the following chart, which indicates the issues faced in many Pennsylvania communities:
BLOOD LEAD LEVELS Children under 7 with elevated levels of lead in their blood. Percentages based on a sample population. Allentown 23.11% Altoona 20.45% Scarnton 19.25% Johnstown 18.26% Reading 16.14% Easton 15.81% Bethlehem 14.32% Chester 13.17% Wilkes-Barre 13.17% Lebanon 12.99% NOTE: 2014 DATA SOURCE: 2014 PA DEPT. OF HEALTH
What about your state? Google it! I did a quick investigation of my own state, Pennsylvania, and the findings were alarming. To find out about your state, use your favorite search engine and enter “lead in water” and the name of your state. You may be shocked at the findings.
Pennsylvania facts The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act has established that drinking water in homes should not exceed 15 parts of lead per billion (ppb). In a report going back to 2014, Pennsylvania uncovered that there are 17 cities in Pennsylvania in which 10 percent of children tested positive for lead exposure. When investigators recently tested 40 Philadelphia schools for lead in drinking water, they found that 14 percent exceeded 15 ppb, which is especially troubling when you consider that no level of lead is safe, according to Elowyn Crosby, field director for Penn Environment, a statewide environmental advocacy group.
Senator Bob Casey on Lead Poisoning In response to Flint’s problem “and growing concerns about lead poisoning in Pennsylvania,” U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D) promoted the Clean and Safe Drinking Water Act when he spoke at a press conference in (January 2018) in Washington, D.C.
No safe level of lead Tom Vernon, a Philadelphia physician and former director of Colorado’s Department of Health, agreed that lead is less of a problem these days due to measures like removing lead from gasoline and paint. “But that good news is offset by what we’re learning about the effects on school achievement and executive function at lower and lower levels of lead exposure,” Vernon said.
There is no safe level of lead exposure for children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 15December 2018
• www.ASHIReporter.org
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Lead in Water
Lead in water guidelines The U.S. Department of Health and Environmental Protection Agency offered some guidelines to homeowners, particularly those with young children, to minimize the dangers of lead in water.
• Run your water to flush out lead. If water has not been used for several hours, run the water on cold for 15 to 30 seconds before using it for cooking or drinking. • Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap. • Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead; in fact, the level of lead will be higher in water that has been boiled. • Test your water for lead. Use a DEP-accredited laboratory to analyze your water. • Identify if your plumbing fixtures contain lead. Replace these fixtures as soon as possible with approved, non-lead-based plastic or other approved equipment. ANDalyze Water Testing System One fast and effective way to ensure the safety of your home or school water supply is by using the portable ANDalyze testing device, called a fluorometer. This proven handheld device has passed a rigorous EPA validation testing protocol and can ascertain if a home’s water outlets exceed the federal guideline of 15 ppb of lead. Many home inspectors around the United States and Canada already use the ANDalyze system. Performing the simple test usually costs approximately $150, depending on the number of faucets in the home. Results from the test are available within minutes after sampling. For more, contact your local home inspector or go to www.ANDalyze.com to learn important facts and information. View the online video (https://andalyze.wistia.com/medias/n4xgwvsj32) to learn more. Sources Consulted Wall Street Journal, New York Times, KDKA in Pittsburgh, Scranton Times Tribune, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Department of Health Report 2014, Penn State University, the Federal Lead and Copper Rule 2007, PennLive.com, Penn Environment Research and Policy Center, Vox.com, PublicSource.com, LancasterOnline.com, PelicanWater.com, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA), and Philly.com.
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ASHI Reporter • December 2018
HOME INSPECTORS CAN HELP PROTECT CHILDREN FROM LEAD IN DRINKING WATER By Terry Stange
Lead in drinking water is one of the biggest water quality problems facing communities today. It’s certainly the most high-profile and publicized issue, catalyzed by the 2015 lead crisis in the drinking water in Flint, MI. When more schools started testing for lead in their drinking water, many were surprised to find high levels. Homes near schools with lead issues and, in fact, any home built before 2014 has a risk of lead contamination from premise plumbing and should be tested. Also, government lenders now require lead testing as part of establishing potability in private wells. Normally, home inspectors would need to collect a water sample and deliver it to a lab for testing—a process that is both costly and time consuming. Results are not guaranteed within 48 hours, which is typically when inspectors need to submit their reports. This additional expense, hassle and delay have traditionally made home inspectors reluctant to offer water quality testing. However, the availability of field-based analyzers and test kits is changing that, allowing home inspectors to test water quality with real-time results. Home inspectors are in a unique position to provide a valuable service to buyers and protect children when they offer on-site testing for lead in drinking water.
LEVERAGING THE BENEFITS OF ON-SITE TESTING There are several benefits of on-site testing for lead in drinking water that inspectors can promote to clients. Improved accuracy, real-time feedback and the ability to troubleshoot or confirm results are a few of the major benefits. Because storage life is only hours to days without sample preservation, testing for water contaminants should be done as soon as possible after samples are collected. Test results can be inaccurate if samples degrade or analytes are “lost” during transportation and storage. Lead and other heavy metals are notorious for adsorbing to the walls of collection bottles. Depending on pH and other factors, this “plating” process begins within hours, but it can ultimately result in the under-reporting of true lead levels. Real-time test results enable home inspectors to do immediate follow-up testing to confirm results or pinpoint the source of lead contamination. If elevated levels are found, additional testing can confirm if simple flushing reduces lead to acceptable levels or if further remediation is required. Inspectors can test multiple water outlets to determine if high levels of lead are related to a system (for example, lead pipes or service lines) or related to a point source (for example, faucets or fixtures).
Lead in Water
Using a method called “sequential sampling,” home inspectors can determine if a lead service line may be contributing dissolved lead to the home’s drinking water. None of these benefits can be realized if samples are sent to outside labs for testing. It’s simply not practical for home inspectors to return for additional testing and, in fact, water conditions may change, making further test results confusing.
PORTABLE ANALYZERS FOR ON-SITE LEAD TESTING Analyzing for part per billion (ppb) levels of lead in the field is difficult and there are few commercially available analyzers that can measure the 15-ppb action level set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Test strips or home tests kits are not accurate enough and can be influenced by the water matrix. Inspectors should choose a field analyzer that is easy to use, reliable, accurate and employs an EPA-approved method, if possible. Either standalone or built into testing kits, these analyzers bring water testing from the lab to the field and allow on-site testing. They all require consumables, but don’t use wet chemicals that expire over time. Results are typically available in less than 5 minutes.
TESTING LEAD IN WATER AS AN ANCILLARY SERVICE
Water inspection kit.
Like other ancillary services, water testing offers additional benefits to home inspectors and buyers. Inspectors can charge an additional $150 to $200 for testing (including lead) and buyers get “one-stop shopping” for inspection services they value. Offering testing to determine the level of lead in water also aligns with the mission of many home inspectors—protecting families by ensuring homes are safe. It’s a service they can feel good about and don’t need to “hard sell.” It also supports buyers from the millennial generation who typically are concerned about the environment and water quality.
Home inspector with water quality testing kit.
Our mission has always been to take care of Colorado families, ensuring that they live in safe and healthy homes. For that reason, water quality testing, including lead, was a natural service for us to add. – Scott Home Inspection (Berthoud, CO)
By alerting homebuyers to potential sources of lead within the home, home inspectors can play an important role in reducing children’s exposure to lead in drinking water. There are now tools and training available to enable inspectors to provide this ancillary service. Trusted Water provides water inspection kits, training and templates for home inspectors interested in offering water quality ancillary services, including lead testing (www.trustedwater.com).
Terry Stange received a doctorate in chemical engineering and has spent the past 14 years in the water quality instrumentation and testing field. Also known as “The Water Doctor,” he is currently the President of Trusted Water, LLC, based in Fort Collins, CO.
Lead in drinking water analyzer.
17December 2018
• www.ASHIReporter.org
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Commentary
OUTSIDE OF THE FRAMING:
A HOME INSPECTOR’S PERSPECTIVE ON CULTURE By Matt Smith
Culture, when used as a noun, refers to a group of people who share similar beliefs and social norms. Culture, when used as a verb, refers to maintaining conditions of growth. A group such as ASHI, or even all home inspectors in general, can indeed be classified as a “culture”; however, unless we put that culture into action, it is nothing more than just a group. Putting culture into action allows a group to proliferate success.
G
rowth is one of the main reasons that groups of people form cultures. Growing individuals ultimately allow a group as a whole to grow. As humans, we rely on each other for survival. Without culture, the human race cannot survive. Without groups and cultures in professional areas, industries will not make progress toward raising standards. Today, and during the last seven to eight years, the real estate industry has been steadily “busy.” Yes, the low-inventory era is still upon us, but in most areas, there seems to be enough work to go around, even with new real estate professionals joining the market. Although this seems like it could be the best of times, it is definitely a good idea to start preparing for a real estate winter.
18
ASHI Reporter • December 2018
Right now, people are capable of surviving on their own. It’s common for individuals to operate their own businesses and, as we know, many home inspectors do so. However, although individual growth is prolific, what are we doing to grow our local groups, even those within our culture? We will always be circumvented back to the group when times are not as prolific. “The group” provides answers and insight that will once again feed its branches to maintain its stature.
Commentary
Matt Smith is the owner of Ace Home Inspections of Upstate New York, an ASHI Associate member and a home inspector mentor. Check out his website (Acehomeinspection1.com) and his YouTube Channel (Matt S).
If left unattended and neglected, however, the group cannot maintain itself. People sometimes view groups as being less valuable in times of individual, prolific growth because they take for granted the value of the group. For example, take the flowers on a tree—with the flowers representing individual inspectors, and the main trunk and branches representing the home inspection industry as a whole. It’s easy to take for granted the trunk and branches when the flowers are in bloom because all the attention is focused on the flowers and not the trunk and branches. However, flowers are short-lived and the growth cycle repeats as the tree prepares for its next blooms.
For home inspectors, the days of winter will be upon us again at some time and we will need to rely on the comradery of the individuals in our culture to survive.
Some view the act of helping one another as an act of building the competition, but how can a culture exist if there is competition? How can a group of people agree on ideas, build an industry and make progress if everyone is seen as the competition? There is no such thing as competition in a culture. Once competition is allowed to infiltrate the thoughts and beliefs of the group, the culture dies out. This shift takes the culture from “we” to “me.” The “me” doesn’t have a culture because no group can be formed and, although sunny, fertile days allow the “me” to survive on its own, the long nights of winter will not favor the “me.” Resources will quickly be depleted or consumed and no longer available. The resources of a “we” culture allow for everyone in the group not only to survive, but also to grow and progress. So, when the next set of good times are upon us, not only can we do better, but we can also help the survival and growth of those who are new to the culture. By helping one another in a culture, we pass ideas back and forth. The more thoughts that the group brings to a conversation, the greater the chance to generate mutual success and to provide each other with knowledge about how to survive. A culture is a group of people who share the same beliefs. Absconding from the culture and the responsibilities associated with being in it can cause self-loss. As individuals, we lose by not having access to the group’s collective knowledge and by not cultivating relationships, which are the most important tools for survival.
As home inspectors, we are all on the same side of the fence. We should face one another and unite to help make the climb to the other side.
December 2018 • www.ASHIReporter.org
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Honoring ASHI’s Military Veterans
JANUARY 20–23, 2019
TOWN AND COUNTRY RESORT SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
20
ASHI Reporter • December 2018
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE
IW EXPERIENCE At IW, you will hear from leaders in your field who have navigated many of the same challenges you do in your daily job. They have successfully overcome some of the obstacles you face and share how they did it. Conferences spark new insights into lingering questions and renew excitement about the work you do. The expo hall is a great place to network with business owners and decision makers. You will leave with renewed vigor for your business!
GET THE APP! Check out the events schedule, activities and sessions, and create your own schedule for each day. This useful tool is available to registrants prior to IW for downloading on a mobile device. Make it your own – p lan out and create your IW schedule on the app.
R EGIS TRAT ION IS N OW OP EN FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT
www.in s p e ctionw orld.com Questions? Contact Michele George, 847-954-3188, inspectionworld@ashi.org
2121 December October 2018
• www.ASHIReporter.org
21
SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE — INSPECTIONWORLD 2019 TOWN AND COUNTRY RESORT SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
THURSDAY, JANUARY 17TH 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Registration/Info Desk open
7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Expo Hall open until 4:00 pm
Pre-Conference – FEMA P-50
7:00 am – 9:00 am
Continental Breakfast in Expo Hall
Pre-Conference – 2-day Certified Residential Thermographer
7:00 am - 8:00 am
New Committee Chair Breakfast
Pre-Conference – Radon Measurement Class
8:30 am departure
Spouse Tour: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour of San Diego
SATURDAY, JANUARY 19TH
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Illinois Testing Room
ASHI Board of Directors Meeting
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Educational Sessions (5 tracks)
Pre-Conference – 2-day Certified Residential Thermographer
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Spouse Lounge open
Pre-Conference – U.S. Dept. of Energy Score Assessor Training
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Multi-Inspector Firms Meeting
Pre-Conference – Level 1 Certified Thermographer Live Class
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Past-Presidents Luncheon
Registration/Info Desk open
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Lunch in Expo Hall (for purchase)
Pre-Conference – Radon Measurement Class
FRIDAY, JANUARY 18
TH
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
6:00 am – 8:00 pm
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22TH
SUNDAY, JANUARY 20
TH
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Grab N’ Go Sessions
7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Registration/Info Desk open
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Educational Sessions (5 tracks)
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Pre-Conference – NADRA Deck Evaluation Certificate Class
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Allied Association Meeting
Pre-Conference – NHIE Exam Prep Class (Part 1)
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
NHIE Exam Prep Class (Part 2)
Pre-Conference – Rapid Growth Formula Training
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Refreshment Break in Expo Hall
Pre-Conference – Inspecting Pools and Spas
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Teardown of exhibits
Council of Representatives Meeting
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Educational Sessions (5 tracks)
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
“Welcome to ASHI” Event (New ASHI Members & First-Timers)
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Expo Hall open
7:00 pm departs Resort
ROCK THE YACHT Gala Dinner/Dance Cruise (Purchased ticket)
2:30 pm – 3:45 pm
The ASHI School Instructor Team Meeting
10:00 pm
Dock and return to resort
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Opening Night Reception in Expo Hall
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Veteran's Assembly
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
InspectPAC Reception (Register at IW Registration Desk)
MONDAY, JANUARY 21TH 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Registration/Info Desk open
7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Expo Hall open
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Illinois Testing Room
8:00 am – 10:00 am
Annual Meeting and Keynote Breakfast (General Session)
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Spouse Lounge open
10:30 am – 12:30 pm Educational Sessions (5 tracks)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23TH 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Registration/Info Desk open
7:00 am – 4:00 pm
ASHI Booth / Recharging Stations in Foyer
7:00 am – 9:00 am
Continental Breakfast in Expo Hall
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Illinois Testing Room
8:00 am – 10:00 am
Educational Sessions (5 tracks)
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Spouse Lounge open
9:30 am departure
Spouse Tour: Trip to Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
10:00 am – 10:30 am Refreshment Break in Foyer 10:30 am – 12:30 pm Educational Sessions (5 tracks) 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Lunch (for purchase)
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Mike Crow's presentation: "7 Surprisingly Simple Ways To Book More Inspections Now…Guaranteed"
“Marketing Your Business” in Spouse Lounge
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Educational Sessions (5 tracks)
1:00 pm departure
Spouse Tour: Birch Aquarium Trip
4:15 PM
Closing $500 Grand Prize Drawing in foyer
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Educational Sessions (5 tracks)
4:15 PM
Conference concludes – See You at IW 2020 in New Orleans!
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
New Board Orientation
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Post-Conference – Sewer Scan Class
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Educational Sessions (5 tracks)
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
President's Leadership Reception (Invite Only)
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Lunch in Expo Hall (for purchase)
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
Grab N’ Go Sessions
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
22
ASHI Reporter • December 2018
Join us! For a night of dinner & dancing on a starlight voyage of the San Diego Bay.
7PM -10PM
Transportation to & from cruise dock provided All aboard the Adventure Hornblower, a 150-foot mega yacht that offers magnificent views of the San Diego skyline from the deck.
January
22
Tickets only $100 Sponsored by
Inspection System
3dinspections.com | 800-745-6126
GET TO KNOW INSPECTPAC InspectPAC is ASHI’s federal political action committee (PAC). Established to allow ASHI members the ability to exercise their constitutional right and need to participate in the political process.
SUPPORT INSPECTPAC AT IW! Join Us for a Fundraising Reception on Sunday, January 20, 7:30 pm
InspectPAC does this work in a way that is controlled, and that allows for full disclosure and openness in the campaign finance process. With ASHI members’ contributions, InspectPAC focuses on and coordinates efforts to generate important political support for members of Congress who share ASHI’s views.
Plan now to attend the InspectPAC reception during InspectionWorld® SanDiego. Enjoy a cocktail reception and entertainment in a lounge atmosphere.
SOME OF THE AREAS INSPECTPAC ENGAGES IN ARE AS FOLLOWS:
JOIN US AND CONTRIBUTE WITH OTHERS WHO BELIEVE IN A STRONG HOME INSPECTION PROFESSION.
InspectPAC PUTS THE “FUN” IN FUNDRAISER.
• Soliciting positive messages about home inspection from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) • Increasing homeownership • Ensuring consumer protection • Ensuring protection for small businesses • Continuing the prohibition of banks in real estate • Keeping up with Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) reform 23December 2018
• www.ASHIReporter.org
23
Call 866-916-9419 24
ASHI Reporter • December 2018
Visit inspectorproinsurance.com
Keep a good roof over your head.
Don’t settle for patchy coverage. Our pre-claims assistance works to decrease how often claims arise. And when claims do occur, our comprehensive insurance policies cover and close them quickly.
Call 866-916-9419
Visit inspectorproinsurance.com
We Protect. You Inspect. 25December 2018
• www.ASHIReporter.org
25
ASHI Chapters and Council News
NORTH CENTRAL ASHI Central PA
www.ashicentralpa.com Second Monday, 6 pm, except Jan. & July, Hoss’s Steakhouse 1151 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle, PA Kevin Kenny, 717-226-3066 info@midpennhomeinspections.com
Keystone (PA)
www.keystoneashi.org First Monday, 5:30 pm Double Tree, 10 N. 5th Street Reading, PA 19601 Robert H. Conner, 610-375-9675 rhconnerbcs@yahoo.com
www.ashiomaha.com Jon Vacha, 402-660-6935 jon@hsinspections.com
Heartland (IA, MN, ND, SD, WI)
www.ashiheartland.org Second Monday, 6:30 pm, except November & April. Frankie’s Pizza 3556 Winnetka Ave. N, New Hope, MN Reuben Saltzman, 612-205-5600 reuben@ashiheartland.org
Indiana ASHI
www.inashi.com Quarterly Danny Maynard, 317-319-7209 danny@inspectinc.net
Iowa ASHI
Ohio
www.ohioashi.com Ken Harrington, 614-507-1061 ohioashi@yahoo.com
North Central Ohio
www.ncohioashi.com Paul Wancata, 216-571-1074 inspectionsunlimited@cox.net
OHIO SOUTH ASHI Meeting: Third Tues. every month, 6:30pm @ Kriemer’s Bier Haus, OH-128, Cleves, OH 45002 P.O. Box 532197 Cincinnati, OH 45252 Chris Green, 513-939-4036 Email president@ohsoashi.com
Pocono-Lehigh (PA)
www.pocono-lehighashi.org Third Tuesday, Tannersville Inn Tannersville Ronald Crescente, 570-646-7546 amerispec@pa.metrocast.net
PRO-ASHI (PA)
www.proashi.com Second Wednesday of Jan., March, May, Sept. & Nov. Ray Fonos, 412-461-8273 southpittsburgh@hometeam.com
Tri-State (DE, NJ, PA)
www.tristateashi.org Second Tuesday except April, Aug. & Dec., Dave & Buster’s Plymouth Meeting, PA Jules Falcone, julesfalcone@me.com
MIDWEST Great Lakes (IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI) For monthly meetings: www.greatinspectors.com/ schedule-of-events/ Carol Case, 734-284-4501 greatlakes.president@gmail.com
26
Greater Omaha (NE)
ASHI Reporter • December 2018
www.iowaashichapter.org Fourth Tuesday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm Iowa City Area Assoc. of Realtors Education Center 847 Quary Road, Coralville, IA Craig Chmelicek, 319-389-7379 elitehomeandradon@gmail.com
Kentuckiana (IN, KY)
www.ashikentuckiana.org Allan Davis, 502-648-9294 elitehomeinspections@ insightbb.com
Mid-Missouri
www.midmoashi.com Second Thursday, 12:00 pm, even months of the year; Columbia Board of Realtors office: 2309 I-70 Drive NW, Columbia, MO Mark Kelsey, 573-356-5305 mark@inspectcolumbia.com
Northern Illinois
www.nicashi.com Second Wednesday (except Dec.) 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm Allegra Banquets, 237 W. St. Charles Rd. Villa Park, IL 60181 Joe Konopacki, 630-283-2248 joe@insightpsinc.com
SOUTH MIDWEST Arkansas Lonnie Moore, 479-530-5792 mhinsp@cox.net
Great Plains (KS, MO)
www.ashikc.org Second Wednesday of even months The Great Wolf Lodge, Kansas City Doug Hord, 816-215-2329 doug@firstchoice.com
Midwest PRO ASHI (KS) David Mason 316-393-2152, david@allprohomeinspec.com
St. Louis (MO)
www.stlashi.org Second Tuesday, 5 pm Creve Coeur Government Center Multi-Purpose Meeting Room 300 N. New Ballas Creve Coeur, MO 63141 Mark Goodman, 636-391-0091 mark@homeinpectstl.com
Lone Star (TX)
www.ashitexas.org Bud Rozell, 214-215-4961 goodhomeinspection@att.net
MOUNTAIN Arizona
www.azashi.org Bryck Guibor, 520-419-1313 bryck@msn.com Quarterly education on azashi.org
New Mexico
www.ashinm.org Bi-monthly meetings are held on the second Saturday of the month at Drury Hotel (Jan., March, May, July, Sept.) located at I-25 and Jefferson in Albuquerque. Meeting starts at 8:30 am. Lance Ellis, 505-977-3915 lellis@amerispec.net
Northern Rockies (ID, MT) Steve Jenicek, 406-949-6461 Steve@taskmasterinspections.com Secretary: Kelly Campeau 877-749-2225 Kelly@inspectormt.com
ASHI Hawaii
www.ashihawaii.com Alex Woodbury, 808-322-5174 Woodburya001@hawaii.rr.com
California Randy Pierson, 310-265-0833 randy@southbayinspector.com
Central Valley CREIA-ASHI Peter Boyd, 530-673-5800 Boyd.p@comcast.net
Golden Gate (CA)
www.ggashi.com Brian Cogley, v 510-295-8021 f 510-355-1073 CogleyInspections.com
Inland Northwest (ID, WA) Vince Vargas, 208-290-2472 vince@vargasinspections.com
Orange County CREIA-ASHI (CA) www.creia.org/orangecounty-chapter Third Monday, 5:30 pm Hometown Buffet 2321 S. Bristol, Santa Ana Bill Bryan, 949-565-5904 bill@rsminspections.com
Oregon
www.oahi.org Fourth Tuesday, 6:30 pm 4534 SE McLoughlin Blvd. Portland Jon Nichols, 503-324-2000 housedetective@hotmail.com
San Diego CREIA-ASHI
Fourth Tuesday, 6:30 pm Bob Kadera, 303-588-2502 bob@360degreeinspections.com
First Tuesday each month Elijah’s Restaurant 7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard San Diego, CA 92111 Ray (Cliff ) Sims Jr., 619-334-1138 cliffsims@cox.net
Southern Colorado
San Joaquin Valley (CA)
Rocky Mountain
www.ashi-southerncolorado.org Second Thursday each month, 6:30 pm Valley Hi Golf Club, 610 S. Chelton Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80910 Aaron Hunt, 719-334-5455 aaron@huntproperty inspections.com
Utah
www.ashiutah.com First Tuesday, 7 pm Marie Callender’s, Midvale Fred Larsen, 801-201-9583 Fred.larsen@pillartopost.com
PACIFIC Alaska Meeting dates: Jan. 1, March 1, Aug. 1, Nov. 1 Location varies each meeting David Mortensen, 907-243-4476 dave@discoveryinspect.com
Third Thursday, 6 pm 1736 Union Avenue, Bakersfield, CA Raymond Beasley, 661-805-5947 rbinspector@aol.com Mail: 3305 Colony Oak St. Bakersfield, CA 93311
Silicon Valley ASHI-CREIA (CA) www.siliconvalleyinspector.com Tammy Nicholas, 408-771-4939 tnicholas490@gmail.com
Southwestern Idaho Second Monday David Reish, 208-941-5760 dave@antheminspections.com
Los Angeles-Ventura County ASHI-CREIA Third Wednesday, 5 pm Holiday Inn, Woodland Hills Bob Guyer, 805-501-0733 guyerinspections@roadrunner.com
South Bay (CA) Webinar meetings Randy Pierson, 310-265-0833 randy@southbayinspector.com
Western Washington
www.ashiww.com Chapter Meetings held at chapter seminars in March and Sept. Karl Nueffer karl@G4inspections.com
NEW ENGLAND Coastal Connecticut
www.coastalctashi.org Third Thursday, 6 pm, Westport VFW Lodge, 465 Riverside Avenue, Westport John Hamlin, 203-912-1917 john.hamlin@pillartopost.com
New England (ME, MA, NH, RI, VT) Third Thursday (usually), 5 pm Hilton Garden Inn, Waltham, MA Michael Atwell, 617-630-5629 mike@jmhi.com
Northern New England (NNEC) (ME, MA, NH, VT) www. ashi-nnec.org Third Thursday of Jan., April, June and Sept. Tim Rooney, 603-770-0444 homeviewnh@comcast.net nnec.ashi.2016@gmail.com
Greater Rochester (NY)
www.ashirochester.com Second Tuesday, 6 pm Jeremiah’s Tavern, 2200 Buffalo Rd. Gates, NY 14624 Jim Brennan, 585-520-5575 jbrennan@independentinspectionservice.com
Hudson Valley (NY) Second Tuesday, 6 pm Daddy O’s Restaurant 3 Turner Street Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 Michael Skok, 845-592-1442 ashistatewide@yahoo.com
Long Island (NY)
www.liashi.com Third Monday, 6 pm, Domenico’s Restaurant, Levittown John Weiburg 516-603-5770 john@greenlinkhi.com
New York Metro
www.nyashi.com Last Thursday, 5pm Travelers Rest 25 Saw Mill River Road Ossining, NY 10562 Chris Long, 914-260-8571 pres@nyashi.com
Southern New Jersey (NJ)
MAC-ASHI (MD, VA)
www.mac-ashi.com Second Wednesday, Rockville, 6 pm Senior Center, Rockville Mark Mostrom, 301-536-0096 pivotalinspections@comcast.net
NOVA-ASHI (MD, VA)
www.novaashi.com Fourth Tuesday, Associate hour 6-7 pm, Membership meeting 7-9 pm, Northern Virginia Resources Center, Fairfax Tony Toth, 703-926-6213 tony_toth@msn.com
Piedmont ASHI (VA) Robert Huntley, 540-354-2135 rwhuntley@cox.net
SOUTH ATLANTIC ASHI Georgia
www.ashigeorgia.com Shannon Cory, 404-316-4876 shannon1943@comcast.net
East Tennessee
www.etashi.org Third Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. and Nov. Paul Perry, 866-522-7708 cio@frontiernet.net
Mid-Tennessee
www.southernnjashi.com Third Wednesday, 6:30 pm Ramada Inn, Bordentown Rick Lobley, 609-208-9798 rick@doublecheckhi.com
Ray Baird, 615-371-5888 bairdr@comcast.net
Capitol Region (NY)
Western New York
North Carolina
Central New York
Second Thursday, 6:30 pm Tony Rome’s, West Seneca Andy Utnik, 716-636-9676 esimail@aol.com
NEW YORK/JERSEY/ DELAWARE www.goashi.com Richard W. Askew, 518-383-4804 rondack1@gmail.com www.cnyashi.com Third Wednesday each month, 6 pm Tony’s Family Restaurant, Syracuse Richard Alton, 315-415-4847 dick@altoninspect.com
MID-ATLANTIC Central Virginia
www.firststateashi.org Third Wednesday, 7 pm The Buzz Ware Center 2121 The Highway, Arden Mark Desmond, 302-494-1294 mark@delvalleyhome.com
www.cvashi.org Second Tuesday, 6:30 pm Independence Golf Course 600 Founders Bridge Blvd. Midlothian, VA 23113 John Cranor, President 804-873-8537 cranorinspectionservices @gmail.com
Garden State (NJ)
Hampton Roads (VA)
First State (DE)
www.gardenstateashi.com Second Thursday The Westwood, Garwood Ernie Borsellino, 973-761- 0050 gsashipresident@gmail.com
Second Thursday, 7 pm, Cypress Point Country Club, Virginia Beach Gregory Murphy, 757-535-4355 gmurphy@coastalinspect.com
Mid-South (TN) Steven Campbell, 901-734-0555 steve@memphisinspections.com www.ncashi.com Meeting TBA Bruce Barker, 919-322-4491 bruce@dreamhomeconsultants.com
South Carolina First Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. & Nov., 8 am Roger Herdt, 843-669-3757 herdtworks@msn.com
Gulfcoast (FL) First Thursday, 7 pm, The Forest Country Club, Fort Myers Len Gluckstal, 239-432-0178 goldenrulehi@comcast.net
Louisiana Quarterly Meetings 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 buyersally@gmail.com
Southwest Florida
www.swashi.com Serving Manatee, Sarasota & Charlotte Second Wednesday, 6 pm Holiday Inn, Lakewood Ranch 6321 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota Michael Conley, 941-778-2385 FLinspector@outlookcom
CANADA CAHPI Atlantic
www.cahpi-alt.com Lawrence Englehart 902-403-2460 inspections@eastlink.ca
CAHPI Ontario
www.oahi.com Rob Cornish, 613-858-5000 robc@homexam.ca
Alberta Professional Home Inspectors (APHIS) www.aphis.ca Meetings held 3 times a year Alan Fisher, 403-248-6893 admin@aphis.com
Quebec AIBQ
www.aibq.qc.ca Pascal Baudaux, 450-629-2038 info@almoinspection.ca
GULF ASHI South (AL)
www.ashisouth.org Quarterly, Homewood Library Homewood John Knudsen, 334-221-0876 jgknudsen111@gmail.com
Florida Wiregrass
www.ashiwiregrass.org Second Wednesday, 6:30 pm Sleep Inn Hotel, Wesley Chapel Nancy Janosz, 813-546-6090 ProTeamInsp@aol.com
December 2018 • www.ASHIReporter.org
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Request for Interpretation: Ethics for Home Inspectors In this column, ASHI’s Ethics Committee addresses dilemmas faced by home inspectors.
Are These Violations of the ASHI Code of Ethics? By Jamison Brown, ASHI Ethics Committee Chair
Jamison Brown is the owner of Home Inspections by Jamison & Company, Poquoson, VA. Before becoming an ASHI member in 1988, Jamison was a project manager, and supervised the construction and remodeling of more than 10,000 housing units for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Jamison is a former member of the Carpenters and Joiners of America and a former licensed plumber in the state of Virginia. He is a member of the International Code Council, International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) and a certified member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). He has been a member of ASHI’s Technical and Membership Committees, and was chair of the CEPP Committee. Currently, he chairs the ASHI Code of Ethics Committee. Jamison has personally inspected more than 18,000 residential and commercial properties. Contact him at jamison.brown@gmail.com.
QUESTIONS QUESTION: What happens when a home inspection company QUESTION: Can a home inspector offer a $20 gift card to every and home warranty company offer a $50 rebate? My attorney says this is a kickback.
Interpretation by the ASHI Code of Ethics Committee: ASHI’s Code of Ethics Section 1.C. states: “Inspectors shall not directly or indirectly compensate realty agents, or other parties having a financial interest in closing or settlement of real estate transactions, for the referral of inspections or for inclusion on a list of recommended inspectors, preferred providers, or similar arrangements.” The rebate in this arrangement is not a direct or indirect compensation to the home inspection company, warranty company or anyone else having a financial interest in the closing or settlement of the real estate transaction for the referral of inspections or for inclusion on a list of recommended inspectors, preferred providers or similar arrangements. Instead, the $50 rebate goes to the client, who chooses to use the two companies that have bundled their services. The client may choose whomever they wish to conduct their home inspection and from whom they would like to obtain a home warranty.
real estate agent who books a home inspection with him or her? Interpretation by the ASHI Code of Ethics Committee: Offering a gift card to real estate agents would be considered a form of compensation for the business and, as such, violates ASHI’s Code of Ethics Section 1.C.: “Inspectors shall not directly or indirectly compensate realty agents, or other parties having a financial interest in closing or settlement of real estate transactions, for the referral of inspections or for inclusion on a list of recommended inspectors, preferred providers, or similar arrangements.” Home inspection clients should be able to have confidence that the referral of a home inspector by their real estate broker is based on an assessment of the inspector’s competence and professionalism, rather than on the potential receipt of a financial incentive by the referring party.
QUESTION: A home security company is sending out emails to
home inspectors advertising a program they designed exclusively for home inspectors. Through this program, the home security company will pay $165 for each closed sale or activation that the home inspector completes. Does this program violate the Choosing a home inspector based on price could just as easily ASHI Code of Ethics? The marketing plan made between the home inspection company and warranty company is obvious from the wording of their brochure—it stated that these two companies have bundled their services to attract the client by saving them money.
have led the client to choose a $200 inspection from “ABC Inspection Company (a fictitious company),” without credentials or affiliations, over a $400 inspection from an ASHI Certified Inspector. In this case, the client benefits with a savings of $50; neither the inspection company nor the warranty company involved in the transaction receiving a $50 kickback, so this is not a violation of the ASHI Code of Ethics.
28
ASHI Reporter • December 2018
Interpretation by the ASHI Code of Ethics Committee: This program is clearly a violation of the ASHI Code of Ethics. Section 1.E. of the Code states: “Inspectors shall not accept compensation, directly or indirectly, for recommending contractors, services, or products to inspection clients or other parties having an interest in inspected properties.”
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IN GIFT CARDS WITH EACH NEW MEMBER TO REFER A MEMBER: Download the Membership Application form, have the new member fill it out (including his/her member number in the referral field). SCAN AND EMAIL IT TO:
MEMBERSHIP@ASHI.ORG OR FAX TO 847-759-1620.
Questions? Contact Jen Gallegos, jeng@ashi.org.
29December 2018
• www.ASHIReporter.org
29
ASHI Chapters and Council News
TO HAVE YOUR CHAPTER SEMINAR LISTED HERE, EMAIL ALL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHAPTER SEMINAR TO: micheleg@ashi.org. IMPORTANT REPORTER DEADLINES: • FEB 2019 ISSUE - 12/7/18 • MAR 2019 ISSUE - 1/7/19 • APRIL 2019 ISSUE - 2/7/19 • MAY 2019 ISSUE - 3/7/19 The Reporter is produced 6-8 weeks ahead of the week it arrives in your mailbox.
CITY HALL BUILDING – CITY OF VENTURA – COMMUNITY MEETING When: Friday, December 14th, 2018, 8:00am - 4:00pm Where: 501 Poli Street, Ventura, CA 93001 Room #202 Topics: B asic Heating, Cooling and Residential Ventilation Systems CEUs: 7 ASHI CEs Contact: guyerinspections@roadrunner.com
CHAPTER NEWS ASHI WESTERN WASHINGTON CHAPTER’S 2018 FALL EDUCATION SEMINAR
On September 28 and 29, the ASHI Western Washington chapter hosted its 2018 Fall Education Seminar at the Mountaineers’ Club in Seattle, WA. This two-day seminar attracted more than 130 home inspectors. Most are licensed home inspectors from across the state of Washington, but also included were many from Oregon and Idaho, plus California and Hawaii.
Mark Parlee, the Building Consultant, kicked off the educational portion of the seminar with a presentation on Caulking, Flashing and Ventilation. Clay Lamb, American Chimney & Masonry/Ask the Chimney Sweep, followed with a threehour presentation, ‘Inspection and Repair of Chimneys’. Mark and Clay alternated their presentations throughout the next two days, spelled by Dylan Chalk’s presentation on Report Writing. We want to thank again all three speakers for making this year another great success and recommend them for other chapters’ education programs.
Brad Albin, the chapter’s Education chair, along with Dylan Chalk, chapter Vice President, opened the seminar by introducing Darrell Marsolais, ACI, and Chair of the Washington State Home Inspectors Licensing Board. Marsolais updated the gathering on changes to the laws and regulations of home inspector licensing.
Our chapter members benefit greatly from the educational seminars sponsored by the Western Washington chapter. Seminar attendees appreciate the opportunity to meet up with old friends and to make new ones. We found a great new venue at the Mountaineers’ Club and hope to be back there next year.
Submitted by Joanne MacKintosh, joanne.ashiww@gmail.com
Many thanks to Brad Albin and Mike Brisbin for putting together another great seminar. Our next seminar will be held in Tacoma, WA, in March 2018. Watch for more news and make plans to join us. 30
ASHI Reporter • December 2018
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31December 2018
• www.ASHIReporter.org
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360o Camera and Photos
GET A NEW VIEWPOINT: TRY A 360o CAMERA FOR YOUR HOME INSPECTIONS Norm Richert, ASHI-RM, CPCLA, HCRI, MSA
Norm Richert owns and operates Central Consulting and Adjusting, Boonville, MO. He has been adjusting insurance claims, providing insurance underwriting information and home inspections in Central Missouri for the past 37 years. He recently renovated a building listed on the National Historic Register (Andrews-Wing House, built in 1855) that had extensive water and mold damage. Norm is a retired ASHI Home Inspector and Past-President of the Mid-Missouri ASHI Chapter.
A
s a home inspector with years of experience, I enjoy exchanging practical tips with others. One of my best decisions was investing in a 360-degree (“360”) camera. I won’t advise you about which one to purchase (there are many options), but I will tell you why I use a 360 camera and 360 photos for my business.
• Using a 360 camera and 360 photos makes it easy to verify the condition and defects at the time of the inspection. On some 360 cameras, the photo file number captures the date and time.
THE CAMERA
• Using a 360 camera allows you to take photos horizontally and upside down. You can use a 360 camera in any position or put it on a hybrid telescopic pole or a tripod to take high-quality photos that capture hard-to-get information from many areas, including the following:
For me, the biggest benefit of using a 360 camera is the ability to document the condition of nearly any area by instantly capturing everything that’s visible. This equates to a significant time savings for me—on site and when completing my reports.
I start taking 360 photos as soon as I arrive at the property. Then, I use those photos to document the condition and any damages to the property. By explaining that I’m taking photos of everything in the area to the owner, my client and the real estate agent, I help eliminate complaints and reduce the potential for lawsuits.
32
THERE ARE MANY WAYS A 360 CAMERA CAN BENEFIT HOME INSPECTORS:
ASHI Reporter • December 2018
• Using a 360 camera and 360 photos makes it easy to train new inspectors because when you view any 360 photo, you’re able to confirm the statements in the inspector’s report. By rotating and zooming in and out of 360 photos, a supervisor can review and verify all the conditions and correct any errors before releasing a final report to the client.
– data plates on water heaters, furnaces and air conditioners –crawlspaces and attics – roofs, chimneys and plumbing vents
360o Camera and Photos
THE PHOTOS AND THE SOFTWARE
Have you ever had a question about something in an area, but your photo did not show the exact area of concern? With 360 photos, you can see a large area of space, as well as a small space within inches of a certain object. As a result, you can have either a wide-spectrum view or a close-up view of the condition or information in question.
After an inspection, I upload the 360 photos to a 360 website and email a link to the client, so the client can see exactly what I saw during the inspection of the property. Viewing the 360 photos, which upload immediately to the website, can provide considerably more information to your client while they are waiting for the final home inspection report. For example, the client can get a preview of the condition of the roof, cracks in foundation, insulation in the attic, water leaks under the sink and any damages. When necessary, I remove the link to the photos to prevent real estate agents from sharing the photos with other buyers. Software for the 360 camera is another consideration. The 360 cameras I’ve used have free 360 software that can be downloaded. All types of the 360 software I have used have worked, but some manufacturers’ software has worked better for documenting the potential for property damage losses and underwriting.
360 photos provide real-time information and considerably more information than digital photos. For me, using a telescopic pole with my 360 camera has extended my “reach” and my inspection career! To learn more about 360 photos, to purchase the telescopic pole, information on classes for 360 photography or to view the latest ways I’ve been using my 360 camera, contact me at norm.ccas@socket.net.
Several large insurance companies and restoration companies now require 360 photos. I recently had a restoration contractor tell me that taking 360 photos saved him more than$4,200 on a custom countertop. How? He took 360 photos before starting the job. A few days later, the owner called, claiming the contractor’s employees had cracked the countertop. The dated 360 photos proved that the countertop was cracked before they started working on the property. By taking 360 photos, home inspectors can eliminate many complaints and lawsuits, and provide their clients with much more information than a written report. This information can have a great impact on the cost of errors and omissions insurance. I’ve started offering classes on how to take good 360 photos—just changing the setting on the camera can make the difference between a great photo and one that is not worth viewing. —Norm Richert
MAKING THE INVESTMENT The cost of a 360 camera is about the same as a good quality digital camera. Carefully evaluate all the features of 360 cameras before deciding which one to purchase. Here are some features I recommend: • Consider purchasing additional equipment, including a telescopic pole, tripod/selfie stick. For roof inspections, a hybrid fiberglass telescopic pole that extends at least 31.5 feet is necessary. I have assembled the hybrid fiberglass telescopic poles from two different manufacturers to get maximum height. The pole collapses to 3’8” for easy storage and transportation. Using 3D printing reduced the weight of the pole and attachments to approximately 4 pounds.
• For taking photos in fire-damaged buildings or dark areas, you’ll need several battery-operated LED lights to get good, usable photos.
• To view the 360 photos, which are large files, be sure to have a solid state drive (SSD) in your computer. This will allow you to move through and zoom in and out of images faster. Most newer computers have SSD. 33December 2018
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Chapter Spotlight
Put Your Chapter on the Map! By Clay Ridings, Founder of First State ASHI Chapter, Delaware
I’ve been performing inspections since 1988 and, over the years, I realized that certain patterns show themselves if you pay attention. It was always my contention that putting someone else down never really had staying power for increasing your market share or branding your business. In Delaware, a few of us branded “ASHI” early on, so real estate agents learned to ask, “Are you a member of ASHI?” before they scheduled an inspection. Before long, we never really had to sell the ASHI brand. Very few inspectors were involved with any other group, simply because the business was not there. Separating yourself from the pack and branding your particular business was the hard part. When I founded the First State Chapter of ASHI 18 years ago, it was because some newer members were at cross-purposes with experienced members when writing about defects. Being the second inspector in Delaware made me the de facto person for agents to complain to, so I had a good feel for the agents’ concerns. After a year of holding meetings and setting up training sessions with expert speakers, we began to focus as a group on the real issues and how to call them. It was also very helpful that we could share stories and advice about how to avoid liability issues. My intention was to brand our chapter’s members as the “go-to inspectors” for agents to contact. Around this time, I came up with the idea of the “pad,” which basically is a mid-sized, tear-off pad of paper that lists all of the names, companies and phone numbers of our chapter members. We gave the pads to real estate agents, and they could circle three inspectors they liked and give the sheet to the buyer. This gave the buyer the option to use someone the agent did or did not recommend, but the pad limited their options to only First State chapter members. The agents loved this and (in lesser form) the pad is still in use today. In this way, we successfully branded ASHI, we branded our chapter and we provided the agents with a useful tool. Over the years, we’ve tried many different ways to attract the attention of the real estate community, but none of them have ever proven as effective as holding a special event planned specifically for real estate agents. The idea began as a wine-tasting reception and catered dinner, during which industry speakers could help agents understand why inspectors report defects the way they do and explain the limitations of what inspectors can do. When planning this event, I enlisted the help of some members of the largest local real estate law firm, and they provided most of the continuing education. I looked for local speakers to offset some of the costs. We wanted the top producers, so we invited 300 agents who worked in the county. Close to 80 agents attended our first event! The dinner has grown over the last 10 years, and it has become the “go-to event” for agents to earn continuing education. 34
ASHI Reporter • December 2018
HERE ARE SOME KEYS TO PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL EVENT: • Select a comfortable venue. • Select a date during the winter, which is a slow time for agents and gives them an opportunity to earn the continuing education (CE) they need. • Identify your chapter’s point of contact in the real estate community. • Contact at least one local person who provides education to real estate agents, and develop a course that provides three hours of education and includes issues related to home inspection. • Contact your local board of real estate agents and provide them with all the details. In turn, ask them to provide you with the names of the top producers. • Get approval from your state to offer CE credit for your course • Arrange for food and beverage. • To defray costs, arrange for one or two guest speakers who are willing to be a sponsor of the event. This opportunity is worthwhile for them as well. • Call and invite the top agents and aim for a capacity number. Initially, do not charge a fee. After you’ve had a couple of years of successful events, then you can begin to charge a fee. • Our local board of real estate agents covers the cost of the venue, our chapter covers the costs of the dinner and our sponsors cover all other costs. • We invite the agents who work with us the most. It’s nice to have friendly, recognizable faces in the crowd. • Make it fancy: Opt for white cloth napkins, tablecloths and wine glasses. Flowers and candles are a nice touch. We have hired a small jazz band to play during dinner. • Follow up with a little survey at the end of the course to inquire what venues the agents suggest for future events. • Do not use the event for solicitation. Go for a softer sell—we brand ourselves as the “Go-To Inspectors,” the leaders! And we give each of the agents who attend the “pad” so they will have a list of all of the involved inspectors. • Have fun with this event!
MOVING FORWARD AT ASHI’S LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE 2018 By Michele George, Director of Education, Events and Chapter Relations, 847-954-3188, micheleg@ashi.org
The Leadership Development Conference (LDC) is a great way for ASHI leaders to keep in touch with chapter leaders and offer help to chapters leader. At this year’s LDC, held October 25 and 26 in Des Plaines, IL, attendees took in presentations and participated in discussions on many topics related to adding value to chapter membership. Chapter leaders described their successes in attracting new members and suggested ways to recruit volunteers. Attendees also had plenty of time to learn more about the best approaches to develop chapter websites and social media canpaigns, and how to reach members through webinars. Presenters also provided guidance on organizing peer reviews and launching successful educational events. Attendees exchanged their ideas and information with the purpose of helping each other strengthen and grow their ASHI chapters, whether the chapter membership numbers are small or large.
Attendees enjoyed hearing guest speaker Kevin McCarthy speak about the blindspots we encounter in our lives. McCarthy explained that blindspots are the unconscious biases, implicit associations, memory traps and mind tricks that affect our behavior and our decision-making abilities. McCarthy shared an interesting account of how bad decisions had affected his life and then he described the ways we can all be mindful of these hidden traps to make better decisions for our lives. LDC is an annual event, free to ASHI members. This year, 120 members from across the country attended the conference in Des Plaines, IL. LDC provides an opportunity to share ideas and successes with other individuals from a cross section of ASHI chapters. Plan now to attend the Leadership Development Conference in 2019!
35December 2018
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Marketing Focus
MEET APPLICA SOLUTIONS, AN ASHI PREMIER PARTNER ASHI Staff
We recently talked with Joel Singer, CEO of APPLICA Solutions, one of ASHI’s premier partners, to find out what ASHI members should know about his company. ASHI: What is APPLICA Solutions and how does APPLICA help ASHI members? APPLICA: APPLICA develops marketing automation solutions for home inspectors that help them generate leads and referrals, save time and money, and build their brands. Our tools include automated social media, interactive eNewsletters for clients and agents, mobile apps and web enhancers. Founded in 1998, APPLICA is headquartered in Marlborough, MA, just outside of Boston. We provided our first eNewsletter to a home inspector in 2004. ASHI: What makes APPLICA unique? APPLICA: Our “Home Wizard” interactive eNewsletter is something truly special in the industry. Rather than sending a traditional newsletter with basically the same information going to every subscriber, home inspectors can use our technology to have us send their subscribers a custom-branded, personalized home care program that gives each subscriber monthly home care reminders, operating tips, home improvement suggestions and articles that are specifically based on each subscriber’s unique home features, local climate, home care goals, knowledge level and priorities. Plus, additional features allow their subscribers to keep a digital record of their home care, assign tasks to helpers and track progress, add vacation homes, access an online home care library and much more. There is an eNewsletter version for their clients and a version for their agents, and our system can be synchronized with the inspector’s ISN account. As a result of 20 years of development, our technology can calculate an ideal home care program for 21 possible housing types, more than 100 home features, 12 possible home care goals, three priority levels, four knowledge levels and more than 30 seasonal climate zones. The benefit to inspectors is that their eNewsletters are highly personalized and relevant to each client and real estate agent, which provides ongoing value and engagement that translates into referrals and repeat business.
ASHI: Are there discounts for ASHI members? APPLICA: Yes! As part of our partnership with ASHI, members receive a discount (up to 20%) on all of our services. When ASHI members sign up for any service, they should use the group code “ASHI” to see the price savings with their member discount. ASHI: What new initiatives does APPLICA have for ASHI members? APPLICA: We are very excited about two new initiatives. The first is a partnership with the Mastermind Inspector Community (MIC). For ASHI members who are also members of MIC, we have created marketing automation solutions that are exclusively available for MIC members. Working with Mike Crow, his coaches and key MIC members, we developed some amazing features, allowing inspectors to turn our eNewsletters into money-makers, enabling co-branding with agents and automatically sending inspirational “Monday Morning Motivators” to engage with agents. This is just the beginning—we are currently developing additional exclusive marketing solutions for MIC members. We are also excited about working with the Great Lakes Chapter of ASHI to create a custom eNewsletter that will be sent out to members and prospects. We’re working on innovative features that we hope will serve as a model for other ASHI chapters. ASHI: How can ASHI members learn more about APPLICA? APPLICA: ASHI members can visit https://applica-solutions.com/ASHI to find service descriptions, demos, reviews, pricing and feature comparisons. ASHI: Will APPLICA be at InspectionWorld® in San Diego in January 2019? APPLICA: Absolutely. We would not miss it! IW is always a great event for us. We enjoy talking with our inspector clients and meeting new people. Probably the biggest benefit of IW is the opportunity for us to hear what inspectors want. In fact, most of our upgrades can be traced back to discussions we had at IW with inspectors (and sometimes their agent spouses). Plus, several of our valued partnerships began with introductions that were made at IW.
We look forward to seeing everyone there! We’ll be in Booth #322.
36
ASHI Reporter • December 2018
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Membership Corner
TAKE PART IN ASHI’S HOLIDAY HOME CONTEST! By Jen Gallegos
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ASHI Reporter • December 2018
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flown by r year has e th o d with n A ? s year fille elieve it u b ro u e o p y s n ro a p C ad a e you all h memories. that. I hop d won erful time, round this a r a e y t s s, la omes f memorie t Holiday H rs fi s it d e Speaking o launch nse that how ASHI great respo a h c u remember s d a ell, we h this year! Contest? W do it again to d e id c e h we’ve d rtnered wit r we’ve pa a e y ky is c th lu , o Tw gs up a bit day home. li o h â€? n To mix thin e H re S “g ar A I to create a tary one-ye n e m li p m ID Energy co age, l receive a Track Pack t s a F ’s y rg winners wil and Ene entorship ip and ID , virtual m g Membersh in in a tr des SIM which inclu five QAs. ived the lready rece a e v a h ld ce you shou below). On n mail—you w r o u h o y (s k c rd e Ch ostca I Holiday P easy steps: 2018 ASH se e th st follow ideo, you have it, ju a how-to v h tc a w o T the house: channel– • Build r YouTube I u o r e h it e or the ASH can visit /ASHIHQ) m o .c e b tu ). (www.you spector.org ww.homein (w e e (see it s b e w oliday Hom H I H S A r you iration). picture of ies for insp a tr n e e k a s T r’ a • e s of last y tag the sample g the hash book, usin e c all a f F o n k o trac our photo e can keep w o s , • Post y e m rgyHo #ASHIEne s. n io ns that submiss submissio e th ll a g ein have any rward to se ers. If you We look fo rt a u us at q d a e se contact SHI H a le p t, s te come to A con 820. about this 847-759-2 r questions o rg o i. h ip@as membersh s to a ll !
DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Twenty–five Years Russell Berg Tom Edwards Malcolm Whipkey
Twenty Years Bob Bowling J. Michael Condon Reggie Marston
Fifteen Years Bronson Anderson Ricardo Barro-Villadoniga Bob G. Desrochers Bill Gandy Gregory N. Hines Michael A. Peters Trent Schneider John Wagner
Ten Years James G. Arnold Steven Kidwell Joseph Purtell Ted R. Schwartz Daniel Sterling
Five Years Christopher Arranz David L. Beck Charles M. Culp Marshall Davidson Michael Dyer Robert W. Gisch Jason Greenawalt Dave Griswold Rick Hartmann Jerry Kelly Mike Leggett Thomas Maybury Peter E. McLeay Marco Miranda Mike Nixon Paul Pautler Thomas Piteo Wayne Rademacher Scott Robertson Brandon Schowengerdt Justin F. Smith Todd Smith Robert Smith John G. Tuck Timothy J. Valaike Eric Whitney
CURRENT ASHI MEMBERSHIP ASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,581 Inspectors: 243 Associates: 4,622 Retired Members: 136 Affiliates: 74 Total: 8,656 Members as of 11/5/2018
FREE ASHI Member access to past IW sessions. 1. Go to www.ASHI.org 2. Under Education & Training 3. Click on:
ASHI ONLINE LEARNING CENTER
ASHI MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT PROGRAMS ASHI-ENDORSED PROGRAMS ASHI’s E&O InsuranceProgram: InspectorPro Insurance inspectorproinsurance.com/ashi/ 866-916-9419
ASHI Customer Appreciation Program: Moverthankyou.com Brent Skidmore, 864-386-2763 www.moverthankyou.com Brent@POWRsoft.com
ASHI Personal Lines Insurance Program: Liberty Mutual www.libertymutual.com/ashi
HomeAdvisor.com Brett Symes, 913-529-2683 www.homeadvisor.com ashi@homeadvisor.com
ASHI’s Protecting Home Inspectors From Meritless Claims Program: Joe Ferry – The Home Inspector Lawyer 855-MERITLESS (637-4853) contact@joeferry.com www.joeferry.com/ashi
LegalShield Joan Buckner, 505-821-3971 buckner.legalshieldassociate. com buckner@legalshieldassociate. com
ASHI Service Program BuildFax Tricia Julian, 877-600-BFAX x161 TJulian@BuildFax.com www.buildfax.com http://go.buildfax.com/ASHI
InspectionContracts.com Dave Goldstein, 800-882-6242 www.inspectioncontracts.com david@inspectoreducation.com OneSource Solutions 877-274-8632 www.osconnects.com/ashi/
Porch.com Eliab Sisay, 206-218-3920 www.porch.com Eliab@porch.com ASHI Rebate Program Quill.com Dana Fishman, 800-634-0320 x1417 www.quill.com/ashi dana.fishman@quill.com
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, then click on the link for the ASHI Online Learning Center. NHIE Exam: 847-298-7750 www.homeinspectionexam.org
ASHI-ENDORSED TRAINING PROGRAMS ASHI@Home Training System 800-268-7070 education@carsondunlop.com
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NEW POSTCARDS EMAIL! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: postcards@ashi.org
Postcards from the Field High jumpers
Dennis Hoffman Hoffman Home Inspections Lodi, CA
Is it all good??
Chris Mcdougal Apex Home Inspection Aromas, CA
Frog-Friendly basement
Clay Ridings Preferred Inspections Arden, DE
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ASHI Reporter • December 2018
Note: By sending in your postcard(s), you are expressly granting ASHI the right to use the postcard and your name with it in the ASHI REPORTER and in other publications ASHI may select.
“The rare but totally ineffective vertical trap!”
Dutton Smith HomeSmith Services, LLC Middlebury, VT
Must’ve been REAL tasty
Adam McClusky Property Inspection Service, Inc. Hilton Head Island, SC
Plumber forget their “snake”
Kyle Rodgers A+ Home Inspections, LLC Siloam Springs, AR
3
December 2018 • www.ASHIReporter.org
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NEW POSTCARDS EMAIL! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: postcards@ashi.org
Postcards from the Field No wasted counter space
Stephen Tyler STAT Home Inspections Garnerville, NY
Frog-Friendly attic
Note: By sending in your postcard(s), you are expressly granting ASHI the right to use the postcard and your name with it in the ASHI REPORTER and in other publications ASHI may select.
More than one way to skin a cat
Dutton Smith HomeSmith Services, LLC Middlebury, VT
Paint & dry in one step
Craig Tillman Tillman Inspections, LLC Wynnewood, PA Andy Hilton Hilton Home Inspection, Inc. Lewisville, NC
Service drop or service drip New meaning of “hot shower”
Ken Rowe Minnesota Home Inspectors LLC St. Paul, MN 42
ASHI Reporter • December 2018
Tom Lauhon Inspect America LLC Lansing, KS
• Drone Roof Inspections - NEW!
• Sewer Line Inspections - NEW!
December 2018 • www.ASHIReporter.org
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ON MY MIND
IT’S NOT IF, BUT WHEN… By ASHI President, Tim Buell
W
hen I first got into the home inspection business in 2002, a colleague told me
“it’s not if you get sued, but when.”
How can we, as home inspectors, protect ourselves when a situation like this occurs?
To find out, I consulted Joseph W. Denneler, Esq., a partner at Salmon, Ricchezza, Singer & Turchi, LLP, in Philadelphia. Joe represents home inspectors in litigation and provides risk management services to protect their businesses.
JOE RECOMMENDS FOLLOWING THESE BEST PRACTICES: CARRY ERRORS AND OMISSIONS (E&O) INSURANCE. I’ve heard several inspectors say,
“I don’t need insurance because I have very few assets—my tools, my computer and a truck.”
They also believe that if they are incorporated, they can avoid payment of a judgment entered by a court. Unfortunately, an individual still can be sued despite the creation of a corporation. In some states, licensed and unlicensed professionals can be held personally liable for any claims of professional malpractice or negligence.
Additionally, there will be a judgment against your company, which could affect your ability to borrow money as a business and as an individual. You should not depend on your corporate shield to protect you from any and all assaults. Insulating yourself and your business with a tailored professional liability policy covering potential errors or omissions in the performance of your professional services puts you in a much better position to respond to claims, to defend yourself against insurmountable legal bills, and damage to your business and reputation. 44
ASHI Reporter • December 2018
USE A GOOD INSPECTION CONTRACT AND HAVE IT REVIEWED PERIODICALLY BY AN ATTORNEY, THEN MAKE SURE YOUR CLIENT RECEIVES AND SIGNS THE CONTRACT BEFORE THE INSPECTION BEGINS. Ideally, your inspection contract should afford you protection while clearly explaining to your client what you will and will not do as part of the home inspection. Also, the contract should be written to comply with any state-based inspector licensing statutes or regulations that apply. Your inspection contract is your first line of defense against all claims. If it is lacking in any material way, it could jeopardize your ability to defend yourself. Because laws can change over time, you should make sure your contract will pass muster in a court today. Many states also require that the contract be delivered to the client in the days prior to the inspection and that it be signed before any work is done. Regardless of state laws, this is a practice you should employ with every inspection. Giving the contract to the client in advance allows them to fully read and understand what you will do and will not do, and it alerts them to any defenses, such as a limitation of liability or an arbitration clause. Having the contract signed before work starts allows you to assert that your client understood the scope of work before it was done, thereby limiting their ability to contend that they did not fully appreciate the terms of the contract.
IN ADDITION TO E&O INSURANCE, CARRY GENERAL LIABILITY AUTO INSURANCE FOR YOUR BUSINESS. In general, E&O insurance only provides coverage for an alleged failure to properly perform your professional services. It will not provide coverage for bodily injury or property damage caused by accidents occurring outside of the home inspection. For example, if your ladder falls onto a car in a driveway during the inspection, your general liability policy would, absent other circumstances, provide coverage for that accident. Finally, some states require that you carry general liability insurance in addition to E&O. You should consult an insurance professional in your state for more information on what insurance is required for you.
Target Professional Liability
Inspecting Homes is Risky Business Ask About Our New Part-Time Rates. 15% Discount to ASHI Members Get an Indication Today! Visit TargetProIns.com or Call 862-286-3510
Š 2018 Target is a division of and operates under the licenses of CRC Insurance Services, Inc., and CRC of California Insurance Services, CA License No. 0778135. 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.
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I N AT I O N S WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU GET SUED? If you have insurance, you should immediately report the lawsuit to your insurance carrier using the reporting methods they require. The notice requirements are found in the insurance policy and you should familiarize yourself with what your insurer requires. If you do not report a lawsuit or any claim in a timely and proper manner, you run the risk of voiding your coverage. If you do not carry insurance, you should immediately contact a local attorney to assist you in defending yourself. Although some companies state that they can help you with lawsuits, only an attorney can provide you with legal assistance. No other professional is specially qualified to perform that service. Finally, if you are given an opportunity to inspect the alleged material defects supporting a claim, you should always take that opportunity.
The conditions can be irreparably changed by repairs or changing conditions, and you need to preserve the evidence of those conditions so that you can defend yourself later if necessary.
“Every unfortunate event does not give rise to lawsuit.”
nspector.org/LogoDesign – Judge Mills Lane
(former boxing referee and professional boxer, two-term Wahoe County, Nevada, District Court Judge and television personality)
ASHI Print–On–Demand
• Create • Print • Save Time
Make an Impact Use your Free ASHI logo to print your marketing materials.
ASHIPrintOnDemand.com 46
ASHI Reporter • December 2018