ASHI
6.17
REPORTER Inspection News & Views from the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.
W Your hen H You i ealth Hits n the Heart P44
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Pardon the Cliché, but Let’s Reinvent the Wheel
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Inspecting a Home with New Replacement Windows
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“Score” a Win for Your Business
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Stucco Revisited DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS BY INSPECTING NEW HOMES P14
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Controlling Rafter Deflection: Knee Walls, Purlins and Collar Ties (as Braces)
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ASHI Reporter • June 2017
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6.17
REPORTER ASHI
June 2017
Vol. 34, #6
Features
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Inspecting a Home with New Replacement Windows Greg White, Greg White Consulting and Construction
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Diversify Your Business by Inspecting New Homes Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop
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“Score” a Win for Your Business
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Stucco Revisited
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ASHI Staff
David Tamny, ACI, ASHI Past-President 2010
Controlling Rafter Deflection: Knee Walls, Purlins and Collar Ties (as Braces) Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop
Departments
6 Being Frank Frank Lesh, ASHI Executive Director 7 Around the CoRner Hollis Brown, Speaker of the CoR 17 You Tell Us
Letters From Our Readers
ASHI Board Meeting Motions
Chapter News, Listing, and Education, New Inspector Status, Spotlight on the Great Lakes Chapter
Membership, Endorsed Member Programs & Anniversaries
Spotlight on Heidi Richards, H.R. Inspection Services
Hands-on Home Inspection Training
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2 Leviton.com/eol 5 healthyhomescheckup.com 9 allenins.com 11 ichomeonspectionsoftware.com 15 www.Swat-Radon.com 15 htoyh.com 19 NHIEStudyGuide.org 19 RTCA.com 21 TargetProIns.com 22 softconference.com/ashi 23 joeferry.com 25 InspectorProInsurance.com/ASHI 27 3dinspection.com US Inspect 27 bpgwi.com 38 InspectorAdvisor.com 40 TheASHISchool.com 40 884-268-2677 41 ASHI@sprint.com 43 ahomewarranty.com 45 AmericasCallCenter.com 45 wagnermeters.com 47 sunradon.com 48 HomeGauge.com/CRL
22 Report Out
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28 ASHI Community 34 Your ASHI
37 Herspective
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40 The ASHI School
42 Postcards From the Field
It’s Wacky Out There
44 On My Mind
By ASHI President, Howard Peglow
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ASHI National Officers and Board of Directors Educated. Tested. Verified. Certified.
A SH I M ISSIO N S TATEM ENT To set and promote standards for property inspections and to provide the educational programs needed to achieve excellence in the profession and to meet the needs of our members.
Officers Howard Pegelow, President Gilbert, AZ, 414-379-4186 hpegelow@yahoo.com
Donald Lovering, Sr., Treasurer Auburndale, MA, 617-928-1942 Stonehouse1@earthlink.net
Tim Buell, President-Elect Marysville, OH, 614-746-7485 tim.buell@gmail.com
Mike Wagner, Secretary Westfield, IN, 317-867-7688 mwagner@ralis.com
Scott Patterson, Vice President Spring Hill, TN, 615-302-1113 scott@traceinspections.com
Randy Sipe, Immediate Past-President Spring Hill, KS, 913-856-4515 randy@familyhomeinspections.com
Directors Bruce Barker 2015-2017 Cary, NC, 919-322-4491 bruce@dreamhomeconsultants.com
Bruce LaBell 2015-2017 Scottsdale, AZ, 602-765-2140 inspect@cox.net
Michael Conley 2017-2019 Anna Maria, FL, 941-778-2385 FLinspector@outlook.com
Reuben Saltzman 2017-2019 Maple Grove, MN, 952-915-6466 reuben@structuretech1.com
James J. Funkhouser 2017-2019 Manassas Park, VA, 703-791-2360 jfunkhousr@aol.com
Bob Sisson 2017-2019 Boyds MD, 301-208-8289 Office@inspectionsbybob.com
Bryck Guibor 2017-2019 Tucson, AZ, 520-795-5300 bryck@msn.com
Tony Smith 2015-2017 Cedar Rapids, IA, 319-533-4565 inspecthathouse@netscape.net
Ken Harrington 2015-2017 Delaware, OH, 614-507-1061 InspectorKen@kustomhi.com
Blaine Swan 2016-2018 Columbus, OH, 614-506-0647 goodeyeinspections@gmail.com
Richard Hart 2016-2018 Conyers, GA, 770-827-2200 Ashi1@comcast.net
John Wessling 2016-2018 St. Louis, MO, 314-520-1103 john@wesslinginspections.com
David Haught 2016-2018 Huntington, WV, 304-417-1247 inspector@wvchi.com
Speaker, Council of Representatives Hollis Brown, 2017-2018 Manassas, VA, 703-754-8872 Inspectors@ThoroSpec.com
Publisher: Frank Lesh Editor: Carol Dikelsky Art Director: Arlene Zapata, Designer: Kate Laurent American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. 932 Lee Street, Suite 101 Des Plaines, IL 60016
847-954-3186 Reporter calls only 847-299-2505 (fax) Reporter only Email: frankl@ashi.org Advertising: Dave Kogan Phone: 847-954-3187, Email: davek@ashi.org
ASHI STAFF Main Phone: 847-759-2820, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Mon. - Fri., CST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Frank Lesh, Executive Director, 847-954-3182, frankl@ashi.org Jen Gallegos, Executive Assistant and Project Coordinator 847-954-3177, jeng@ashi.org EDUCATION, CE APPROVAL, ASHI ONLINE LEARNING CENTER, INSPECTIONWORLD
Michele George, Director of Education & Events, 847-954-3188 micheleg@ashi.org MEMBERSHIP, CHAPTER RELATIONS, BOOTH RENTAL, PRODUCT ORDERS
Russell Daniels, Assistant Executive Director, Director Membership & Chapter Relations, 847-954-3185, russelld@ashi.org Janet George, Membership Services Supervisor, 847-954-3180 janetg@ashi.org George Herrera, Membership Services Assistant, 847-954-3196 georgeh@ashi.org Michael Krauszowski, Membership Relations Administrator 847-954-3175, Michaelk@ashi.org Mark Lester, Membership Services Coordinator, 847-954-3176 markl@ashi.org ACCOUNTING
Toni Fanizza, Accounting, Purchasing and 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, Director IT & Internet Communications 847-954-3189, miker@ashi.org COMMUNICATIONS
Dave Kogan, Director of Marketing & Business Development Advertising, Marketing, IW Expo Hall, Public Relations 847-954-3187, davek@ashi.org Arlene Zapata, Graphics Department Director & “ASHI Reporter” Managing Editor, 847-954-3186, arlenez@ashi.org Kate Laurent, Graphic Designer & Digital Strategist 847-954-3179, Katel@ashi.org Chris Karczewski, Social Media & Membership Relations Administrator, 847-954-3183, chrisk@ashi.org THE ASHI SCHOOL
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© 2017, 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 • June 2017
Bonnie Bruno, Manager, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3178 bonnie@theashischool.com Steve Reilly, Senior Sales Representative, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3181, steve@theashischool.com Michelle Santiago, Administrative Assistant 847-954-3198 Michelle@theashischool.com
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One Column, Two Topics: Or “Read One, Get One Free!” by Frank Lesh ASHI Executive Director
Topic 1: “How Do I…?” My office, which is referred to as “The Fishbowl,” faces the reception desk. We call it that because the window measures about 7 feet by 5 feet, and you can see right into it. One advantage to having such a big expanse of glass is that I can see most of what’s going on in the whole office. One disadvantage to that large window is that I have a hard time getting any undisturbed shuteye without someone seeing me. A mixed benefit of my office location is that I get to hear ASHI staff respond to a lot of callers who are looking for information. I say it’s a mixed benefit because, although it’s nice to hear how well ASHI staff serves our members, it can be frustrating to hear many of the same answers to the same questions every day. Here are some of the most frequent questions:
• How do I change my profile on the ASHI website? • How do I pay my dues? • How do I move up in the membership categories? • How do I use the Online Learning Center? • How do I download a logo? (See Page 13)
premier international educational conference and exhibition. In February’s Reporter, I shared some teasers about IW 2018 in Orlando, and since then, we’ve added some exciting new plans.
It bears repeating that IW will “go paperless” in Orlando. The IW app will give you everything you’ll need regarding scheduling, speakers, activities, sponsors, exhibitors, maps, attendees and FAQs. You’ll also use the app to give feedback about the educational sessions you attend—this feature will make it easier for attendees to offer comments and for staff to compile them. Back by popular demand, we’re going to feature a “live inspection.” Members of the Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI) and ASHI will do an onsite home inspection, and all of the action and discussion will be streamed live, directly into a classroom at the conference location. Attendees of the live inspection session will have the opportunity to ask questions while the inspection is being performed. Other inspectors, who will have already inspected the house in person, will moderate the process in the classroom. We featured live inspections at IWs in San Diego and Philadelphia, and received great reviews from attendees of the sessions. You won’t want to miss this opportunity in Orlando!
On some days, when the phones are ringing off the hook, the staff has to return some missed calls. Occasionally, this leads to a game of phone tag because, well, you have a business to run and we can’t expect that you’ll be sitting by your phone waiting for us to call you back. With this in mind, we’ve decided to produce a short video that will point members in the right direction on the ASHI website so that they can receive the information they need without waiting for a return call from ASHI HQ. We’ll also create a link to FAQs on the ASHI website. We think these improvements will help you easily access what you need, 24/7/365.
Topic 2: A Preview of IW ® in Orlando It’s hard to believe that we are only six short months away from the next InspectionWorld®, the home inspection profession’s
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ASHI Reporter • June 2017
Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, is the location for IW® 2018.
I hope everyone who hasn’t attended an IW in the past will make every effort to come to Orlando in January 2018. It is going to be another fantastic, one-of-a-kind event that will kick off the new year with gusto. H Frank Lesh, Executive Director American Society of Home Inspectors Direct: 847-954-3182 Frankl@ashi.org • www.ashi.org
Pardon the Cliché, but Let’s Reinvent the Wheel By Hollis Brown, Speaker of the Council of Representatives
H
Around the CoRner
From the Speaker of the CoR
ow often do we hear someone demean efforts to “reinvent the wheel”? When is the last time you did it yourself? “No reason to reinvent the wheel,” you say. But is that right? There’s no reason? None?
My observation is that several newbies have joined ASHI recently and they’re trying to tell us something. As Speaker of the Council of Representatives, it’s my job to listen to everyone!
Let’s think about inventing and reinventing the wheel for a minute. I imagine a dude dressed in animal skins, placing a heavy object on a log and pushing. The log rolls; the object moves. Wheel invented. Are we done?
I was listening recently when an experienced member of ASHI recounted the major efforts that went into attaining his membership back in the 1980s. Wow! ASHI set the bar high and for good reason. Having the requirement that members would be able to demonstrate competence added value to ASHI’s brand. In turn, our members’ high level of competence improved the profession. It also helped to protect homebuying consumers in the public at large. It instilled confidence in the profession. It facilitated ASHI’s mission. All of that value is something that’s worth protecting—but at what cost? Or is this even the right question?
Pretty soon, another person comes along and points out how much more efficient two wheels in combination might be if you just keep moving the rear wheel to the front. Then, between the two of them, they figure out that a third wheel would make it all work even better because, with a third wheel in the mix, you can keep the load off the ground as you move the rear wheel forward. A few millenia later, another free thinker realizes that she could just cut both ends off the wheel and replace the middle third with an axle, making the mechanism lighter, therefore requiring less effort to push it uphill. What comes next? Spokes to make it all weigh even less? Combine wood with steel for strength and durability? How about a steering mechanism? Turns out, this reinventing the wheel thing has been going on for a long time! It wasn’t until the late 19th century that John Dunlop patented the first pneumatic tire. Even now, we use wheels in new ways, including for launching and landing aircraft, and yet, we’re still going around trying to convince each other that “there’s no good reason to reinvent the wheel.” You can see where I’m headed with this, right? It seems that there might be some reasons to want to reinvent ASHI. I remember the pride with which my colleague Wade Elrod introduced me to the American Society of Home Inspectors back in 1997. Before I finished my first week working with him at HomeTech, Wade started encouraging me to join the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of ASHI. From everything he told me, I remember being so very confident of ASHI’s place in the profes-
sional world. Agents and journalists alike recognized ASHI as the standard bearer. And, as states began to implement licensing, they recognized the ASHI Standard of Practice as the best model for use in legislation. Even the federal government, through the U.S. Department of Housing of Urban Development, took its lead on developing protections for homebuyers from some of the foundations that were built by ASHI. The understanding in real estate offices nationwide was this: If you want a good home inspector, find an ASHI member because they are the best. But that was then. It’s not difficult to observe the routines we now see frequently on social media: new inspector joins an online group or forum and introduces himself or herself. “Hey, everybody! I just finished my entry-level training through such-and-such school, and I downloaded my license application from the state. What’s my next step? How do I get started? Any advice would be appreciated.” But how often do you think that rookie who posts on social media receives positive vibes from an enthusiastic ASHI member like what my friend Wade shared with me when I was starting in home inspection at 44 years old? I suspect not often—or at least, not often enough.
Much like those who’ve continued to reinvent the wheel, ASHI has been constantly reinventing itself for more than 40 years. Some changes have been difficult, even painful. Some even would argue that a few “reinventions” have been steps backward. But in my opinion, the overall trend has been positive:
ASHI is still not only the standard bearer, but also the standard setter, and this is the crux of the matter. New members join us because they recognize ASHI’s value. They, too, want to build on—or reinvent—the foundation that ASHI’s founders have established. So, as we set out to reinvent the wheel that is ASHI once again, I say let’s not forget to apply the brakes judiciously from time to time. But whatever we do, let’s make sure that we keep ASHI’s wheels round. Square wheels just don’t roll very well. H s
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Inspecting a Home with New Replacement Windows?
Inspecting a Home with New Replacement Windows? Be Sure to Take a Very Close Look By Greg White, Greg White Consulting and Construction, Huntsville, AR
I
n the spring of 2016, a homeowner contacted me to inspect a replacement window installation in her home and provide my professional opinion. She was dissatisfied with the installation, stating that her new vinyl window installations were being held together by “just a few screws and some caulking.” Windows and doors are the main penetrations in any building envelope system. As such, they usually are key contributors to water intrusion and invisible underlying structural damage in the home because the installations may have failed or may not have been installed incorrectly (that is, not “up to code”) in the first place. As a main facet of construction, window fenestrations are so important that the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), the International Residential Code (IRC), the International Building Code (IBC), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) all have regulations regarding their system designs and installations. However, the way in which people interpret these specifications can vary greatly. ASTM and AAMA are two organizations that determine the window industry standards, but they are not responsible for enforcing them. Enforcement is the responsibility of the local building official. Sometimes the lengthy proposed specifications end with a statement defining “approval” as follows: “Should the manufacturer’s installation instructions (provided with the product) conflict with the requirements of this practice, the manufacturer’s instruc8
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
tions shall prevail.” This type of general statement leaves one to wonder whether industry standards can be enforced legally and, if so, what recourse a homeowner would have if the window installations fail. To address my client’s situation, I looked up the manufacturer’s installation specifications for the new windows that she’d had installed, along with pertinent regulations from ASTM, AAMA, IBC and IRC. Here’s what I found: • Section R612.1 of the 2012 IRC requires that “windows and doors be installed in accordance with the fenestration manufacturers’ installation instructions and flashed in accordance with Section R703.8.” • Section 1405.4 of the 2012 IBC requires window openings to be flashed “in such a manner as to prevent moisture from entering the wall or to redirect it to the exterior.” • Section R703.8 of the 2012 IRC gives more specific provisions for the installation of flashing around the window. It requires that flashing be installed in shingle fashion, in such a manner as to prevent the entry of water into the wall cavity or penetration of water to the building structural framing components, and that the flashing is to extend to the surface of the exterior wall finish or to the water-resistive barrier for subsequent drainage. • Both the 2012 IECC and 2012 IRC require that replacement windows comply with the regulations. • Definition AC148 (IBC) defines flashing as follows: “1.3.1 Flashing: Sheet material, integrated with the water-resistive barrier that bridges and protects the joint (gap)
between the window or door frame members and the adjacent construction for the purpose of preventing water penetration by draining water away from the window or door.” I noticed that, unfortunately, very little emphasis is given to “non-flanged” windows, which are becoming the prevalent choice for vinyl window replacements. There are numerous flashing specifications regarding flanged windows (that is, the kind with nailing fins) to ensure that water intrusion will not occur after their installation, but little to no specifications are available when it comes to the non-flanged replacement windows that are not from the original manufacturer (for which, according to ASTM and AAMA, manufacturer’s specs take precedence). For the windows that my client had installed, the manufacturer’s specifications started with this statement: “Follow your local building codes, customs and building practices for additional installation requirements. The manufacturer will accept no responsibility for air or water leakage above, under or around the window unit. These instructions are general in nature.” The specifications also described a requirement to use four screws (one at each corner) for fastening. There was no guideline for any flashing at the perimeter or sill. There was, however, a note regarding spacing measurements, which this window exceeded. These are the types of “manufacturer specifications” that would take precedence over those established by the industry’s standard councils and committees that have been
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Inspecting a Home with New Replacement Windows?
authorized to set the standards for the interests of the owner or the purchaser, without enforcement. Home Inspectors Can Provide Clarity As home inspectors, we can be a great asset to our clients by applying extra focus on window types, life expectancies and installations. We also can point out potential ways that replacement windows could fail in our reports. For example, home inspectors should identify “sill pan flashing” installations—specifically, whether they exist or not. Having this type of flashing alone (assuming that it is installed properly) can ensure that water intrusion is directed to the exterior. Because purchasing and installing new windows is a tremendous expense, our clients will appreciate having our expertise and our ability to address their interests.
Sill pan flashings are additional added pieces of shop-manufactured metal, placed beneath window units (or doors) and structured with turned-up legs at the rear interior and sides, plus a turned-down leg at the exterior front, directing any water intrusion to the exterior of the building. Silicone sealant is added where needed at fastener penetrations and end damn interfaces for added prevention against water intrusion. Proper flashings can be identified by locating additional up-turned leg at the interior.
½-inch to ¾-inch space at the perimeter with silicone without using a backer rod to support the sealant and without adding any additional fasteners. Doing the Research on Window Installation and Pan Flashing Regulations To become more familiar with my client’s situation, I reviewed the regulations to become familiar with the following important points: • With the front flange turned down, the leg can be placed over the sheathing and the weather-resistive barrier, but more effectively, it can extend out and lap the exterior siding or veneer. The rear vertical leg (or back damn) is typically visible at the interior, extending past the back edge of the window frame. Installers often will replace end damns (side damns) with a bead of sealant that is not long-lasting, allowing water migration into wall cavities.
PHOTO 1: Window installation in progress.
The owner provided me with Photo 1, which she took when the windows were being installed. The installer used a reciprocating saw to cut around the window frame, separating the old window from the nailing fin, and from the substrate and the existing weather-resistive barrier and the flashing system. Then the installer set the new, non-flanged window on the raw framing of the opening and attached it with two screws: one placed at the upper left jamb and one placed in the head frame of the window, using small blocks of wood for spacers. The installer then “caulked” the 10
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
• ASTM E2112-07 defines pan flashing and recommends its use “under all windows and doors, except where wall construction details incorporating fenestration drainage systems are provided by the building designer, or where wall construction details are specifically provided by fenestration manufacturers’ installation instructions.” • 3.2.91 pan flashing, n—a type of flashing used at the base of a rough opening to divert incidental water to the exterior or to the exterior surface of a concealed WRB. Note: Pan flashings have upturned legs at the interior edge and at the ends of the rough opening to form a three-sided pan. They are intended to collect and drain water
toward the exterior, including water that may enter through the window unit (for example, between the jambs and sill) or around the window (between the rough opening and the fenestration). The pan flashing must be integrated with other flashings and the window assembly to capture water that may otherwise penetrate to the sill framing and allow it to freely drain to the exterior. The window, flashings and pan are to be sealed in a manner that reliably inhibits air and moisture flow to the interior. • 5 .16.3 Use of Pan Flashings—This practice recommends that pan flashings be used under all windows and doors, except in situations for which wall construction details incorporating fenestration drainage systems are provided by the building designer, or for which wall construction details are specifically provided by the fenestration manufacturers’ installation instructions. Where used, pan flashings shall be integrated with the wall’s weather-resistive barrier in shingle-lap fashion. The pan flashing shall be continuously sealed to the weather-resistive barrier. Note: Pan flashings may not be applicable for certain installations (for example, surface barrier systems, window receptors or pre-existing installations). •A STM defers to the manufacturer in case of conflict: 1.5. This practice provides minimum requirements that will help to accomplish the installation of fenestration products in an effective manner. Actual conditions in buildings vary greatly, and in some cases, substantial additional precautions may be required. In the event that the manufacturer’s installation instructions (provided with the product) conflict
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Inspecting a Home with New Replacement Windows?
PHOTO 2: Window sill-jamb interface.
with requirements of this practice, the manufacturer’s instructions shall prevail. This practice is not intended to limit or exclude other new procedures that may refine or further improve the effectiveness of the fenestration installation. Taking a Close Look at the Client’s Window Usually, by taking a close look at the window sill-jamb interface at the interior (photos 2-4), I will get some insight as to whether a sill pan flashing was installed. A properly installed sill pan flashing’s upturned leg should be visible at the bottom of the interior window frame and should be caulked to prevent water intrusion to the interior. When I took a close look at the replacement window in my client’s home, I noticed that it was set on the wood framing of the raw opening with a piece of wood trim placed against the window sill and then caulked where the wood met the vinyl frame. In other words, there was no sill flashing.
PHOTO 3: View of the siding trim.
As I inspected the outside of the window sill-jamb interface, I could see that the siding trim, both jamb and sill members, had been incorporated within the window installation. I performed an AAMA 511 sill
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ASHI Reporter • June 2017
damn water field test to see if either the sill or jamb interfaces leaked. Both the left and the right sides leaked water. Oftentimes, window-sensitive “welded” (or fastened and sealed with sealant or gasket) sill-jamb or head-jamb interfaces become damaged when products are shipped from the manufacturer to the window company or during delivery from the window company to the job site (or even during the installation itself).
PHOTO 4: No flashing installed.
A worker hired by the homeowner removed the window I was inspecting so that I could verify and document the poor attachment and lack of flashing. At removal, it was visible to me that no flashing had been incorporated with the install (nor did the manufacturer’s specifications require it). Water leaking at the sill-jamb interfaces, which was apparent from the results of the sill damn testing, easily entered the structural framed wall interior through a cracked sill that was damp and water-stained. This window installation depended entirely on the added, failing sealants to prevent water intrusion and, most likely, it would not have passed a wind load ICC spec test because it was held together with only two screws.
Sharing the Report with the Client It was apparent that water easily could enter the interior wall under these circumstances, which then would lead to structural damage, interior cosmetic damage to drywall and paint, plus possibly create a health hazard related to mold growth. This window installation relied on its sealant application, which was, at a minimum, lacking good adhesion properties and supportive backer rods. In addition, there was no apparent flashing integration between the weather-resistive barrier or the sill pan flashing installation. From everything I had learned about window installation, it seemed that the degree of fault for this failure that could be placed on the window company or the installer was marginal, because of the ordained committee and council regulations that refer back to the precedence of the manufacturer’s installation guidelines, which, in this case, obviously lacked the inclusion of industry standard requirements, leading to confusion about liability issues. I explained all of this to the homeowner, who was in disbelief and appalled at the lack of protection offered by the regulating agencies. Performing this inspection made it clear to me that I should look closely at all new replacement window installations in every home that I inspect. Also, this case confirmed my certainty that I should report all findings (good or bad) to the owner or prospective new owner to protect their interests and provide much-needed information regarding how to prevent potential water damage. As I reviewed information related to this case, I also uncovered this conclusion made by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the results of a study published in 2006: “The risk of water intrusion can be reduced by using durable pan flashing/sill protection products, in conjunction with other water management techniques. In addition, the first cost of pan flashing/sill protection installation is worthy of consideration given the potential costs of structural damage, mold growth, remediation work and litigation. An estimated average first cost for a home with 15 windows is $150 for materials and $175 for labor, for a total of $325, or $21.67 per window.”
> Because the expense is minimal for sill pan installation, it seems as though it should be incorporated into every window and door install specification. I also learned about a 2015 class action lawsuit brought by a group of homeowners against a window company in South Carolina. The plaintiffs’ experts alleged that the windows relied on other sealant materials in or over sill joints to prevent the intrusion of water—the resulting joints were incapable of preventing water intrusion over the long term. Because investigators found
Inspecting a Home with New Replacement Windows?
mold growth owing to water intrusion, the decision was made that the cumulative defects impaired the effectiveness and performance of the windows, rendering them unsuitable for the purposes for which they were sold and warranted. Replacement windows are expensive, averaging $450 to $1000 each, including labor and materials. This can easily add up to $10,000 to $25,000 for an average home, without adding the possibility of costs needed to address a health risk and its adverse effects, as well as the potential added expense of containment and removal.
Greg White began his career as a residential contractor for 15 years, then worked in commercial construction, which led him to become part of a specialized team of engineers who investigated and tested materials. He and his colleagues were at the forefront of the discovery of window design failures that affected exterior building envelopes and water intrusion. Their work in the field of water-testing methods eventually assisted in the development of guidelines acknowledging the need for adding sill pan flashings to specified window installation details. White resides in northwest Arkansas, where he works as a building envelope consultant, a certified commercial building inspector and a property condition assessor. Visit his website at www.gregwhiteconstruction.com/.
Sound Advice for Home Inspectors If you are not already placing extra focus on building envelope fenestrations (windows and doors, primarily), I hope that reading about this case will increase your awareness. By pointing out issues related to window installations, you can help save your clients money and build their confidence in your ability and expertise. Poor window and door installations mean water intrusion and, quite possibly, costly structural damage, as well as consequential health hazards related to mold growth in walls, interiors or both. In the consulting world, we have a saying, “There are only two kinds of windows—those that leak from the beginning or those that leak later.” Placing a simple sill pan flashing under windows and doors can make any installation complete. H
How do I download my ASHI logo? 1. Log in to the website www.ashi.org with your member number and password. 2. GO TO: Members-Only tab 3. GO TO: the Downloads and forms, then choose ASHI logos from the submenu. 4. MAKE SURE: you know where downloads go on your computer 5. LOCATE THE FILE(S): and move them to a folder where you can always find them.
13June 2017
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Diversify Your Business by Inspecting New Homes
Diversify Your Business by Inspecting New Homes By Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, www.carsondunlop.com, 800-268-7070
I
ncreasing the number of customers and clients involves the following strategies:
• finding new customers and clients • getting more people to refer clients to you • increasing the retention rate of your referral base • improving your sales techniques (increasing your conversion rate) • diversification (thinking outside of the box for new inspection opportunities) • other strategies
For this brief discussion, we’ll focus on diversification. Diversification falls under the general category of getting more customers. What’s an avenue in this category that’s a natural for home inspectors to explore? Brand-new homes.
We have found that inspecting a home before the warranty expires is one of the most interesting opportunities, from both a profitability and a “good fit” standpoint. Here are six reasons why it can be a winner for your business:
Inspecting new homes falls into the following three categories:
1. Th ere is some history to the home. It will have been through all the seasons and the homeowner will have operated all the fixtures. You can use some of your performance-based inspection savvy here; however, you still must be proficient in the codes.
• construction management and progress monitoring • inspecting a new home before the buyer takes possession • inspecting a new home before the builder’s warranty expires
2. Th e inspection can follow a quick, checklist-type format. 3. B ecause your client already owns the home, he or she will not be using your inspection report to make a buying decision.
All three of these categories of new home inspection require some knowledge and skills beyond the scope of what’s needed for a standard home inspection. Inspecting a new home is very different from inspecting a home that is being resold. The main difference is that inspectors use a performance-based inspection strategy for homes being resold, and they must primarily use applicable codes to inspect new homes.
4. No real estate agents are involved.
A performance-based inspection means you are looking for evidence of nonperformance. In other words, you are looking for things that don’t work. You should have some knowledge of both codes and construction; this background may help you predict nonperformance down the road or point out issues of safety concern, such as a reverse polarity outlet. A new home does not have any history. You cannot evaluate its performance. All you have to go on are the written codes (to which you’ll refer) and your understanding of construction errors that could lead to nonperformance. 14
Because of this basic distinction from the inspection of older homes, completing an inspection and a report for a new home can be very different from what you are used to doing. For example, in an inspection of a brand-new home, you are not likely to run across a worn-out roof surface, but you are likely to see a roof or a wall flashing that was not done properly. You must “know your codes” so that you can cite appropriate references for your findings. Remember, you will be up against the builder!
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
5. Y ou can seek out this business opportunity rather than wait for a referral. In fact, you can aggressively pursue this line of business in the slow periods of the year and you can ignore it during your busy seasons. It’s kind of like a faucet that you can turn on and off. 6. The inspection is not urgently time-sensitive. It can be done at any time over a period of several weeks. (Note: Reasons 2 through 5 apply to all three types of new-home inspections.) At Carson Dunlop, we solicit this type of business in two ways: •W e supply a geographic area to a list broker and the list broker sends us (on a monthly basis) a mailing list of people who live in homes that are 10 months old. •W e mail a flyer, which lists compelling reasons to have us inspect the home before the warranty expires, to each homeowner on the list.
We’ve found this strategy to be successful—it’s a natural extension of what we already do. Offering commercial inspections is another opportunity for diversification. Again, these types of inspections require the use of different skill sets and reporting systems than traditional home inspections.
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We hope this discussion of diversification has given you food for thought and broadened your viewpoint. The key is to think outside of the confines of the standard home inspection. These suggestions point to just one broad example among many methods. H
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262-303-4884 15June 2017
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Score a Win for Your Business
“Score” a Win for Your Business Offering energy information to clients can mean higher sales, happier customers By ASHI Staff
Scores because inspectors have an unmatched position of trust and expertise among their clients, and their business models are open to adding services that cater to the particular needs of a specific home or a specific homebuyer. And although home inspectors as a group may have not delivered many of the Home Energy Scores that are currently on the books, ASHI members can now catch recent updates to the program may change the Home Energy Score wave that trend in a big way. A small group of Many ASHI home inspectors are familiar ASHI member volunteers hs been hard at with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) work in recent months, helping the DOE Home Energy Score program, and those develop a new approach to training and who keep an eye on the housing market have supporting home inspectors that will allow noticed its dramatic growth in the past year ASHI members to get on board as Home or so. Started in 2012, the Home Energy Energy Score Assessors in a more streamScore program was created to offer low-cost, lined and convenient way than ever before. easy-to-understand information for homeowners and homebuyers interested in their Is becoming a Home Energy Score home’s energy performance and in ways to Assessor the right choice for you? improve its energy efficiency, comfort and ASHI inspectors understand that offering resale value. the right kinds of ancillary services can be a real boon to their bottom line and to their It took a few years to really get the Home company’s reputation. Every business is difEnergy Score program out of the gate, but ferent, but here are some solid reasons that now more than 60,000 homes across the becoming a Home Energy Score Assessor country have been scored and those scores are might fit into the “right” category for your featured in hundreds of new “green” MLS business: listings. Current trends point toward strong • Your clients want it: Homebuyers want to growth for this service in the near future. know whether they’re looking at an energy Interestingly, since the program’s earliest hog of a house and a Home Energy Score days, home inspectors have been seen as gives them a simple, credible and affordthe best-suited providers for Home Energy 16
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
able look at how one home compares with others, including pointing out the implications for their monthly budget. They want to be “smart” and that means knowing what they’re buying. •S avvy real estate agents want it: Forward-thinking agents recognize that buyers are more likely to buy—and to buy sooner and for more money—when they’re not kept in the dark about what to expect from their monthly bills or about how they can best improve their new home. • Th e trends are aligning: In just the last year, major financial institutions (for example, Fannie/Freddie, FHA, PACE financing, among others) have recognized the value of the Home Energy Score and have aligned their programs to give a break to buyers of more efficient homes and investors who want to make energy improvements. Some cities have adopted the Score as a means of providing critical information to homebuyers at the point of sale. And demographic shifts among homebuyers are trending in such a way that means energy efficiency is a greater factor than ever in the homebuying process. •Y ou’re already doing most of the work… now you can charge for it: Home inspectors who are offering the Score report that gathering the necessary information and entering it into the DOE web tool takes about 30 extra minutes and sometimes less. Although we can’t recommend how much to charge, many inspectors are receiving an average of $100 to $150 f or the service. •Y our competition isn’t doing it yet: In most markets across the country, getting
into the program now will place you among a very small circle of home inspectors who are using the highly credible Home Energy Score Assessor logo from the DOE. Early adopters will benefit from exclusivity in their markets until the rest of the field catches up. How do you become a Home Energy Score Assessor? ASHI members are currently the only inspectors in the country who have access to the newly announced onboarding, training and compliance service, and ASHI is proud to have been part of making this solution available to our members in an affordable, convenient way. Training: Plugging into the DOE’s Simulated Training Tool (the “Sim”) is a no-cost process for ASHI members and ASHI staff can help you set it up. You can tackle this video-game–style training at your own pace or you can work with a partner organization for assistance. After you pass the training section (some trainees breeze through it in a day and others spread it out over a couple weeks), ASHI will connect you with a partner organization that will guide you through your early jobs and will offer support with other aspects of incorporating the Home Energy Score into your business. Ongoing Support: The Home Energy Score team at DOE has developed a broad collection of marketing materials to help inspectors close sales at higher rates by using the Score. The DOE makes it easy to incorporate the Home Energy Score logo into online marketing campaigns, web pages and social media. They’ve also developed new presentations for the real estate industry that ASHI members can use to build that critical network and to remind clients that they’re working with a true industry professional. ASHI will be highlighting its new partnership with the DOE and the Home Energy Score regularly in the Reporter, as well as online and in other member communications so that you have a clear picture of how the Score can help your business. In the meantime, please contact Michelle Santiago at michelle@theashischool.com (or assessor@csra.com) to get started! H
We Get Letters We welcome your ideas and thoughts about topics that home inspectors are talking about. If you have ideas for future articles, podcasts or newsworthy inspection findings that you’d like to share with the readers of the Reporter, please email arlenez@ashi.com. Reporting on Painted Knob-and-Tube Wiring I read with interest the article “Knob-andTube Wiring: A Revisit” by Alan Carson in the February issue of the Reporter, and it prompted me to share some of the issues that I’ve experienced when reporting on knob-andtube wiring, particularly wiring that has been painted or placed with insulation. I’ve often found this painted knob-and-tube wiring in basements, in places where the joists and floor sheathing are exposed. Here are some photos I’ve taken during recent inspections (at three different homes), along with my notes about how I reported on the issues:
Photo 1. Wiring being insulated Photo 1: In my written report for this home inspection, I described the condition and potential hazards of this situation in which wire is being insulated.
Photo 2. Painted knob-and-tube wiring. Photo2: It seems that the homeowners who decided to spray paint these basement joists were hoping to “brighten up” the basement. In the process, they painted over the wiring. The cloth insulation hardens from the paint, making it brittle and prone to cracking, which creates exposed, bare wire—a potential safety hazard. Photo 3. Vertical view of a spliced wire. Photo 3: This vertical view of knoband-tube wiring shows a splice. Painted, spliced, bare wire weakens the contact, creating the potential to heat up and also creating a short, which again creates a potential safety hazard. Incidentally, part of the ceiling was not visible because it was covered with gypsum board and this was noted in the report.
Summary: One important thing I’ve learned while reporting on painted knob-and-tube wiring is this: As a home inspector, I must be confident in my own reporting and willing to defend my descriptions of findings. I mention this because two electricians have challenged my reporting of potential hazards related to knob-and-tube wiring, citing that there is nowhere in the National Electric Code that states Second, I pointed out the charred sheathing that knob-and-tube wiring cannot be painted above the light fixture, noting that I don’t or that painted wiring presents a hazard. Inciknow how or when that happened, or if the dentally, both electricians were contracted by cause of the fire was ever fixed prior to my the seller. Attempts also were made to pit me inspection. I explained that there would be an against another inspector (and that person’s increased chance that the wiring could heat findings) when the home was purchased by up in a location like this one, in which there the seller. is resistance (that is, a lamp and fixture) or a splice, especially when wiring has been paint- When these challenges come up, we remind ed or, in this case, painted over with plaster or ourselves that we are performing a visual a topping compound. examination of the condition of the property based on our Standard of Practice, combined I recommended that my client hire a licensed with our experience and base of knowledge. electrician to examine this situation and make all the necessary repairs to ensure the safety Brian Giallombardo of the wiring. ASHI Certified Home Inspector Highland Heights, OH email heartlandquality@roadrunner.com H First, I explained to the client that knob-andtube wiring should not be buried in plaster. Plaster acts as an insulator and because insulation does not allow for free movement of air, there is an increased risk that the wire will overheat. This creates a potential safety or fire hazard.
17June 2017
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Stucco Revisited
Stucco Revisited By David Tamny, ACI, ASHI Past-President 2010
Publisher’s Note: We’ve published articles about the topic of stucco in the Reporter in the recent past, but this one, written by ASHI Past. President David Tamny, offers a unique perspective and technique that sets it apart.
T
he problems with exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) have been well documented for years. Now we know that traditional three-coat plaster stucco, onecoat stucco and cultured stone systems all have had similar problems. I used to believe that traditional three-coat stucco systems were immune from these issues, but I’ve learned through experience that this is not the case. The problem for home inspectors is that many problematic conditions are not readily discernable by visual inspection, and I would contend that it can be hard to determine the extent of these problems by using most of the noninvasive or minimally invasive methods available to inspectors.
A stucco cladding system depends on each of its component parts, which often are installed by specialists from different trades, to work together to drain water. Water, whether in the form of liquid or vapor, can be extremely destructive to homes if it is not allowed to discharge from the building envelope. Opinions about whether the exterior cladding should function as a barrier or as a rain screen have changed over time. Building scientists, such as Joe Lstiburek of the Building Science Corporation, advocate for the rain screen, which allows water entering the system to drain out. The rationale is that barriers will fail and water eventually will penetrate the building envelope. If water doesn’t have an exit path, it will cause 18
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
damage. Although sealants have a role to play, caulking the house is rarely the solution when it comes to stucco problems, but this is the most common recommendation from stucco contractors and those seeking low-cost solutions. For home inspectors who want to understand more about moisture and buildings, Joe Lstiburek’s work is mandatory reading (visit https://buildingscience.com/ for more information). Infrared Images Because window flashings and water-resistive barriers are not visible after the house has been completed, the inspector cannot verify whether flashings have been properly installed. The infrared camera has been promoted as an almost magical device that can help inspectors discover all manner of problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye. My experience using infrared cameras to discover conditions hidden within the wall cavity has shown me that it is a haphazard option at best. The infrared camera photographs an image that depicts the surface temperature of the wall. The theory is that evaporative cooling will cause wet surfaces to appear cooler than dry surfaces; however, objects can appear cooler for many reasons that often are unrelated to water damage. If the surface is wet enough to show up as a cool surface in an image taken by an infrared camera, the surface is also probably wet to the touch or visibly wet to the naked eye. Mold and rot, on the other hand, may be concealed within a wall cavity and may not be detectable in infrared images at all. The notion of using a method that can find problems deep within a wall cavity without having to destructively open the wall is appealing because you don’t have to damage the interior or exterior to determine if water intrusion has occurred. However, I would
Photo 1. The removal of cabinets and drywall at the exterior wall revealed water damage.
never communicate to a buyer, who is relying on my opinion to decide whether to buy a home, that the home does not have hidden damage on the basis of infrared images alone. Invasive Testing A major hurdle to overcome when inspecting a home with stucco is obtaining permission from the seller to do invasive testing. Even if testing is only minimally invasive, it can be very difficult to repair the test areas to make them look exactly as they did before the test. Also, the seller may not want to know whether there is damage. If a prospective buyer decides not to buy the house and the seller knows that the house has stucco problems, the seller must disclose that information to the next prospective buyer or possibly spend tens of thousands of dollars to make repairs. There is little incentive, from the seller’s perspective, to allow invasive testing. Moisture Mapping Many inspectors use a testing methodology that had its beginnings in the EIFS failures of the 1980s. In addition to conducting a visual inspection of the critical details to ensure conformance to industry standards, the inspector could use the method of moisture mapping to determine whether there is damage behind the cladding. Moisture mapping involves taking specific moisture content readings of the wood sheathing at control locations and in areas where damage is suspected, such as beneath windows and at roof-wall connections. Then, the inspector maps the façade to show areas of probable damage. The following case study, however, calls into question whether moisture mapping is sufficient to determine whether there is hidden damage.
> Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors
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The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) is devel oped and maintained by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI). This board has received many requests over the years for a study guide to assist those taking the NHIE. This manual, and the associated NHIE Study Guide, were developed to address this need.
The NHIE Home Inspection Manual addresses the technical aspects of the NHIE. This NHIE Study Guide addresses the non-technical aspects. Many come to the home inspection profession as a second or a third career, and may not have taken a professional entrance exam for many years, if ever. This study guide helps to familiarize the candidate with the examination itself, and with the associated administrative procedures. It also includes helpful insights into the types of questions the exam contains, and techniques for success.
This NHIE Home Inspection Manual is based on the most recent Role Delineation Study (RDS). This study surveys thousands of home inspectors in order to determine the services they provide, and the components they inspect. The questions in the NHIE are derived directly from this survey, Exam Administration and constitute the knowledge base for an entry level home inspector. This manual is the Content first of its kind to follow this Exam Outline format. It also informs the candidate about the knowledge base behind the current examination questions, and proHow to Take an Exam vides a technical reference for the experienced home inspector. $98.50
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A Case Study Recently, a buyer who was entering a contract to purchase a home consulted me for advice. The buyer had already received the results of a home inspection and the inspection report did not list any suspected stucco problems. The home had three-coat traditional Portland cement plaster stucco on wire lath, a single layer of 15# felt paper, functioning as the water-resistant barrier, and OSB sheathing. The home was constructed by a major homebuilder in 1999 and it met the building codes at the time. With the seller’s permission, the buyers decided to begin kitchen renovations before closing on the house.
Stucco Revisited
NHIE Home Inspection Manual Components and Systems Typical Defects Maintenance and Safety Issues Industry Standards References 100 Review Questions HomeInspectionExam.org
The NHIE Study Guide and the NHIE Home Inspection Manual together contain over 750 pages of technical and administrative information and are produced by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors. They will benefit the exam candidate along with being a great technical reference for the experienced home inspector.
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www.NHIEStudyGuide.org Photo 2. Exterior of the home
Photos 1 and 2 show what the interior and the exterior of the home looked like at the location where the kitchen cabinets and drywall had been removed. It’s easy to see why a home inspector who performed a visual inspection of the exterior of this home would not report that the cladding was defective. The stucco was free of stains and cracks, both of which can indicate water intrusion. When I visited the home, the stucco contractors were on site and ready to make the repairs to which the seller had agreed. The buyers wanted me to determine whether the planned repairs were sufficient and whether there was additional water damage. The seller had not given permission to conduct additional invasive tests and the closing of the home sale was scheduled for the next day.
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>
Stucco Revisited
Photo 3. Exterior sheathing after removal of stucco
Photo 3 shows what the exterior sheathing looked like after the stucco was removed. It was apparent, by direct observation, that the windows were not flashed properly. The original builder had installed the windows and trim around the windows without placing flashings before installing the stucco. The felt-paper, water-resistive barrier terminated below the trim and the barrier did not extend beneath the window nailing flange, as is now the proper practice. Water was collecting along the window frame, running behind the trim and entering behind the water-resistive barrier beneath the window. The damage began at the line at which the felt paper terminated.
Photo 4. Moisture testing.
I tested the moisture content of the damaged wood and found it to be an acceptable 10.8% wood-moisture equivalent (WME) (Photo 4). The stucco had been removed just minutes before I did this testing, so the wood did not have an opportunity to dry out. My point is that if no one knew there 20
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
was a problem and had drilled holes into the stucco to allow for the insertion of moisture meter probes, an inspector could have concluded incorrectly that there was no problem. At this location, the wood was firm, although clearly damaged by water. The buyers’ question about this home was whether other locations also had damage. The stucco contractor, believing that stucco is a barrier system, thought that the damage was limited to this one area because the wood trim was tight at the other windows and he didn’t see any gaps that would allow water infiltration. I disagreed, based on the assumption that the original contractor would have installed all of the windows similarly and, therefore, all of these areas could have problems. Unfortunately, this was a question that we could not answer adequately through moisture mapping unless the weather conditions had been such that the sheathing was wet or soft enough that we could detect damage by probing. In this case, it had rained approximately 1 inch during the week before this site visit. The sheathing obviously had been damaged by chronic water infiltration, but had dried sufficiently to avoid detection with moisture meters. It was not soft enough at all areas to be obvious when probing, although in this case, the area under the right side of the window was rotted enough to be detected by probing.
Photo 5. Damage at upper story window level
The upper story window had damage as well, but the area was not rotted sufficiently to be detected by probing and it was not wet (Photo 5). This is an example of why inspectors should choose carefully where to insert moisture probes, because conceivably, you could miss detecting significant damage by inches. In lieu of cutting more stucco at every location of potential damage, a contractor could remove the drywall under each window on the interior of the home so that an inspector could assess for mold and damage within the wall cavity. Drywall removal is an invasive technique, but it is far less costly
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21June 2017 • www.ASHIReporter.org 21 © 2017 Target Professional Programs is a division of and operates under the licenses of CRC Insurance Services, Inc., CRC Insurance Services of CA, Lic No 0778135. No claim to any government works or material copyrighted by third parties. Nothing in this communication constitutes an offer, inducement, or contract of insurance. Financial strength and size ratings
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Stucco Revisited
to repair and match drywall than it is to remove and replace stucco. I have found this strategy to be a straightforward way to determine quickly whether OSB sheathing has rotted. You also can determine whether there are problems related to condensation, which could be the case if the original contractor used older, polyethylene vapor barriers. Complications and Costs These are complicated issues for home inspectors. If a home inspector recommends performing costly, invasive inspections on every home that has stucco, that inspector will not be very popular, to say the least. But on the other hand, what inspector wants to have a client who later discovers
REPORT OUT ASHI BOARD MEETING APRIL 22, 2017
extensive damage they “missed” during the inspection? Moisture mapping by probing the sheathing at vulnerable locations is probably one of the best methods to determine whether there is damage and this is the accepted standard for stucco testing. My point, however, is that this method is hardly foolproof and, as an example, the cost for the repairs to the limited area in the kitchen described in this case study was $12,000. The full cost of all of the repairs has yet to be determined.
Motion: Approve publishing the proposed draft Standard of Professional Practice for Radon Mitigation Systems Inspections of public and member comment. PASSED Motion: To accept the proposal for the database and forum upgrades. PASSED
Motion: Offer recommendations to the board with respect to managing, reducing or eliminating financial conflicts of interest; and other duties that have been or as may be assigned by the Board or President. (adding the words “or President” to section 5.1A7 of the policies and procedures) PASSED
The next ASHI Board Meeting is July 21-22, 2017, in Des Plaines, IL (ASHI Headquarters). All members are welcome to attend.
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
ASHI ONLINE LEARNING CENTER?
David Tamny is an ASHI Certified Inspector and owner of Professional Property Inspection Consultants (http://www.worryfreeinspections. com/) in Columbus, OH. Tamny, a registered architect, was ASHI President in 2010. He has been performing home and commercial inspections since 1992. H
Motion: The ASHI Board acknowledges and accepts the arrangement in which AEI/The ASHI School will pay off the debt to from beginning June 1st, 2017. PASSED
22
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23June 2017
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Controlling Rafter Deflection: Knee Walls, Purlins and Collar Ties (as Braces)
Controlling Rafter Deflection: Knee Walls, Purlins and Collar Ties (as Braces) By Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, www.carsondunlop.com, 800-268-7070
T
he implications of having deflecting (sagging) rafters may be simply cosmetic or may lead to a roof collapse. In some cases, the roof moves to a given position and is stabilized, perhaps by intermediate supports. Although the roof continues to show deflection, it may be quite stable.
Knee walls also may support interior finishes and insulation. These walls also are called dwarf walls, struts or strongbacks. They are the same as conventional 2x4 stud walls elsewhere in the house.
Inspectors should look for a “dishing” in the roof surface. This is easiest to see when looking along the plane of the roof surface. Be careful not to confuse sagging sheathing with rafter deflection. Sagging sheathing is a repetitive pattern between rafters, whereas sagging rafters will be visible on a large scale across the roof surface. Keep in mind that you cannot draw conclusions by only looking at the roof from the outside. With the addition of intermediate supports, knee walls, purlins and collar ties (braces), the effective rafter span can be reduced, stiffening the framing and controlling rafter deflection. Methods of Reducing Rafter Spans A well-constructed roof will not show visible deflection. When you identify rafter deflection, look for evidence that corrective action has been taken. If you do not see evidence of corrective measures, you can recommend improvements, but without writing specifications. Here are some common solutions that help prevent rafter deflection; these may be part of original construction or retrofits to control a problem.
Vertical knee wall with living space on interior
There is a top plate, studs and a bottom plate. Knee walls may be vertical or up to 45° off vertical. If they are offset, they often are called struts or stongbacks.
Knee walls and purlins. Knee walls reduce the rafter span and prevent rafter deflection. They carry the dead loads from the rafters, sheathing and roof covering down to the soil through walls, floors, foundations and footing systems. They also carry the live loads from wind, snow, water, equipment, foot traffic and so on.
Angled knee wall (photo courtesy of James Dobney Inspections via the “Insight by Carson Dunlop” app)
Knee walls
24
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
25June 2017
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>
Controlling Rafter Deflection: Knee Walls, Purlins and Collar Ties (as Braces)
When studs line up with the rafters they are supporting, there is often a single top plate. Think of knee walls as small bearing walls that support rafters.
span to prevent rafter uplift under wind forces, collar ties installed at the midpoint of the rafter span can act as compression members to control rafter sag.
Typically, purlins are 2x4s or 2x6s. The purlin should be the same size as the rafter, at least. Think of purlins as small beams that run under the midpoint of all the rafters.
Collar ties as braces
Purlins
Purlins are supported by 2x4 posts or struts. If the purlins are 2x4s, the posts usually are spaced every 4 feet. If the purlins are 2x6s, the posts usually are installed every 6 feet. If the posts are longer than 8 feet, they should be braced to prevent buckling. Purlin posts also can be up to 45° off vertical.
To effectively reduce the spans of the rafters, collar ties (braces) run horizontally across the mid-height of attics and are typically 2x4s. They are primarily compression members that carry the live and dead loads that rafters receive. They are being squeezed, rather than pulled, from each end. The advantage of collar ties over knee walls or purlins is that, often, they are less expensive to install and do not require a bearing wall below. Ideally, collar ties are placed halfway along the rafter span. You get the most benefit by making the rafter spans equal on either side of the collar tie. If the collar tie is close to the peak, the span of the rafter below the collar tie is much longer than the rafter span above the collar tie. This means that the long rafter span on the lower section still might deflect under load. Similarly, putting the collar ties close to the bottom leaves a long rafter span from the peak down to the collar tie.
Purlin and posts (photo courtesy of Vango Inspections via the “Insight by Carson Dunlop” app).
Knee walls and struts ideally rest on bearing walls. Sometimes they bear close to, but not directly on, bearing walls. In situations where the walls or posts rest on joists, the joists should be the next size larger than they otherwise would be. The concentrated loads exerted by knee walls or purlins and posts may cause sagging and cracking of ceilings below. When dealing with house structures, think vertically. Follow loads up or down through the house from one floor to the next. Often, the reward is a very clear explanation of a pattern of movement, cracks or both that has puzzled others. Collar ties as braces (a Canadian solution). Unlike the traditional (US) collar ties that are mounted in the upper third of the rafter 26
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
Collar ties installed at the middle of rafters to prevent sag.
A collar tie can perform the same task as a knee wall or a purlin. It keeps rafters from sagging. The collar tie uses the opposing rafters to prevent sagging, whereas purlins and knee walls use the bearing walls or ceiling joists below to resist rafter sag.
Continues on page 36
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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 The Crowne Plaza, Reading David Artigliere, 610-220-1907 artihi@gmail.com
Ohio
www.ohioashi.com Howard Snyder, 330-929-5239 ohashi@neo.rr.com
North Central Ohio
www.ncohioashi.com William Stone, 216-308-9663 wstonehomeinspection@gmail.com
Pocono-Lehigh (PA)
www.pocono-lehighashi.org Third Tuesday, Tannersville Inn, Tannersville Ronald Crescente, 570-646-7546 amerispec@pa.metrocast.net
PRO-ASHI (PA)
www.proashi.com Second Wednesday of Jan., March, May, July & Nov. 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 Peter Muehlbronner, 215-852-7319, peter@ahiconsulting.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 carol@greatinspectors.com
Greater Omaha (NE)
www.ashiomaha.com Jon Vacha, 402-660-6935 jon@hsinspections.com
Heartland (IA, MN, ND, SD, WI) www.ashiheartland.org Reuben Saltzman, 612-205-5600 reuben@ashiheartland.org
Indiana ASHI
www.inashi.com Quarterly Danny Maynard, 317-319-7209 danny@inspectinc.net
Iowa ASHI
www.iowaashichapter.org Fourth Tuesday, 7:00 - 9:00 pm Clarion Inn, Cedar Rapids Craig Chmelicek, 319-389-7379 elitehomeandradon@gmail.com
Kentuckiana (IN, KY)
www.ashikentuckiana.org Allan Davis, 502-648-9294 elitehomeinspections@ insightbb.com
Mid-Missouri
www.midmoashi.com Second Thursday, 12:00 pm, even months of the year; Columbia Board of Realtors office: 2309 I-70 Drive NW, Columbia, MO Mark Kelsey, 573-356-5305 mark@ inspectcolumbia.com
Northern Illinois
www.nicashi.com Second Wednesday (except Dec.) 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm Crazypour, 105 E. North Ave., Villa Park, IL Jeremy Meek, 630-854-2454 jeremy@discoveryinspector.com
OHIO SOUTH ASHI Meeting: Last Sat. every month, noon @ Frickers, North College Hill, Ohio, P.O. Box 532197 Cincinnati, Ohio 45252 Chris Green, 513-939-4036 Email president@ohsoashi.com
SOUTH MIDWEST
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 LePeep’s Restaurant (Jan., March, May, July, Sept.) located at I-25 and Jefferson in Albuquerque. Meeting starts at 8:45am-Breakfast starts at 8am. Lance Ellis, 505-977-3915 lellis@amerispec.net
Northern Rockies (ID, MT)
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) Ray Fonos, 412-461-8273 rfonos@hometeam.com
St. Louis (MO)
www.stlashi.org Second Tuesday, 6:30 pm 4355 Westhampton Place Ct. Frank Copanas, 314-456-0783 Acropolis-inspection@live.com
www.creia.org/orange-countychapter 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 Jay Hensley, 503-312-2105 jay@carsonconstruction.com
San Diego CREIA-ASHI
Rocky Mountain
San Joaquin Valley (CA)
Fourth Tuesday, 6:30 pm Brian Murphy, 303-791-7824 brian@murphyinspection.com
Southern Colorado
www.ashi-southerncolorado.org Second Thursday, 6:30 pm Valley Hi Golf Club, Colo. Springs Daniel Noteboom, 719-332-9660 Dan@KeyInspectionServices.net
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
ASHI Hawaii
www.ashihawaii.com Alex Woodbury, 808-322-5174 Woodburya001@hawaii.rr.com
Third Tuesday, 6 pm Rice Bowl, 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 Skip Walker, 650-873-4224 homeinspection@sanbrunocable.com
Southwestern Idaho Second Monday David Reish, 208-941-5760 dave@antheminspections.com
Los Angeles-Greater San Gabriel Valley Second Tuesday, 6 pm Old Spaghetti Factory, Duarte Larry Habben, 714-685-0321 habbenshome@earthlink.net
Los Angeles-Ventura County ASHI-CREIA First Thursday, 5 pm Holiday Inn, Woodland Hills Bob Guyer, 805-501-0733 guyerinspections@roadrunner.com
South Bay (CA)
Randy Pierson, 310-265-0833 randy@southbayinspector.com
Webinar meetings Randy Pierson, 310-265-0833 randy@southbayinspector.com
Central Valley CREIA-ASHI
Western Washington
California
Peter Boyd, 530-673-5800 Boyd.p@comcast.net www.ggashi.com John Fryer, 510-682-4908 johnfryer@gmail.com
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
Orange County CREIA-ASHI (CA)
First Tuesday each month Elijah’s Restaurant 7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard San Diego, CA 92111 Dennis Parra II, 619-232-1100
Golden Gate (CA)
28
Chris Munro, 208-290-2472 chris@peakinspections.net
Steve Jenicek, 406-949-6461 Steve@taskmasterinspections.com Secretary: Kelly Campeau 877-749-2225 Kelly@inspectormt.com
Arkansas Lonnie Moore, 479-530-5792 mhinsp@cox.net
Inland Northwest (ID, WA)
www.ashiww.com Chapter Meetings held at chapter seminars in March and September 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)
www.ashinewengland.org Fourth Thursday, 5 pm The Lantana, Randoph, MA Michael Atwell, 617-630-5629 mike@jmhi.com
Northern New England (NNEC) (ME, MA, NH, VT)
www. ashi-nnec.org third Thursday of January, April, June and September Tim Rooney, 603-770-0444 homeviewnh@comcast.net nnec.ashi.2016@gmail.com
Southern New England (CT) www.snecashi.org First Tuesdays, 6:30 pm Billy T’s, 150 Sebethe Dr. Cromwell, CT Richard W. Hall, 860-281-4238 rhall@usinspect.com
NEW YORK/JERSEY/ DELAWARE Capitol Region (NY)
www.goashi.com Third Thursday, 7 pm, Doratos Steakhouse and Pub, Guilderland Robert Davis, 518-885-7949 rdavis@home-inspection.com
Central New York
www.cnyashi.com Second Wednesday, 6 pm, Tony’s Family Restaurant, Syracuse Peter Apgar, 315-278-3143 peter@craftsmanhomeinspection. net
First State (DE)
www.firststateashi.org Third Wednesday, 7 pm The Buzz Ware Center 2121 The Highway, Arden Mark Desmond, 302-494-1294 mark@delvalleyhome.com
Garden State (NJ)
Hudson Valley (NY)
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
Long Island (NY)
Piedmont ASHI (VA)
www.liashi.com Third Monday, 6 pm, Domenico’s Restaurant, Levittown Steven Rosenbaum 516-361-0658 inspector@optonline.net
New York Metro
www.nyashi.com Last Thursday, 5pm Travelers Rest 25 Saw Mill River Road Ossining, NY 10562 Chris Long, 914-260-8571 pres@nyashi.com
Southern New Jersey (NJ) www.southernnjashi.com Third Wednesday, 6:30 pm Ramada Inn, Bordentown Rick Lobley, 609-208-9798 rick@doublecheckhi.com
Western New York Second Thursday, 6:30 pm Tony Rome’s, West Seneca Andy Utnik, 716-636-9676 esimail@aol.com
MID-ATLANTIC Central Virginia
www.cvashi.org Second Tuesday, 6:30 pm Keegan’s Irish Pub 2251 Old Brick Road Glen Allen, VA 23060 John Cranor 804-873-8537 cranorinspectionservices @gmail.com
Greater Baltimore (MD)
www.greaterbaltimoreashi.org Third Thursday except July & Aug., 6:30 pm dinner, 7:00 pm speaker Maritime Institute Conference Center 5700 N. Hammonds Ferry Rd. Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 Andy Bauer, abauer@bpgwi.com
www.gardenstateashi.com Second Thursday, The Westwood, Garwood Bret Kaufmann, 973-377-4747 bretkaufmann@optonline.net
Hampton Roads (VA)
Greater Rochester (NY)
MAC-ASHI (MD, VA)
www.ashirochester.com Second Tuesday, 6 pm, Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, Irondequoit John White, 585-431-0067 john@iihomeinspections.com
NOVA-ASHI (MD, VA)
Second Tuesday, 6 pm Daddy O’s Restaurant, 3 Turner Street, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 Michael Skok, 845-592-1442 ashistatewide@yahoo.com
Second Thursday, 7 pm, Cypress Point Country Club, Virginia Beach Gregory Murphy, 757-535-4355 gmurphy@coastalinspect.com www.mac-ashi.com Second Wednesday, Rockville, 6 pm Senior Center, Rockville Mark Mostrom, 301-536-0096 pivotalinspections@comcast.net
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 Ray Baird, 615-516-5511 bairdr@comcast.net
Mid-South (TN) Steven Campbell, 901-734-0555 steve@memphisinspections.com
North Carolina
www.ncashi.com Third Wednesday, 3 pm, Quality Inn at Guilford Convention Center, Greensboro Andy Hilton, 336-682-2197 hiltonhomeinspection@gmail.com
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 Home Inspectors Association BC
www.hiabc.ca Sean Moss, 604-729-4261 sean@homeinspectorsean.com
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
South Carolina
Prairies (Alberta) (CAHI)
First Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. & Nov., 8 am Roger Herdt, 843-669-3757 herdtworks@msn.com
Quebec AIBQ
GULF ASHI South (AL)
www.cahpi-ab.ca Chris Bottriell, 780-486-4412 api94@shaw.ca www.aibq.qc.ca Pascal Baudaux, 450-629-2038 info@almoinspection.ca
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 Meeting/Training Room in Lutz Nancy Janosz, 813-546-6090 ProTeamInsp@aol.com
Gulfcoast (FL) First Thursday, 7 pm, The Forest Country Club, Fort Myers Len Gluckstal, 239-432-0178 goldenrulehi@comcast.net
Lone Star (TX)
www.ashitexas.org Bud Rozell, 214-215-4961 goodhomeinspection@att.net
29June 2017
• www.ASHIReporter.org
29
TO SUBMIT YOUR MATERIALS FOR MOVING UP, PLEASE CONTACT JANET GEORGE AT 847-954-3180 OR JANETG@ASHI.ORG
New ASHI Associates As of April 1, 2017
H Denotes graduate of The ASHI School Phillip Young
Tim Chiles
Anchorage, AK
Enlightened Home Inspections Broomfield, CO
Mark Andrews Cullman, AL
Spencer Brothers
Mike Cowan Burlington, CO
Alabaster, AL
Myles Folger
Stone Collins
HouseMaster Bailey, CO
Foley, AL
Henry Crawford Helena, AL
Michael Falkinburg Blue Sky Home Inspection, LLC Birmingham, AL
Kerry Knight Notasulga, AL
Maya Michelle Healthy Dimensions Development, LLC Montgomery, AL
Scott Perkins Jett Property Maintenance, LLC Auburn, AL
John Dillard 3C Inspections Rogers, AR
Patrick Ellis Ellis Home Inspections, LLC Conway, AR
Anthony Chiarello Scottsdale, AZ
James Ernst JNC Home Inspections, LLC Glendale, AZ
Kenneth Johnson Avondale, AZ
Justin Washburn JSW, LLC dba WIN Home Inspection Goodyear, AZ
D. Mark Anglin All West Enterprises, LLC Hemet, CA
Lionel Hawkins Hawk Home Inspections Fresno, CA
Luke Olmo Brea, CA
Donna Byrne 2012 Scout Home Inspections Broomfield, CO
Joe Carter Carter Inspections Colorado Springs, CO
Brian Carver Carver Custom Property Inspection North Glenn, CO
30
MEMBER
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
Nick Harmeier 20/20 Home Inspection Fredrick, CO
Kenneth Harrison Colorado Springs, CO
Mike Townsend
Nathan Liles
Kevin Bond
Right Coast Inspections, LLC Satellite Beach, FL
All Valley Home Inspections Wailuku, HI
Crown Home Inspections, LLC Lenexa, KS
Kenneth Ware
Bill Massey
Tom Ehrlich
Mr. Deed’s Real Estate Tampa, FL
Bentley Harvard Honolulu, HI
TM Property Inspections, LLC Wichita, KS
Kimberli Zachry
Ryan Quinn
Mark Golding
KZ Home Inspections, LLC St. Augustine, FL
Kihei, HI
Gold Star Home Inspections Olathe, KS
Susan Barker
Kihel, HI
Sarah Kirkpatrick
Dan Grauerholz
Gold Star Home Inspections Olathe, KS
Grovetown, GA
Willie Booker Inspect-All Services Stockbridge, GA
D.V. Caitlyn Home-Probe Decatur, GA
Tony Horbert
Littleton, CO
Front Edge Home Inspectors, LLC Sandy Springs, GA
Christopher Jamail
Andrew McNeil
Roger Hughes
Colorado Springs, CO
Artem Khristenko Home Inspection 5280 CCS, Inc. Arvada, CO
Daniel Lewis Lewis Home & Commercial Inspections Breckenridge, CO
Kevin Schanche
Precision Property Inspections, LLC Hamilton, GA
Eric Meeks 360 Home Inspections Suwanee, GA
Richard Payne Payneless Enterprises McDonough, GA
Neil Porter
Ground Floor Home Inspection, LLC Greenwood Village, CO
Allegiance Home Inspections, LLC Kennesaw, GA
Eric Stanley
Candie Roberts
Arvada, CO
Andrew Cleary
The BrickKicker Athens, GA
Elias Salazar
Gray Woods Inspections, LLC Clive, IA
Patrick Livingston KnP Home Inspection Services Sidney, IA
Matt Snitker On Point Home Inspection, LLC Des Moines, IA
Michael Jones Caliber Home Inspections, LLC Weiser, ID
Joe Raver All Around The House Boise, ID
James Cornell Stonington, IL
Raanan Crystal
Raymond Gomoll
Thomas Morris Jr. Lombard, IL
Briann Piper
Key West, FL
GrandView Home Inspections, LLC Griffin, GA
David Grace
James Strand
Ronald Rupp
Neighborly Home Inspections and Maintenance North Lauderdale, FL
Jeffrey Patneaude Inspect Advisors, Inc. Tampa, FL
Karl Rosenranz A#ONE Home Inspections Palm Horbor, FL
Ernest Stevens Stevens Inspections, LLC Tarpon Springs, FL
J&C Property Inspections & Maintenance Screven, GA
Scott Vivino SafePoint Inspections, LLC Canton, GA
Eddie Wilson E. Wilson Home Inspections, LLC Lawrenceville, GA
Michael Barton Barton Construction Ninole, HI
Midwest Home Inspections Riley, KS
Ludalino “Leo” Alhambra North Falmouth, MA
Naveed Ibad Ellicott City, MD
A Builders View Home Inspections Norway, ME
Phillip Stapleton
John Thornton
Jed Swicegood
Thomas LeBlanc
Pristine Inspections and Testing Mahomet, IL
Michael Levine
Empirical Building Solutions, LLC Stilwell, KS
Marc Hucek
Joshua Sheppard
Straight Line Home Inspections Canton, GA
J. Daniel Self
Raymond Stanton
Eduardo Ablan
Executive Construction Consultants, LLC Lake Mary, FL
Schultze Property Inspect, LLC Lenexa, KS
Take A Look Home Inspections, Inc. Ingleside, IL
Casey McMurray
Joseph Cantatore
Mark Schultze
Capital Inspection Services, LLC Gambrills, MD
DHI Home Inspections, Inc. Springfield, IL
Rosewell, GA
Key West, FL
Atchison, KS
David Grant
Tibor Serfozo
Randell Box
Paige Schmidt
Peter Denby
Clearyco, LLC Washington, DC
Sentry Pest Control Jefferson, GA
JCS Home Inspections Paola, KS
Wilmette, IL
South Elgin, IL
Sunrise, FL
Jeffrey Schartz
Piper Inspections, Inc. Mundelein, IL AHB Inspections Plainfield, IL
Roger Schillerstrom Schillerstrom Arts, Inc. Naperville, IL
Michael Mitchell Mitchell Home Inspections, LLC Morgantown, IN
Duie Powers Super Sleuth Home Inspection Greenwood, IN
Ross Stultz Stultz Property Inspections Camby, IN
Platinum Inspections Services, Inc. Baltimore, MD
Dave Middleton Middleton Capital & Management, LLC Old Orchard Beach, ME
Nathan Paling New Sharon, ME
Gordon Dyke INTROspection Galesburg, MI
Justin Niemann Niemann Inspections, LLC Battle Creek, MI
Matt Finch A&M Home Inspection, LLC Robbinsdale, MN
Lou Hagen The Blue i Group, LLC Brainerd, MN
Jay Lenz Lenspection Building Inspections, LLC Coon Rapids, MN
SEE PAGE 32 FOR CHAPTER EDUCATION.
Robert Lewis
David Keintz
Alan Ward
Alexander Reigner
Travis Prawitt
Penguin Inspections Independence, MN
Vitale Inspection Services, LLC Hamilton, NJ
Norristown, PA
Travis Prawitt, LLC Salt Lake City, UT
Jamie Wallenberg
Christopher McDowell
Cornerstone Inspections of Chagrin Valley Chagrin Falls, OH
Real Estate Inspections Goodland, MN
Best Choice Inspections Newfoundland, NJ
Robert Wilson
Ken Boemer
Joe Escamilla
Philip Cybolsky
Blue Ribbon Home Inspection St. Louis, MO
Las Cruces, NM
J. Mike Carlock Confluent Home Inspection Services, LLC Wildwood, MO
Denise Feth Patriot Inspections Beaufort, MO
Stephanie Green Fenton, MO
Michael Lottes Healthy Home Inspections Columbia, MO
Christopher Lowe Preferred Inspections Group New Haven, MO
Michael Simmons PEMIS, LLC Independence, MO
Paul Taylor SureHome Inspection, LLC Raymond, MS
Brant Bristol 406 Home Inspections Butte, MT
Adam Jordan Missouri River Home Inspections, LLC Great Falls, MT
Timothy Netzley T&B House and Property, LLC Lolo, MT
Ian Gilgallon Sutko Real Estate Services (DBA AmeriSpec NE) Omaha, NE
Paul Lenhoff Sutko Real Estate Services (DBA AmeriSpec NE) Omaha, NE
John Sutko Sutko Real Estate Services (DBA AmeriSpec NE) Omaha, NE
Mark Chiasson
K-Home Inspection Reading, PA
Dallon Silva
William Signori
Alex Aderton Annandale, VA
Skyspect Inspection Services Iroquois Falls, ON
House 2 Home Property Inspections, LLC Pittsburgh, PA
Albuquerque, NM
Mohamed Eloseily
Eugene Stroup
David Stowe
Prime Home Inspection Ottawa, ON
Jericho home Inspection, LLC Freeburg, PA
Nathan Sluys
Joseph Swartz
Mainstay Home Inspections Angus, ON
Hermitage, PA
Kaylyn Home Services, LLC Centreville, VA
Jim Bachleda
Cole Williams
Ian Holder
Craftsman Home Inspections Pittsburgh, PA
US Inspect Alexandria, VA
Jerry Wolfe
Curt Lind
Tualatin, OR
Wolfe Home Inspections Freeport, PA
C & C Home Inspections Virginia Beach, VA
Daniel Bianco
Benjamin Collins
Marlon Moore
DB Home Inspections, LLC Pittsburgh, PA
Pandacon, Inc. Central, SC
AmeriSpec Inspections Services Annandale, VA
Benjamin Bishop
Jason Harris
D. C. Riddle
Feel Secure Home Inspections, LLC Punxsutawney, PA
Harris Inspect Greer, SC
Purcellville, VA
Lonnie Brown
Brent Johnson
Pittsburg, PA
Highland Inspection Service Inman, SC
Affordable Home Inspection, Inc. Richmond, VA
JIMKAR Home Safety Cincinnati, OH
Frank Castiglione
David Rimmer
Benjamin Seck
Abington, PA
Arlington, VA
Michael George
Kelly Davis IV
Illumination Real Estate Inspections, LLC North Lawrence, OH
Greencastle, PA
Double Scheck Home Inspections Moore, SC
Terry George
ProTec Home Inspection Albuquerque, NM
Mark Caffiers Rochester, NY
Gary Farkash Baldwin, NY
David Roth Hudson Valley Home Inspections, LLC Newburgh, NY
Nathaniel Thomas Thomas National Home Inspections, LLC Buffalo, NY
Christopher Armentrout Allegiance Property Inspections North Canton, OH
Jim Flesch
Harvey Heath Ohio RPM Brook Park, OH
Kurt Hoes North Ohio Property Inspection Medina, OH
Brandon Howard Home Inspections by Howard Services, LLC Dayton, OH
InspectionMonkey Westwood, NJ
Brian Faust Halifax, PA
Michael Foglia Home Team Inspection Service Gilbertsville, PA
Darien Hatcher Boiling Springs, PA
Commonwealth Home Services Manassas, VA
B inspected Germantown, TA
Seth Roya East Barre, VT
John Edwards
Bryan Crisp
Spot On Home Inspections Arlington, TN
B Crisp Home Inspections Woodland, WA
Dustin Henderson
Orrtanna, PA
John Helmick
Todd Hodges
Lee Hebert
Andrew Grimm Abode Analysis Seattle, WA
Jim Groen
Ed Loftis
Christopher Langley
Infinity Connections, Inc. Pittsburgh, PA
Greenbrier, TN
Aaron Hooper
Memphis inspections Memphis, TN
Ashville, OH
Chuck Milvet Core Inspection, LLC Mogadore, OH
Michael Potts Rocky River, OH
John Utsunomiya Westerville, OH
Real Estate Inspections Coatesville, PA
William Klumpp
Seattle, WA
William Ascheman Willow River Home Inspections, LLC Osceola, WI
James Lovelady
Honeybrook Home Inspections Honeybrook, PA
Tim Meyers
James Mitchell
Travis Fronk Absolute Inspection, LLC Rockland, WI
Walter Krebs
Tri-M Home & Building Inspections Lititz, PA
Trinity River Property Inspectors Fort Worth, TX
Daniel Morson
Ogden, UT
Core Inspection Group Philadelphia , PA
Inspector Jim Snohomish, WA
Mark Wilhite
Michael Moore
Magnolia Home Inspection Services Hockley, TX
Dean Heim
John Short
Greg Lawson
Henderson Home Inspection LLC Dayton, TN
Babcock’s Home Inspections, LLC Bumpass, VA
Jeremy Rowan
Ari Hood-Wilkerson
Footer to Ridge Property Inspections, LLC Wadsworth, OH
John Frank
Tobin Britton
Harold Babcock
Mentor, OH
Michael Kane
Richard Silvia
JCH Home Inspection Service Fort Lee, NJ
Relayer Building Services Lake Oswego, OR
Salt Lake City, UT
Memphis Inspections & Service Memphis, TN
Thomas Mountjoy
Anthony Chen
Kent, OH
Helmick’s Home Inspections Carmichaels, PA
Merrimack, NH 603 Home Inspection Merrimack, NH
Keysis Severino
Beaumont, AB
Joshua McGlamery
Continues on Page 38 31June 2017
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ASHI Chapter Education OHIO ASHI: On the Road
Southern Region: July 20
FOR EACH EVENT: • There is a $10 fee
Contact Person: Chris Heywood (Ohio ASHI Southern Representative) Phone: 513-515-9799 email: cheywood@inspecthorizon.com
• Food and non-alcholic beverages will be provided • Earn 2 ASHI CEUs Register and payment online at Ohioashi.com • Select Store from the left side • Then Education/Dues to get to ASHI On the Road (Dates subject to change) Forrest Lines - Ohio ASHI Chair of Education
Northern Region: Contact Persons: Rod Whittington (Ohio ASHI Northern Representative) Phone: 216-952-8500 email: rod@whinspections.com George Basista (Ohio ASHI Northern Representative) Phone: 330-565-3760 email: GeorgeBasista@yahoo.com Next Presentations: June 27 and September 21, location and topics TBA
North Central Ohio ASHI Fall Seminar: September 23 Location: Holiday Inn, 4073 Medina Rd., Fairlawn, Ohio CEUs: 8 ASHI CE hours Speakers: Gerry Aubrey (Roofing) and class on Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Contact: Paul Wancata at inspectionsunlimited@ cox.net Next Presentations: November 16; locations and topics TBA
Topic: Structural System Inspections - Presented by Rick Graman, President of GEI-Engineering Location: Cincinnati State Evendale Campus 10100 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241 Time: 5:30 pm-8:30 pm Next Presentation: October 2 Topic: Carbon Monoxide Combustion Testing & Meter Calibration - Presented by Rudy Leatherman, Technical Training Mgr., HBB PRO Location: Cincinnati State Evendale Campus 10100 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241 Time: 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
Upcoming GLC Events GLC Summer Conference: July 14-15 Location: Holiday Inn, Mount Prospect, IL CEUs: Earn up to 17 ASHI CEs Speakers: Josh Westlund, Bob Torbin, Pete Marrero, Cory Ambrose and Steve Preins Contact: Carol@greatinspectors.com
Crawl Space and Floor Structure Defects: September 12
IMPORTANT REPORTER DEADLINES: • AUGUST ISSUE - 6/15/17 • SEPTEMBER ISSUE - 7/15/17 • OCTOBER ISSUE - 8/15/17 • NOVEMBER ISSUE - 9/15/17 • DECEMBER ISSUE -10/15/17 • JANUARY 2018 ISSUE -11/15/17 • FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE -12/15/17 The Reporter is produced 6-8 weeks ahead of the week it arrives in your mailbox.
To have your chapter seminar listed in this section, email all information about your chapter seminar to: micheleg@ashi.org. BE SURE TO INCLUDE ALL INFORMATION: seminar subject, when, where, CEUs & a link for more information or contact information.
Location: Mama Mia’s, Livonia, MI
GLC Fall Conference, Essenhaus Inn and Conference Center: October 13-14 Location: Middlebury, IN
Heat Pumps and Dual Fuel Systems: November 7 Location: Mama Mia’s, Livonia, MI
30 NEW MODULES ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE ASHI ONLINE LEARNING CENTER!!
Enjoy interesting sessions recorded at IW 2017 and past IWs. Find Basic and Advanced Technical, Specialty/ Diversification and Business Management topics. Log in on: www.softconference.com/ashi/
32
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
Spotlight on the Great Lakes Chapter The Benefits of Onsite Education By Carol Case, Executive Director, ASHI Great Lakes Chapter We live in a virtual world. Landlines are nearly all gone and phone calls are made using the Internet. Home inspection reports and messages are now sent electronically and many people work remotely from home. The home inspection industry is one of the few in which interactions with clients are still face to face. So, in an industry for which face-to-face interaction is so crucial, shouldn’t inspectors fine-tune their skills with onsite training? Humans are social beings, and these skills are being lost! The leaders of the Great Lakes Chapter believe that physical interaction is the best way to learn and retain knowledge. We design our educational seminars so that our attendees can focus on communicating with their peers, engage in hands-on learning and interact with speakers on topics pertinent to their business’ bottom line. Our chapter members’ memories of, interactions during and responses to our educational sessions are priceless. Each year, our chapter hosts three major events; we recently wrapped up our Spring Conference. Our attendees emerged motivated and enthusiastic to apply what they had learned from the event.
People often ask our chapter leaders why our chapter is so successful. We believe it is because we do not set boundaries or limitations; we open our doors to all inspectors. We provide the best opportunities for education and growth, and we plan events that span across the Midwest region. The Great Lakes Chapter has sent several members to the ASHI National level as Board Members, Officers and Presidents. We have many programs that are designed
to assist our membership, including mentoring, field support, a client-driven website and satellite training. GLC has the highest representation on the Council of Representatives (CoR) than any other ASHI chapter and we have set many precedents for other chapters to emulate. Our motto says it all: “Education will never be as expensive as ignorance.” GLC Invites You to Take an Opportunity to Learn From the Best! July 14-15, 2017 • GLC Summer Conference • Holiday Inn, Mt. Prospect, IL Friday, July 14 The Great Lakes Chapter’s (GLC) preconference Peer Review Program is one of the best educational experiences in the home inspection industry. Nothing beats the combination of hands-on education and interaction with other talented inspectors. Choose from one of these four options: • Peer Review/Inspector by Review® (IBR®)*: Participants inspect a house, as if doing so for a paying client, and present their findings to a committee of experienced inspectors. When a participant identifies all of the “must-find” defects and demonstrates technical knowledge by passing a short, multiple-choice test, he or she earns the IBR® designation. • Educational Review—GROUP: Participants are guided through an inspection by an educational mentor. There’s no time limit; questions and discussion are encouraged. Newer inspectors learn how an experienced inspector tackles a challenging house and reports the findings to the client. • Educational Review—INDIVIDUAL: A transition from Group Review to IBR. We recommend that participants have at least 50 inspections completed. A “practice” IBR, participants inspect a house on their own, but they do not present their findings to a committee. Instead, the educational mentor guides participants, pointing out and explaining the “mustfind” defects. It’s a great way to test your knowledge in a less formal setting.
• Peer Review/Master Inspector by Review® (MIBR®)*: To attain the MIBR® designation, the inspector must have earned the IBR® designation, be an ASHI member for the past five years and be an active member of the Great Lakes Chapter. * These honored designations have been registered by the Great Lakes Chapter with the USPTO for over 20 years! Saturday, July 15 Key speakers include the following: • Bob Torbin of Omega Flex, a CSST manufacturer, will discuss CSST safety. • J.C. Restoration’s session, “The Ripple Effect,” presented by Pete Marrero and Cory Ambrose, will address the water mitigation process. • Lunch speaker Tony Smith will share “Marketing Tips to Increase YOUR Revenue.” • Steve Preins will present “Old House Inspections,” approved for state CE credits. We hope to provide you with the opportunity to take away memorable experiences from these onsite trainings in terms of enhanced learning, social skills and interactions. Visit our website (http://www. greatinspectors.com/schedule-of-events/) for details about the GLC Summer Conference and many other upcoming events, including the GLC Fall Conference, which will feature a factory tour, to be held October 13-14 in Middlebury, IN. H Upcoming GLC Events • July 14-15, GLC Summer Conference, Holiday Inn, Mt. Prospect, IL • September 12, Crawl Space and Floor Structure Defects, Mama Mia’s, Livonia, MI • October 13-14, GLC Fall Conference, Essenhaus Inn and Conference Center, Middlebury, IN • November 7, Heat Pumps and Dual Fuel Systems, Mama Mia’s, Livonia, MI
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Member Benefit News ASHI’s Chapters: Recruiting and Retaining Members, Part 1 of 2 By Russell K. Daniels, ASHI Assistant Executive Director and Director of Membership Services & Chapter Relations, russelld@ashi.org
W
ithout a doubt, chapters—and more specifically, chapter members—are the lifeline for the longevity and growth of ASHI. Without its chapters, ASHI would not be the great organization that it is today. Thank you for your faithfulness to your chapters and for sharing your ideas about how to make ASHI even better. The ASHI Board of Directors recognizes the value of ASHI chapters and chapter members. For the second year in a row, the ASHI Board has approved an incentive for membership: Inspectors who join an ASHI chapter also will receive a one-year membership for National ASHI. This incentive expires December 31, 2017. For more details, please check with your chapter President or visit the ASHI website at www.ashi.org (Members-Only page, Chapter Section) to view the resources. It’s important for ASHI chapters to be and stay successful. Membership development—the recruitment and retention of active, involved members—keeps a chapter alive. With a strong, committed membership base at both the chapter and national levels, ASHI can continue to represent its members effectively, and develop programs and services that meet members’ needs. Recruitment and retention are vital components to the effort of membership development. By having a base of active, involved members, chapters receive many benefits, including the f ollowing: • increased revenue through chapter membership dues • a stronger, more unified voice to address local and national legislative and regulatory issues • enhanced opportunities for networking and support for all home inspectors • a broad base of volunteers who can help support chapter and national efforts
Make no mistake, adding new inspectors to the membership roll through recruitment efforts is an excellent tactic to grow your chapter, but keeping current members involved is just as crucial.
34
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
Every time a renewal notice arrives, members re-examine the value they gain from their membership. They might ask themselves, “What’s in it for me?” Chapter members want and need to understand the true value of their membership in both the chapter and in ASHI, and how this value personally affects their business and their lives.
One of the most effective tools that chapter leaders can use to attract and retain members is to showcase the ongoing record of member involvement and member service at your meetings and in your chapter communications—in other words, prove your chapter’s value to each individual member whom you serve. Be sure to watch for more information on this topic in next month’s Reporter when I’ll address other aspects of ASHI’s strong membership and chapters. It is great to be able share the great ideas that come from so many of our successful chapters and our national leadership! H
ASHI Event Calendar
July 21-22, 2017 ASHI Board Meeting Des Plaines, IL
October 19-21, 2017 Leadership Training Conference and ASHI Board Meeting Des Plaines, IL
January 21-24, 2018 InspectionWorld® & ASHI Board Meeting Orlando, FL
FREE ASHI Member access to past IW sessions. 1. Go to www.ASHI.org 2. U nder Education & Training 3. C lick on:
ASHI ONLINE LEARNING CENTER
CURRENT ASHI MEMBERSHIP ASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,539 Inspectors: 224 Associates: 4,234 Retired Members: 105 Affiliates: 82 Total: 8,184 Members as of 5/8/2017
ASHI MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT PROGRAMS ASHI-ENDORSED PROGRAMS ASHI’s E&O Insurance Program: Target Professional Programs www.targetproins.com 860-899-1862 ASHI Personal Lines Insurance Program: Liberty Mutual www.libertymutual.com/ashi 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 ASHI Service Program BuildFax Tricia Julian, 877-600-BFAX x161 TJulian@BuildFax.com www.buildfax.com http://go.buildfax.com/ASHI ASHI Customer Appreciation Program: Moverthankyou.com Brent Skidmore, 864-386-2763 www.moverthankyou.com Brent@POWRsoft.com HomeAdvisor.com Brett Symes, 913-529-2683 www.homeadvisor.com ashi@homeadvisor.com LegalShield Joan Buckner, 505-821-3971 buckner.legalshieldassociate.com buckner@legalshieldassociate.com InspectionContracts.com Dave Goldstein, 800-882-6242 www.inspectioncontracts.com david@inspectoreducation.com
June Anni versa ries
Thirty Years
Ten Years
Timothy Stull
Ryan Arakawa Daniel Bertsch Frank Copanas Richard Cummings John Glass Mark Kelsey Vance Larimer Michael Mullen Phillip Narron Brent Peterson Chris Temple Ricky Vernon
OneSource Solutions 877-274-8632 www.osconnects.com/ashi/
Twenty-five Years
Porch.com Eliab Sisay, 206-218-3920 www.porch.com Eliab@porch.com
Twenty Years
ASHI Rebate Program Quill.com Dana Fishman, 800-634-0320 x1417 www.quill.com/ashi dana.fishman@quill.com ASHI-ENDORSED EXAMS ASHI Standard and Ethics Education Module Go to www.homeinspector.org, click on Education and Training, then click on the link for the ASHI Standard of Practice Education Module. NHIE Exam: 847-298-7750 www.homeinspectionexam.org
Charles Gifford Phil Opalski Robert Osborne
Paul Arthur Matthew Barnett Jim Breckenridge Larry Brooks Hollis Brown Jim Hamilton Jamie Milholland Steven Rosenbaum Bill Stratton
Fifteen Years Tim Gill Craig Helmuth George Krause Emmitt Moore Marc Shanley
ASHI-ENDORSED TRAINING PROGRAMS ASHI@Home Training System 800-268-7070 education@carsondunlop.com The ASHI School Bonnie Bruno, 888-884-0440 Bonnie@theashischool.com www.TheASHISchool.com PLATINUM PROVIDER Millionaire Inspector Community Mike Crow www.mikecrow.com dreamtime@mikecrow.com Mention that you are an ASHI member.
Five Years Andrey Barshay Kevin Carey Justin Carlisle Chad Chaddock Scott Chinnock Vincent DeLigio Joe Gomez Greg Henry Troy Hicks Richard Hilliard Glen Leach Dylan Margerum Michael Mulholland Jim Purvis Scott Schildknecht Chris Stichter David Wong
In Loving Memory from the ASHI family Albert J Reid, a pioneer in the home inspection industry, who started in 1968, and a long time ASHI member, passed away on May 3 2017: http://www.johnedayfuneralhome. com/tributes/Albert-Reid.
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>
Controlling Rafter Deflection: Knee Walls, Purlins and Collar Ties (as Braces)
Continued from Page 26 Because the collar tie mainly is used as a compression member in the application shown in the photo below, the mode of failure is buckling. The buckling will occur in the narrow dimension. A 1x8 is not nearly as good at resisting buckling as a 2x4. Generally, a 2x4 is the minimum size for a collar tie.
Collar ties are provided on every pair of rafters to stiffen the roof framing and to control rafter sag. Collar ties (braces) are effective only on steep roofs. If the slope is less than 4 inches by 12 inches, collar ties are not the best solution. Collar ties (braces) are different from ceiling joists and rafter ties. Rafters can spread apart at the bottom under load. Ceiling joists or rafter ties are tension members that prevent the bottom of rafters from sliding off the top of the wall or pushing the wall out. Their role is not related to collar ties (braces). Canadians are amusing in many ways. The use of mid-height horizontal braces to strengthen roof framing and reduce rafter size or span is clever, but their insistence on calling these braces collar “ties” is just funny.
Undersized collar ties bent due to compressive forces
Longer collar ties are more susceptible to buckling. It’s easier to push on each end of a yardstick and have it bend than to push on each end of a 6-inch ruler and have it bend. If the collar tie is longer than 8 feet, lateral bracing should be provided near the midpoint. This is most often accomplished with 1x4s being nailed across all the collar ties near their middle.
Other Rafter Inspection Tips In addition to looking for deflection, including the bowing of tension members, be sure to inspect the roof framing and look for adverse conditions such as notched, cracked, split or rotted wood members. Rafters that pull away from ridge, hip or valley rafters are common issues, often caused by poor fastener installation. In some cases, knots in rafters create enough weakness to allow them to crack or split. As discussed, roof framing inspection includes looking from the outside as well as the inside. Your report should document any limitations that prevented a full inspection. H More details about roof structures can be found in the ASHI@Home Training Program (http://www.homeinspector.org/ASHI-HOMETraining-System). Carson Dunlop is a consulting engineering firm devoted to home inspection since 1978. www.carsondunlop.com
Continued from Page 31
New ASHI Certified Home Inspectors
New ASHI Inspectors
As of April 1, 2017
As of April 1, 2017
INSPECTOR Tim Buller
Robert Moody
Alex Byron
Jesse Mills
Edward Clowes
Peak Property Inspections, LLC Brighton, CO
Diligent Home Inspections, LLC Westminster, MD
TLC Professional Inspections, Inc. Tucson, AZ
Straightforward Home Inspections, LLC Chicago, IL
Dynamic Home Inspection, Inc. Virginia Beach, VA
Ross Relyea
Joseph Warren
Welmoed Sisson
Sweet Homes Chittenango, LLC Chittenango, NY
Inspector Joe, LLC Tuscon, AZ
Inspections by Bob Frederick, MD
Byler Home Inspections, Inc. Remington, VA
Justin Jurovcik
Lee Parsons
Gregory Moos
JMC Building Inspections Alameda, CA
Up Country Building Inspections Damariscotta, ME
Scott Robertson District Home Inspection, LLC Washington, DC
Tim Kenney True Homes Home Inspections Coeur d’Alene, ID
Woodrow Bates JMJP Inc., dba National Property Inspection Kansas City, KS
Rick Aspinwall
Robert Greene
John Pesek
Doylestown, PA
US Inspect Centennial, CO
Jennifer Ohmes
Stuart Malamut
Jeffrey Bowden
Five Star Home Inspections, Inc. DeSoto, KS
Housemaster Home Inspections Greenville, SC
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Jim Tobias
Jack Semones
Structure Tech St. Louis Park, MN
Jan Lazzeri US Inspect Port Deposit, MD
Jim Melton Building Specs, Inc. Arnold, MD
36
Ark Home Inspection, LLC Tallmadge, OH
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
Daniel LoAlbo LoAlbo Enterprises, Inc. Virginia Beach, VA
Building Knowledge USA Chamblee, GA
Peter Brownson Apex Home Inspection Service Willowbrook, IL
J. Charles Associates, LLC Howell, MI
Dennis Arnett Home Team Inspection Service Fenton, MO
Justin Hardy
Stephen Park Home Team Northern Virginia Fairfax, VA
Scott Stewart, P.E. Pillar to Post/Green Peak Inspections, LLC Dorset, VT
Jeff Vos HomeCheck, Inc. Saint Albans, VT
Darin Jurasevich Caliber Home Inspections Custer, WA
“Stepping Out of Your Place” and Into Home Inspection Spotlight on Heidi Richards, H.R. Inspection Services, South Portland, ME, heidi@hrinspectionservices.com, www.hrinspectionservices.com By Carol Dikelsky, Editor, ASHI Reporter
H
eidi Richards has been on the circuit of checking out properties since the mid-1990s—as a property insurance adjustor. When I spoke with her recently, she said, “Working as an adjustor in the insurance industry and then later as a construction manager, I learned about the broad field of homebuilding and inspections. I gained skills and an interest in pinpointing and assessing the damage that occurs in structures and properties.” In 2016, Heidi decided to apply these skills in a new way—by launching a career in the home inspection industry. She said, “The purpose of an inspector is similar to that of an adjustor, but one key difference is that an inspector is responsible for checking the entire home.” “In any career, you have to work hard to earn respect. As an inspector, I feel that my work speaks for itself. People have been very encouraging to me.” She said, “I try to approach every inspection in the same way so that I don’t overlook anything. I stay organized and plan my time carefully so I can provide thorough reports to my clients.” As a resident of South Portland, Maine, Heidi was surprised to learn that her state does not require home inspectors to be certified. But she has earned her certification in residential and commercial inspections, even though it is not required. Heidi is a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). She likes ASHI because ASHI presents information and offers practical classes with experts covering an array of topics at InspectionWorld®, and she is looking forward to heading to Orlando for IW 2018. Heidi’s immediate goals are to become an ASHI Certified Inspector and continue to gain experience. She advocates finding a person with more knowledge and more experience, and asking that person to let you job shadow with them. She said, “I asked some real estate agents to name a home inspector they recommend and after hearing the same name from more than one agent, I contacted that person. By reaching out to that one person, I’ve tapped into the expertise of an inspector who’s been working in the industry for 16 years. What better way for me to learn?” Heidi is also working toward her certification in radon testing because, as she says, “radon affects a majority of homes up here in Maine and people want to know about it.” To market her business, Heidi has set up a website, participates
in networking events and visits real estate agents. “In addition to traditional home inspections, I offer pre-inspections, which can be beneficial to people planning to sell their home within the next year. Inspecting residential sites is my main source of business, but I’m also connecting with commercial real estate agents and I hope to see that part of my business grow.” Heidi has a great enthusiasm for networking. She belongs to a chapter of Think Local, an organization that brings together all kinds of professionals, specialists and entrepreneurs. She said, “Our chapter includes people who work in many fields— real estate, lending, title companies.” It can be a struggle to get your name out there at first, but my involvement with this group has helped me get beyond that hurdle. I love seeing how a person you think would be the last person to refer you for a home inspection actually become the first one who does! It seems that everybody in the group knows somebody who knows somebody who needs your service. Also, I’ve participated in trade shows with my colleagues from this group. There are many benefits.” Heidi also is a savvy user of social media, with a business presence on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. She said, “I’ve written several posts and even some online articles covering the topics of customer service, mold in attics and other services. This strategy has been working for me. I’ve received direct calls from agents and others looking for a home inspector because of my exposure on social media.” Heidi lives by this quote from Susan B. Anthony:
“Forget what the world thinks of you stepping out of your place; think your best thoughts, speak your best words, work your best work, looking to your own conscience for approval.” Good advice for all. Thank you, Heidi, for sharing your story with the readers of the Reporter. H 37June 2017
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ASHI Reporter • June 2017
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**Monthly charges exclude taxes & Sprint Surcharges [incl. USF charge of up to 17.4% (varies quarterly), up to $2.50 Admin. & 40¢ Reg. /line/mo. & fees by area (approx. 5–25%)]. Surcharges are not taxes. See sprint.com/taxesandfees. Activ. Fee: Up to $30/line. Credit approval req. Req. eBill & new acct. activ. arrier features & int’l. oSprint Unlimited Freedom Plan: Offer ends 7/13/17. Incl. unlimited domestic Long Distance calling, texting & data & 10GB of high-speed Mobile Hotspot, VPN & P2P. Third-party content/downloads are add’l. charge. Sel. int’l. svc. incl. see sprint.com/globalroaming. Plan not avail. for tablets/MBB devices. Avail. on discounted phones for add’l. $25/mo./line. AutoPay: To receive $5/mo. discount you must remain enrolled in AutoPay when applicable. Quality of Service (QoS): Customers who use more than 23GB of data during a billing cycle will be deprioritized during times & places where the Sprint network is constrained. See sprint.com/networkmanagement for details. Usage Limitations: To improve data experience for the majority of users, throughput may be limited, varied or reduced on the network. Sprint may terminate service if off -network roaming usage in a month exceeds: (1) 800 min. or a majority of min.; or (2) 100MB or a majority of KB. Prohibited use rules apply — see sprint.com/termsandconditions. Sprint Satisfaction 60 day CL Guarantee: Offer ends 10/13/17. CL only. To qualify, call us to deactivate & return to place of purch. w/ complete, undamaged phone/device & receipt w/in 60 days of activ. You pay for actual usage charges (mo. svc.charges, taxes, Sprint surcharges, etc.). We’ll refund your phone/device cost. Activ. fee will be refunded if returned w/in 3 days of activ. Sprint dealer may impose add’l. fees. Excl. purch. from other national retailers & M2M devices. A $35 restocking fee may apply. Visit sprint.com/returns. May not be avail. with special pricing plans/offers. Other Terms: Offers/coverage not avail. everywhere or for all phones/networks. Restrictions apply. See store or sprint.com for details. Network Claim based on Sprint's analysis of latest Nielsen drive test data for average network reliability (voice & data) in top 106 markets.© 2017 Sprint. All rights reserved. Sprint & logo are trademarks of Sprint. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.
41June 2017
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NEW POSTCARDS EMAIL!! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: postcards@ashi.org
Postcards From the Field
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.
Start a new Hobby? Try Beekeeping...
Time to Call a Professional
Greg Swank Dilligent Home Inspection, Inc. Kenai, AK
Gordon Guffey Brewer Inspection Services Manchester, MO
Matthew Steger WIN Home Inspection Elizabethtown, PA Water Supply
The Lady Version
Man Cave Luxury
Jon Bossey & Greg Davis ProSpect Property Inspections Newmarket, NH
Squirrel Cage in Blower Compartment? Mark Garland Garland Inspection Service, Inc. Mineral Ridge, OH
Fresh Twinkies Inside
Ken Meyer Portico Home Inspections, Inc. Portland, OR 42
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
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When Your Health Hits You in the Heart E
ach month, as ASHI President, I’m supposed to share some of my thoughts about a topic of interest to members. Recently, I started thinking about writing my column about a matter that affects ASHI members, but is not usually addressed openly: our physical health and those “little” warning signs. Every morning, we get out of bed and start our day doing inspections and reports. Some of us might wake up with little pains and discomforts that we just push aside with the acknowledgment that, yes, we are getting older. But what happens when those little aches and pains are masking more serious conditions? What about when the paramedics have to be called and you end up being admitted to the hospital? Eventually, you might have to acknowledge that maybe you should have gone to the doctor instead of glossing over those little discomforts as being just a part of getting older.
rehab and feeling great. I have a renewed lease on life. I never suspected that any of the medical conditions or aches and pains that I’ve had over the years would eventually lead me down the path that I recently traveled. So, now you might be thinking, “Okay, I’m really sorry this happened to you, Howard, but what does this have to do with ASHI or with me?”
You might be thinking, “What exactly are you getting at, Howard?” Well, this is my story. Back in December 2015, I had a serious heart attack when I was attending a meeting at ASHI HQ. At the time, the physicians who treated me in Chicago addressed the most immediate of my conditions and referred me for follow-up treatment back home in Arizona. I took their advice, and I was in and out of various hospitals and medical offices until January 2017, when I learned that I needed major open-heart surgery. Eight hours into what was supposed to be a “routine” four-hour bypass and valve replacement surgery, I experienced a combination of heart and kidney failure for which the surgical team had to revive me three times. Needless to say, my wife and relatives were devastated but relieved when the doctor finally informed them about the outcomes of all of this “touch and go.” All is well now—I am currently doing cardiac 44
ASHI Reporter • June 2017
During and since my various hospital stays, I kept in contact with ASHI HQ staff. They informed me that, coincidentally, some other ASHI leaders also were experiencing serious health events. I made notes of these reports and sent messages to them with my sincere thoughts and prayers for their speedy recovery. As part of my role as ASHI President, I talk with many ASHI inspectors from several states and many of them have told me about the procedures they’ve had that have been as serious as the ones I just experienced. I started thinking, are we, as inspectors so busy that we “poo poo” those little aches and pains that we might have for days or weeks or years as being “not that serious,” and maybe just take a couple of aspirins and ignore them? Do we attempt to convince ourselves that strokes and heart attacks only
By ASHI President, Howie Pegelow
happen to other people? If so, we are kidding ourselves with such ignorance. Some of us might say or joke, “So what? I can afford to take some time off.” But really, from a financial standpoint alone, can you be away from your business for 15 days, 30 days or, heaven forbid, more than 90 days? You know the old saying about being just “one check away from bankruptcy.” It is always a sad story when we hear of a fellow inspector who has experienced the ramifications of a major health event and the loss of family income. We sometimes might be faced with this issue at a chapter meeting when someone “passes the hat” to help out a fellow chapter member. You might be saying, “Howard, I know this is a serious issue for you right now, but why bring this rather depressing topic to the rest of us?” I bring it up because we often take for granted that this sort of thing only will happen to someone else. I ask you to consider this: What if you are that “someone else”? Can you afford to go through such an experience? If the answer is no, what are you going to do about it? Sure, you can try to put away more savings, but my point is that your first concern should be to get a diagnosis for any potential illness by seeing a qualified physician for immediate care when you have persistent or urgent aches and pains. Now that I’ve put this all out on the table, I ask you: What are you going to do about it? Will you dismiss your own little aches and pains as nothing to worry about? Or, will you start to raise your awareness about your own health and make an appointment to see your doctor on a routine basis? I ask you to please keep your fellow ASHI members who are going through various, serious health events in your thoughts and prayers. They deserve no less. Please take care. Continues on Page 48
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When Your Health Hits You in the Heart
Continued from Page 46
Be Mindful of These Signs of a Stroke or Heart Attack
ASHI Council of Representatives Speakers and Group Leaders
If you experience just one of these signs, seek medical care. Early detection can result in early treatment.
Stroke Warning Signs • Numbness in your face, arm or leg. One of the first signs of a stroke is a sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg— predominantly on one side of the body. • Confusion. A person having a stroke may experience an onset of mental confusion and find it difficult to put thoughts together. • Loss of coordination. Many people who have had a stroke have difficulty walking or experience dizziness, or a loss of balance or coordination. • Headache. A sudden, severe headache can indicate a stroke, especially if it comes on for no apparent reason or is accompanied by vision issues in one or both eyes. • Face muscles droop. Probably the most obvious stroke warning sign is drooping of the face. The muscles on one side of the face go lax, causing it to “fall” or droop. A person having a stroke will have difficulty smiling or might have an “uneven” smile. • Difficulty speaking: A person who has had a stroke might have slurred speech, be unable to speak at all or be unable to repeat a simple sentence when asked. • Difficulty breathing: This extremely severe warning sign of a stroke often comes up quickly.
Heart Attack Warning Signs • Chest discomfort or coughing • Dizziness or fatigue • Irregular pulse or shortness of breath • Nausea, sweating or heartburn • Pain in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, back or abdomen H
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ASHI Reporter • June 2017
SPEAKER: Hollis Brown speaker@ashicor.org 703-856-7567 ALTERNATESPEAKER: Janni Juhasz janni.j@homtec inspections.com 419-215-5505
South Atlantic Gerald Simmons Jerry@simm inspect.com 404-281-3734
Gulf Craig Lemmon reioftexas@ sbcglobal.net 817-291-9056
SECRETARY: Brendan Ryan brendan@csahome inspection.com 724-321-1360
South Midwest Joe Pangborn Joe@Pangborn Inspections.com 573-228-4509
GROUP LEADERS
North Central
New England/ Canada
Donald Bissex Donald@mystic homeinspection.com 781-475-8980
New York/ New Jersey Steven Baranello inspect-me@att.net 516-972-4875
Mid-Atlantic Bronson Anderson 2inspect4u@ gmail.com 540-836-0256
Midwest Eric Barker Ebarker@moraine woods.com 847-408-7238
Andrew Seeger Andrew@Building Safeguard.com 513-482-0449
Mountain John Thompson Shelterworksllc@ gmail.com 406-360-4613
Pacific Darrell Hay Darrellhay@aol.com 206-226-3205
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ASHI Reporter • June 2017