October 2016 Reporter

10.16

ASHI

Reporter

7 201 ®

EVERYONE’S A WINNER! See P12-13

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

Being Frank

6 14

20 24

p10

Serve Your Clients in a New Way by Offering the Healthy Home Checkup™ Barometric Damper (Draft Regulator) on Oil-fired Appliances Basic Marketing Concepts Are Your Recommendations Based on Accurate Information?

Your ASHI: Elections

34 42 On My Mind: That Call

The Industry’s First AFCI Outlet

®

The new SmartlockPro Outlet Branch Circuit (OBC) Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Outlet is designed to identify potentially dangerous arc-faults and respond by interrupting power to prevent arc-faults that may lead to a fire. ®

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

Visit leviton.com/afci

THE FUTURE IS ON®

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

2

AFCI ASHI AD 7.375x9.875.indd 1

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

10/2/14 1:22 PM

10.16

Reporter ASHI

October 2016

Vol. 33, #10

Features

Please Support our Advertisers: Leviton Perma-Boot Healthy Home Checkup OREP Allen Insurance Group How to Operate Your Home InspectionWorldTM Business Risk Partners Target Professional Programs InspectIT Fort Reports BPG Inspections The ASHI School 3D Inspection Systems America’s Call Center US Inspect NHIE Study Guide Joe Ferry

RTCA American Home Warranty Sun Nuclear HomeGauge

6

“Health Sells”: Serve Your Clients in a New Way

by Offering the Healthy Home Checkup™

An Interview with Jack Anderson by Carol Dikelsky

12

InspectionWorld Las Vegas 2017 Take Advantage of These Special Training Opportunities

Barometric Damper (Draft Regulator) on Oil-fired Appliances

14 20

Basic Marketing Concepts

Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop

How Do You Know That? Are Your Recommendations Based on Accurate Information?

24

Roger Hankey, ACI

Departments 10 Being Frank Frank Lesh, ASHI Executive Director

26 Chapter News: NIC ASHI Hosts a Horizon

Users Group Meeting Steve Reilly, The ASHI School

2 leviton.com/afci 5 perma-boot.com 7 healthyhomescheckup.com 11 www.OREP.org 15 allenins.com 17 htoyh.com 17 inspectionworld.com 19 inspectorinsurance.com 21 www.TargetProIns.com 23 InspectIT.com 25 fortreports.com 25 bpgwi.com 27 www.TheASHISchool.com 33 3dinspection.com 33 AmericasCallCenter.com 36 844-268-2677 36 NHIEStudyGuide.org 37 www.joeferry.com/ashi 39 www.RTCA.com 41 ahomewarranty.com 43 sunradon.com 44 HomeGauge.com/CRL

26

Postcards From the Field It’s Wacky Out There

27 The ASHI School

28

34

38

42

ASHI Community

Chapter Listing, New Inspector Status, Chapter Events,

Your ASHI

Membership News, Elections, Endorsed Member Programs & Anniversaries

10

You Tell Us

Letters From Our Readers

On My Mind

7 1 0 2

Randy Sipe, ASHI President

®

26

12

EVERYONE’S A WINNER! Las Vegas January 22-25

3October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

3

ASHI National Officers and Board of Directors Educated. Tested. Verified. Certified.

A SH I M ission 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

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

Tim Buell, Treasurer Marysville, OH, 614-746-7485 tim.buell@gmail.com

Howard Pegelow, President-Elect Gilbert, AZ, 414-379-4186 hpegelow@yahoo.com

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

Robert Walstead, Vice President Sun City Arizona, 623 695 4789 rwalstead@aol.com

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

Directors Bruce Barker 2015-2017 Cary, NC, 919-322-4491 bruce@dreamhomeconsultants.com

Donald Lovering 2015-2016 Auburndale, MA, 617-928-1942 lovering@earthlink.net

Shannon E. Cory 2015-2017 Fayetteville, GA, 770-461-3408 Shannon@rainbowhomeinspections.com

Blaine Swan 2016-2018 Columbus, OH 614 506-0647 goodeyeinspections@gmail.com

Ken Harrington 2015-2017 Delaware, OH, 614-507-1061 inspectorken@rrohio.com Richard Hart 2016-2018 Conyers, GA, 770-827-2200 ashi1@comcast.net David Haught 2016-2018 Huntington, WV, 304-417-1247 inspector@wvchi.com Keven Kossler 2015-2017 Huntersville, NC, 704-875-3200 Team@CastleCheck.com Bruce Labell 2015-2017 Scottsdale, AZ, 602-765-2140 inspect@cox.net

Tony Smith 2015-2017 Cedar Rapids, IA, 319-533-4565 inspecthathouse@netscape.net Mike Wagner 2014-2016 Westfield, IN, 317-867-7688 mwagner@ralis.com John Wessling 2016-2018 St. Louis, MO, 314-520-1103 john@wesslinginspections.com Kevin Westendorf 2014-2016 Mt. Pleasant, SC, 843-881-7842 kevinw@lowcountryhome inspection.com

Speaker, Council of Representatives: James Funkhouser 2015-2016 Mark Londner 2014-2016 Manassas Park, VA, 703-791-2360 Purcellville, VA, 540-668-6339 jfunkhousr@aol.com mark@LBIhome.com Publisher: Frank Lesh Editor: Carol Dikelsky Art Director: Arlene Zapata, Jr. Designer: 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 E-mail: frankl@ashi.org Advertising: Dave Kogan Phone: 847-954-3187, E-mail: davek@ashi.org

ASHI REPORTER – ISSN 1076-1942 – the official publication of the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. (ASHI), 932 Lee St., Suite 101, Des Plaines IL 60016, is published monthly. Annual subscriptions: $44.95 to non-members. Periodical postage paid at Des Plaines, IL 60016 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ASHI Reporter, 932 Lee Street, Suite 101, Des Plaines, IL 60016-6546.

Copyright© 2016, ASHI. None of the content of this publication may be reproduced, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Inclusion of or specific mention of any proprietary product within does not imply endorsement of, nor does exclusion of any proprietary product imply non-endorsement, by the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. Opinions or statements of authors and advertisers are solely their own, and do not necessarily represent the opinions or positions of ASHI, its agents or editors. See above for information pertaining to submission of articles, advertising and related materials.

4

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

Frank Lesh, Executive Director, 847-954-3182, frankl@ashi.org Jen Gallegos, Executive Assistant, 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 & 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, Manager of Marketing & Business Development 847-954-3187, davek@ashi.org Graphics, Publications, Member Logo Design

Arlene Zapata, Graphic Design Manager & “ASHI Reporter” Managing Editor, 847-954-3186, arlenez@ashi.org Kate Laurent, Junior Graphic Designer & Administrative Assistant 847-954-3179, Katel@ashi.org The ASHI School

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 Kimberly McGraw, Administrative Assistant & Sales Representative 847-954-3198, kim@theashischool.com

The weakest link in a modern roof: The vent stack gasket The Problem: The plumbing vent pipes that penetrate your roof are typically sealed with a rubber gasket to keep rain from entering the home. These rubber gaskets deteriorate when exposed to the sun and high temperatures. Over time they get brittle and crack thus losing their ability to protect the home from water intrusion.

While modern roof shingles often offer a lifetime warranty, these rubber gaskets usually deteriorate in as little as 3 to 5 years.

As a result, water begins to flow into the home causing damage to roof shething, insulation, ceilings, interior walls and carpet.

Problem Solved: The Perma-Boot is a gasket-less, high performance pipe boot system designed to permanently repair the most common type of roof leak, the leak around the vent pipes that penetrate the roof.

• Perma-Boot slides over your existing boot, preventing future leaks • Installation takes just a few minutes - no tools required • Designed for all standard roof pitches - 3/12 to 12/12 • Made of highly durable TPO - guaranteed for the life of your shingles • Single best value in preventive maintenance for your roof

Available at local home improvement retailers and roofing suppliers *Also available for new construction!

www.perma-boot.com 919-662-9894

5October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

5

Serve Your Clients in a New Way by Offering the Healthy Home Checkup™

“Health Sells”:

Serve Your Clients in a New Way by Offering the Healthy Home Checkup

™

An Interview with Jack Anderson, by Carol Dikelsky

Y

ou might have noticed that some articles in the Reporter these past few months have fallen under a “health” theme.

Although many of these articles have described ways to improve or maintain inspectors’ health, there’s another key aspect to health that home inspectors can tap into to help your clients and your bottom line: Consider offering the Healthy Home CheckupTM by Healthy Housing Solutions, Inc.® as an additional service.

( “Consumers value

health and comfort in their homes,” said Jack Anderson, president and CEO of Healthy Housing Solutions, headquartered in Columbia, MD. “The results of surveys we’ve conducted have told us that ‘health’ sells in ways that ‘green’ and ‘energyefficient’ do not, and that having a healthy and safe home is a concept that resonates with consumers.”

He added, “Younger homeowners are especially savvy and want—even expect— healthy and safe homes. They also want assurance that their homes won’t make them sick or injure them. Home inspectors need to get up to speed on this. People will be asking for it.”

Healthy Housing Solutions is a consulting firm with experience in environmental health and safety. Since 2003, Solutions has worked with public and private clients, 6

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

including the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Four years ago, we began exploring opportunities to leverage our knowledge and expertise, and expand beyond our governmental contracts. We learned that there are at least a dozen certification and rating programs that focus on ‘green’ or ‘energy’ issues as they relate to homes, but none of these programs were comprehensive or holistic enough to cover all the health and safety deficiencies that can be found in residences across the country.”

Anderson said, “We saw this as a business opportunity, so we sought out results of previous surveys and data that focused on green home issues and energy efficiency.

In 2013, we hired a survey research consultant to complete extensive nationwide research, with over 1,100 people responding via online surveys. The respondents’ demographics were very similar to the U.S. population, according to 2010 census data.”

“We asked questions to determine consumers’ interest in and knowledge about home health and safety. Respondents wanted to avoid fire hazards, ensure a high level of indoor air quality, solve any problems in their homes that affected residents’ physical health and control the level of radon. The survey results also showed that people are motivated by a greater sense of comfort and peace of mind. They want to avoid causing or perpetuating triggers for allergies and health problems. Additionally, parents want to protect their children from getting sick.”

“The survey also asked whether people would pay to have their homes tested. We

learned that approximately 75% of those surveyed said that they would or might act on information provided about the health and safety of their homes. As a result of this analysis, our consultant estimated that more than 11 million homeowners might pay a professional to determine their homes’ health and safety. And that’s why we created the Healthy Home Checkup.TM According to its website (https://healthyhomescheckup.com/), the Healthy Home CheckupTM is a cost-effective way to check for critical health and safety risks that are common in American homes. It takes an integrated approach that encompasses the structure of a home, its major mechanical systems, all of its rooms and areas and its occupants. The Healthy Home CheckupTM is designed to identify potential health and safety problems before they can cause injury or health issues. It relies on a science-based protocol that uses a visual assessment plus diagnostic testing to check a home for hazards and deficiencies, and then provides practical repair recommendations to correct them.

After getting results of the Healthy Home Checkup,TM homeowners can make informed decisions about, and take actions to address, the health and safety of their homes. Here are some “triggers” for requesting an assessment: • b ringing home a new baby or simply having young children in the home • a person living in a home who has a newly discovered or a chronic health condition or illness • a person living in a home who has physical limitations or disabilities

A NEW TAKE ON HOME INSPECTIONS

TRY IT FREE! 30 Day FREE Trial Offer!

Scan Code to Sign Up Today!

healthyhomescheckup.com © 2016 HEALTHY HOUSING SOLUTIONS, INC.

7October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

7

>

Serve Your Clients in a New Way by Offering the Healthy Home Checkup™

• an elderly person who wants to continue to live in the home (or a person who wants to bring an aging relative into his or her home) • the completion of remodeling or renovation projects • significant water, wind or even fire damage to the home Anderson cautioned that the Healthy Home CheckupTM is not a replacement for a home inspection. One difference from a traditional home inspection is in the way the information is organized and presented.

The Healthy Home CheckupTM covers nine domains: the home’s exterior and yard, mechanical systems, appliances (including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and fire burning devices like woodstoves), “specials” (for example, pools, spas, hot tubs, wells, trampolines), air flow and circulation, allergens and dust, moisture, chemicals and physical safety and accessibility.

By using the Healthy Home Checkup,TM the assessor has access to over 160 health and safety hazards and deficiencies, which are prioritized based on their likelihood of causing illness or injury. For each hazard or deficiency found, there’s at least one associated repair recommendation. Assessors can also flag the repairs that can be addressed for a low cost (about $100 or less), which will reduce or eliminate allergens and other respiratory illness triggers or that are simple maintenance steps or behavior changes such as eliminating the use of air fresheners to mask odors from other causes.

Assessors who perform the Healthy Home CheckupTM assessment use its “Software as a Service,” which is tied to a structured query language (SQL) relational database that allows flexibility to make enhancements and modifications. The software in8

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

cludes the preloaded hazards and associated repairs. Assessors can use a tablet or laptop with Internet connectivity to complete the Healthy Home CheckupTM in real time, or they can operate their devices in an offline mode at the site, then switch to online when they have Internet connectivity. Assessors can take up to three photos of each hazard and add notes via typing or even a voice-totext function.

learned more, I could see the wheels turning. For one, they noticed that some items related to health don’t always get covered in a general home inspection. And they seemed to be thinking, ‘I’ve got a database of clients, and I could offer this assessment to them even when they are not looking to buy a new home.’ The beauty of this assessment is that it does not have to be connected to a real estate transaction.”

A 17-question survey enables assessors to gather pertinent data such as residents’ ages, health conditions and injuries, as well as information about recent home repairs and environmental testing such as for radon. It also allows the assessor to document the presence of pets, residents’ disabilities or smoking status. The Healthy Home CheckupTM software generates an easy-to-read PDF report that links priority ratings with each identified hazard and associated repair recommendation, including those that are most urgent to address.

Consumers eventually will be able to find assessors by visiting the Healthy Home CheckupTM website. A geo-locator will help connect them with assessors in their areas.

Before that happens, Anderson said, “We want to build a cadre of licensed assessors in many regions of the country.”

Joe Konopacki is one ASHI-Certified Inspector who served on the Healthy Housing Solutions’ advisory team that helped finalize the assessment protocol design and gave feedback on how it works in the field. (See the sidebar for Konopacki’s thoughts about being a Healthy Home CheckupTM assessor.)

After field-testing in more than 100 homes, Healthy Housing Solutions launched the Healthy Home CheckupTM in early May. The software is available for purchase as a technology license subscription. Home inspectors are the primary audience, followed by building analysts and energy auditors.

Other individuals who could be good assessors are those who already assess indoor air quality and perform green ratings, as well as specialists who help people “age in place,” remodelers, renovators and restoration contractors.

The Inspector’s Role in Healthy Home Assessments Home inspectors can expand their businesses by offering this assessment to people currently “settled” in their homes. Another benefit is to become known as an expert associated with the expanding Healthy Homes movement. The Healthy Home CheckupTM can be performed in addition to other inspections or assessments or as a stand-alone service.

Anderson said, “This past January at InspectionWorldTM in San Diego, I talked with more than 50 home inspectors. Some started off skeptical as they listened to the pitch and watched our live demonstration, likely thinking ‘How is this different from what I do as a home inspector?’ But as they

Anderson explained, “We offer a 30-day free trial to test drive the Healthy Home Checkup.TM A user’s manual and an online, self-study course provide information and hands-on interactive training.

Those who stay with it pay for a monthly or a full-year subscription. Businesses with multiple inspectors receive tiered subscription discounts.”

“We offer a ‘technology license’ that gives each person the freedom to set the price they will charge for providing this service, and there’s no limit on the number of assessments an assessor can conduct. The software is intuitive and doesn’t dictate a user’s ‘process.’ Essentially, when you find a hazard or deficiency in the home, you click on the domain, add photos and notes, and make adjustments to the priority levels up or down if warranted by the situation. The Healthy Home CheckupTM primarily relies on a visual assessment for detection, but you can record readings from up to six diagnostic tools. You can also append laboratory reports, such as from radon testing or mold sampling, to the report.”

> The Healthy Home CheckupTM offers home inspectors a new way to effectively market their services. Anderson noted, “Even though the real estate market is robust in many areas of the country right now, it’s good for home inspectors to be prepared for slowdowns, whether seasonal or caused by market or economic downturns. This is a way to leverage your experience and expertise working in and inspecting homes.

Think about those past clients with whom you’ve only had one engagement. You could contact them and offer to check their home again, specifically focusing on these health and safety issues.”

“Why not take advantage of the 30-day trial?” Anderson suggested, “You can even practice by assessing your own home and the homes of your friends and family to get comfortable using the Healthy Home Checkup.TM Then you’ll be ready to offer the service to your clients. After all, we all want our homes to be healthy and safe!”

For more information, visit https:// healthyhomescheckup.com/. H Jack Anderson is President/CEO of Healthy Housing Solutions, Inc., in Columbia, MD. He is a senior-level leader, director and operations manager with over 39 years of experience, including management of public policy–related projects for safe and healthy housing. Anderson led the startup of Solutions in 2003, which was created to provide applied field research, program evaluation, technical guidance document creation, training, strategic planning, and regulatory support services to public and private clients. He was directly responsible for the company winning five multiyear, multimillion dollar contracts with two federal agencies. Anderson is a nationally recognized and published expert and trainer on lead poisoning prevention and other housing-related health and safety issues, and he spearheaded the creation of the Healthy Home Checkup™ by Healthy Housing Solutions, Inc.® Contact him at janderson@ healthyhousingsolutions.com.

Serve Your Clients in a New Way by Offering the Healthy Home Checkup™

Comments from the Field Joe Konopacki, Insight Property Services, joe@InsightPSInc.com I learned about the Healthy Home Checkup™ by Healthy Housing Solutions, Inc.® from a colleague who knew I was doing energy audits and suggested that I consider becoming an assessor. The Healthy Home CheckupTM provides an opportunity for me to build relationships with clients outside of real estate sales transactions.

The idea of consulting with a homeowner during their ownership is unique. I believe that homeowners need advice from knowledgeable professionals who are not necessarily contractors. By conducting a Healthy Home CheckupTM, we can assess a home and say, “Here’s what’s going on.

Here’s what can help improve the quality of your indoor environment. Now we can talk about which types of contractors can address these issues.”

In some cases, the person requesting a Healthy Home CheckupTM may believe that a professional should do a more complex job than maybe a spouse or a DIYer can handle well. So, by having the list of specific “to-dos” that an assessor provides, the person has some leverage to hire the right people to get the jobs done. We all know that sometimes it’s not the message, it’s the messenger. Spouses don’t always agree that something is an issue. Sometimes all that is needed is a knowledgeable third party to point out issues for the disagreeing spouse to get on board with the needed improvements.

That “third party” could be a health care professional or an insurance representative—people who have a stake in making sure the people who are living in the home stay healthy. Also, people may seek a Healthy Home CheckupTM when they are planning renovations or getting their house ready to sell.

At Insight, we provide energy auditor training for country weatherization personnel. These assistance programs primarily help make homes more efficient through insulation and air sealing, though making a home tighter can concentrate indoor air-quality issues. These organizations are starting to evaluate the home as it contributes to the health of the occupants.

The Healthy Home CheckupTM provides the framework for that assessment, and the awareness of indoor environmental quality affecting health is increasing.

As people start recommending that specific homeowners get a Healthy Home CheckupTM, you will not be “selling” it, you will be providing a needed service.

Similar to when a real estate agent recommends getting a home inspection before buying a home, health care professionals or insurance providers who are aware of this assessment may recommend that a client get a Healthy Home CheckupTM. They could say, “I think there might be a problem inside your house that’s affecting your health. You should get a Healthy Home CheckupTM and find out.”

The Healthy Home CheckupTM provides a way to show people that health and safety issues in the home can be identified and addressed. For example, if someone in a family has been dealing with allergies for a long time, an assessor may identify a gas leak or a pest issue that can be fixed and help the person’s allergy symptoms going forward.

The Healthy Homes CheckupTM software provides a good framework from which to work, so you don’t have to create your own checklists. Dozens of people who know about these issues worked with Healthy Housing Solutions, hashed over the categories and lists, and made them comprehensive and user-friendly. They’ve also made them easy to adapt to situations that are outside the norm. Plus, it’s been good for my business.

9October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

9

From ASHI’s Executive Director

Dog Days of Summer?

Where? Not here at ASHI! I

’ve talked to a lot of inspectors and it seems like the housing market is booming just about everywhere. As a matter of fact, it’s so hot in some areas of North America that some folks are forgoing inspections because there are several contracts on the same house and they’re afraid they’ll lose the bid. I hope you are in that sweet spot of having enough work to help keep you in the money when the lean times come. And as those of us who’ve been around long enough can attest, that day will come.

Here at ASHI headquarters, we’ve been burning the midnight oil more than usual. I’m sure you’ve all heard that the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) has given up its charter and is no longer in business. Through the foresight of the Boards of Directors of both NAHI and ASHI, it was agreed that ASHI would welcome all former NAHI members. Because the two organizations have shared many of the same goals and requirements, it has been a smooth transition.

Former NAHI leaders have been invited to attend the annual Leadership Training Conference (LTC) this month, and most are planning to join us. Our sessions will demonstrate how current leaders help to select, train and nurture future generations of volunteers and how those new volunteers can become successful leaders in their own right. LTC will be a fast-paced conference, heavy on the mechanics of getting the job done.

A

nother continuing issue that we’ve been working on is making it easier for members to find the answers they need. We’ve developed a multitude of methods to achieve this. The first and oldest is this magazine, the ASHI Reporter. As our flagship monthly periodical, it is and has been the source of “what’s happening in ASHI” since its inception in January 1988. In-depth articles, many of which are written by fellow home inspectors, are a treasure trove of timeless information. Chapter meetings, new members, your Board of Directors and staff contact info and words from the ASHI President and the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, as well as upcoming events, are a sampling of available content. And as always, the first thing that many of us go to is “Postcards from the Field.” This Old House has asked us for and received permission to publish some of our “Postcards” for quite some time in their magazine. So, keep on sending us those photos…they make producing the Reporter fun!

Another exciting development happened in August as ASHI signed up its 7,000th member! We’ve been growing at a nice, steady pace, but immediately after we welcomed ASHI Member No. 7,000, the NAHI announcement came out and we added all of their members to the ASHI roll, too. So, we’re now at 8,000 members! This is truly a milestone for us. We’re enthusiastic that we will continue to grow while maintaining the high standards befitting the leader of the profession. H

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

10

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

“Thank you. We sure do appreciate everyone at OREP. Worry free service year after > year!”

Expansion Tanks — Alan, HousePro Home Inspections

Complete Coverage Should Never Be Optional Home Inspector E&O & GL Broad Policy, Peace of Mind

Minimum P remium $1, $300,000 L 000 imit

 Coverages: E&O, General Liability, termite/pest, commercial, radon, lead paint, pool/spa, EIFS/stucco, indoor air quality testing, green building inspections, infrared thermography, rodent inspections, and more. Mold and Septic/Water testing available. (Coverages vary in HI, NY, MA.) Plus  “A” Rated, Admitted Carrier, Prior Acts, Additional Insured for Agents and other Referring Parties. OREP in its 14th year serving home inspectors.  Discounts for ASHI Members.  “First Defense” defends and protects insureds against frivolous complaints, potentially saving a deductible expense, higher premiums and a negative claims history.  Coverage for one or multi-inspectors employed by the firm and the first two independent contractors are free.  OREP Professional Support Network: free on-demand inspection support, contract review, discounted approved CE, Working RE Magazine, corporate rates on office supplies, technology and more.

Comprehensive Coverage, One Low Price Minimum Premiums start at $1,000

SERVICE Find details at www.OREP.org

(888) 347-5273 6760 University Ave. #250 • San Diego, CA 92115 Fax: (708) 570-5786 • info@orep.org David Brauner: Calif. Insurance Lic. #0C89873 OREP- Organization of Real Estate Professionals Insurance Services, LLC. Calif. Lic. #0K99465

“Hey Matt…I collected many estimates but the combination of value, flexibility and knowledge was unsurpassed by OREP...Maria patiently answered all of my questions and moved pretty quickly when I pulled the trigger. Let’s hope I can never tell you how good the service is beyond that!”

—Henry “Sonny” Toman

11October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

11

InspectionWorld® Las Vegas 2017

7 1 0 2 ®

EVERYONE’S A WINNER!

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE SPECIAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES!

Las Vegas January 22-25

Arrive early to obtain additional training • All pre-conference courses provide ASHI continuing education (CE) hours.

• Registration for a pre-conference course does not include access to the 3-day IW educational program, January 23-25, 2017. Each course has its own registration fee. Go to www.inspectionworld.com to register. For assistance call (847) 954-3188.

Pre- and Post- Conference Schedule PRE-CONFERENCE

203k Day of Discovery: FHA Consultant Certification Jump-Start Course (4 hours)

2-Day Infrared-Certified Residential Thermographer Class (16 hours)

Presenter: Catherine Hall, creator of 203k In a Box Time: Sunday, January 22, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Tuition: No fee

Instructor: Bill Fabian, Vice President Monroe Infrared Technology, Inc. Time: Friday, January 20, and Saturday, January 21, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuition: $495 discounted class tuition with IW Las Vegas registration; $595 for non-IW registrant

One Day of Secrets Revealed (8 hours) Instructor: Mike Crow and Matt Smith of Millionaire Inspector Community Time: Saturday, January 21, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuition: No fee

2-Day NHIE Prep Class with Exam Option (8 hours) Instructors: Bruce Barker, ACI, author of NHIE Home Inspection Manual, and Jim Funkhouser, ACI Time: Sunday, January 22, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Class Tuesday, January 24, 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Class Wednesday, January 25, afternoon exam (optional) includes transportation to PSI Testing Center, Las Vegas Tuition: $100 ASHI Members, $150 Nonmembers Pre-study requirement. Pre-purchase the National Home Inspector Exam Manual and Study Guide ($99 for ASHI Members) Optional: Take the exam Wednesday, January 25, at PSI Testing Center, Las Vegas. $225 exam fee.

Exam pre-registration required; sign up at: www.homeinspectionexam.org.

NADRA Deck Inspection Certification Class (4 hours) Instructor: Jim Mailey, Training Manager, Simpson Strong-Tie Includes: a certification exam (administered in class) and a one-year membership in North American Deck and Railing Association ($100 value) Time: Sunday, January 22, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Tuition: $175 12

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

POST-CONFERENCE Commercial Building Inspection Course (3-day Class) Instructor: Richard Weldon, PEng, LEED AP Time: Thursday, January 26, Friday, January 27, and Saturday, January 28, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm each day at Bally’s Resort ASHI Member Tuition: $1,395 Non-member tuition: $1,795 Tuition includes a textbook, as well as sample inspection reports, consultant reports and information about quoting inspections, report writing, costing and relevant business issues.

Register through The ASHI School at www.theashischool.com.

SPECIAL EVENT! Monday, January 23rd 7:30am - 8:30am

It’s PR, not the E.R. Learn how to grow your home inspection business by getting your name out to the public through media coverage and social media sharing. Learn basic public relations skills that can help you attract more customers.

You are invited to attend this special event offered by (PCI) Public Communications Inc.

Education Program Schedule • January 23, 24 & 25, 2017 Earn ASHI CEs/State CEs - Students needing state CEs will need badge scanned at entrance of classroom

Monday, January 23 TRACK:

Inspecting Essentials

Advanced

Beyond Basics

Speciality/Diversification

Business Management

CLASSROOM:

Gold Classroom

Silver Classroom

Platinum Classroom

Bronze 3/4 Classroom

Bronze 1/2 Classroom

9:00 - 11:00 am

Analyzing and Finding Hard-to-Find Leaks Gerry Aubrey, ACI

Combustion Safety Testing Joe Konopacki, ACI

Geotechnical Issues: How They Affect Properties and the Home Inspector Abe Simantob, P.E., G.E. Massoud Gaskari, P.E.

Getting to the Root of it with Sewer Inspections Peter Hopkins

Inspection Hardware and Smartphone Apps for 2017 Dominic Maricic

Lunch ‘N Learn 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

203k in a Box/NAFHAC

Joe Ferry, LLC

Vanguard Emergency Management

Fort Reports

1:00 - 3:00 pm

Inspection Development of Modern Plumbing and Sewers Systems Tom Feiza, ACI

2014 NEC Update for Home Inspectors Michael Casey, ACI

Fire Protection Claude Lawrenson, ACI

Best Practices for Using Drones to Conduct Safer, Faster and More Comprehensive Home Inspections Colin Guinn

The Salesman’s Hat Amy Kleptach

4:00 - 6:00 pm

Grounding and Bonding/ Construction Guidelines to Multi-wire Branch Circuits hang your hat on Gunnar Alquist Peter Hopkins

The Significance of Finding Vermiculite Attic Insulation Edward Cottingham

The Use of Infrared Cameras as Part of a Home Inspection Bill Fabian

Running a Multi-Inspector Home Inspection Company Reuben Saltzman, ACI

Turning on Your Income Switches Dan Huber

Tuesday, January 24

9:00 - 11:00 am

Inspection of Decks John Bouldin, Ph.D.

Making Connections: Pipes and Fittings, Application and Installation Kenny Hart, ACI

Inspection Quiz Bruce Barker, ACI

The Ins and Outs of Mold Testing Jeff May

Lunch ’N Learn 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Radalink/Jace Sauders

PRISM Analytical

Home Energy Score

HomeGauge

1:00 - 3:00 pm

Inspecting Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps Mike Conley, ACI

Taking a Closer Look at Electrical Inspections Mike Twitty, ACI

Earthquake Vulnerabilities DOE’s Home Energy Score and Effective StrengthenRating Update for 2017 ing Methods Dominic Maricic Thor Matteson, S.E.

Cheap Marketing 101 Jeffrey Donaldson, ACI

4:00 - 6:00 pm

Built-in Appliance Inspection Michael Casey, ACI

Some Risks of Fiberglass Insulation in Residential Construction Jeff May

Deadly Differences: Ionization vs. Photoelectric Smoke Alarms Skip Walker, ACI

Healthy Homes: Introducing the Healthy Home Evaluator Checklist Larry Zarker

The Inspector’s Forum Joe Ferry

8:00 - 10:00 am

Major Home Deficiencies: The 10 Plagues Jim Nemastil, ACI & Marko Vovk, ACI

Inspecting Old Houses: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Part 1) David Rushton, ACI

Building Science and the Building Envelope Alan Carson, ACI

Tile Roof Inspections: What you Can See, What you Can’t John Jensen

Going Social: Strengthening Your Brand Through Online Engagement Jordan Whitt & Darcy Marlett

10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Causes, Symptoms and Solutions to Common Foundation Problems Jeff Kortan, P.E.

Inspecting Old Houses: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Part 2) David Rushton, ACI

Meth and Home Inspections: How to Identify, Test and Protect Your Clients & Yourself Joe Mazzuca

Radon Devices: Proper Use and Handling Matt Hendrick

ASHI Quality Report Writing Miki Mertz, ACI

Attic and Crawlspace Ventilation Joe Konopacki, ACI

Inspection of the Exterior Claddings: What Are J30 the Warning Signs of Impending Failure?

Mark Parlee

The 10 Most Common Problems With Masonry Fireplaces and Chimneys Ashley Eldridge

Air Cleaners, Air Purifiers and Air-Cleaning Processes for Indoor Air Quality Improvement Steve Froelicher Ph.D.

Educate Real Estate Agents to Become Your No. One Source for Referrals Michael Chevalier

Wednesday, January 25

2:00 - 4:00 pm

13October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

13

Barometric Damper (Draft Regulator) on Oil-fired Applicances

Barometric Damper (Draft Regulator) on Oil-fired Appliances

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

Oil-burning furnaces and boilers have a different venting system than gas appliances. Oil burners are forced draft and operate at higher temperatures than gas burners. Oil burners draw in combustion air through a fan, and the air mixes with oil droplets under pressure. There is some excess air, but like a gas furnace, not enough to ensure good draft. We need to add draft air.

The products of burning natural gas are primarily water and carbon dioxide. The combustion products from oil also are water and carbon dioxide, but they may also contain more particulate (pure carbon as smoke), nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide and toxic gases.

During normal operation, it is slightly below atmospheric pressure.

That’s why we need to allow room air into the vent to balance the pressure, control the draft rate and allow the exhaust to flow up the chimney.

The damper pivots on its horizontal axis to allow room air into the flue when the flue pressure is lower than the room air pressure. This air also cools the exhaust and decreases the draft effect on the fire.

The damper is weighted, and the adjustment of this weight is critical to the operation of the damper.

When the flue pressure is greater than the room air pressure, the damper swings closed to prevent flue gases getting into the living space.

Oil appliances do not use a draft hood like conventional gas burners. There would be a risk of combustion products entering the home through an open draft hood.

Oil burners operate under different conditions (for example, outdoor temperature, chimney temperature, start-up versus steady state), yet the goal is constant draft to ensure that exhaust flows up the chimney. The goal is a constant draft that allows flue gases to move at an appropriate rate. Excess draft results in faster-moving gases, higher temperature and wasted heat. We need something to regulate the draft and maintain efficient operation.

The barometric damper or draft regulator is a metal device built into the appliance exhaust flue (vent connector), typically 12 to 18 inches from the furnace or boiler. It ensures an adequate supply of draft air for the chimney. Its job is similar to the draft hood on a gas furnace, up to a point.

Oil burners, which are forced draft (the fan pushes air into the combustion chamber), require a single-acting barometric damper.

This means that the damper swings only inward to allow draft air into the chimney. The damper won’t let the high temperature, sooty exhaust products back into the house if it is adjusted properly.

Although the pressure is positive at the burner, the pressure in the vent connector can be at or below atmospheric pressure.

14

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

Barometric damper in open position

Insuring Home Inspectors Since 1992

NEW E&O AND GENERAL LIABILITY POLICY Expanded Coverages • Reduced Costs

We cover all of this for one low cost starƟng at $1,375 with $1,500 DeducƟble • Errors & Omissions and General Liability (each within it’s own limits)

• Residen�al and Unlimited Commercial Inspectors • Water and Sep�c Tes�ng • Pool & Spa Inspec�ons

• Real Estate Agent Referral Coverage • Termite Inspec�ons • Carbon Monoxide (poisoning from) • EIFS Inspec�ons • Prior Acts

Even more coverages included at no addiƟonal costs: • Mold TesƟng • Energy Audits • Infared Inspec�ons

• Indoor Air Quality • Radon Tes�ng • Asbestos Tes�ng

• Occupancy/Insurance Inspec�ons

• 203K Counsul�ng

Superior AddiƟonal Features: Our insurance includes complementary 1‐year membership in the COA support network, risk management, and technical support for inspectors ‐ a $468 value

Another Benet: Complimentary enrollment in the RWS “0” Deduc�ble Program

The Best Claims Management:

Mike Casey with Michael Casey Associates performs our claims analysis and expert work Our policy requires your consent to se�le a claim Financing Available • Credit Cards Welcome To Learn More: Contact bob@allenins.com or Bob Pearson at (800) 474‐4472, Ext. 201 www.allenins.com

15October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

15

>

Barometric Damper (Draft Regulator) on Oil-fired Applicances

Common Conditions Common problems with barometric dampers (draft regulators) include the following: • Rusting • Inoperative damper • Missing damper

• Misadjusted damper • Spillage

When the furnace starts up, the damper usually swings open and remains slightly open while the burner is on. You can check for room air going into the flue with your hand or a tissue. You should never feel hot exhaust gases coming out of the flue. Remember not to touch the damper or flue.

Rusting. The exhaust flue and damper are in a hostile environment and can rust. There could be perforations in the damper or the damper housing. Rust can obstruct the movement of the damper.

A damper that is stuck, whether closed, open or partly open, can affect draft, efficiency and safety.

If the damper is stuck closed, the draft may be excessive, wasting heat. The chimney can also overheat, causing a fire. The draft also may be inadequate, leading to incomplete combustion, soot and puff back at the burner.

If stuck open, heat loss from house air going up the chimney will increase heating costs. A damper stuck open also could allow exhaust products, including carbon monoxide, into the house. This is a potentially lethal condition.

Rust holes also may allow excess heat loss up the chimney or dangerous combustion products into the house.

Look at the condition of the damper inside and outside with a flashlight. Water leaking, condensing or both onto the damper should be eliminated.

Inoperative damper. This could be the result of the following: • mechanical damage • poor fit • misadjustment

• loose hinges • dirt • rust

The implications are the same as those of rusting. Check the movement of the damper by gently pushing it open with a screwdriver.

The damper should swing back to the closed position. If it is stiff, check inside the flue at the damper for obstructions such as foreign debris, soot or rust.

Check the movement of the damper with the furnace off by gently pushing the damper open with a screwdriver. (Note: If the appliance has been operating, this will be hot! Do not touch the damper.) The damper should swing back to the closed position.

If it does not move freely, check inside the flue at the damper for obstructions such as soot or rust.

Soot buildup on this damper

A rusted barometric damper

16

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

Missing damper. The damper may never have been installed or it may have been removed. The implication of a missing damper is no draft air. Exhaust products may not move properly up the chimney because they are not being supplemented with sufficient volumes of draft air. They may also move too quickly up the chimney. This affects combustion, possibly producing carbon monoxide and reducing efficiency.

Join us in Las Vegas, Bally’s Resort • REGISTER NOW • January 22-25, 2017 ASHI’s annual meeting and the largest education conference and expo of the year for professional home inspectors

A Sure Bet!

• Pre- and Post-Conference training • More than 45 expertly led educational sessions • Popular networking and social events • An exciting expo hall packed with exhibitors

7 1 20

providing the latest information on tools and technology • Earn 20 ASHI CEs, state CEs and many industry association credits • Preparation for the NHIE & examination

®

EVERYONE’S A WINNER!

Go to www.inspectionworld.org for details

“Who you are tomorrow begins with what you do today.”

Tim Fargo, American author, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur.

17October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

17

>

Barometric Damper (Draft Regulator) on Oil-fired Applicances

Follow the exhaust flue from the furnace to the chimney. The damper usually is installed on the flue itself. Some dampers are installed at the base of the chimney and double as clean-outs.

These are more prone to obstruction from debris in the chimney and rusting.

Some new, energy-efficient burners do not use a draft damper.

These units, sometimes called high-static burners, have a powerful fan, capable of overcoming any atmospheric draft conditions. These units usually are labeled as not requiring a barometric damper. In situations where you cannot see a damper, and if you are unsure whether one is needed, recommend that a specialist check it out.

Alternatively, note the make, model and serial numbers, and call the manufacturer or check the installation manual (often available online).

With the burner off, look for any obvious holes in the damper itself.

Look at the positioning of the damper in the exhaust flue. It should not be installed on an elbow, where combustion gases would bounce off the face of the damper. It should be installed so that the face of the damper is parallel to the flow of gases, and it must be in the same room as the burner.

Ensure that the damper is closed when the burner is off. With the burner operating, place the palm of your hand at the face of the damper, but don’t touch it! You should be able to feel the cold draft air moving across your hand into the damper opening. Any hot or wet gases moving across your hand out of the damper or black soot particles deposited on your hand mean that the damper is spilling.

Misadjusted damper. The counterweight on the damper may be missing or improperly set. The damper may remain open when the burner is not in use, increasing heating costs, or the damper may not open sufficiently, reducing the volume of air available for draft purposes. This results in inefficient operation.

The damper should be completely closed if the burner is off. Check the damper position when inspecting the flue. Check the position again while the furnace is operating. The damper should swing open. It often opens wider on startup, then partially closes. The damper may swing slightly as exhaust products pass through the flue. The damper should close when the burner shuts off.

Spillage. Spillage may occur at the barometric damper if it is a double-acting damper, if the damper is stuck open or if the chimney flue is restricted in some way. Spillage also can occur if part of the damper is installed in the wrong place, is missing or is rusted out, creating a passage for combustion gases to escape. Spillage of combustion gases into the basement is a life-threatening condition.

Damper kept open with a coat hanger—not safe

Summary In this article, we have looked at one component of one type of heating system. We strongly suggest that you recommend inspection by a specialist for any combustion appliance when people first take possession of a home, and we encourage homeowners to set up an annual service agreement to ensure that their appliance is maintained for safety, efficiency and longevity.

Unless you have special training and knowledge, approach the inspection of combustion appliances from a generalist perspective.

We have talked about some of the common defects you can see with barometric dampers, but home inspectors do not use tools such as draft gauges to evaluate these or other devices. We are like the family doctor—a general practitioner, not a specialist.

For more information on inspecting heating systems, you can access the ASHI@HOME Heating modules. All 10 ASHI@HOME courses qualify for ASHI Continuing Education hours. Contact ASHI Headquarters at 847-759-2820, or Carson Dunlop at 800-268-7070. H

18

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

19October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

19

Basic Marketing Concepts

Basic Marketing Concepts

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

A

s you think about a marketing strategy for your home inspection business, you should understand some fundamental terms and concepts. In this article, we’ll start with differentiating marketing and sales, and then we’ll discuss features versus benefits.

Marketing and Sales Marketing and sales are not the same thing, although many people use the terms interchangeably. You can think of the difference between marketing and sales in this way:

Features Describe; Benefits Sell. Features are easier for us to promote because they are the parts of our business that we think are desirable. It’s easier to think and speak from our own perspective.

After all, we know more about our company than anyone else does.

Benefits, on the other hand, are a little more difficult to identify.

They require us to think like a client, because a benefit is what your client finds desirable about your features.

Marketing makes the phone ring. Sales picks it up.

Home inspectors might have different targets for their marketing—homebuyers, real estate sales professionals and home sellers (if you offer prelisting inspections), among others. Each marketing effort should have a laser focus on a specific target.

Shotgun approaches are less effective because each target market has different needs.

Marketing Makes the Phone Ring.

Marketing is an activity designed to encourage prospective customers or clients to contact your company.

Marketing in the home inspection business includes advertising, brochures, business cards, presentations at real estate offices, direct mail pieces, websites, email campaigns, content marketing, social media, trade show booths and so on. Marketing is also inherent to the inspections themselves, the inspection reports and any of the follow-up activities such as thank you notes. All of these contribute to attracting prospects or retaining customers. Essentially, a successful marketing activity results in someone contacting the company.

Sales Picks Up the Phone. Sales is typically a one-on-one activity with the goal of converting an inquiry into a sale. Sales activities may be face to face, over the telephone, online or by email. Sales usually involves a real-time or a virtual conversation. The successful conclusion to a sales activity for the prospective customer or client and for the company is an order.

Let’s look at marketing benefits and features.

Features Versus Benefits The Client’s Perspective Is Key. The distinction between a feature and a benefit is a key marketing concept. A feature is a characteristic of your service, whereas a benefit is how your client will be better off.

Put another way, a feature is an element of your service; a benefit is what this element does for the prospect or the customer. For example, “Open 24 Hours!” is a feature that the company offers.

The ability to book an inspection at any time is the benefit that the client enjoys.

The success of any professional service depends largely on its ability to satisfy clients’ wants and needs. All the client cares about is getting what they want. Everything in marketing, advertising, public relations and sales should focus on what aspects of the service are going to benefit customers. To successfully market your business, you need to think, “It’s all about the client.”

20

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

Step 1 Identify client needs

Step 2

Identify what aspects of your services will fill client’s needs

Step 3 Market the benefits of your services

Practical Example 1. Focus Your Services on Customer Benefits.

Let’s say that you need to book a flight to Europe for an important business meeting. The airline is advertising “business class seating.”

You are trying to decide if you should fly business class or coach.

The advertisement says that business class has larger seats and more legroom. You immediately book the coach tickets because you aren’t going to pay twice as much just for a little extra legroom and a larger seat; you’ll get by in coach. The airline failed to sell you the more expensive seats because they only provided you the features of a business class seat, rather than showing the benefits of these features.

A more compelling message by the airline would have pointed out that the larger seats in business class provide ample space for you to set up a workstation. And having extra legroom means that you can stretch out and sleep during the flight, if you choose. With proper room to work and a comfortable place to sleep, you will arrive for your meeting prepared and refreshed. You will excel at the meeting, win the business and develop new long-term relationships. The business class ticket is a small investment with a big reward.

Practical Example 2. Show the Benefits of Your Service. Although benefits are the obvious and logical conclusion of features, don’t assume that your prospective clients will make the connection. Most people don’t fill in the blanks. You need to make the benefits of your service apparent. You can demonstrate benefits without discussing features, but not vice versa. You must focus on selling the benefits.

Here’s an example. You are looking for a new flashlight and you walk into a store and see a display with this headline: “The world’s first carbon fiber flashlight!” The fact that the flashlight is made with carbon fiber is clearly a physical feature of the product of which the manufacturer is very proud. What is important, however, is what that feature will do for you. The value of that feature lies in how the company describes what that product actually does.

The fact that the flashlight is made with carbon fiber will help you justify the added cost, but the manufacturer also should be telling you that the added strength of the product means that if you drop

21October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

21

>

Basic Marketing Concepts

it, it won’t break. Another benefit may be that the product’s light weight makes it less tiring to use. The manufacturer should say, “You will never have to buy another flashlight again–guaranteed!”

The feature is platinum construction, but the benefits are durability, reliability and ease of use. The rewards of using a product (not simply its physical features) are what matter the most.

This example brings up another discussion point. What is important to home inspectors who are looking to buy a new flashlight? Is it durability? Is it brightness? Is it battery life? Suppliers need to understand their clients’ needs and wants, as do home inspectors.

What are your clients looking for?

Practical Example 3. Benefits Are Explanations. If you are giving a presentation to several agents in a real estate office or speaking to a single client or agent, you should have plenty of time to describe the benefits of your features in detail. Written marketing materials, however, need to be concise to hold a reader’s attention.

Many people fill their brochures and websites with features, which can result in sending a weak message. Look at some of your competitors’ brochures. Are they filled with features? Marketing messages should lead with the benefits, and then support the benefits by

A benefit may sound like a promise. That’s why the features need to follow, to show how you will make good on a promise. You can write out your features and benefits in the form of a narrative (that is, a story or a case study), or if you have a lot to say, you can format them into a table or an infographic. See the example below of how to market the report-writing software that’s used in a home inspection business.

These examples should help you get some ideas. Creating a table like this one that lists the benefits and features of your business can help you think about your business from your clients’ perspectives, which is a very healthy thing to do.

We hope this article has provided you with some food for thought.

Marketing and sales seem complex and intimidating to many inspectors, but they are key elements of all businesses. Most of it boils down to common sense and thinking from the client’s side of the table. Good luck! H

Benefits of Report-Writing Software

Features of Report-Writing Software

Build credibility!

Professional-looking reports Easy-to-read layout Choose from 264 title-page designs created by a graphic artist Automatically drop in illustrations, implications and technical articles

Reduced report writing time - speed!

The software offers several features: Speed Write Search 2.0 Auto-complete notes Templates Spellcheck Auto-photo placement Auto-captioning

Marketing made simple

Automated “keep-in-touch” emails Web-based reporting Online booking, 24/7

Reduced liability

Flexibility

Convenience “Business in a Box”

22

identifying the features. Catch the attention of your prospective clients by telling them how much better off they will be by working with you. What problems will you solve for them? Be sure to “prove it” by explaining the features of your business.

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

Powerful scheduling, avoids double-booking, confirms inspection location addresses and so on.

“Inspected before” notification Completion check Automatic contract sending online acceptance before inspection Archived reports on web, with work orders and extra photos Customize –add or delete items Work online or offline Laptop, tablet, phone Apple or Android PDF or JPEG attachments Ancillary reports Number recommendations, photos or both Web-based, allowing access anywhere Auto-archiving Automated sales and receivables reports, among others

ASHI Ad.indd 6

23October 2016

3/25/15 10:33 AM • www.ASHIReporter.org

23

Are Your Recommendations Based on Accurate Information?

How Do You Know That?

Are Your Recommendations Based on Accurate Information?

By Roger Hankey, ACI

I

n the fall and winter of 2011, I inspected a 10- to 12-year-old townhouse complex to assess chronic ice damming and moisture intrusion concerns.

The work required inspecting the attics, which were insulated with blown fiberglass.

Many of the attics had evidence consistent with widespread signs of rodent infestation, including trails and tunnel openings atop the insulation, as well as small feces.

While developing recommendations for the Homeowners’ Association and their property management vendor, I contacted a trusted pest control operator to learn if he would be interested in doing the rodent control work on this project. To my surprise, he said his services might not be needed if the attics were re-insulated with blown cellulose. He said the fire retardant in blown cellulose (boric acid) would provide enough rodent resistance that other pest control measures might not be needed.

I’d also found that the attics had numerous attic bypasses (air leaks from the home into the attic), including many leaky recessed light fixtures. Given the widespread bypasses

24

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

and the compromised insulation, my recommendations included the removal of the existing rodent-infested fiberglass. This would facilitate finding and sealing the bypasses.

An insulation firm suggested that installing a layer of spray foam insulation would be a cost-effective method, eliminating the need to locate and seal the leaks individually. They further stated that mice typically do not chew through petroleum-based, closed-cell foam insulation.

Based on the comments of the pest control operator and the insulation firm, I recommended that the replacement insulation be a base layer of spray foam topped with blown cellulose because the insulation firm had said this would be more cost-effective than using spray foam to establish the necessary R-44 insulation.

Since 2011, I’ve found hundreds of attics and many unfinished basement walkout walls with fiberglass insulation damaged by rodents. I’ve repeated the recommendation of removal of the insulation (professional cleanup, usually by a mold mitigation firm) and re-insulation with spray foam, blown cellulose or both, because (as I state) they are both “rodent-resistant” materials.

I was comfortable with these recommendations because I had rarely found signs of rodent activity in attics with blown cellulose insulation.

Recently, however, I began to rethink these recommendations and did some Internet searches on the rodent-resistive properties of blown cellulose. One manufacturer claimed that their cellulose had pest control properties from the borate fire retardant, but only for insects, not rodents. Therefore, as a caution, I sent an email to the pest control operator I’d consulted previously to check on “how he knew” that cellulose was rodent-resistant.

He said his information came from a guest speaker at a pest control conference he had attended. He directed me to a website for Everguard Insulation (everguardinsulation.com) and said he thought I could get some “good information” from it. This California-based insulating contractor’s website states, “An additional benefit of

the cellulose being treated with borate is that it is resistant to insects, rodents, molds, mildew and fungus.”

I also checked with the Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association (CIMA) and received this response from its executive director: “The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) makes it illegal for anyone to make pest control claims about any product that is not specifically registered with and approved by USEPA as a safe and effective pest control product. Accordingly, CIMA makes no statements about pest control properties of cellulose insulation as a generic material.” Notice that he did not say that cellulose has no pest control properties; rather, he said that it is illegal to make such claims.

Based on my review of the CIMA statement, the results of a study about rodent damage to insulating materials (which were presented in 1992 by a specialist affiliated with the University of Nebraska [http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpc15/39]) and many technical forum posts I’ve read on the Internet about mice being able to chew through almost anything, I’ve stopped making specific recommendations for spray foam topped with cellulose.

I checked further with Jeff May, of May Indoor Air, a trusted expert on indoor air quality and a former home inspector. His view is that “there are simple physical and chemical reasons why mice might prefer fiberglass to cellulose. When burrowed through, fiberglass retains its shape, creating a nicely shaped space for nesting. I do not think that this holds true for cellulose. A rodent is less likely to burrow through cellulose for the same reason that I am hesitant to walk through the stuff: It’s a pain in the butt to clean off!” I agree that fiberglass maintains the tunnel shapes and I believe it is far less likely that cellulose would.

The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for boric acid and cellulose insulation treated with boric acid both state that boric acid is a skin and eye irritant.

It is unwise to accept information from a trusted source without asking, “How do you

> know that?” Trust but verify is a prudent maxim. It is easy to accept information that we would like to be true without pursuing the information from multiple sources and from the source with the most at stake in the quality and accuracy of the information.

Thanks to the Internet and modern communication, information sources are abundant, but unless we carefully check our sources, we may be relying on rumors, guesswork, hype, misinformation or a combination of these.

Home inspectors need to do a careful job researching the basis of their recommendations and not recommend the use of any specific material or product unless there is a consensus from multiple sources and authoritative information about its properties.

Finally, avoid designing or specifying corrective measures.

A material or product may not be suitable or cost-effective in all cases, so it is wise to have

Are Your Recommendations Based on Accurate Information?

the qualified contractor choose the materials and methods best suited to the project. Recommend the type of contractor to do the job so that they are responsible for the materials and methods used. Wise inspectors avoid the trap of designing the “fix.”

Thanks to Kevin O’Hornett for reviewing this article. H © 2016 HankeyandBrown.com Roger Hankey, ASHI Certified Inspector, was the first ASHI® member in Minnesota (ASHI #269). He has served Minnesota homeowners since 1975 and is a Level II Certified Infrared Thermographer and an NRPP Residential Radon Measurement Provider. He can be reached at 952 829-0044, rhankey@hankeyandbrown.com, www. hankeyandbrown.com. “Before we speak house, we LISTEN.”

The Best Job in the World...Even Better.

New Inspector?

Get the career you’ve always wanted.

Industry Veteran?

The support you’ve always wanted, and the freedom you deserve.

Exit Strategy?

Call us at 1-866-366-8939 about acquiring your firm.

ELIMINATE HoMEwork Built for the iPad. Unleashing its Power creating the easiest user ability on the Market.

RepoRt & SenD on-SIte So you have No HoMEwork

• Immediate “photo” integration • Draw on “photos” onsite • Full “edit” abilities onsite • Readable reports DownloaD & TesT for frEE

FORTREPORTS.COM Generous Fee Splits up to 65% Health, Dental, Vision, Rx Benefits 401k Employer Match Stock Purchase Plan

bpgwi.com

Scheduling, Marketing Software & Tech Support $10M E&O Coverage, Claims Protection Gen Liability & Workers Comp

1-866-366-8939 25October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

25

CHAPTER NEWS NIC ASHI Hosts a Horizon User’s Group Meeting

by Steve Reilly, ACI, The ASHI School Members of the Northern Illinois Chapter (NIC ASHI) had been asking about Horizon software and how they could optimize the capabilities of the software to speed up their report writing and enhance their reports. So Jeremy Meek and Steve Reilly approached The ASHI School (TAS) to request the use of a classroom and contacted John Kwasnik with Carson Dunlop to see if he was available to conference in a webinar on this topic. With these things in place, the stage was set.

The Wicked Witch is Dead!

David Grudzinski Advantage Home Inspections Cranston, RI

On July 25, 18 members of ASHI met from 9 a.m. to noon at ASHI Headquarters in Des Plaines, IL, for our second Horizon User’s Group Meeting. The group included 20-year ACIs as well as new 6-month associate members. Each person was asked to bring a copy of one of their reports.

We discussed among ourselves the highlights of Horizon. Rudy Schlosser, who teaches Horizon software to TAS students in Des Plaines, took the lead in walking everyone through the different steps. Questions were raised and answered on how to navigate the software. We all helped each other learn users’ tricks to make efficient use of our time, and we created a list of questions to ask John Kwasnik.

If You Can’t Sleep...

We just jumped right in with a question-and-answer session with John. It was awesome to have John available to answer our questions. We discussed the layouts, the order of report pages, the order of photos in reports and how to add appendixes (such as the ASHI Standard of Practice). To cover the speed-writing feature, John walked us through all aspects of the software and was most gracious with his time.

...Just open the window.

Steve Anderson Anderson AmeriSpec Germantown, TN

I believe all 18 members walked away with better knowledge of how to tap into the benefits of Horizon software. John stated that he would be glad to help any group like this, so get the word out to your chapter leaders and members to see if this type of meeting or webinar is something you’d like to arrange with John.

For more details, contact John Kwasnik, Carson Dunlop, 416-964-9415 ext. 243, john@carsondunlop.com, or Steve Reilly ACI, Immediate Past-President NIC ASHI, and Sales Manager, The ASHI School, Steve@theashischool.com. H

Gotta Love Your Job! Anyone who thinks home inspection is an easy occupation doesn’t have a clue.

Curtis “Buddy” Carlisle Carlisle Home Inspections Services, Inc. Charlottesville, VA

If you think this is bad, see the next postcard (continued on Page 40).

26

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

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.

www.TheASHISchool.com

October 22-24, 2016 • ASHI HQ Following LTC 932 Lee Street, Des Plaines, Illinois 60616 Call 888-884-0440 to register 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.

27October 2016

• 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

PRO ASHI (PA)

www.proashi.com Second Wednesday of Jan., March, May, July & Nov. John Fleenor, 412-862-1443 jthefleenor@gmail.com

Tri-State (DE, NJ, PA)

www.tristateashi.org Second Tuesday except April, Aug. & Dec., Dave & Buster’s Plymouth Meeting, PA Peter Muehlbronner, 215-8527319, peter@ahiconsulting.com

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 Bobbi Wilson, 573-881-8585 Bobbi@wilsonhomeinspectors.com

Northern Illinois

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

SOUTH MIDWEST Arkansas Lonnie Moore, 479-530-5792 mhinsp@cox.net

Great Plains (KS, MO)

Mountain Arizona

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

New Mexico

www.ashinm.org Every other month, Second Saturday, (Jan., May., Sept.)

Mimi’s Cafe Albuquerque - 9:15 am Lance Ellis, 505-977-3915 lellis@amerispce.net

Northern Rockies (ID, MT) Lamar Rase, 406-531-4848 completehomeinspectionsinc@ msn.com

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

Southern Colorado

www.ashi-southerncolorado.org Second Thursday, 6:30 pm Valley Hi Golf Club, Colo. Springs Mike Meyer, 719-686-8282 mikehome07@msn.com

Utah

www.ashiutah.com First Tuesday, 7 pm Marie Callender’s, Midvale Fred Larsen, 801-201-9583 Fred.larsen@pillartopost.com

Pacific

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

Great Lakes (IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI)

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

For monthly meetings: www.greatinspectors.com/ schedule-of-events/ Carol Case, 734-284-4501 carol@greatinspectors.com

Greater Omaha (NE)

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

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

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 Felix A. Pena, 510-573-0367 homesavvyinspections@comcast.net

Los Angeles-Greater San Gabriel Valley

Midwest PRO ASHI (KS)

St. Louis (MO)

Orange County CREIA-ASHI (CA)

Meeting dates: Jan 1, March 1, Aug 1, Nov 1 Location varies each meeting David Mortensen, 907-243-4476 dave@discoveryinspect.com

www.cicashi.com Second Monday, 6 pm Kevan Zinn, 309-262-5006 info@inspectwithzinn.com

Jack Koelling, 316-744-9990 jackkoelling@cox.net

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

Southwestern Idaho

ASHI Hawaii

Central Illinois

Inland Northwest (ID, WA)

Alaska

www.ashikc.org Second Wednesday of even months The Great Wolf Lodge, Kansas City Doug Hord, 816-215-2329 doug@firstchoice.com

Midwest

28

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

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

California

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

Second Monday David Reish, 208-941-5760 dave@antheminspections.com

Second Tuesday, 6 pm Old Spaghetti Factory, Duarte Larry Habben, 714-685-0321 habbenshome@earthlink.net

Los Angeles-Ventura County ASHI-CREIA First Thursday, 5 pm Holiday Inn, Woodland Hills Bob Guyer, 805-501-0733 guyerinspections@roadrunner.com

South Bay (CA) Webinar meetings Randy Pierson, 310-265-0833 randy@southbayinspector.com

Western Washington

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

New England/Canada British Columbia

www.hiabc.ca Sean Moss, 604-729-4261 sean@homeinspectorsean.com

CAHPI Atlantic

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

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

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

Southern New England (CT)

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

New York/Jersey/ Delaware Capitol Region (NY)

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

Central New York

www.cnyashi.com Second Wednesday, 6 pm, Tony’s Family Restaurant, Syracuse Peter Apgar, 315-278-3143 peter@craftsmanhomeinspection. net

www.ashisouth.org Quarterly, Homewood Library, Homewood John Knudsen, 334-221-0876 jgknudsen111@gmail.com

Florida Wiregrass

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 Senior Center, Rockville John Vaughn, 800-767-5904 John.vaughn@yahoo.com

NOVA-ASHI (MD, VA)

www.ashitexas.org Craig Lemmon, 817-291-9056 craig@reioftexas.com

www.ashirochester.com Second Tuesday, 6 pm, Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, Irondequoit John White, 585-431-0067 john@iihomeinspections.com Second Tuesday, 6 pm Daddy O’s Restaurant, 3 Turner Street, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 Michael Skok, 845-592-1442 ashistatewide@yahoo.com

Long Island (NY)

New York Metro

www.aibq.qc.ca Pascal Baudaux, 450-629-2038 info@almoinspection.ca

ASHI South (AL)

Greater Rochester (NY)

Prairies (Alberta) (CAHI)

Quebec AIBQ

Gulf

www.ashiwiregrass.org Second Wednesday, 6:30 pm Hyundai of Wesley Chapel Nancy Janosz, 813-546-6090 ProTeamInsp@aol.com

www.nnec-ashi.org Tim Rooney, 603-770-0444 homeviewnh@comcast.net www.cahpi-ab.ca Chris Bottriell, 780-486-4412 api94@shaw.ca

www.greaterbaltimoreashi.org Third Thursday except July & Aug., 6:30 pm dinner, 7:00pm speaker Maritime Institute Conference Center, 5700 N. Hammonds Ferry Rd., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 Andy Bauer, abauer@bpgwi.com Second Thursday, 7 pm, Cypress Point Country Club, Virginia Beach Guillermo Hunt, 757-245-3100 huntshomeinspections@gmail.com

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

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

Greater Baltimore (MD)

Hampton Roads (VA)

www.novaashi.com Fourth Tuesday, Associate hour 6-7 pm, Membership meeting 7-9 pm Northern Virginia Resources Center, Fairfax Ferando Barrientos 703-255-6622 fernando@abodecheck.com

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

South Atlantic

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

ASHI Georgia

Southern New Jersey (NJ)

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

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

www.ashigeorgia.com Shannon Cory, 404-316-4876 shannon1943@comcast.net

East Tennessee

Lone Star (TX)

Louisiana Quarterly Michael Burroughs 318-324-0661 Mburroughs2@comcast.net

Suncoast (FL)

www.ashisuncoast.com First Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Please see our website for meeting locations.

Steve Acker, 727-712-3089 buyersally@gmail.com

Southwest Florida

www.swashi.com Second Wednesday, 6 pm Holiday Inn, Lakewood Ranch 6321 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota Michael Meesit, 941-321-6962 mike@acu-spect.com

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

Mid-South (TN) Steven Campbell, 901-734-0555 steve@memphisinspections.com

North Carolina

www.ncashi.com Third Wednesday, 3 pm, Quality Inn at Guilford Convention Center, Greensboro 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

29October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

29

To submit your materials for moving up, please contact Janet George at 847-954-3180 or janetg@ashi.org

New ASHI Associates As of August 1, 2016

H Denotes graduate of The ASHI School

Jonathon Bass

David Frank

Safety First Home Inspection, LLC Haleyville, AL

Whitetree Enterprises, LLC Montrose, CO

Stephen Moseley

Diversified 3 Inspection Services, Inc. Denver, CO

Auburn, AL

Anthony Ponder Birmingham, AL

Charles Terrell Terrell Home Inspection, LLC Gadsden, AL

Steve Wehrman Cullman, AL

Nicholas Bigelow Desert Moon Home Inspections, LLC Goodyear, AZ

Kevin Bedford Kevin Bedford Home Inspection Bakersfield, CA

Gordon Black HomeGuard Incorporated San Jose, CA

Christopher Butler Butler Quality Home Inspectors Shasta Lake, CA

Dave Galbreath Dave Galbreath Home Inspections Mammoth Lakes, CA

Jong Han Torrance, CA

Will Lourence Chico, CA

Jason Mullins HomeGuard Incorporated San Jose, CA

Raulton Reichel

H Patti Fige Precisely For You Inspection Services Sarasota, FL

Joseph Genovese One Source Home Inspections Navarre, FL

Jose Menezes

Greg Adkison

John Spencer

Proservices Big Island Waikoloa, HI

Inspect-It-1st St. Charles St. Charles, MO

TK Home Inspection North Canton, OH

Thomas Hall

Kenneth Blancarte

H Kenneth Ule

Solar Specialty Group Honolulu, HI

Welcome Home Inspections, LLC Belton, MO

Hiram, OH

Johnny Nagel Kihei, HI

Jack Clayton

Joni Saboe

Clayton Contracting Centralia, MO

Know Now Property Inspections, Inc. Marion, IA

Aaron Jensen Meridian, ID

Brock Herrman Brock Solid Inspections, LLC Peoria Heights, IL

John Mielke Champaign, IL

Certified Inspectors, LLC Pompano Beach, FL

H De Eric Nealon

James Ohanian

Billy Veges

First Response Home Inspection of Tampa Bay St. Petersburg, FL

Rafael Rojas 360º Property Inspections Miami, FL

Stuart Zimmelman Multi Point Home Inspections, LLC Wellington, FL

Rockford, IL Veges Home Inspections, LLC Wichita, KS

Joseph Beaton Pillar to Post Westfield, MA

Dana Hayward

Garrett Fravell Garrett Consulting and Home Inspection Services Troy, MO

H Bryan Standley InspectorNick.com Lees Summit, MO

Jeff Svoboda Svoboda Properties, LLC St. Louis, MO

Steve Weathers Pillar to Post Home Inspectors Smithville, MO

Dustin Hauer DH Home Inspections Helena, MT

Warren Sears Spur Home Inspection Helena, MT

Andover, MA

Colton Loftus

Adam Colliton

Valley, NE

Severn, MD

Anne Lynch-Ambrose

Alaina Barrera

H Scott Goff

Home Sweet Home Inspections, LLC Atlanta, GA

Potomac, MD

Bellehaven Home Inspections Dalton, NH

George Lopez

William McGurren

Everyday Home Inspections Annapolis, MD

McGurren Home Inspection, LLC Windham, NH

Heavenly Hands Home Inspection Stone Mountain, GA

Omar Navarro

Bob Brkal

ELO Inspection Services College Park, MD

Do-Rite Property Inspections Brielle, NJ

Robert DeRosa

Anthony Pace

Everett Brophy

Troy Bradley

Acworth, GA

J.D. Hornbuckle Acessystems Home Inspections Albany, GA

Rockville, MD

Alto, NM

Phillip Petroska

Daniel Flores

Timothy Ayers Bangor, PA

Andrew Holter Strategic Municipal Consulting Wilkes-Barre, PA

Jerry Serensits Northampton, PA

Jeremy Suydam TruGauge Inspections, LLC Belleville, PA

Christopher Urban Urban Property Inspections, LLC Finleyville, PA

Peter Bellone PJB Enterprises Westerly, RI

Jordon Moniz KMJ Inspections Warwick, RI

Oliver Smith American Veteran Home Inspectors Lyman, SC

Jessica Brooks J & D Home Inspections, LLC Kingsport, TN

Robert Lewis AmeriSpec of Music City, LLC Brentwood, TN

John Sullivan Safe House Home Inspections Nashville, TN

Rudy Avalos San Antonio, TX

William Taylor Trinity Building Inspections, LLC Atlanta, TX

North Country Property Services, LLC Harrison, ME

Kolmar Las Cruces, NM

Smart Home Inspections, LLC Gainesville, GA

Casey Anderson

Brightside Home Inspections Camillus, NY

BPG San Francisco, CA

H Darren Newton

Craig Birkett

New Hyde Park, NY

Residential Building Consultants, LLC Tooele, UT

Lee Smith

Rochester, MN

H John Purdy

Anthony Amaddio

Stephen Comer

Eric Mann

Beachwood, OH

Integrity Inspections, Inc. Richmond, MN

George Osborne

C’ville Home Inspection Charlottesville, VA

Wellston, OH

Troy Dolney

Bryan Scholtes

H Jeff Ours

Pillar to Post Home Inspectors Rocky Mount, VA

H Michael Murdock Murdock Inspection Services Coto De Caza, CA

Kirk Shephard

Lee’s Home Inspection Lincoln, CA

Glenn Walker Pillar to Post Professional Home Inspection Perris, CA

30

MEMBER

Jeffrey Britton

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

Paul Naschke

Savannah, GA Purdy Home Inspections Richmond Hill, GA

Bruce Robinson Inspect-All Services Conyers, GA

CSA Home Services St. Louis Park, MN

New Brighton, MN

Scott Brown

Michael Lieber

JLS Contracting, LLC Chillicothe, OH

Stephanie Worrell The Inspector Gal New Braunfels, TX

Matthew Bennish

See page 32 for chapter education.

Scott Fretwell S&B Fretwell Home Inspection Chesterfield, VA

New ASHI Inspectors As of August 1, 2016

ASHI Council of Representatives Speakers and Group Leaders INSPECTOR

David Hall MasterWork Home Inspectons Martinsville, VA

Cameron Heflin National Property Inspections/ Greater Omaha Daleville, VA

H Barry Holt Arlington, VA

Greg Masucci Bluemont, VA

Matthew Mohr

Eric Erickson

Terry Denoyer

Proline Inspection Chino Valley, AZ

Denoyer Inspection Service, LLC Williamsburg, MI

Jeffrey Bowden

Dan Horvath

Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Fort Pitt Home Inspection Service Pittsburgh, PA

Lucas Weigle True Home Inspections, Inc. Arlington Heights, IL

Rodney Nissley Brick & Beam Home Inspections, LLC Pierceton, IN

Chris Bassford Bassford Home Inspection, LLC Aiken, SC

Sherlock Homes Inspections Sterling, VA

H Michael Pherson Pherson Home Inspections Waynesboro, VA

Thomas Sims Falls Church, VA

New ASHI Certified Home Inspectors As of August 1, 2016

Daniel Stone Danrocks Home Inspections Daleville, VA

Justin France

Jason Massicotte

Winchester, VA

Check It Out Inspections, LLC Chandler, AZ

ProSpect Property Inspections Epsom, NH

Michael Hamilton

Bill Bryan

Chris Heywood

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors East Wenatchee, WA

RSM Inspections Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Horizon Point Inspections Loveland, OH

Christopher Reynolds

Noel Llewellyn

Devin Peters

HomeGuard Incorporated San Jose, CA

Del-Val Home Inspections Southampton, PA

Matt Honea

Jacqui Ahn

US Inspect Woodstock, GA

Arlington, VA

Michael Humphries

Boggs Inspection Services Olympia, WA

H Joseph Wingenbach

360 Inspections, Inc. Chehalis, WA

Donald Robbins Meridian Inspections, LLC Seattle, WA Columbia Home Inspections Cashmere, WA

AmeriSpec Inspection Services Atlanta Acworth, GA

Brian Derewicz

Nick Mikula

William Stubbs

Kinship Inspection Services Inc. Milwaukee, WI

Blue Crab Inspections Joppa, MD

H Philip Bromwell

Pillar To Post Brandywine, MD

Harpers Ferry, WV

Guy White

Dustin Wiebold Structure Tech Home Inspections Big Lake, MN

Speaker: Jim Funkhouser 571-214-4039 jfunkhousr@aol.com Alternate Speaker: Hollis Brown St. Louis, MO 703-856-7567 JHollis@thorospec. com Secretary: Brendan Ryan 724-898-1414 brendan@csahomeinspection.com Group Leaders

New England/ Canada Mike Atwell 617-630-5629 mike@jmhi.com

New York/ New Jersey Kevin Vargo 732-271-1887 kpvargo@comcast.net

Mid-Atlantic Hollis Brown 703-856-7567 Hollis@thorospec. com

Midwest Eric Barker 847-408-7238 ebarker@morainewoods.com

South Atlantic Ray Baird 615-371-5888 bairdr@comcast.net

Gulf Jim Dickey 972-907-0202 jim@jjdickey.com

South Midwest Joe Pangborn 573-228-4509 Joe@Pangborn Inspections.com

North Central George Basista 330-565-3760 GeorgeBasista@ yahoo.com

Mountain Bryck Guibor 520-419-1313 bryck@msn.com

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

Keith Bowman

Bill Ryan Boggs Inspection Tumwater, WA

David Nason Best Inspections, LLC Oconomowoc, WI

Leadership Training Conference October 20-21 Fountain Blue Banquets & Conference Center 2300 Mannheim Road Des Plaines, Illinois 60018 This action-packed conference will feature how to get volunteers, effective communication, recruiting members for your chapter, running education events, break-out sessions and much more.

31October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

31

ASHI Chapter Education OHIO ASHI Chapter

ASHI St. Louis Chapter

When: October 1, 2016 Where: Ruth Smucker Home, Salem, OH Subject: Historic Home Inspection Speaker: Presenter: Bryck Guibor CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs Contact: georgebasista@yahoo.com 330-565-3760 ohioashi.com/events

When: November 12, 2016

8:00 am - 4:30 pm Subject: Missouri Structural Assessment & Visual Evaluation Coalition (SAVE) Training

FEMA ATC-20 : Post-Earthquake Safety

Evaluation of Buildings Where: Crestwood Government Center

1 Detjen Drive, Eureka, MO CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs Contact: mark@homeinspectstl.com

Keystone ASHI Inspection Seminar When: October 14-15, 2016 Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading

701 Penn Street, Reading, PA Subject: 2014 NEC Updates, Stucco & AMSV, Fuel

& Appliance Venting, Reporting, Attic

Ventilation, Roofing, Infrared and Mold CEUs: Up to 16 ASHI CEs Contact: www.keystoneashi.org

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

MAC-ASHI Chapter Technical Seminar When: November 12, 2016 Where: John Hopkins University, 9601 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 Subjects: Roof Experts Seminar - 2 ASHI CEs

Steep and Low Slope Roofs

Water Management in Masonry 2 ASHI CEs Speaker: Doug Horgan

Also offered: Subjects: Home Scene Investigations - Mysteries and Answers - 2 ASHI CEs Water Intrusion into Buildings Forensic Investigations - 2 ASHI CEs Speaker: Tom Feiza Contact: macashirsvp@aol.com

Heartland ASHI Educational Seminar When: November 19, 2016 Where: U of MN Continuing Education Building, St. Paul, MN CEUs: ASHI 8 CEs Contact: Reuben Saltzman, at reuben@structuretech1.com

Chapter Packet Check list CHAPTER LEADERS:

✓ A re your seminars listed on this page?

✓ A re you calling the new members on Page 30?

✓ Is the information for your chapter on Pages

IMPORTANT Reporter Deadlines: • DECEMBER ISSUE - 10/14/16 • JANUARY ISSUE - 11/15/16 • FEBRUARY ISSUE - 12/15/16 The Reporter is produced 6-8 weeks ahead of the week it arrives in your mailbox.

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

Be sure to include all information: seminar subject, when, where, CEUs & a link for more information or contact information.

28 and 29 correct?

✓ A re you promoting the ASHI Member Benefit Programs on Page 35 to your chapter?

✓ A re your Chapter leaders registered for LTC?

✓ A re you promoting the ASHI Online Learning Center for FREE education so your members can earn CEs?

32

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

Expand Without Risk

YOU’VE BUILT YOUR BUSINESS FROM THE GROUND UP. PROTECT IT WITH 3D.

• Keep proprietary inspection forms secure • Prevent moonlighting of employee inspectors • Protect software from being stolen • Branch out to other locales • All at NO EXTRA COST!

Learn more about Phone3D: www.3dinspection.com І 800-745-6126

HUD has filed a Federal Register notice seeking comments regarding changes to the HUD 203(k) Consultant Fee Schedule. For those of you doing 203(k) consulting, this is your opportunity to get in your two cents and comment. It’s not often this chance comes around, so take advantage to it. Here’s the link: http://www.homeinspector.org/HomeInspectionNews/hud-solicitation-forcomments.9-9-2016.1397/ Details/Story

33October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

33

Elections Nominating Committees Slate Officers, Certification Committee Members and Directors The Committee met August 18, 2016, and decided on the following slate for 2017 ASHI Officers. The names are listed in alphabetical order by office.

Officer Slate for 2017 President: Howard Pegelow President-elect: Tim Buell Vice President: Scott Patterson Treasurer: Don Lovering Secretary: Mike Wagner Any voting member wishing to run as a petition candidate should submit a matrix to Headquarters and download a petition form from the website and file it by October 21 as per the rules below.

Director Slate for 2017 The ASHI Directors Nominating Committee for 2017 slated the following for ASHI Directors: Steve Baranello, Michael Conley, Jim Funkhouser, Reuben Saltzman, Bob Sisson, Kevin Vargo, Hollis Brown for Speaker of the CoR Three directors and one alternate will be chosen based on the number of votes each receives.

Any additional Council Representatives who would like to be included on the ballot should submit a matrix and download a petition form from the website and file it by October 21 as per the rules below.

Election Policy The following is from the ASHI Policy and Procedures Manual, also available under Publications in the Members Only website.

2. Petitions a. All Petition Candidates are to complete and submit the official Nomination Matrix Form prior to the official election. ASHI will provide the official petition to the member requesting the petition. ASHI will notify the ASHI membership by email of the member who is requesting the petition. The notice will be sent out two times by ASHI (the last week of September and the [second] 2nd week of October) and shall include the names of those candidates chosen by the nomination committees. If the official petition form is changed in any manner, the petition will NOT be accepted, with the exception of a change to the fax or phone number and email of the candidates. The candidate will be allowed to purchase only the ASHI mailing list of addresses. Email addresses and fax numbers will NOT be provided to nominated or petition candidates. The mailing list may be used only for the current election cycle. Revised 7/30/2011

b. A valid petition containing the names of a minimum of 10% of the then in good standing ASHI Certified Inspectors submitted to ASHI headquarters shall cause the name of the qualified Member to be added to the ballot as a candidate for a specified (named) office.

c. Petitions must be presented on a special form available only from ASHI Headquarters and requires the name (printed) and the signature of each petitioner, as well as the office in which the petitioner would serve, if elected.

d. The form must be received by mail or fax at headquarters at least 10 days prior to the distribution of the ballots.

34

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

e. S taff will verify the validity of the petition prior to placing the name of a Candidate for office on the ballot.

3. Official

Instructions for Those Obtaining Petitions for the Officer Elections

a. A ll petitions must be received on or before October 21, 2016, at noon (CT) at ASHI Headquarters, 932 Lee Street, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016, by physical delivery, U.S. mail, email or FAX at 847-759-1620 directly from the candidate. Postmarked dates or mail “stored” at the post office will not be counted. b. A n ASHI Certified Member may sign more than one candidate’s petition for the same position, but only one signature per individual candidate.

c. I f the Official Petition Form is changed or altered in any manner, the petition will not be accepted, with the exception of the insertion of the fax or phone number or the email of the prospective candidate. d. A ll fields on the petition shall be filled in. The signature and printed name of the signer must be original.

e. A ll petitions must be submitted directly from the prospective petitioning candidate to Headquarters, not from signers. Petitions faxed, emailed, sent by U.S. mail or delivered by anyone other than the petition candidate will not be counted. f. Qualified ASHI voting members (ACIs and retired members) may also sign petitions. g. ASHI will inform members twice by email that they have requested a blank Official Petition Form.

h. You may purchase and use mailing labels from ASHI. You may not purchase email, fax or telephone number lists from ASHI. ASHI will not sponsor or send email blasts for any prospective or actual candidate.

The campaigning rules remained the same.

15.9A

1. Campaigning positively by or about any candidate is permissible as long as no ASHI assets are used.

2. Staff, Nominating Committee and Election Committee members shall not participate in campaigning.

3. N ominees or Petition Candidates for an Officer or Board of Director position may purchase mailing labels or lists of qualified voting members’ contact information from Headquarters at cost. The mailing list will only have the USPS address of the member. Email addresses and fax numbers will not be provided to anyone, petition candidate or nominated candidate. Revised 7/30/2011 4. Negative campaigning (against candidates or nominees) is not permitted.

The Election Committee should preview campaign statements or materials in advance if there is any uncertainty about the appropriateness of their contents.

5. Election and Campaign policies shall be published in the Reporter for three (3) consecutive months prior to the formation of a slate for an election.

Education–ASHI Online Learning Center Now available: unlimited free continuing education hours for your ASHI CE requirements. Just log on to the ASHI website, put the mouse on the Education tab, click on the ASHI Online Learning Center, log on to the Learning Center with your member number and the word “password” and begin taking these exciting education modules. You earn two CEs upon successful completion of each module. You can also view a list of state-approved online education under each of the past IW course descriptions. A certificate of completion will be available to print out. H

CURRENT ASHI Membership ASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,559 Inspectors/Logo: 216 Associates: 3,935 Retired Members: 117 Affiliates: 756

Octo ber Anni versa ries

Total: 7,903 Members as of 9/2/2016

Forty Years

Five Years

Norman Becker

Steve Brenner Andrew Call Gregory Dennis John Donnelly Mike Farrelly Ed Hopkins Peter Hopkins Dan Jones Douglas Krueck Elizabeth Martin LaVaine Murphy Ron Nokes Todd Rensch Tim Sams Gayla Smith Daniel Sommer Michael Stoneman Jr. Jeff Walsh Michael White Tory Wilson Jimmy Womack

Twenty-five Years

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 ASHI-Endorsed Training Programs ASHI@Home Training System 800-268-7070 education@carsondunlop.com The ASHI School Kendra Eiermann, 888-884-0440 kendra@theashischool.com www.TheASHISchool.com

Thomas Tyler

Twenty Years Imani Fowler Thomas Horning Christopher Hosie Andrew Kraus Joe Lengel Scott Patterson John Roman David Teare

Fifteen Years Will Duncan Jeff Gainey Dave Gambocarto Deryck Gruber Greg Haley Robert Huntley John McDermott III Marion Peeples Ray Remsnyder Chris Willig

Ten Years Decebal Adamescu Damon Coberth David Crumpton Duane Erickson Gary Gazda Keith Pasquariello Dan Sandweg Wally Shank Daniel Somerville Ceaser Stravinski Jr. Curt Webster

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

35October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

35

ASHI Event Calendar October 20-21, 2016

Leadership Training Conference

Des Plaines, IL October 22, 2016 ASHI Foundation and ASHI Board Meeting

Des Plaines, IL January 22-25, 2017 InspectionWorld®

and ASHI Board Meeting

Las Vegas, NV

NEED CEs?

Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors

Learning Center:

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

http://www.softconfer-

ISBN 978-0-9964518-1-9

HomeInspectionExam.org

ence.com/ashi/default. asp

You Can Learn Many More Things on Our YouTube Channel:

✓ h ttps://www.youtube. com/user/ASHIHQ

36

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

9 780996 451819

$29.95

52995>

NHIE Study Guide

100 Review Questions

ISBN 978-0-9964518-0-2

HomeInspectionExam.org HomeInspectionExam.org

9 780996 451802

59850>

Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors

NHIE Home Inspection Manual

✓ G o to the ASHI Online

Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors

NHIE Home Inspection Manual Components and Systems Typical Defects Maintenance and Safety Issues Industry Standards References 100 Review Questions HomeInspectionExam.org

The NHIE Study Guide and the NHIE Home Inspection Manual together contain over 750 pages of technical and administrative information and are produced by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors.

They will benefit the exam candidate along with being a great technical reference for the experienced home inspector.

Be prepared.

Get the NEW

Study Guide and Home Inspection Manual Available from the

Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors

www.NHIEStudyGuide.org

SM

Protecting Home Inspectors From Meritless Claims

855-MERITLESS (637- 4853) www.joeferry.com/ASHI

Why Is Your Insurance Company

Calling The Sho

ts ?

An irrational client and a meritless claim mean a potential

disaster for you and your business. Who has your back?

Don’t lose your deductible at the hands of your insurance company. Have a trusted and experienced legal advocate on your side that wants what you want.

Our Complete Risk Management Solution is ASHI endorsed – and we are proud to offer ASHI inspectors the best rates.

ENDORSED

VISIT WWW.JOEFERRY.COM/ASHI TO SIGN UP FOR THE LOYAL AND SKILLED DEFENSE THAT YOU DESERVE 37October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

37

An ASHI Member Looks Back Over Four Decades

By J.D. Grewell, ACI

I

t has now been more than four decades that I have been a professional home inspector. I knew many of the charter members of ASHI on a personal basis. Recently I’ve been thinking about what it was like back in those early days of ASHI and how much has changed. There have been some great advances over the years.

The first big change was the formation of ASHI. Prior to 1976, there was no local or national organization. Once ASHI was chartered, the Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics were created. I joined ASHI in large measure due to those two documents. If there was going to be a measuring stick, I wanted to have high marks.

The next big changes in our profession were the formation of local chapters (originally, ASHI had five chapters) and the start of an annual conference, which continues today with InspectionWorldTM. The primary purpose of having chapters and annual events is to share experiences and knowledge.

Learning new techniques and the proper procedures for using new, improved tools is never-ending.

The first tool I was instructed to purchase was a “good” flashlight. All flashlights back then were carbon cell battery types with replaceable bulbs, and even a five-cell D flashlight only produced a puddle of yellow light. They were over two feet long, had lamp heads about three inches in diameter and weighed in at over two pounds fully loaded. Police used the same lamps. There were no real holsters, so we fashioned our own.

There was a tool company, Professional Equipment, started by a fellow ASHI member, that came to the conferences.

Receptacle testers were novel devices, along with analog pin-type moisture meters that we all purchased and used. The tool choices have continued to expand and improve our diagnostic abilities.

38

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

I believe that the biggest change in tools is in the flashlights that are now available.

Going from buying a great Maglite that used D-cell batteries to the newer, rechargeable Maglites and Streamlights has been a huge change for the better. The candlepower output was enormous compared with the prior lamps; and the quality of the light was far superior. Now, the newer lamps with over 1,000 lumens that fit in your palm are amazing tools that have radically improved inspecting. You can only inspect what you can see, so improved sight is an immense change for the better.

but oftentimes the hardest part was finding the home to be inspected. Thankfully, I lived in an area that had accurate book maps. As the metro area expanded, so did the number of maps. These all had to be purchased new every couple of years so that we could find the newly built homes. GPS and online map programs have changed this process tremendously; however, I ignore my Garmin regularly because, although it gives me the most direct route, that is not necessarily the fastest or safest route. I do appreciate knowing in advance that the house is “on the left” side as I drive the final block.

Early on, every inspector either designed their own report form or purchased a preprinted format. Most of the preprinted ones were rudimentary with nothing more than checkboxes and maybe a few lines for a narrative. I created my own forms and updated them over the years to reflect the changes in the Standard of Practice, but they were still handwritten and generated at the site for the paper exchange of issuing the report and then collecting the check.

I am quite sure that other, older members have their own observations that they can contribute, and I would welcome reading their reflections about the changes we have experienced. Knowing where you came from sometimes helps you to figure out where you want to go. H

The introduction of digital cameras brought in a real sea change. Just think of the Kodak or the Land companies. When I took color photographs for court work, I had to wait to get them developed to see the results or take a vast number of Polaroid photos.

For over 25 years, I took a Polaroid shot of every house I inspected and filed it with the report in the archives.

Today, we have great compact, high-resolution digital cameras and the results not only reflect what you saw, but are shared with the client. The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is highly valid, especially when someone contemplates challenging the results. The use of digital photographs in emailed reports is a fantastic leap in progress; however, the level of communication about items of concern is still basically the same—it is faulty, damaged, improper or incomplete, so get it repaired by a competent individual.

The early years were simpler in many aspects. A friend of mine said it well—we booked the inspection, found the property, completed the inspection and collected the payment. When he said this, I fully agreed,

A Story from the Field

By Neil Saltzman Structure Tech Home Inspections 952-915-6466, neil@structuretech1.com

I

n moer than 24 years of being a full-time home inspector, I’ve seen a lot, but one house I inspected stands out as “the house from hell.”

I began the inspection on the outside and, in the crisp fall weather in Minnesota, I could hear the crunching of leaves under foot and see the wonderful yellow, brown and red colors of the leaves that mix with the briskness of the air. You know another thing that mixed well with the brown colors of the leaves? The droppings from the seller’s dog. As I was checking the outside, I stepped right into a big one. I’m sure we can all relate. So, I went to wash off my shoes.

Later in the inspection, while using my borescope on the furnace’s heat exchanger (yes, beyond the ASHI SoP, I know), I ran into problem #2. Although I was trying to be very careful around the ceramic ignitor,

when I touched it, it shattered. OK, now what? I got on the phone and learned that the closest store was 35 minutes away. Since I was training a new inspector on this inspection, I gave him the task of driving to the store to pick up the new ignitor (which, by the way, would cost $60).

A

s my trainee was installing the replacement ignitor, it broke. I could not believe it. So, he drove back to the store, bought another one and very, very carefully installed that one with much prayer. So, two hours of driving and $120 later, this was not quite the afternoon of inspecting I had planned.

I like to finish my inspections in the attic and as I was looking around this house’s attic, I dropped my flashlight. I couldn’t believe it and I started to think that maybe this house was haunted. I never drop my flashlight! And now that it was underneath 16 inches of fiberglass insulation, everything went dark. (This was before the days of the flashlight app on your smartphone.) I think I moved insulation around for at least 10 minutes before I found it. I wasn’t about to leave a $100 flashlight in someone’s attic.

Got GREAT Postcards?

We are running out!

Please send your 1. name, 2. company, 3. city, 4. state, 5. photos, 6. headings & 7. captions to postcards@ashi.org

Well, you’d think that would be enough problems for one day, but on the way out of the house, the little dog bit my trainee in the butt and then bit one of the kids in the house.

What topped it all off was that the seller had installed a radon mitigation system after getting high radon results from us, and now the buyer’s agent wanted us to retest for radon…for free…because she had referred us many times…

Finally, we happily left this house, after completing four trips, wasted dollars, bruised butts and egos. It was time to go home and pour a stiff one. H

39October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

39

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

Phone a (Skinny) Friend

Here’s a Good Puzzle This house was so bad that the thought of crawling under this section of the crawlspace was almost as heavy as this phone booth.

You know a real plumber numbers his pipes.

Lawrence Transue Intergrity Inspection Service/BPG Easton, PA

Chris McDougall Appex Home Inspections Aromas, CA

Creative Chimney Repair

Going Incognito There, that ought to hold it for a while!

We’ve been growing our Halloween costume since 1973 (43 years)!

Ken Meyer Portico Home Inspection, LLC Portland, OR

All Screwed Up

Downspouts Don’t Count Umm, I’m pretty sure the screws are supposed to go the other way.

Ken Meyer Portico Home Inspection, LLC Portland, OR

40

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

Arlene Zapata Graphics Manager, ASHI Skokie, IL

I guess when we recommend replacing plastic and aluminum foil dryer vents with sold metal, we should be more specific.

Lon Grossman Technihouse Inspections, Inc. Bloomfield Hills, MI

A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE

American Home Warranty Company

ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONAL TOOL FOR THE HOME INSPECTOR!

ENHANCE YOUR SERVICES: • Affordable addition to your professional services • Differentiator and proven way to close more sales • Unique "gap" coverage for 90 days following inspection • As low as $11.95 per 90-day Limited e-Warranty

1-800-404-5479

Sign up today for FREE at www.ahomewarranty.com 41October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

41

That Call…

By ASHI President, Randy Sipe

T

his month, I want to talk about “that call.” If you’ve been inspecting for any amount of time, you know what that call is. It kind of goes like this: The phone rings, and you answer, “Good Morning, Family Home Inspections. This is Randy. How can I help you?” In reply, you hear, “Hi, this is John Smith, and you did my home inspection about five months ago.” It is at about this time that your sphincter factor rises to about a DEFCON 10, your blood pressure is elevated and you answer, “OK, how can I help you?” If you’re lucky, the other party says, “I just have a couple questions on correcting what you pointed out.” You breathe a sigh of relief and your day is good. But what about the time when there is a problem? “That call” is about to ruin your day.

First, remember, this is just me talking. Anything I say is what I do and how you handle something like this is your decision and should be done with the advice of your attorney and E&O carrier. Enough of my disclaimer. In this article, I want to discuss the mental stress “that call” can put on you and how you can move on.

So, now what do you do? The first thing is talk less and listen more. Sometimes, people just want to be heard.

But what if that is not enough? We’ve all been there at some time. The first thing I do is collect the facts as given by the caller. Don’t make decisions or statements that could result in harming you. Just listen and inform the caller that you will need to review the report and get back with them as soon as you can. This is the fork in the road— after you hang up, what do you do? Some calls are not of much account, but can lead to other claims. This is why you should notify your E&O carrier of a demand. I can tell you from experience that, at least in the case of my carrier, they will review the claim and give you advice on the next step.

Let’s get back to the reason why I am writing about this—how do you get your focus back on your job and get on with life? First, you must realize that we all make mistakes, but how you deal with them is the difference. I have a circle of inspector friends I have known for years and they are the best council you can have to at least talk about the problem and ease your mind. I can remember years ago, at our monthly chapter meetings, we would discuss these events and how relieving it was to have other inspectors to talk to. One older (or should I say “seasoned”) chapter member named Larry Schindler (who is now deceased) would always open the conversation by asking, “Well, who bought a chimney last month?” This was just to let us know that we are not alone and we all can make mistakes. He would then lead the conversation and other inspectors would share any incidences that they were dealing with. This therapeutic effect is one of the most overlooked benefits of attending chapter meetings and it can keep you mentally in the game.

Remember, we all can and will make mistakes over time. We must learn how to deal with them internally and externally and not let them get control of our mental game. Learn from other inspectors by attending chapter meetings. These meetings will provide not only the knowledge to be a better inspector, but also help you navigate through that call of “you did my home inspection about five months ago and I have a problem.”

As always, inspect safe, keep your mind in the game and do the best job you can provide. H

42

ASHI Reporter • October 2016

Make Homes Healthier Testing is easy and cost effective with Sun Nuclear Radon Monitors

Radon 1028™

Easy to Use Simply place in the desired location Saves Time Instantly view a summary when the test is complete Convenient Print or download your reports to your PC

Radon 1027™

Call us today at 321-259-6862 or visit sunradon.com

Your Partner in Radon Measurement 43October 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

43

44

ASHI Reporter • October 2016