ASHI
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2016 Annu al Rep ort P12
Inspection News & Views from the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.
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round the A CoRner: Change is in the Wind
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I nspectionWorld® 2017: Las Vegas!
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2016 ASHI Award Winners
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Insight by Carson Dunlop: Inspect with Confidence! Howard Pegelow, ASHI President 2017
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Brick Veneer vs. Solid Masonry
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On My Mind: Reach Out: ASHI Friends Make Up the ASHI Family
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ASHI Reporter • March 2017
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3.17
Reporter ASHI
March 2017
Vol. 34, #3
Features
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InspectionWorld® 2017: Las Vegas! Frank Lesh, ASHI Executive Director
Please Support our Advertisers:
2016 ASHI Award Winners ASHI Staff
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2016 Annual Report
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Insight by Carson Dunlop: Inspect with Confidence!
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Randy Sipe, 2016 ASHI President and Tim Buell, ACI, 2016 ASHI Tresurer Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop
High-Rise Inspections: Getting the Big Picture
Rudy De Keersmacker, Criterion Home Inspections, LLC, and Tom Corbett, Tomacor Inc.
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Brick Veeneer vs. Solid Masonry
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Follow-up Marketing
Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop
Departments
Leviton Healthy Home Checkup Target Professional Programs How to Operate Your Home America’s Call Center BPG Inspections RTCA Joe Ferry ASHI NHIE Study Guide The ASHI School Business Risk Partners InspectIt S.W.A.T. 3D Inspection System American Home Warranty Allen Insurance Sun Nuclear HomeGauge
2 Leviton.com/eol 5 healthyhomescheckup.com 15 TargetProIns.com 17 htoyh.com 17 AmericasCallCenter.com 19 bpgwi.com 19 RTCA.com 23 joeferry.com 24 homeinspector.org 27 NHIEStudyGuide.org 33 TheASHISchool.com 37 inspectorinsurance.com 39 InspectIt .com 41 Swat-Radon.com 41 3dinspection.com 43 ahomewarranty.com 45 allenins.com 47 sunradon.com 48 HomeGauge.com/CRL
6 Being Frank Frank Lesh, ASHI Executive Director 7 Around the CoRner Hollis Brown, Speaker of the CoR 28 ASHI Community
Chapter News, Chapter Listing, New Inspector Status, Chapter Education
34 Your ASHI
Membership, Endorsed Member Programs & Anniversaries
42 Postcards From the Field
It’s Wacky Out There
Howie Pegelow, ASHI President
46 On My Mind
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ASHI National Officers and Board of Directors Educated. Tested. Verified. Certified.
A SH I M issi o n S tatement 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.
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
Officers Howard Pegelow, President Gilbert, AZ, 480-699-8561 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 Bradenton, 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
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 Michael Krauszowski, Membership 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 Advertising, Marketing, IW Expo Hall, Public Relations
Dave Kogan, Director of Marketing & Business Development 847-954-3187, davek@ashi.org Graphics, Publications, Member Logo Design
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
Kate Laurent, Graphic Designer & Digital Strategist 847-954-3179, Katel@ashi.org
Advertising: Dave Kogan Phone: 847-954-3187, Email: davek@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 • March 2017
Arlene Zapata, Graphic Department Director & “ASHI Reporter” Managing Editor, 847-954-3186, arlenez@ashi.org
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 & Sales Representative 847-954-3198, Michelle@theashischool.com
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healthyhomescheckup.com © 2016 HEALTHY HOUSING SOLUTIONS, INC.
5March 2017
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Leaders Leading at InspectionWorld® From ASHI’s Executive Director
O
f all the highlights of IW®, one of the most exciting is seeing leaders of the profession gather at the biggest, most successful and longest-running home inspection conference in North America, bar none. For anyone who wants to be immersed in the shared knowledge of the best of the best, IW® is the place to be. There are more exhibitors, more government officials and more rank and file inspectors at IW® than at any other conference for home inspectors. Rubbing elbows with these folks each year is an honor for me. One of the leaders I’ve had the honor to meet is Alan Carson, a past president of ASHI. He is also an exhibitor, an innovator in the industry and a great guy who has done as much as anyone I know to help the profession. But what I want to tell you is not so much about him, but rather his latest innovation he has created. Alan Carson has developed a new app that may revolutionize the industry. Because of this creation, I place Alan in a class with Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Jobs didn’t invent the cell phone, music player, camera or computer, but he put them into one easy-to-use machine that revolutionized our lives. Zuckerberg didn’t invent chat rooms, social media or sharing inane conversations, he just combined them in one convenient, ubiquitous product. Like those two guys, Alan did not invent inspection photography, nor was he the first to categorize deficiencies in properties. But because of his years of experience, he’s organized over 10,000 photographs, coupled with descriptions of the underlying problems they depict, and produced an app that’s both intuitive and germane to our profession.
It’s called Insight by Carson Dunlop, and it’s available exclusively to ASHI members for a limited time only, for free. Please see the article on page 14. Here’s how it works. First, go to http://www.carsondunlop.com/Insight to register. A short video explains what the app does. Then download the app (for Android or Apple products) at http://www.carsondunlop.com/FreeInsight. Once you’ve downloaded the app, just open it and click on one of the menu items (for example, Roofing or Electrical). A list of deficiencies comes up, along with photos that depict those deficiencies. This is an app that both experienced and newer inspectors can use when they’re struggling to identify and explain a problem area. It’s about as simple to use as it can be, and a wide range of information is right at your fingertips. Whether you want to know about swamp coolers or boilers, you’ll find photos and descriptions in the app. This is a deal you can’t pass up. Try it—I’m sure you’ll like it. H Frank Lesh, Executive Director American Society of Home Inspectors Direct: 847-954-3182 Frankl@ashi.org • www.ashi.org
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ASHI Reporter • March 2017
Change is in the Wind Around the CoRner
By Hollis Brown
From the Speaker of the CoR
C
hange is inevitable. Positive change is a function of policy decisions. Policy decisions born of grassroots efforts are usually the most effective. That’s where the Council of Representatives (CoR) comes in. We are an instrument of change. Think with me for a moment about the composition of the CoR. We are a diverse group of individuals, representing a diverse group of chapters, representing a diverse group of members. The two things that we have in common are (a) the obvious—we’re all home inspectors, and (b) we are each here to affect the evolution of our association—The American Society of Home Inspectors. Because of our diversity, communication is crucial. In fact, it’s mandatory. According the CoR Policies and Procedures Manual (P&P) and consistent with the ASHI bylaws, the Council is “…to act as a twoway conduit of communication between the Board, Chapters and the Membership.”
The Council is uniquely organized and positioned to facilitate communication, but communication without ideas is fruitless. Council Representatives are chapter members and, as such, are routinely in discussion with the individuals whose voices matter—the members. So, our task begins with discussion. It’s time that we start talking it up, not only during, but before, after and between chapter meetings. It’s imperative that we consider evolving trends. Tools, technology and client expectations are all in flux around us. Many of ASHI’s founders, the bedrock of our society, are at or reaching retirement age.
These are seasoned veterans with wisdom and experience unparalleled anywhere. A fresh generation of energetic youth is coming of age and striving to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world. We have much to learn from each other. Change is often difficult. We have all seen communities of people divide along ideological, class, gender or generational lines. When these differences are considered, pondered and discussed through civil discourse, we all benefit. It’s not until we understand others’ points of view that we, as individuals, become capable of making informed, effective and wise decisions. It’s when we push our own agendas, marginalizing opposing points of view, that discussions devolve into disagreements. Once again, this is where the Council steps in. Per the P&P, “…each Council member is encouraged to speak the desires of his/her respective membership, and not promote his or her own agenda.” Our job is not to decide, but rather to discuss. We foster thoughtful consideration; the ASHI Board of Directors establishes policy. The most important thing we (members of the Council) do, is to inform that policy. I’m excited about 2017! We had a successful annual Council meeting. We just elected our new group leaders. We’re busy establishing protocols. We have a Group Leaders Meetings scheduled for the first Tuesday of each month. I believe in ASHI. I believe in the ASHI Standard authoring process. I believe in the ASHI Code of Ethics. I believe in the ASHI membership. I believe that the strength of ASHI is in its chapters. Let us all resolve, as we begin this journey into the future together, to encourage each other—to listen to each other, to respect each other and to chart a future that keeps ASHI relevant for generations to come. H
ASHI Council of Representatives Speakers and Group Leaders
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
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
Midwest Eric Barker Ebarker@moraine woods.com 847-408-7238
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Inspection World® 2017: Las Vegas! By Frank Lesh, ASHI Executive Director
They say, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” but not this time! I’m here to tell you, even if you’re not a gambler, there was a full house all week at ASHI’s InspectionWorld® at Bally’s Las Vegas. In February’s “Being Frank,” I mentioned all the effort it takes to accomplish IW®. I used the word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious from the 1964 Disney movie Mary Poppins. But now that our visit to the gambling capital of the world has come and gone, I think a more appropriate description of our IW experience would be JACKPOT! Everyone was a winner. Some highlights: • The Gala featured a speech by Ron Passaro, founder of ASHI. • Our keynote speaker was Michelle Miller, Deputy Director of HUD. • We showcased presentations by Joan Glickman, Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Energy. • Our lobbyist, Randall Pence, gave a report from Washington, D.C. • Our “New-to-ASHI” meeting turned out to be Standing Room Only! We loved seeing all of our enthusiastic new members join us for the first time. • We honored more than 100 veterans at a special awards ceremony. Veterans were individually pinned with a “dog tag” lapel pin from President Howie Pegelow (Sgt., U.S. Army), Mike Conley (2nd Class Petty Officer, U.S. Navy), Don Lovering (Sgt., U.S. Army), Bob Wahlstead (Major, U.S. Army) and Frank Lesh (Sgt., U.S. Army). We thank them all for their service.
• Vendors—106 of them!—came from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Norway and India to populate the exhibit hall where inspectors mingled, munched and chatted with fellow attendees. • Bronson Anderson and Dave Ganatra hosted a great “Meeting of Millennials.” • We held a successful meeting for multi-inspector firms. • Attendees benefited from the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) prep class. • We offered 45 educational courses, plus Lunch ’n Learns, too. • The launch of the new IW App revolutionized the conference experience. In this issue, you’ll find many more details provided by ASHI staff members. So, if you didn’t get a chance to come to Las Vegas this year, you’ll at least find out what you missed.
Be sure to mark your calendar for the next IW® to be held in Orlando, January 21, 2018. Start planning now to join us as we celebrate another successful year for home inspectors. H InspectionWorld® Raffle Winners: Marvin Goldstein, $500.00 Brianna Strothenke, $500.00 Bill Burross, iPad Mini
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ASHI Reporter • March 2017
Call for Presentations at IW 2018 NOW OPEN Please submit your proposals for consideration. Locate the form under the Education tab on:
www.ashi.org Deadline for submissions is 3/15/17.
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2016 ASHI Award Winners
2016 ASHI Award Winners All awards were presented during the Annual Luncheon and Business Meeting at InspectionWorld® 2017 in Las Vegas, NV, January 21, 2017.
Philip C. Monahon Award 2016 Winner: Alden Gibson
set the bar high for the leaders who have followed.
ASHI members take pride in receiving the award created in the memory of the man who led the society in its early years as Executive Director. Described as a visionary who maintained the organization’s focus on valid standards, combined with strict conscientious business practices, Philip C. Monahon
In addition to recognizing an outstanding member every year, ASHI donates $500 to the NewtonWellesley Hospital, Newton, Mass., in the name of deceased member Philip C. Monahon.
Alden Gibson receives the 2016 Monahon Award from the 2014 winner, Skip Walker
John Cox Award 2016 Winner: Paul Staron John Cox served on a national committee, taught week-long seminars and routinely inspected homes, although numerous operations on his legs due to diabetes meant using crutches and a wheelchair to do so. Nevertheless, it was dedication and service to two ASHI chapters that earned the greatest respect from his peers.
Paul Staron receives his John Cox Award from Jim Funkhouser, the 2015 award winner. 10
ASHI Reporter • March 2017
View & Download Photos Relive the conference or see what you missed! Photos are available free of charge for download or to order prints. Go to www.inspectionworld.org.
President’s Award
Ironman Award
Tom Lauhon recieves his award from Randy Sipe, 2016 President
Bruce Barker was honored with the President’s, Award from 2016 ASHI President Randy Sipe 2016 Winner: Bruce Barker Randy Sipe, 2016 ASHI President, chose Bruce Barker as the recipient of the President’s Award, which is given for outstanding service to the President and the Board of Directors for a specific year.
2016 Winner: Tom Lauhon Outgoing President Randy Sipe chose Tom Lauhon for the Ironman Award. Accepting special assignments and working behind the scenes, he was the perfect fit for an award described as follows: Every organization has its unsung heroes, who labor quietly in the background but with great dedication. The Ironman Award, established in 1998 by John Palczuk, recognizes an individual member who has given time, energy, talent and determination to ASHI over a long period of time and with little recognition.
Special Recognition Award: Harry Rosenthal, Esq., recieves a Special Recognition Award from 2016 President, Randy Sipe, for his 40 years of legal service to ASHI.
Chapter Growth by Numbers: In 2016, the Great Lakes Chapter, grew by the greatest number of members. Chapter Growth by Percentage: In 2016, the Arkansas Chapter had the greatest increase in membership by percentage. March 2017 • www.ASHIReporter.org
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ASHI 2016 Annual Report
2016 Annual Report 2016—A Year of Growth for ASHI: Annual Report From the Outgoing President By Randy Sipe, 2016 ASHI President
T
hank you for allowing me to serve ASHI as your 2016 President. The time flew by more quickly than I could have ever imagined. It has been a pleasure traveling to many chapters’ conferences and meetings and listening to the concerns of the inspector community. One thing that was always clear was how proud ASHI members are of their membership in the oldest and most respected organization for home inspectors. It was also quite evident in my interactions with representatives of allied organizations and government agencies that ASHI’s slogan, “40 Years of Trust,” is not just a slogan, it is a reality, and no other inspection organization carries more respect than ASHI. ASHI membership expanded to more than 8,000 members in 2016, owing to several new programs put into place by the ASHI Board of Directors and implemented by staff. We now have a logo that new ASHI members can display. We instituted a program for new members, giving them National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) preparation materials that will assist them in passing the NHIE and can also be used as a reference guide for inspections. We welcomed NAHI members into our organization and look forward to having their input and professionalism. ASHI chapters grew as a result of the great response to our program of giving a free one-year National membership to all firsttime ASHI members who join a local chapter. The ASHI Online Learning Center, accessible through the ASHI website, continues to provides free online education on a variety of topics. There has been a huge increase in the use of these modules over the past year. Members can earn continuing 12
ASHI Reporter • March 2017
education units for membership renewal, and many courses are also state-approved. We have a couple new programs in the works that will be released soon, adding to our reputation as the trusted source for education and training for home inspectors. Standards The Standards committee, under the direction of Tom Lauhon and ASHI Board liaison Bruce Barker, have been working steadily on an ancillary deck inspection standard that can be used outside of a standard home inspection for those who choose to offer it as an added service. They have also been working on a radon installation checklist that home inspectors can use as a guide or ancillary inspection service when an existing radon mitigation system is installed. ASHI Foundation The ASHI Foundation is organized exclusively for research and educational purposes, to receive funds, donations, bequests, endowments or gifts and to disburse such moneys in cash and in kind to the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc., and qualified others in support of the development of educational material, educational programs and research opportunities related to the home inspection profession. The Foundation also may engage in all lawful activities that may be incidental or reasonably related to any of the foregoing purposes. The ASHI Foundation is currently working on educational programs that will educate and implement new environmental services to the public. The ASHI School The ASHI School continues to grow, adding classes and new students across the United States and Canada, so more people can become qualified and well educated in the profession of home inspection. The ASHI School continues to add specialty classes so that inspectors can increase the
2016 ASHI President Randy Sipe
services they provide to their clients and receive continuing education that is essential to be a qualified inspector. Efforts in Washington, DC ASHI continues to be the leading inspector organization on the Hill, thanks to Randy Pence’s ongoing relationships and lobbying efforts for the inspection profession. We continue working with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Energy in efforts that will produce benefits to the public, as well as added value for home inspections. Public Relations Public Communications Inc. (PCI) is ASHI’s public communication firm that takes our message to the public, informing them of the valuable service that ASHI inspectors provide. During 2016, ASHI Executive Director Frank Lesh and I both were interviewed by numerous magazine writers and radio talk show hosts to bring our message forward. I was fortunate enough to do a media tour in New York City, where I spoke with editors of national publications that have the utmost respect for ASHI inspectors. This continued PR is essential to ASHI’s reputation as the inspector organization that is most respected and recognized by media sources. In closing, I would like to thank all the people who make ASHI a success and the most respected inspector organization on the globe. A special thank you goes to Alden Gibson for providing his personal guidance to me. I know that 2017 will be another great year for ASHI with Howard Pegelow as your new ASHI President. Again, as always, do the best job you can and be safe. H
>
ASHI 2016 Annual Report
2016 ASHI Treasurer Tim Buell
2016 ASHI Treasurer’s Report: Strong Financial Growth Continues By Tim Buell, ACI, 2016 ASHI Treasurer
F
irst and foremost, on behalf of the ASHI Board, Officers and Staff, I want to personally thank you for your financial support. As required in the bylaws, our financials are audited by a Certified Public Accountant. We engage Legacy Professional, LLP, a CPA firm that specializes in nonprofit organizations. For fiscal year 2016, we again increased our “net assets” and have budgeted for another gain in 2017. Our financial form 990 soon will be available online in the “Members Only, Downloads and Forms” section of the ASHI website.
Our mission statement: “To set and promote standards for property inspection and to provide the educational programs needed to achieve excellence in the profession and to meet the needs of our members.” To that end, your ASHI Officers, Board of Directors and Staff work hard to be responsible caretakers of your money. When making every financial decision, we always ask, “Does this benefit the membership?” Here are some member benefits in which we have and will continue to invest: • Increased dollars in membership growth with proven results (over 8,000 members). • Improving online rankings and web presence. • Provide new members with NHIE exam prep materials at no cost. • Online continuing education.
• Expanded the ASHI Reporter from 40 to 48 pages. • Informative inspection articles by the brightest people in the profession. • Expansion of members paying dues using the monthly option. • More investment in InspectionWorld®. • Doubled the budget for the Leadership Training Conference, attended by more than 150 current and future chapter leaders this past October. • Increased donations to InspecPAC, which supports our lobbiest in Washington D.C., who helps us with any home inspector legislation or regulations. • Year 2 of a three-year process to reduce the number of Board members, which will decrease expenses. • Added travel funds for “Year of the Chapter” to multiply chapter visits by staff and President. • Re-engaged Legacy Professional, LLP, as our Certified Public Accounting firm for the next three years. • Updated and the revised the chart of accounts to improve reporting. • Updated the Finance Policy and Procedure manual to reflect current IRS and U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your Treasurer the past two years. I look forward to continued service the next three years and beyond. ASHI will be in good hands with our new Treasurer, Don Lovering, Sr. As ASHI enters its 41st year, we will continue to “earn your trust” by being good stewards of your money. Again, we extend a sincere thank you for your membership and wish continued prosperity to you and your families. H
REPORT OUT ASHI Board Meeting January 21, 2017
MOTION: Move to extend the Chapter Membership Drive until December 31, 2017. PASSED MOTION: Per Policy and Procedures Manual (P&P) clause 10.18.12, approve submitting the proposed addition to the Standard of Practice for Home Inspections for approval by the voting members per Bylaws Article 9. PASSED MOTION: Per Policy and Procedures Manual (P&P) clause 10.38.13, approve submitting the proposed draft Standard of Professional Practice for Residential Deck Inspections for approval by the voting members per Bylaws Article 9. PASSED MOTION: The Bylaw Committee requests Board recommendation to amend Bylaw Sections 10 and 11 to more clearly define the requirements for amending ASHI Bylaws. PASSED MOTION: Amend Policy & Procedure 6.1B.2 to require that proposed bylaw changes be made available to the membership prior to voting. Amend Policy & Procedure 6.1B.3 so that it is not in conflict with the Bylaws. PASSED MOTION: To approve new Board Liaisons 2017 selections. PASSED Motions were made and passed to amend the budget for the Verification Portal and Strategic Planning.
March 2017 • www.ASHIReporter.org
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Insight by Carson Dunlop: Inspect with Confidence!
Insight by Carson Dunlop: Inspect With Confidence! By Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, www.carsondunlop.com, 800-268-7070
Carson Dunlop is delighted to introduce a great field reference tool and an incredible apprenticeship experience.
• What do defects look like? - Thousands of photos and illustrations • What do I say in the report? - Suggested wordings
Insight is an app that helps you identify defects in the field, and at least for the time being, it is absolutely FREE! It includes hundreds of house components, thousands of defects, and more than 10,000 photos and illustrations.
Insight has been compiled by some of the best inspectors across the country who scoured a library of millions of photos taken at hundreds of thousands of inspections. For each item in a home, Insight answers these questions: • What are the common defects? - What to look for
Here are a few sample illustrations. Horizon users will be familiar with these. (Please see two more images on Page 16.)
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ASHI Reporter • March 2017
Choose our E & O / GL insurance and save 15% on the cost of outstanding coverage. As ASHI’s endorsed provider for E & O and General Liability Insurance, Target Professional Programs offers ASHI members the highest premium discount available anywhere – a full 15% on any amount of coverage purchased. More Attractive Advantages In addition to covering all inspectors in the firm (including interns), Target’s policy covers your administrative staff, referral agencies and even spouses. Plus, Identity Theft Coverage up to $25,000 is a no-cost bonus with every policy. Target includes coverage for specialized inspections: • 4 Point • Infrared Thermography • Commercial (Up to 100,000 Sq. Ft.) • Pool & Spa • Construction Draw • Radon • Code Compliance • Septic / Well • EIFS • Water Testing • Energy • Wind Mitigation • HUD / Section 8 Optional policy endorsements let you purchase only the extra coverage you may need for inspections you actually perform: Carbon Monoxide, Lead, Mold and/or Termite inspections. Coverage for Drone Inspections At a low premium of only $100, this optional endorsement provides $50,000 in coverage per policy term for damage or injury caused by an inspector’s drone during the course of an inspection. We’re happy to offer you (or your insurance agent/broker) a no-obligation quote at any time. Visit: www.TargetProIns.com for an application and more details about coverage features & benefits. Or contact us: Fausto Petruzziello 973-396-1790 FPetruzz@TargetProIns.com
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© 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
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Insight by Carson Dunlop: Inspect with Confidence!
No one can retain all of the information on all of the issues that may ever be encountered during an inspection. Insight is an incredible pocket field guide. It just makes sense and it’s at your fingertips, on your phone or tablet.
Insight has a 60-second learning curve. It is incredibly easy to use. It evolves and grows continuously; photos are contributed daily. When you need to be sure, Insight is there, like a mentor at your side. Lightning-fast Search—type it or say it. Insight will take you there.
We have always maintained that a professional home inspection is an incredibly demanding intellectual exercise. Insight makes it a little less daunting, putting decades of home inspection experience into a simple, palm-sized package. More competence, more confidence, more credibility, less liability. Insight is the ultimate field reference tool. Get yours free at www.carsondunlop/insight. For Horizon software users: Insight is integrated with Horizon and respects your database. Insight will not show results for items you have hidden. For New Inspectors It’s hard for new people to find inspectors who will let them ride along, for lots of good reasons. Ride-alongs are time-consuming, awkward and expensive. Some new inspectors have paid thousands of dollars for the privilege. Insight gives you the equivalent of more than 1,000 ride-alongs in just hours, not years. You can always go back and refresh your memory with Insight. With ride-alongs, not so much.
You can also Browse through Insight. Progress bars provide milestones, showing which sections you have completed.
To get Horizon, go to www.carsondunlop.com/insight. Set up a user name and password and download the app. H Enjoy! Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop
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ASHI Reporter • March 2017
17March 2017
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High-Rise Inspections: Getting the Big Picture
High-Rise Inspections: Getting the Big Picture By Rudy De Keersmaecker, Criterion Home Inspections, LLC, and Tom Corbett, Tomacor Inc.
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any of the issues and concerns that face potential owners of high-rise condominiums are not much different from those of potential owners of a typical freestanding home. They want to be reassured that the apartment they are purchasing is not a Pandora’s box filled with surprises. Depending on their plans, they may want a home that is ready to occupy, with just minor cosmetic issues—many feel this way—that can be remedied quickly to allow for swift occupancy. Others may decide they want their living space to represent more of their personality, so they make plans to alter the interior design of the apartment; oftentimes, kitchens and bathrooms become the targets of remodeling. No matter how the potential homeowner pursues his or her dream of the “perfect” house, the core concerns are always the same. Nobody likes expensive surprises. They want to know as much as they can about the property they are purchasing. This allows them to manage their dream. As home inspectors, we want to satisfy the state’s standards, our client’s expectations, as well as the ASHI Standard of Practice. With high-rise apartments, the common areas—the jointly owned portions of the building—are an additional concern. Possibly the largest one. Systems and Subsystems We wish to give our client a snapshot of what they are looking to purchase, but we also must realize that there is a danger in overstepping our boundaries by finding fault with an entire system that cannot be fully seen. If a component of that system is significantly deficient, we must note that “this or that component is deficient.” In other words, we do not indict the system, but 18
ASHI Reporter • March 2017
rather we recommend further investigation. Multiple-component deficiencies pointing to a larger conclusion are, of course, addressed. The concept of a system goes beyond just looking at a unit that is for sale in a highrise building. The individual apartment is, in fact, a subsystem within the much larger context of a structural system (the common area) that supports the number of apartment units within its walls. We are not there to do a forensic examination of the structural system. We do not speculate on what we observe, yet we must connect multiple signs to “see the larger deficiency” if it is there. In terms of reporting, instead of stating, “This building has a history of tuck-pointing issues, and the staff reports that tuck-pointing is an ongoing problem,” we find that it’s better to state, “The building shows evidence of previous tuck-pointing.” We then advise the buyer to check for results of a Capital Reserve Study (CRS), as well as the minutes of the Association Board Meetings, to determine if work that may be planned or under way is going to require a special assessment or if it is planned to come from the reserve account. Planning is done years in advance through the CRS. We advise our clients that these issues are worth looking into, but the final choice to do so is theirs. Some inspectors make that recommendation in writing. When we inspect common areas, we operate on the rule of three: Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence and the third time is enemy action. For example, if we see improperly stored oil paint cans sitting in a corner of a basement by a boiler,
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New Inspector? newspapers stored underneath stairwells and poorly maintained lockers, storage areas or laundry rooms in the building, we make note of it. We also take digital photographs. A picture is your protection and proof that what you observed is not fiction. You do not need to insert these pictures into your report, but you can at least cover yourself with the statement, “The condition I saw in the building at the time of the inspection would be considered to be ‘significantly deficient.’” You need to leave a little latitude between what is acceptable and unacceptable with respect to maintenance practices; however, if you see things that are clear violations of building, public health or fire standards, you would be well served to cover yourself by making a comment. Whatever is good for the client is good for your liability protection. Your focus is always toward the public health and safety of the client. If you do this, you need not worry about your liability.
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Before a High-Rise Inspection When we’ve been contacted by a prospective buyer, we use the intake interview to not only acquire core information, but also to request that the buyer or the buyer’s agent work with the high-rise association or management company to obtain the last three years of Annual Board Meeting minutes. Costly issues that are on the horizon or under discussion may well be recorded in the building minutes, Annual Board Report or in a Capital Reserve Study. Your client should review these documents before his or her inspection period is completed. Many clients use “significant deficiencies” discovered to extend their inspection period—for further investigation—and they request that 19March 2017
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High-Rise Inspections: Getting the Big Picture
the Board Minutes to be delivered during that period. The minutes don’t help if they are delivered after the inspection period and the attorney review. You also should ask for—in writing—any building permits that have been issued for remodeling or construction that may have been done in the unit. If alterations have been performed, you should ask for a set of drawings. Blueprints are required for a single-family home or condo when plumbing and electrical work is done. No permits suggest substandard work that you may not be able to see, but are responsible for. Check for local online Building Department records for permit history. We also run an Internet search on the highrise building itself. It has become in vogue for residential properties to have websites that allow for easy communication between building associations, management companies and tenants and owners. Depending on how much information about the building is available online to the general public, the clever inspector can glean information about the building and its construction prior to conducting the actual physical inspection. Inspection Day Arrive early. We attempt to arrive for inspections about 30 minutes ahead of schedule. An early arrival gives us a chance to get a feel for the neighborhood, even as we look for parking. It also allows us the time to walk around the building to take pictures of the outside components, and we can complete notes about maintenance and the overall outside condition of the building. Communication. When we meet with the client, we explain the inspection process and comment on what is covered and what is not covered in a typical apartment inspection. That said, many of us simply check everything. We discuss any concerns that the buyer mentions so that we can tailor the inspection to his or her needs. An inspection of the unit will be somewhat different—limited—from the norm unless, for example, the buyers plan to remodel the kitchen and bathrooms and tell you to “skip the common areas.” Writing up issues about a bathroom that will soon be completely gutted seems somewhat redundant, so you should ask the buyers if you can skip 20
ASHI Reporter • March 2017
the area, given that it will be remodeled. Similarly, appliances that the potential new owner plans to discard when doing a kitchen renovation may not really deserve a lot of your attention. Always ask the buyer. It is best to let your client be your guide in this situation. Just make sure to note in your report that you passed on inspecting the appliances, bathroom fixtures or whatever and the reason why. The reason should typically be “per buyer’s instructions.”
Safety for Children
Safety for children. If our client has or is expecting a child, we take extra precautions to make sure that childproofing issues are addressed. Window safety, safety glazing, electrical safety, water pressure (avoiding scalding) and lead paint issues get moved to the forefront under these circumstances. Be proactive for your client’s sake. If documentation has been provided, we take the time to do a cursory examination so as to better familiarize ourselves with any possible work that may have been done. Limited, unsigned documents or floor plans may actually mislead you. So be careful. Invite the client to join the inspection. Our habit is to insist that our clients come along for the inspection if possible. There seems to be some debate as to whether this is a wise path to take. There are some home inspectors who prefer to work without the client following at their heels. This is a personal choice that the inspector needs to make, as it adds considerable liability to your work. We prefer taking the opportunity to get a feel for what our clients want to get out of the purchase they are planning to make. When working with first-time homebuyers, we conveniently use the time spent
as a chance to educate them on what they should be looking for when buying a home. The response we have received from our clients has always been positive. Are they going to be asking you questions during the inspection? Of course, they are! But the price tag for giving your client a little more attention is outweighed by the goodwill that it creates. It shows you to be someone who can be an asset to them, as opposed to the appearance of just being a foot soldier in a foregone conclusion. We like earning our fee by being helpful and effective. Windows, floors, water, wind. We like to start with the inspection of windows. Be observant for evidence of window leakage, as in water stains or watermarks on glass. Are the windows original to the building? Are they in the Reserve Study as a Year 1 replacement? Are they funded? Vintage buildings that contain single-glazed, double-hung windows will have a tendency to pass water, in as opposed to newer double-glazed windows that are specifically designed to withstand higher wind pressures that affect apartment buildings, especially on upper floors. A high-rise wind load can equal its gravitational load. When inspecting the apartment, learn to be like a sleuth. Learn to read signs. No, we’re not asking you to drop down on your hands and knees and tell us how many contractors have passed through a hallway. But this may be helpful on occasion. It would be better, though, for you to read what the floor has to tell you. Hardwood floors that show even the slightest cupping or dishing of the flooring material would typically be evidence of a previous water leak or standing water. Water that gets trapped between the concrete slab of a high-rise floor and the subflooring will remain there for quite some time, wreaking havoc as it ever so slowly dissipates. Often, you will note this in hallway areas close to kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms in condominiums often are barometers of what has happened within the apartment. If you are inspecting a unit in a 1930 vintage high-rise and it has a kitchen that is a modern marvel of chrome and marble, I guess we can say that it is not original. If you were not provided with any documentation or permits to support the
> remodeling work that was done, make note of it. Recommend that the client asks, in writing, for the permits. These are also public record. You could charge to obtain them. Be sure to get the age of the appliances; the style of cabinetry also can tip you off to its age. Throughout the apartment and the building. Condominium inspections parallel single-family inspections in many ways. It is pretty straightforward to check plumbing fixtures, electrical, window integrity and more. We prefer to do our inspection of the common areas first before moving to the condominium. The engineer is usually not immediately available, but now has been notified that he or she is expected any time during the inspection. We suggest having the buyer arrange for the building engineer to come to the condo you are inspecting anytime during the process. This should not be too much of a burden on the staff. Remember, once you get dirty, it is hard to get clean, and basements of high rises can be dusty places. When exiting the condominium, you should check the front, back and fire escape doors to see if they are labeled per current code requirements for your municipality. For example, Chicago requires that high-rise units have B-rated (90 minute) fire doors and fire escape doors. Glass in fire escape doors must contain wire or firelight (clear ceramic) glass. This glass should be clearly marked as such. Common areas. When inspecting common areas, take a moment to pop your head into the building stairwells. You might even want to walk down a few floors. Observe the condition of the stairwell; you want to make sure that any pipe penetrations into the stairwell have been properly firestopped. Nothing should be stored on the landings of the stairways and each floor should be clearly marked. Getting up to the roof can sometimes be problematic. We’ve had managers refuse to allow us access to the roof for safety reasons, insurance concerns or security issues. Whatever the reason, if they refuse your access, you should write it up as such in your report. This puts the burden of refusal on the shoulders of management. Ultimately, if your client wants to see the roof, and you
are insured, you will get access, but it may require a letter from the buyer’s attorney. Basement. Once you are in the basement, you’ll get the opportunity to look at some of the piping. It always helps to find out the history of building plumbing. Is it original to the building? If so, how old is the building? If it is a building that was built in 1920, for example, the galvanized piping in that building is over 97 years of age. The textbook answer to life expectancy for galvanized piping is 60 to 80 years. You should not draw any conclusions from this in your report, but your statement should cause potential buyers to work out the math in their heads. Recommend they review the Capital Reserve Study for planned replacement. We suspect that riser re-piping is just around the corner. It may be ongoing. Coach your clients by telling them what clues point toward the need for replacement: rusty water, iron flakes in the water, poor pressure, a building that is 80 or more years old. Pipe clamps are also a great indicator of pipe condition. They will get the picture and insist on reading the CRS. Make note of the building’s history. Recently, we walked into a building engineering office. As we were talking to the engineer of the building, we noted the 10-foot span of ¾-inch galvanized pipe that had four clamps attached to it standing in a corner. The building was built in 1931. This is an example of why you need to get as much history and have as much conversation as possible with the building engineer or manager regarding the electrical service and all systems and components. Electrical service needs to be sufficient to cover the needs of your client. Look for fire-stop material around electrical service conduits passing through walls in the basement areas. Are they fire-stopped? They should be.
See the photo of an electrical vault above. This situation was the result of an electric
High-Rise Inspections: Getting the Big Picture
company upgrading a service from 1,200 to 2,000 amps, but forgetting to fire-stop and caulk entrance points going into the electrical vault. At the first bad rain after the installation, the electrical tunnel under the street flooded and resulted in this water penetration. That is a live service that water is pouring over. And this sort of situation is why we fire-stop and caulk openings around piping. Clients and contact information. At the conclusion of the inspection and after having made sure we’ve answered any questions our clients have, we make sure to thank all the parties present for their assistance. Make sure to get names and titles of those with whom you speak. You want to attribute the right quote to the right person when you are writing your report. Then collect your fee.
Know the Codes With high-rises, you are limited in the testing of heating and cooling systems, which are dependent on outside temperature. Do not expect to be able to check the heat output in the summer or air-conditioning systems in the winter. Make sure to refresh yourself on codes that are specific to high-rise structures. The International Code Council Code Check Guide that most of us wound up using when we learned to become home inspectors is a terrific index to help identify issues. It is also helpful to use your municipal resources to give you additional facts and information pertinent to your high-rise inspection. For example, the city of Chicago offers a checklist of items that need to be taken care of before having a life safety evaluation inspection in a high-rise. You can get this checklist online. It walks you through what is needed for a building to pass life safety inspection. Cross-referencing what you see in the building with what is on the checklist 21March 2017
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High-Rise Inspections: Getting the Big Picture
gives you a better understanding of how compliant the building is. Increase Your Business with High-Rise Inspections The work you get in the field of high-rise apartment inspections depends somewhat on your location. If you are doing inspections in rural and suburban areas, high-rise inspections may not be all that frequent for you. For those who live and work in urban areas—especially big cities—however, performing high-rise inspections offers the opportunity to increase your business. It also means that you must adjust your perspective to suit the inspection you take on. Remember, when you performed your very first home inspection, you might have felt intimidated, but you gradually learned that the more you do something, the better you get at it. We could go on at length trying to
cover the myriad issues that can come up in a high-rise inspection, but there is just too much to cover. More educational materials should be devoted to the subject, which is why we’ve shared our guidance here. Our best advice for performing high-rise apartment inspections is to be vigilant within your surroundings, give due diligence to your report and, finally, don’t forget to enjoy the investigation. It is not too often that people get a chance to be Sherlock Holmes and get paid for doing it as well. H Rudolf (Rudy) De Keersmaecker has worked in the field of high-rise engineering, inspection and real estate in the city of Chicago for the past 42 years. Semi-retired, he now operates a home inspection company in La Porte, IN. He is a Contracted FEMA Emergency Disaster inspector, as well as being a residential
high-rise code safety instructor, teaching highrise code compliance classes for Service Employees’ International Union (SEIU) Local 1 training fund. Tom Corbett founded Tomacor and the Illinois Inspector Training Institute in 1985. During his career, Tom helped create the Illinois Society of Professional Home Inspectors, and wrote for the Chicago Sun-Times. He has also served as an educator for ASHI, the Illinois Inspector Training Institute and Metra Rail. Tom worked as an expert twice for the U.S. Attorney in Illinois and the City of Chicago Landmark Commission. He has completed paid inspections in Texas, Oregon, Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Connecticut and New York City. He has 32 expert court appearances behind him. He has been an educator at ASHI’s International Conferences three times. His company’s motto is: “Tomacor—improving neighborhoods, creating community one building at a time.”
As an inspector, you can be instrumental in helping high-rise building owners determine budgets for future repairs. This is a partial reprint from June 2007: Pushing the Boundaries of Our Profession: Consulting, Construction, Courtroom and Classroom by Tom Corbett Here is a list of boundary-pushing opportunities for home inspectors that can increase earnings as we provide needed and appreciated services. CONSULTING 1. Capitol reserve studies These studies are virtually risk-free, and when done for small condominium associations, the fee can be significantly higher than your usual residential inspection fee. I inspect the common areas, tell the association which systems are failing and when they should budget for replacement. I provide replacement-cost estimates for the association. There is a secret to this revenue source. No one expects my estimates to be perfect. I talk to local contractors and check with R.S. Means or a similar source. Add photos and get paid; it’s just that simple. 2. Contractor tie-breaking Condominium associations often request bids, then don’t know which one to choose. When a roof needs repair, a home inspector can inspect the roof and then charge a fee for helping the condominium board evaluate the bids and make a decision. The secret here is that we are workmanship assessment experts. Our opinions are worth gold. Just make the professional choice and be conservative. 3. Common areas inspections With all the new construction and conversions from apartments to condominiums, building management and condominium associations appreciate an opinion from an independent third party about what needs to be fixed in the common areas within a given time frame. A variation on this theme is to market your services for inspecting remodeling work done in the common areas. H You can read the full article here: http://www.ashireporter.org/HomeInspection/Articles/Pushing-the-Boundaries-of-OurProfession-Consulting-Construction-Courtroom-and-Classroom/1200 22
ASHI Reporter • March 2017
Protecting Home Inspectors from Meritless Claims
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To Every Professional Home Inspector, In 2017, you should be solely focused on growing your business and avoiding unnecessary distractions. You must reduce the risk of hostile clients and unwarranted accusations that use up the twin terrors for any business owner… time and money. As I write this, I have responded to thousands of home inspection claims and only 5 of them have been meritorious. Five. That means that meritorious claims represent fewer than one percent of all claims against home inspectors. As an attorney who also represents plaintiffs, I find that quite remarkable. It’s almost as if plaintiffs’ attorneys are not making any investigation at all into the potential validity of their clients’ claims. Initially, I believed that my string of successful claim responses was aberrational and that the sample was too small, too skewed toward the ridiculous claim to draw any meaningful conclusions. But as the successful responses began to mount, one after another, I came to a different conclusion. I was not seeing a skewed sample at all. I was seeing the sample. That, as a general proposition, a claim against a professional home inspector is exceedingly unlikely to have any merit. Yet, time after time, they were being negotiated. Settled. Typical insurance company jargon for surrender. Even if the claim had zero merit. And that had to stop. And slowly, but surely, utilizing my strategic method, it has. Thanks to a group of early adopters, I took the leap and began my mission to "Stop the Underbussing" of competent home inspectors through my ClaimIntercept™ program. One Florida home inspector’s inquiry in 2006 was the first in a very long line of home inspection claims to which I have responded on behalf of home inspectors throughout the United States, Canada and Australia in the intervening years. If you want to learn more about the program, read the details across the fold or visit www.joeferry.com. Use discount code "ASHI" for special pricing off of your first-year membership. I’ve spent the last decade fighting for you as a legal advocate against these ridiculous claims. I invite all of you to visit my website, subscribe to my free ClaimsAcademy educational video series and join me on my mission. All the best of success in 2017.
Joe Ferry The Home Inspector Lawyer www.joeferry.com
CONTACT Brandon Bellomy 855-637-4853 – Telephone contact@joeferry.com – Email
CONNECT WITH JOE 23March 2017 • www.ASHIReporter.org 23 www.facebook.com/inspectorlaywer www.linkedin.com/in/inspectorlawyer
ASHI has a TRUCKLO AD of Benefit s for Every Inspector!
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To help you “Keep on Truckin,” use ASHI’s benefit resources to drive your success down the road. ASHI Reporter • March 2017
Brick Veneer vs. Solid Masonry
Brick Veneer vs. Solid Masonry By Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, www.carsondunlop.com, 800-268-7070
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asonry walls are very common in some areas and are almost never seen in others. A wide variety of materials can be used. Brick may be clay, calcium silicate (sand and lime) or concrete. Clay bricks are fired at high temperatures, whereas concrete bricks are formed by the chemical interaction of Portland cement, sand, stone and water. Calcium silicate bricks are made using high-pressure steam in an autoclave. Stone and Concrete Stone may be as hard as granite or as soft as limestone or sandstone. Concrete may be plain or decorative blocks or large precast panels. Concrete also may be poured in place, although this is more common on commercial buildings than on homes. Concrete may be made into bricks, or it may simulate the look of stone. With few exceptions, these materials are laid up in mortar, and a foundation is needed to support the weight.
Load-Bearing or Veneer Masonry walls may be a load-bearing part of the structure, or they may just be siding (masonry veneer). The absence of header courses or the presence of weep holes suggests veneer. Load-bearing masonry walls hold up the floors and the roof. In the case of veneer, the building would stand if all the masonry was removed. The structural skeleton is usually a wood frame inside the masonry siding. Veneer vs. solid masonry
Plain concrete block walls; not very common as a wall surface material for homes.
Stone may be artificial or real; be careful what you say!
Presence of a header course typically means solid masonry.
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Brick Veneer vs. Solid Masonry
A different style of solid masonry; header bricks are shown in a different color.
The products that are the same size as conventional masonry units require a foundation. Half-inch–thick slices are light and do not require a foundation. Some lightweight products as thick as 2 inches do not require a foundation. The inspection issues are the same as those associated with masonry or concrete.
Some artificial stone cracking and pulling away from the house.
Weep holes are an indication of brick veneer.
Change in Wall Height Brick walls may get slightly taller after construction as a result of water reabsorption. The increase may be 0.02% to 0.09% of the height and will take place mostly within the first year after manufacture of the brick. Concrete block walls shrink slightly after original construction, by 0.02% to 0.07%. Temperature-Induced Changes Bricks expand with higher temperatures and shrink as they get colder. Concrete units expand and contract more with temperature changes than clay does. These dimensional changes are not usually significant in homes, but they are factors on taller buildings. This can be important on three- and four-story townhomes, for example. Artificial stone may be one of the following: • masonry units (typically concrete) • sheets or slices of material embedded in mortar • material that has been troweled on and then a pattern pressed into it Some artificial stone is concrete, and some of it is actually reconstituted stone (concrete). Volcanic ash may be added to keep weight to a minimum. The stone also can be a calcium silicate product.
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ASHI Reporter • March 2017
Conditions Common problems include the following: • efflorescence • spalling • cracking • mortar deterioration • missing weep holes or flashings • mechanical damage • bowing walls Two of the most common problems are cracking and mortar deterioration. Cracks in masonry units or in mortar As part of your structural evaluation, you will be looking for cracks. Cracks are much easier to see in masonry units than in the mortar. Cracks in the mortar are usually at the point of connection to the masonry unit, in a natural shadow line. Common causes: • building settlement • freezing damage • mechanical damage (such as from a vehicle) • thermal expansion and contraction Although cracking can be the result of freeze or thaw action, cracking is caused more often by building settlement. Stresses caused by expansion or contraction of the wall as a result of temperature or moisture changes also can cause cracking. Cracked masonry or mortar units may be cosmetic, may be water entry points or may indicate severe structural problems. In the Structure Module of our training presentation (the ASHI@HOME program) on this topic, we outline strategies for evaluating cracks from a structural viewpoint. In this article, we’ll look at cracks from a siding perspective.
> The cracks allow water into the wall, which may damage the interior skeleton of the building. Moisture entering the cracks also can result in freeze or thaw damage. Cracks may grow with time at a constant (increasing or decreasing) rate and may open and close as seasons change.
Brick Veneer vs. Solid Masonry
Mortar deterioration Mortar deterioration is common on masonry, especially areas that are exposed to considerable wetting. There are several shapes of mortar joints. The illustration shows some common mortar profiles ranked by durability.
Watch for deteriorated mortar and brick movement in the wall, especially at arches. Although the arches have a structural role, the deterioration is usually limited to the area immediately above the window. Cracks at the corners of window and door openings in brick veneer are very common.
Mortar strength. Mortar joints should be roughly 3/8- to 1/2-inch thick on average, with no mortar joint being more than 3/4-inch thick. Mortar is usually slightly softer than the masonry units themselves because if the building moves slightly, the mortar joints will fail rather than cracking the masonry units. It is less expensive to repair mortar joints than to replace bricks. We don’t want mortar that is stronger than the masonry. Continues on Page 36
This arch has shifted out of place quite a bit.
Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors
Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors
The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) is developed and maintained by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI). This board has received many requests over the years for a study guide to assist those taking the NHIE. This study guide, and the associated NHIE Home Inspection Manual, were developed to address this need.
The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) is devel oped and maintained by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI). This board has received many requests over the years for a study guide to assist those taking the NHIE. This manual, and the associated NHIE Study Guide, were developed to address this need.
The NHIE Home Inspection Manual addresses the technical aspects of the NHIE. This NHIE Study Guide addresses the non-technical aspects. Many come to the home inspection profession as a second or a third career, and may not have taken a professional entrance exam for many years, if ever. This study guide helps to familiarize the candidate with the examination itself, and with the associated administrative procedures. It also includes helpful insights into the types of questions the exam contains, and techniques for success.
This NHIE Home Inspection Manual is based on the most recent Role Delineation Study (RDS). This study surveys thousands of home inspectors in order to determine the services they provide, and the components they inspect. The questions in the NHIE are derived directly from this survey, Exam Administration and constitute the knowledge base for an entry level home inspector. This manual is the Content first of its kind to follow this Exam Outline format. It also informs the candidate about the knowledge base behind the current examination questions, and proHow to Take an Exam vides a technical reference for the experienced home inspector. $98.50
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NHIE Home Inspection Manual
Often, small cracks are best seen by standing back from the wall and looking directly at the wall (rather than on an angle). Several small cracks across the wall surface may indicate considerable movement. One must add up the width of all the cracks. A 1-inch crack would be seen by all home inspectors, but 16 cracks, each 1/16th of an inch wide, and representing the same total amount of movement in the wall, are more likely to be missed.
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. Here’s a pretty serious horizontal crack that may indicate the veneer wall is bowing.
They will benefit the exam candidate along with being a great technical reference for the experienced home inspector.
Be prepared. Get the NEW
Study Guide and Home Inspection Manual Available from the
Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors
www.NHIEStudyGuide.org 27March 2017
• www.ASHIReporter.org
27
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.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.ohioashi.com Howard Snyder, 330-929-5239 ohashi@neo.rr.com
www.ashikentuckiana.org Allan Davis, 502-648-9294 elitehomeinspections@ insightbb.com
North Central Ohio
Mid-Missouri
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
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.proashi.com Second Wednesday of Jan., March, May, July & Nov. Ray Fonos, 412-461-8273 southpittsburgh@hometeam.com
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
Tri-State (DE, NJ, PA)
OHIO SOUTH ASHI
PRO-ASHI (PA)
www.tristateashi.org Second Tuesday except April, Aug. & Dec., Dave & Buster’s Plymouth Meeting, PA Peter Muehlbronner, 215-8527319, peter@ahiconsulting.com
Midwest Central Illinois
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
www.cicashi.com Second Monday, 6 pm Kevan Zinn, 309-262-5006 info@inspectwithzinn.com
Arkansas
Great Lakes (IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI)
www.ashikc.org Second Wednesday of even months The Great Wolf Lodge, Kansas City Doug Hord, 816-215-2329 doug@firstchoice.com
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
28
Heartland (IA, MN, ND, SD, WI)
ASHI Reporter • March 2017
Lonnie Moore, 479-530-5792 mhinsp@cox.net
Great Plains (KS, MO)
Midwest PRO ASHI (KS) David Mason, 316-393-2152 david@allprohomeinspec.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
Mountain Arizona
www.azashi.org Bryck Guibor, 520-419-1313 bryck@msn.com Quarterly education on azashi.org
New Mexico
www.ashinm.org 2nd Saturday of every other uneven month (January-March-Etc.) Albuquerque - Mimi’s Cafe Except for November - Santa Fe Pacos Trail Cafe, 9:15 am Lance Ellis, 505-977-3915 lellis@amerispce.net
Northern Rockies (ID, MT) Steve Jenicek, 406-949-6461 Steve@taskmasterinspections.com Secretary: Kelly Campeau 877-749-2225 Kelly@inspectormt.com
Rocky Mountain 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
California Randy Pierson, 310-265-0833 randy@southbayinspector.com
Central Valley CREIA-ASHI Peter Boyd, 530-673-5800 Boyd.p@comcast.net
Golden Gate (CA)
www.ggashi.com John Fryer, 510-682-4908 johnfryer@gmail.com
Inland Northwest (ID, WA) Chris Munro, 208-290-2472 chris@peakinspections.net
Orange County CREIA-ASHI (CA) 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 First Tuesday each month Elijah’s Restaurant 7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard San Diego, CA 92111 Dennis Parra II, 619-232-1100
San Joaquin Valley (CA) 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) Webinar meetings Randy Pierson, 310-265-0833 randy@southbayinspector.com
Western Washington
www.ashiww.com Chapter Meetings held at chapter seminars in March and September Karl Nueffer karl@G4inspections.com
New England/Canada British Columbia
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
Coastal Connecticut
www.coastalctashi.org Third Thursday, 6 pm, Westport VFW Lodge, 465 Riverside Avenue, Westport Gene Autore, 203-216-2516 gene.autore@gmail.com
New England (ME, MA, NH, RI, VT)
www.ashinewengland.org Fourth Thursday, 5 pm The Lantana, Randoph, MA Michael Atwell, 617-630-5629 mike@jmhi.com
Northern New England (ME, MA, NH, VT)
www.nnec-ashi.org Tim Rooney, 603-770-0444 homeviewnh@comcast.net
Prairies (Alberta) (CAHI)
www.cahpi-ab.ca Chris Bottriell, 780-486-4412 api94@shaw.ca
Quebec AIBQ
www.aibq.qc.ca Pascal Baudaux, 450-629-2038 info@almoinspection.ca
Southern New England (CT)
www.snecashi.org First Tuesdays, 6:30 pm Billy T’s, 150 Sebethe Dr. Cromwell, CT Richard W. Hall, 860-281-4238 rhall@usinspect.com
New York/Jersey/ Delaware Capitol Region (NY)
www.goashi.com Third Thursday, 7 pm, Doratos Steakhouse and Pub, Guilderland Robert Davis, 518-885-7949 rdavis@home-inspection.com
Central New York
www.cnyashi.com Second Wednesday, 6 pm, Tony’s Family Restaurant, Syracuse Peter Apgar, 315-278-3143 peter@craftsmanhomeinspection. net
First State (DE)
www.firststateashi.org Third Wednesday, 7 pm The Buzz Ware Center 2121 The Highway, Arden Mark Desmond, 302-494-1294 mark@delvalleyhome.com
Garden State (NJ)
www.gardenstateashi.com Second Thursday, The Westwood, Garwood Bret Kaufmann, 973-377-4747 bretkaufmann@optonline.net
Greater 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
Gulf ASHI South (AL)
www.ashisouth.org Quarterly, Homewood Library, Homewood John Knudsen, 334-221-0876 jgknudsen111@gmail.com
Florida Wiregrass
Greater Rochester (NY)
Second Thursday, 7 pm, Cypress Point Country Club, Virginia Beach Gregory Murphy, 757-535-4355 gmurphy@coastalinspect.com
www.ashiwiregrass.org Second Wednesday, 6:30 pm Hyundai of Wesley Chapel Nancy Janosz, 813-546-6090 ProTeamInsp@aol.com
MAC-ASHI (MD, VA)
Gulfcoast (FL) First Thursday, 7 pm, The Forest Country Club, Fort Myers Len Gluckstal, 239-432-0178 goldenrulehi@comcast.net
Hudson Valley (NY)
www.mac-ashi.com Second Wednesday, Rockville, 6 pm Senior Center, Rockville Mark Mostrom, 301-536-0096 pivotalinspections@comcast.net
NOVA-ASHI (MD, VA)
www.ashitexas.org Bud Rozell, 214-215-4961 goodhomeinspection@att.net
www.ashirochester.com Second Tuesday, 6 pm, Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, Irondequoit John White, 585-431-0067 john@iihomeinspections.com Second Tuesday, 6 pm Daddy O’s Restaurant, 3 Turner Street, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 Michael Skok, 845-592-1442 ashistatewide@yahoo.com
Long Island (NY)
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, 5:30 pm, Eldorado West Restaurant-Diner, Tarrytown 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, Keegans Irish Pub 2251 Old Brick Road Glen Allen, VA 23060 John Cranor 804-873-8537 cranorinspectionservices @gmail.com
Hampton Roads (VA)
www.novaashi.com Fourth Tuesday, Associate hour 6-7 pm, Membership meeting 7-9 pm Northern Virginia Resources Center, Fairfax Tony Toth, 703-926-6213 tony_toth@msn.com
Piedmont ASHI (VA) Robert Huntley, 540-354-2135 rwhuntley@cox.net
South Atlantic ASHI Georgia
www.ashigeorgia.com Shannon Cory, 404-316-4876 shannon1943@comcast.net
East Tennessee
www.etashi.org Third Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. and Nov. Paul Perry, 866-522-7708 cio@frontiernet.net
Lone Star (TX)
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
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
South Carolina First Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. & Nov., 8 am Roger Herdt, 843-669-3757 herdtworks@msn.com
29March 2017
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To submit your materials for moving up, please contact Janet George at 847-954-3180 or janetg@ashi.org
New ASHI Associates As of January 1, 2017
H Denotes graduate of The ASHI School
Harold Weigal
Mark Vergal
Bell Home Inspection Services, LLC Bonita Springs, FL
Assure Home Inspection Mokena, IL
House A Home Inspection, LLC Breckenridge, MN
Jorge Santiago
Gerald Young
James Allsbury
Allcheck Inspections, Inc. West Chicago, IL
Legacy Home Inspections Foristell, MO
Eric Robinson
Tom Asher
Great Plains Inspection Company Wichita, KS
Asher & Wyatt Superior Home Inspections Odessa, MO
Eric Hay
Farron Fitzpatrick
HayStack Inspection Services Louisville, KY
Above Board Home Inspections, LLC Columbia, MO
ACSP, Inc. Orange Park, FL
Ross Kennedy
Eric Werner
All Clear Home Inspections, LLC Anchorage, AK
B-Sure Home Inspections Phoenix, AZ
Gabriel Barnhart
William Coker
Lane Hutchison
Helena, AL
HHI Alpine, CA
C. William Hamilton
William Fife Duffee Property Inspections Birmingham, AL
Brad Harwell
Ruben Mariscal SoCal Home Inspects Placentia, CA
Auburn, AL
Kevin Minto
Robert Hunt
Signet Home Inspections, LLC Auburn, CA
Dwight Leary Builders, LLC Montgomery, AL
Warren Jones Indian Springs, AL
Dwight Leary Dwight Leary Builders, LLC Montgomery, AL
D. Kent Piatt Pelham, AL
Paul Probst Montgomery Inspection, LLC Montgomery, AL
Jamey Russell Atrium Inspection Services Trussville, AL
Stephen Albertson Total Assurance Real Estate Inspections, LLC Carefree, AZ
Daniel Evans Sky Island Inspections, LLC Cochise, AZ
Matt Fey Desert State Home Inspections Scottsdale, AZ
Gary Heller Inspection Services, LLC Prescott Valley, AZ
David Inman Inman Home Inspections Jonesboro, AZ
Jarred Kaczmarek B Sure Home Inspections Phoenix, AZ
Gerald Savage Scottsdale, AZ
Jake Short Northland Inspections, LLC Flagstaff, AZ
Haley Sisson Mile High Property Inspection, LLC Prescott, AZ
Joseph Warren Inspector Joe, LLC Tuscon, AZ
30
MEMBER
David Bell
ASHI Reporter • March 2017
Seth Plank Actionable Intelligence Shelter Cove, CA
Casey Robinson Dual Ladders Property Inspection Aliso Viejo, CA
Mick Adams McKela Homes Castle Pines, CO
Michael Bergren WIN Home Inspection Fort Collins, CO
Robert Blair Denver, CO
Michael Dunphy Western Slope Pillar to Post Pro Home Inspections Ridgeway, CO
Athens, GA Inspection Wizards, LLC Grayson, GA
Allan Thompson ACT II Construction Services, Inc. Decatur, GA
Michael Reed Surehome Inspections Treynor, IA
Timothy Sieleman TDS Inspections Council Buffs, IA
Daniel Westwater Total Protection Home Inspection, LLC West Des Moines, IA
Aaron Yuska Yuska Home Inspections, LLC Tama, IA
Tim Kenney True Homes Home Inspections Coeur D’Alene, ID
Timber Turner Hayden, ID
Carol White
Derek Rison Gerard Home Inspection Lake Side Park, KY
Richard Layte Two Guys Home Inspections Paxton, MA
Richard Parella
Sam Murrell Whole Home Inspection, LLC Fenton, MO
Robert Pope Pope Inspection Services, LLC Trimble, MO
America’s Best Choice Home Inspection Services Melrose, MA
Mike Sharp
Michael Spano
Steven Vogel
Home Tech Property Inspections Swansea, MA
HomeTeam Inspection Service St. Charles, MO
John DiMercurio
Ted Whittaker
Solid Rock Inspections, LLC Shelby, MI
Buyers Protection Group St. Louis, MO
Chuck Kloes
Rodney Wyatt
Amerispec Inspection Servies Kalamazoo, MI
Asher & Wyatt Superior Home Inspections Warrensburg, MO
Donald Rice Saint Clair, MI
Sharp Home Inspections Holt, MO
Brad Zelk Lee’s Summit, MO
Vince Vargas Property Inspection Services Post Falls, ID
John Sheaffer
Patrick Autry
Tom Allen
Golden Oak Inspection Villa Park, IL
Allen Home Services Minnetonka, MN
Piotr Janota
Scott Gigrich
Buyers Protection Group Arlington Heights, IL
Corporate Inspection Services New Brighton, MN
Major Jones
Aaron Haase
M&M Home Inspections Bolingbrook, IL
Inspecta-Homes Hugo, MN
David Kropp
Larry Iverson
DAK Home Inspections, Inc. Rolling Meadows, IL
Iverson Home Inspection Services Kasson, MN
Jim Swing
Tom Lauzon
Kenneth Wagner
Highlands Ranch, CO
On the Level Home Inspections, Inc. Elmhurst, IL
Inspector For You, LLC Inver Grove Heights, MN
Manmohan Komal
Mark Tira
Tom Morse
Hawkeye Inspection + Consulting Services Cary, NC
Pinnacle Home Inspection Services Sterling, IL
A Morse Inspections Roseville, MN
Lionel Hall A Closer Look Denver, CO
Mark Lloyd Coral Cliffs Home Inspections Fort Collins, CO
Donald McPheeters La Salle, CO
Bryan Otten Scott Home Inspection, LLC Berthoud, CO
Paul Patton P.D.’s Home Inspections, LLC Colorado Springs, CO
John Sheahan
North Haven, CT
Joseph Hodges Capitol Hill Design Build, LLC Washington, DC
Jonathan Laboy Pro-spect Inspection Services Dover, DE
Timothy Mueller
Roger Vallerand
Superior Property Insights Negaunee, MI
Jesse Mueller
James Ouldhouse This Ouldhouse Inspection Shepherd, MT
Ryan Peterson Bucking Horse Home Inspection Plains, MT
Charles Savoia Missoula, MT
David Esker Peace of Home Black Mountain, NC The Home Inspector Winston-Salem, NC
Stephen Appolonia AAA Home Inspection, LLC Colts Neck, NJ
Inspecta Homes All Quality Home Inspections, Inc. Minneapolis, MN Oak Lawn, IL
Stuart Fuchsman
Stephen Vondrak
Gerard Koczwara
Hank’s Handyman Services, Inc. Palatine, IL
Paul Schimnowski Criterium-Schimnowski Engineers Mahtomedi, MN
Pinnacle Home Inspections Plus Springfield, NJ State-Wide Home Inspection Bayonne, NJ
See page 32 for chapter education.
George McFaulds
Roger Farnham
Andrew Haynes
McFaulds Inspection Consultants, LLC Toms River, NJ
FH&A Inspections, LLC Loveland, OH
Residential Inspection Services Chattanooga, TN
New ASHI Inspectors
Frank Fazzio
Robert Hodgin
As of January 1, 2017
Kenneth Meisch NJ First Home Inspections, LLC Union, NJ
Inside / Out Home Inspections, LLC Cincinnati, OH
Pioneer Home Inspections Nashville, TN
Mark Nobile
Alan Gibson
El Campo, TX
Complete Home Inspection Services, LLC Cedar Grove, NJ
ProCheck Engineering, Inc. Columbus, OH
Joseph Weller
C.J.K. Home Inspection Akron, OH
Weller Home Inspections National Park, NJ
Robert Ernst Certified Structure Inspector Reno, NV
Michael Baglivo A Federal Home & Building Inspections Brooklyn, NY
James Bruendl Welcome Home Inspection Services Bellmore, NY
Roman Brzozowski RTB Home Inspections Roslyn Heights, NY
Stephen Byrne Staten Island, NY
Ori Chimino Distinctive Home Inspection Services, Inc. Merrick, NY
Wesley Creegan Diligent Home Inspection, Inc. North Merrick, NY
Kenneth Fuchsman A-Pro Home Inspection East Meadow, NY
James Hearne Floral Park, NY
Kuros Sorbi AVA Engineering Commack, NY
Richard Treglia Allclear Home Inspections, LLC Franklin Square, NY
James Allen A Star Home Technologies Cincinnati, OH
Russell Benjamin Russell Benjamin Inspections, LLC Ashland, OH
Andrew Campbell Gerard Home Inspection Cincinnati, OH
Brian Clark Pillar to Post Wadsworth, OH
Rick Clark Clark Home Inspections, LLC Dover, OH
Chad Kemper
John Koterba Taylor Made Home Inspections Harrison, OH
Shane Littell IPA Cincinnati, OH
Bob Shetler Buckeye’s Best Akron, OH
Daniel Tavenor Mt. Gilead, OH
Brian Tregoning Horizon Point Inspections Loveland, OH
Joshua Wendling Elite 1 Home Inspections, LLC Mansield, OH
Robin Wells Wells Home Inspection Services Penetanguishene, ON
Tom Hinton All American Inspections Medford, OR
David Gobrecht Gobrecht Home Inspections Breinigsville, PA
David Gumpher Gumpher Home Inspections, LLC Palmyra, PA
Steven Hughes Eastern Property Inspection Co., LLC Doylastown, PA
Jason Liszkiewicz
Donn Anderson Bill Bagwell Bagwell Inspection Lewisville, TX
Juan Brooks
Zachary Lemp Rio Inspection Service Del Rio, TX
Larry Searcy
Kennett Square, PA
Kyle Underwood US Inspect Norristown, PA
David Bellissimo Greenlight Home Inspections of S.C. Greenville, SC
New ASHI Certified Home Inspectors As of January 1, 2017
My Home Inspector, LLC McKinney, TX
Randall Wooten
Jim Powlesland
Walt Fick
Alert Inspections Weatherford, TX
Spot-On Home Inspections Ltd. Calgary, AB
Know Your Home Inspections and Services, LLC Kearney, NE
Jeff Walsh
Robert Ayling
Long River Inspections Fairfield, CT
Home Inspection Connection, LLC Glassboro, NJ
Derrick Mickelson Epic Home Inspectors Smithfield, UT
Dennis Wolfley Wolfley Home Inspections West Valley, UT
Michael Guadagna MG Genuine Home Inspections, LLC Longwood, FL
Steve Robinson
Jeff Kinton
Adam Smith
Vinton, VA
Cornerstone Inspection Group Atlanta, GA
ValueGuard Home Inspections Philadelphia , PA
Brooks Hodge
Kevin Marler
ATLAS Home Inspection Arlington, VA
Elijah Andrievich Rocktown Inspection Services Harrisonburg, VA
Troy Gray
On The Spot Home Inspections Norfolk, VA
Tony Lane Haymarket, VA
Joel Montejano P3 Assurance Professionals Burke, VA
Nestor Quinteros WG Home Inspection Services Gainesville, VA
Joseph McGuirk
M. Marek Stralkowski
Smart Moves Home Inspections, LLC Center Valley, PA
Vetera Home Inspections Aubrey, TX
The On Track Home Inspector Galax, VA
L&L Home Inspections, LLC Chalfont, PA
Brad Lang
Eric Fitzgerald
B. Todd Shaw
Donald Nagle
7 Oaks Home Inspection, LLC Wentzville, MO
Houston, TX
Philadelphia, PA New Castle, PA
Jason Ratliff
Boise Home Inspections Star, ID
Don Fischer
Rodney Nissley
Christopher Jones
Brick & Beam Home Inspections, LLC Pierceton, IN
Jones Brothers Home Inspections, LLC Richland, WA
F. Nash Strudwick All Point Inspections, LLC Nantucket, MA
Tyler Scott
Charles Tobler
John Smith
Jesse Weaver Northwest Home Inspector Services, Inc. Puyallup, WA
Marc Jones Jones Brothers Home Inspections, LLC Kennewick, WA
7 Oaks Home Inspection, LLC O’Fallon, MO
Total Quality Inspections Portsmouth, VA
Ed Snope
Extra Eyez Inspections Woodstock, IL
TLC Home Inspections Reston, VA
Dusan Skoric
Peach Inspections Coatesville, PA
7 Oaks Home Inspection, LLC Warrenton, MO
Steven Spoon iLook Home Inspection Co. Gladstone, MO
Kevin Napier Greenbrier Home Inspections White Sulphur Springs, WV
31March 2017
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ASHI Chapter Education 2017 OAHI/CAHPI-ON Education Conference When: Where:
March 3-5, 2017 Holiday Inn, Burlington Hotel & Conference Center, 3063 South Service Rd., Burlington, ON Contact: ericajp@rogers.com
Central PA ASHI Chapter Education Conference When: March 4, 2017 Where: Park Inn by Radisson (Harrisburg West) 5401 Carlisle Pike Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 CEUs 8 ASHI CEs Contact: Patrick Reilly, pwreilly@comcast.net
North Central Ohio ASHI When: Thursday, March 9, 6 pm–9 pm Where: Parma Library at 6996 Powers Blvd., Parma, Ohio 44129 Topic: Report Writing—group class Speaker: Paul Wancata & Bill Stone
32
When: Where:
March 18, 2017 aterford at Fair Oaks, 12025 Lee W Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax, VA Topics: Manufactured Home Inspection, Updates in the 2014 National Electrical Code, Built-in Appliances, New Plumbing Rules and Components Speaker: Michael Casey CEUs 8 ASHI CEs Contact: Dave Rushton, ableinspections@ centurylink.net
Western Washington Chapter Spring Seminar When: Where: Topics:
March 18, 2017 LeMay-America’s Car Museum Tacoma, WA 98421 Stucco, Adhered Masonry Veneer, Roofing, Gas and Legal issues Speakers: Bruce Barker CEUs 7 ASHI CEs Contact: Brad Albin, inspectorbrad@frontier.com
St. Louis Spring Seminar
North Central Ohio ASHI
When: March 9-10, 2017 CEUs March 9 - NADRA Deck Inspection Certificate Class, 4 ASHI CEs March 10 - Education Seminar , 8 ASHI CEs Where: St. Louis Association of Realtors Conference Center 12777 Olive Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63141 Contact: Mark Goodman mark@home inspectstl.com
When: Where:
Ohio ASHI Chapter March Expo
The Reporter is produced 6-8 weeks ahead of the week it arrives in your mailbox.
When: March 10-12, 2017 Where: Quest Center, Columbus, OH Topics: Infrared, International Gas Code, Structural Defects, Legal Report Writing and Plumbing Speakers: Bryck and Harris Guibor, Don McBride, Joe Denneler, Bill Fabian, Forrest Lines CEUs 8 Friday, 14 Saturday/Sunday Contact: georgebasista@yahoo.com 330-565-3760, ohioashi.com/events
ASHI Reporter • March 2017
ASHI’s Recruit-aMember Program
Nova ASHI Seminar
(
Thursday, April 13, 6pm-9pm Independence Library at 6361 Selig Blvd., Independence, Ohio 44131
IMPORTANT Reporter Deadlines: • MAY ISSUE - 3/15/17 • JUNE ISSUE - 4/15/17 • JULY ISSUE - 5/15/17 • AUGUST ISSUE - 6/15/17 • SEPTEMBER ISSUE - 7/15/17 • OCTOBER ISSUE - 8/15/17
HELP ASHI GROW & Earn $50 in Gift Cards
Who knows best how to sell ASHI membership? You!
Who deserves to be rewarded for helping ASHI grow? You!
Earn $50 in gift cards for every new member you recruit. Download the Membership Application form, have the new member fill it out (including his/her member number in the referral field) scan and email it to: russelld@ashi.org or fax to 847-759-1620. Questions? Contact Russell Daniels, russelld@ashi.org.
Companies that provide both residential and commercial inspection services garner more respect than those doing only residential work! Commercial inspections can generate up to 80% more revenue than residential inspections in the same time. Historically, the liability related to commercial inspection is a fraction of that associated with home inspection. The benefits for your business can be substantial.
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May 12-14, 2017 • Radisson Hotel Baltimore Downtown – Inner Harbor • 101 W Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201 Call 888-884-0440 COURSE FEES
The course fee through The ASHI School is $1,395 for ASHI members. This includes the course text, sample reports, consultants’ reports and information on quoting inspections, report writing, cost estimating and relevant business issues.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
We guarantee you will find this course both personally and professionally rewarding or your entire course fee will be cheerfully refunded. 33March 2017
• www.ASHIReporter.org
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News from Membership Join a Chapter, be a Part of the Lifeline of ASHI
By Russell K. Daniels, ASHI Assistant Executive Director and Director of Membership Services & Chapter Relations, russelld@ashi.org Did you know that, as part of the ASHI family, you have fellow inspectors in different states who can be great resources to you and your business? ASHI home inspectors provide a great service to their local community. Just as people like firefighters, police officers and members of the armed forces provide vital services to communities across the country, home inspectors also use their expertise to provide an important service that can potentially help save lives. Chapters are the lifeline of ASHI, delivering all the benefits of membership in an inspector-friendly, nurturing environment. By attending chapter events, you will receive technical education, marketing and business-building tips and report-writing suggestions. Plus, as part of a chapter community, you’ll have opportunities to network with others, build camaraderie and swap those “stories from the field.” If you’re new to ASHI and want to learn from the best, join your local ASHI chapter and start meeting other inspectors. Many ASHI chapters have set up mentoring programs that are designed to match you with a veteran member who will share his or her experiences with you. Even if you are not new to ASHI, our chapters still need you. Why? Because ASHI’s national leaders come directly from the chapters, and chapter leaders need you
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ASHI Reporter • March 2017
to share your expertise and interests so that they can keep the chapter’s offerings relevant.
chapters they’ve joined, as well as boost the local services available to potential homebuyers.
Think about it this way: Joining a chapter helps our organization grow. You joined ASHI because you saw the value in an organization that has built over 40 years of trust. Why not help build that same trust in a local chapter?
Need another reason to join or become active in your chapter? You’ll make friendships that last a lifetime. Let’s face it: No inspector knows it all. But by being part of a chapter, you can become a better inspector because you’ll have many opportunities to get involved and get to know other inspectors. As your relationships grow, you’ll benefit from the collective wisdom of your chapter’s community.
By joining an ASHI chapter, you’ll be accessing the full value of your ASHI membership. Did you know that ASHI chapters carry out marketing and public relations events and activities that can help you build your business and educate the community about home inspectors and what you do? ASHI just completed its first year of a program called the “Year of the Chapter.” This membership drive resulted in 175 inspectors joining an ASHI chapter for the first time. We welcome these new chapter members and know that these new participants in ASHI’s chapters will help strengthen the
It’s easy to join a chapter. Log on to the ASHI website at www.ashi.org, select the “Members Only” tab, find the chapter list and contact the person who’s listed for the chapter you’d like to join. You can also click on the map and select the chapter closest to you. Chapter leaders will be happy to welcome you as you test out a meeting before joining. If you have questions, please contact me (email russelld@ashi.org, 847-954-3185). ASHI’s many chapter members are looking forward to meeting you! H
ASHI Event Calendar April 28-29, 2017 ASHI Board Meeting Des Plaines, IL July 21-22, 2017 ASHI Board Meeting Des Plaines, IL
October 19-21, 2017 Leadership Training Conference and ASHI Board Meeting Des Plaines, IL
FREE ASHI Member access to past IW sessions.
CURRENT ASHI Membership
1. Go to www.ASHI.org
ASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,417
2. Under Education & Training
Inspectors/Logo: 212 Associates: 3,953 Retired Members: 102 Affiliates: 77
3. Click on:
ASHI ONLINE LEARNING CENTER
Marc h Anni versa ries
Total: 7,761 Members as of 2/3/2017
Forty Years John Heyn
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
OneSource Solutions 877-274-8632 www.osconnects.com/ashi/ Porch.com Eliab Sisay, 206-218-3920 www.porch.com Eliab@porch.com ASHI Rebate Program Quill.com Dana Fishman, 800-634-0320 x1417 www.quill.com/ashi dana.fishman@quill.com 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
Thirty Years James Jagger Juknialis
Twenty-five Years Daniel Eilertsen Avi Korine
Twenty Years Jim Breer Dave Day Ray Foster Charles Pyne Daniel Rogers Rory Warren Len Westra
Fifteen Years Guy Becker Charles Brunson, Jr. William Gorgoroso Andrew Haverland Robert Mitchell R. Casey New
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.
35March 2017
Ten Years Peter Arndt Robert Barnes Robert Frerichs David Gunselman Brett Hodgdon Rusty Keith Scott Linaman Chris McDougall Michael Page Tyrus Parrish James Porter Elder Gary Ratliff James (Jim) Sequeira Todd Royce Stanley David Tabor Brian “B.K.” Thompson Mik Walkup Paul Wancata
Five Years Patrick (Casey) Arnold Brent Cannon Michael Childs Michael Coppola Noel Davy Lawrence Englehart Robert Erenberg Blake Fearon Jeff Foster Ben Frashure William Handley Sandy Herrera Daniel Lewis Geoffrey Lowrey Charles McCracken Pete Meier Dean Phillips, Jr. Edward Szczesniak Paul Lane Tyson Andy Zubilewich
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Brick Veneer vs. Solid Masonry
Continued from Page 27
Check the mortar joints for crumbling, failed bonds between the mortar and masonry, and check for very soft mortar. Dragging a key or screwdriver across the mortar joints can give a good indication of how soft the mortar is. There is wide variation, but with a little bit of practice, you will be able to evaluate which mortars are acceptably hard and which are soft enough in which to carve your initials in with your fingernail. Surprisingly, some very soft mortars stand up well. Remember that virtually all old houses have areas where mortar could be improved.
A poor bond between the mortar and masonry will allow water into the wall, causing efflorescence and possibly freeze or thaw deterioration. A poor bond, mortar deterioration or both may result from the following: • improper mortar mixes or surface preparation • additives in the mortar • temperatures too hot or too cold during application • failure to dampen the masonry units before applying the mortar • joints being too thin, too thick, incomplete or poor shapes Pretty common mortar deterioration on older brick homes; there is quite a bit of spalling here as well.
Mortar deterioration is so bad on this parapet wall that the masonry units have become entirely loose and some are missing.
Tip of the Iceberg This article is an overview of masonry wall surfaces, with brief descriptions of the differences between brick veneer and solid masonry. We also outlined two of the most common conditions associated with masonry surfaces—cracks and mortar deterioration.
In the ASHI@HOME program, we dive much deeper into this topic and provide detailed explanations of other problems. In the program, we also discuss masonry walls from a structural standpoint. We encourage you to learn more by taking part in the ASHI@HOME program. H Here are some other articles related to brick or veneer:
Deteriorating mortar may result in water damage to the building interior and to the masonry. Repointing is relatively expensive, and it is difficult to match the color and texture of old mortar with new. Care also should be taken not to leave mortar on the masonry surfaces.
Solving a Basement Leak Puzzle Involving Brick Veneer: http://www.ashireporter.org/HomeInspection/Articles/Solving-aBasement-Leak-Puzzle-Involving-Brick-Veneer/14782 Inspecting Residential Brick Veneer: http://www.masonpro.com/LowRes_english.pdf Start with the Fundamentals When Inspecting Masonry Walls: http://www.ashireporter.org/HomeInspection/Articles/ Start-with-the-Fundamentals-When-Inspecting-Masonry-Walls/1905
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ASHI Reporter • March 2017
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Follow-Up Marketing
Follow-Up Marketing By Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, www.carsondunlop.com, 800-268-7070
F
ollow-up marketing relies on the business concept that it’s cheaper to maintain a customer than it is to find a new one. For example, the cost to acquire a new agent to refer business to you is significant. The cost to maintain a relationship is less, but there still is a cost. Many home inspectors fail to see this and, as a result, relationships fail. Hard to Fill a Leaky Bucket Agents drift away often from sheer neglect. Many inspectors spend no time nurturing the relationship. Nurturing may be as simple as saying, “Thank you for the referral.” It may be helpful to look at business relationships in this way: If you are adding new relationships into the top of the bucket, while neglected relationships are leaking out the bottom, you are working hard to maintain a half-full bucket. As we’ve stated, it takes more money and time to develop a new relationship than it does to maintain an existing one, so doesn’t it make sense to spend some time maintaining relationships?
Many inspectors proudly point out the 10 new relationships they’ve recently developed, but they fail to notice the 15 agents who have stopped referring to them. This is no way to grow a business. And that’s why follow-up marketing is so important. Follow-Up Letters to Agents One follow-up strategy is to write a letter to the agent. The inspector collects the agent’s business card at the beginning of 38
ASHI Reporter • February 2017
the inspection. If the inspector has not met the agent before, the inspector sends a quick letter to the agent after the inspection. You might develop some postcards for this purpose. It takes the inspector about a minute at the end of the inspection to fill out and mail a postcard to the agent. The postcard may say something like, “It was a pleasure to meet you at 123 Any Street yesterday. Please call me to help your next clients (or, I look forward to working with you again soon). Sincerely, Inspector.” This strategy is cheap and quick, and it makes an impact. Follow-Up Calls to Agents You can also follow up by phone. Follow-up calls to agents fall into two categories: • agents who refer business to you • agents who used to refer business to you, but no longer do Let’s look at each type of case. Agents Who Refer Business to You Call the agent periodically to find out if your services continue to be satisfactory. You don’t have to call them after every inspection, just periodically. You can start by saying, “Thanks very much for referring Mr. Jones to me.” Then you can ask the following questions: • Are you happy with the home inspection service? • Are you happy with my answering service? • What kind of feedback did you get from your clients about the home inspection? If you are brave, you can ask what you could do to serve them better, although you always risk having to deal with an unreasonable request. You can make this decision on a case-by-case basis.
Initiative is as important as content. Most inspectors don’t like to phone agents for fear that the agent might say something negative about how the inspector handled the inspection. This fear is understandable because we often have to take a stand on unpopular issues. The fear may be wellfounded, but the logic is not. You should phone regardless of how you think the agent will respond because the gesture is at least as important as the content of the call. The agent will recognize that you made an effort. To put your fears to rest, think of it this way. There are only two possibilities: • The agent has good things to say and your call reinforces your relationship. • The agent has negative things to say and you now have an opportunity to mend the relationship. If you are unsuccessful, you will be no further behind. So, it’s a win-win decision. And even if you can’t salvage the relationship, you can learn something from the experience that can be applied in future situations. Agents Who Used to Refer Business to You At Carson Dunlop, we keep track of agents by using a database. The database tells us who refers business to us and who does not. Answers are a phone call away. What do we do with this information? We identify agents who send us fewer referrals than they used to. This allows us to follow up with them. If you are an independent inspector, you may not have the benefit of a database. How else can you find out this information? There is a great low-tech way to gather information: Make a phone call to the agent.
ASHI Ad.indd 6
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Follow-Up Marketing
in me.” This gives them an opportunity to explain why they haven’t referred as many clients to you. You might learn that they have been concentrating on getting listings, for example. If this is the case, you might be able to offer pre-listing inspection services for them.
We call agents who have stopped sending us business and ask them why they’ve stopped. Most of you are now thinking, “That’s not a call I want to make.” None of us likes making that call. But we suggest that you do it anyway. Why? Because there is no downside. You can’t get any worse than an agent not sending you any business. You should look at this call as an opportunity. You can start the call by saying, “I’m calling because I haven’t heard from you lately, and I was concerned. Are you all right? (Here’s where you may find out that they, in fact, have had to step away from their business for some reason.) If they say they are alright, you can say, “I hope I’ve not done anything to make you lose confidence
If they have had a problem with your service, it is helpful to find out about it so you can clear it up or fix the problem. We’ve found that often the reason might be something as simple as their feeling that another home inspector seemed to value their relationship more than we did. The agent felt neglected and unappreciated. Or perhaps the agent feels that you might have caused a client to back away from a deal unnecessarily. No matter what the reason that is given, this is your chance to understand and set things right.
What’s the lesson here? No matter how many scenarios you invent for the dreaded call, there is only one that includes the agent never wanting to do business with you again. There are many more possibilities that could result in a relationship that becomes even stronger than it was before.
Following Up with Clients You may want to follow up with clients as well as agents. You might wonder, if I’ve already done the inspection, why should I stay in touch with previous clients? There are at least three reasons: 1. To capture repeat business when the homeowner buys another house in five years 2. To remind the homeowner to tell their friends to hire you when they buy a house 3. To keep you in the forefront of the client’s mind so that they are more receptive when you call to offer follow-up services, such as a one-year inspection (that is, an inspection of the home one year after moving in to verify that things have been improved or repaired properly) Put Follow-Up Marketing on Your To-Do List It may seem like these calls could take a lot of work and time, but we believe that they provide great value. These calls actually should not take too much of your time, and the opportunity “cost” is minimal compared with how difficult it is to acquire a new referring agent or a whole new set of clients. It’s a competitive market out there. You need to keep your referral base intact. Follow-up marketing—a strategy you should apply to your business! H
Attendees and speaker Bruce Barker at the North Carolina ASHI Chapter presentation on Electrical Inspections in Winston-Salem, NC.
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ASHI Reporter • February 2017
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NEW POSTCARDS EMAIL!! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: postcards@ashi.org
Where There’s Smoke...
Not Seen This Before... ...Vent to vent. Clay Ridings Preferred Inspections Arden, DE
Channeling Innovation These photos give a whole new meaning to the phrase “Hot Panel.” Eric Conda AmeriSpec Erie, CO
They opened a can of coffee and pressed it into the particle board to channel rain water into a bucket. Jeremy Provan Pro Vantage Home Inspections Columbia, MD
Urinal Power What would you plug into this wall outlet? Bill Warren National Inspection Services Palm Desert, CA
Never Need to Clean This Thing Catching the lighterthan-gas particles requires an inverted drip leg. Jim Young HomePro Professional Home Inspection Cleveland, OH
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ASHI Reporter • March 2017
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NEW POSTCARDS EMAIL!! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: postcards@ashi.org
Recycling is Good...
Electric Glove Furnace fuse keeps blowing out? Vise grips and a lady’s driving glove to insulate it are the cure.
...But these were so light, they were blowing around in the attic. They can’t be effective as insulation.
Lon Henderson Western State Inspections & Services, Inc. Bennett, CO
Neil Minnucci Homestead Inspections, Inc. Lansdale, PA
Indian Jones, Home Inspector! This is a 116 year old home in Virginia with snake skin everywhere in the attic. These snakes emit pheromones that attract other snakes for up to seven years.
You Don’t “C” This too Often Use what you got. Stephen Tyler STAT Home Inspections Garnerville, NY
Mike Mallott Checkmark Home Inspections, LLC Leesburg, VA
Call in the Structural Guy for This one! A terrible fire, but an even worse attempt at repairs. Mike Mallott Checkmark Home Inspections, LLC Leesburg, VA
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ASHI Reporter • March 2017
Free Drinking Water Rainwater collection. Now, if they could just figure out a way to filter out the roof granules. Timothy Hemm Tim Hemm Inspections Yucaipa, CA
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Reach Out: ASHI Friends Make Up the ASHI Family
I
nspectionWorld® 2017 is over. We offered and you received top-rated educational courses for all levels of interest and all levels of experience. Besides the educational courses, we presented some excellent breakout sessions, sponsored by some of the best service vendors in our industry. We had get-together times as well, including the annual luncheon and gala. And of course, IW® offered you the opportunity to meet your fellow inspectors—those friends you’ve met before and many new ones, too. So, now what? You came to IW,® and you met some fellow inspectors for the first time. Do you just take his or her business card and file it with all the many cards you received during the conference? Or, do you pick up the card and call that inspector—you know, that one inspector with whom you just knew a friendship was struck when you met—or do you just file it away with the others? I would bet that 99% of you might just file it or maybe even throw it away. Then again, some of you maybe wish you had kept that card. I’ve attended many IWs®, and sadly, I know that I’ve been a member of that 99% who has tossed away cards I should have kept. Later, I regret having done it, because I know that I’ve met inspectors with whom I could have established both a business and a friendly relationship that would have benefited both of us, but I just tossed their cards by the wayside. Okay, okay, you say, what should I do? First, don’t be a 99%er. Dig through those many cards and look through all the scribbled notes you wrote. When you find the one name or note you want to save, you’ll know. Then, pick up the phone and call the inspector. You already established a foundation back at IW®, so it won’t be hard. You may find that, together, your friendship will carry through many years to come.
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ASHI Reporter • March 2017
By ASHI President, Howie Pegelow
Wait, you say call someone I met only once at IW®? What do I say? Talk about what? Well, first, tell the person about yourself and maybe mention something about your family and your business. Ask the person you contact to share some kind of similar information. The bottom line is, talk! Just talk with one another. You may find some common interests. Sometimes, you happen to meet inspectors who live and work near you. For those people, maybe invite them to your chapter meeting, or you could ask if you could attend their chapter’s meeting. This can be a great idea if they belong to a chapter different from yours or if you haven’t yet joined a chapter yourself.
Also, for those of you who don’t yet belong to a chapter, ASHI offers a virtual chapter option (check out the ASHI website for details). In addition, several chapters now offer webinars to broadcast their chapter’s meetings online so that any inspector can join the meeting, even when they can’t physically be at the meeting place. The point is, ASHI provides you with a variety of venues and opportunities to meet with other home inspectors throughout the year, not just at IW.® In closing, ASHI is a family. We come from all sections of the United States and Canada, and our backgrounds might be similar or different. But, we are a family, and if you take some time to reach out to someone in this organization, you’ll see this for yourself! H
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Your Partner in Radon Measurement 47March 2017
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ASHI Reporter • March 2017