September 2016 Reporter by ASHI

9.16

ASHI

Reporter

ASHI W All NA elcomes H I Me mbers P6

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

Appraisals, Home Inspections and the Important Role of Home Inspectors

Making More Money by Providing Home Energy Scores

Call for Volunteers—Help Shape ASHI’s Future

Why Join ASHI? Expansion Tanks

p10

On My Mind: Your On-call Network Can Start With Your Chapter

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ASHI Reporter • September 2016

10/2/14 1:22 PM

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Reporter ASHI

September 2016

Features

Vol. 33, #9

Please Support our Advertisers:

Leviton Healthy Home Checkup Expansion Tanks Perma-Boot Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop RTCA An ASHI-Washington Q&A: ASHI LTC / Online Learning Appraisals, Home Inspections and the ASHI Members Free Logos Important Role of Home Inspectors OREP An Interview with Cheryl B. Walker, US Department Allen Insurance Group of Housing and Urban Development How to Operate Your Home Report Out Board Meeting Motions Palm-Tech Business Risk Partners Making More Money by Providing Home Target Professional Programs Energy Scores InspectIT Dominic Maricic, CEO, Home Inspector Pro – Home Fort Reports Inspection Software BPG Inspections Put On Your Salesman Hat and Do Some US Inspect Open-house Prospecting NHIE Study Guide Amy Kleptach, TK Home Inspection 3D Inspection Systems Why Join ASHI? America’s Call Center Dave Kogan, ASHI Marketing, Advertising, Joe Ferry InspectionWorldTM Expo and Business Development Manager InspectionWorldTM American Home Warranty 2016 GFCI Update: Powerful New Layer of Receptacle Safety Sun Nuclear Receptacle and Circuit Breaker Safety after the UL 943 HomeGauge

16 18 24

Standard Revisions

Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Departments

2 leviton.com/afci 5 healthyhomescheckup.com 7 perma-boot.com 8 www.RTCA.com 9 www.ASHI.org 12 homeinspector.org/LogoDesign 13 www.OREP.org 15 allenins.com 17 htoyh.com 17 www.palm-tech.com 19 inspectorinsurance.com 21 www.TargetProIns.com 23 InspectIT.com 25 fortreports.com 25 bpgwi.com 27 844-268-2677 27 NHIEStudyGuide.org 33 3dinspection.com 33 AmericasCallCenter.com 37 www.joeferry.com/ashi 39 inspectionworld org 41 ahomewarranty.com 43 sunradon.com 44 HomeGauge.com/CRL

6 Being Frank Frank Lesh, ASHI Executive Director 8 Around the CoRner Jim Funkhouser, Speaker of the CoR

Herspective Wendy McDowell, www.HandiGirl.us

ASHI Community

Chapter Listing, New Inspector Status, Chapter Events, Council News and Education

Membership News, Event Calendar, Endorsed Member Programs & Anniversaries

34 39

Your ASHI

Postcards From the Field

It’s Wacky Out There

On My Mind

Randy Sipe, ASHI President

40 3September 2016

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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.

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

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

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

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

Dave Kogan, Manager of Marketing & Business Development 847-954-3187, davek@ashi.org

Publisher: Frank Lesh Editor: Carol Dikelsky Art Director: Arlene Zapata, Jr. Designer: Kate Laurent

Kate Laurent, Junior Graphic Designer & Administrative Assistant 847-954-3179, Katel@ashi.org

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.

Main Phone: 847-759-2820, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Mon. - Fri., CST Executive Director

Officers

Ken Harrington 2015-2017 Delaware, OH, 614-507-1061 inspectorken@rrohio.com

ASHI Staff

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

Graphics, Publications, Member Logo Design

Arlene Zapata, Graphic Design Manager & “ASHI Reporter” Managing Editor, 847-954-3186, arlenez@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

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5September 2016

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From ASHI’s Executive Director

“No news is good news”? B

aloney! I’m here to dispute that old axiom. There are at least two ASHI news items that will blow your socks off!

Number One: LTC 2016 The first news item is our annual Leadership Training Conference (LTC). Be sure to check out Council Speaker Jim Funkhouser’s article about LTC in the “Around the CoRner” column on page 8. Plus, I’d like to note that we’ve developed a program designed to help members run successful meetings and seminars. For example, there will be individual breakout sessions in separate rooms—for chapter education chairs (or whomever is designated to run seminars for your chapter) to learn tips to promote seminars, for treasurers to discuss handling the money and for senior leaders to cover all aspects of running a chapter. Here’s a sampling: The Educational Seminar (Education Chairs) • Announcements: ASHI will provide, on request, a list of both members and nonmembers within specific surrounding areas so that your chapter’s meetings will draw more attendees. • F lyers that will attract people to your meetings: ASHI staff members will show you how to design and produce flyers that will draw attention and attendees. • W hat to do once the invitations have been sent: We’ll show you the mechanics of running first-class presentations and how to present them for less money than you might think. The Meeting (Leadership Positions) People in chapter leadership positions will learn: • how to attract, select, develop and keep productive leaders • how to run successful board meetings ASHI President Randy Sipe will show you how it’s done. The Money (Treasurers) • We’ll show you how to follow the rules that govern nonprofit organizations to keep you out of the IRS’ crosshairs. • “ Tight Pockets” Buell (ASHI’s Treasurer) will, for a fee, explain how to make every penny count. They say he’s even learned how to squeeze blood from a turnip. Actually, he won’t really charge you for this advice; we’re already paying him, lol. • There will be a beginner’s guide to QuickBooks so you can keep track of all the money you’ll be rolling in from these successful meetings and seminars. 6

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

But wait, there’s more! ASHI’s IT guy. Mike Rotescu will lead a hands-on demonstration of the simple steps to follow to help you produce great meetings using your computer. Last, but not least, you’ll have lunch while attending the ASHI Board of Directors meeting. You’ll get a firsthand look at just what goes on with the people you’ve elected to represent our profession. This is going to be the best LTC ever! It will be both fun and informative, with focused sessions that will help our chapter leaders be successful. Number Two: ASHI and NAHI This news item is one some of you” old timers” have talked about many times over the years. Numerous attempts have been made to merge the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and ASHI. NAHI has a proud history of supporting its membership and the profession. Occasionally, NAHI and ASHI did not see eye to eye on all issues, but we always maintained a respectful relationship with each other. For one reason or another, though, things never worked out between us to combine…until now.

am honored to announce that ASHI has accepted the entire membership of NAHI. In case you missed it, there was a joint communiqué between ASHI and NAHI, agreeing to the incorporation of NAHI members into all comparable categories of ASHI membership. NAHI decided to go out of existence and requested that its members become ASHI members. ASHI has agreed to accept all former NAHI members in our equivalent membership categories. This agreement took effect August 1, 2016. ASHI urges everyone to welcome our new professional colleagues with the same enthusiasm and respect we exhibit with every new member. “Combining memberships makes the industry stronger and better able to focus on important issues affecting professional home inspectors.” –Claude McGavic, former Executive Director of NAHI. I couldn’t have said it better myself! H Frank Lesh, Executive Director American Society of Home Inspectors Direct: 847-954-3182 Frankl@ashi.org • www.ashi.org

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7September 2016

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Around the CoRner

From the Speaker of the CoR

his month, I want to motivate all you chapter leaders to register for and attend the Leadership Training Conference (LTC) that will be held October 20-21 in Des Plaines, IL. For this year’s LTC, B.K. Thompson, Chapter Relations Committee Chair, and Ken Harrington, CRC Board Liaison, as well as members of the ASHI staff have been working hard to put together a true “Back to Basics” schedule. The information that will be presented is vital to every well-functioning chapter. How so? (I knew you were going to ask.) In just a day and a half, LTC covers a lot. The program includes a dynamite motivational speaker, how-to sessions on putting together seminars on a shoestring budget and how to webcast your chapter meetings.

owever, the best part is this: There will be breakout sessions focused on helping your chapter’s President and Vice President, your Secretary, your Treasurer and your Education Chair. Assuming that these positions in your chapter are, more often than not, “won” in a game of hot potato, you’re aware that there is little instruction given as to what your job actually is when you “assume the position.” This will change with these new practical and informational sessions at this year’s LTC. Be sure to get together soon with your chapter leaders to decide who should go to LTC from your chapter. I ask that you concentrate on sending your newer, upand-coming leaders rather than those who have already attended the LTC more than twice. It’s those who are newest to our fold who can benefit the most from the LTC program. Hope to see you there! ~ Jim James Funkhouser, Speaker, ASHI Council of Representatives, Speaker@ashi.org. H

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

ASHI Council of Representatives Speakers and Group Leaders 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

North Central

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

George Basista 330-565-3760 GeorgeBasista@ yahoo.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

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

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

Welcome former NAHI members! This is a terrific ASHI member benefit that we hope you’ll access and use as new ASHI members. • Earn 2 ASHI CEs upon successful completion. Many of the modules have been approved for state CEs. • Perfect for completing your required 20 CEs for ASHI membership renewal! • Session recordings make great training tools, keeping you at the forefront of your industry year-round. • Preview sample modules. • Great online education, available FREE to ASHI members. • Non-members: $29 per module

Continue learning at the click of a button!

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CENTER

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. New this year, the attendees of LTC will have the pleasure of sitting in on a partial national board meeting. This will be an invaluable experience toward your leadership growth.

Don’t forget about the $30.00 chapter rebate coupon. If a member of ASHI joins your chapter, the chapter can offer the new chapter member a $30.00 discount on their chapter dues. The chapter simply goes to the ASHI website, downloads the Chapter Incentive form and emails it to russelld@ashi.org and headquarters will send back $30.00 to the chapter.

skills

Who should attend this conference: Presidents, CoR Representatives, Education Chairs, Treasurers, Secretaries and whomever you feel are your up-and-coming leaders. This year, we have a special incentive for the chapters if they send these people.

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Remember, there is no limit to how many people can sign up for your chapter to take advantage of this coupon.

Pump new energy into your chapter! 9September 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

Expansion Tanks

Expansion Tanks By Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, www.carsondunlop.com

he expansion tank is part of a hot water heating system. It allows the water in the boiler to expand as it heats up without dramatically increasing the system pressure. Water, like many other materials, expands when it is heated. If there was no expansion tank in the system, the water pressure would increase dramatically when the boiler came on. This would cause stress on components, make the water more difficult to circulate and may lead to superheated water and steam explosions.

Shock Absorber: The expansion tank is an air cushion or shock absorber. The tank is partially filled with water from the boiler system. The other part of the tank is filled with trapped air. Water Level Changes in the Tank: If the tank is one-third filled with water when the boiler is cold, the water level will rise when the boiler fires. Air is quite compressible and can be readily squeezed without increasing pressure dramatically. It acts like an easily compressed spring. When the boiler is operating at a steady state, the expansion tank may be two-thirds filled with water.

Material: Expansion tanks are typically galvanized steel. The older tanks were very often unpainted. Modern tanks are usually prepainted at the factory. Locations and Types Open System Tanks: In old homes with open hot water systems, the expansion tanks were located on the top floor, often in a closet and sometimes in the attic. The bottom of the tank would be above 10

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

the top of the highest radiator. These tanks could be cylindrical, rectangular or other shapes. They often had a sight glass so that you could see the level of water in the tank. Overflow Pipe: There was an overflow pipe coming off the top of the tank, usually made of galvanized steel. This overflow pipe discharged outdoors or into the basement near the floor drain. There was sometimes a water makeup valve and pipe connected to the expansion tank so that water could be added from the supply plumbing pipes. The water from the heating system was connected to the bottom of the tank. Typical open system tank in a closet

Closed System Tanks: On closed systems, there are two types of expansion tanks: • conventional • d iaphragm or bladder tank (used on all modern systems) Differences in Tanks: The conventional tank is just a metal cylinder. The diaphragm tank has a loose rubber/neoprene bladder separating the tank into two compartments. One is the air side and

Expansion Tanks

the other is the water side, which is connected to the boiler through a pipe. The bladder prevents the air from being absorbed into the water over time. Conventional Tank: On closed systems, it’s common to find the expansion tank strapped between ceiling joists above the boiler. If the ceiling is plastered, the tank may be barely visible. These tanks typically are horizontally installed cylinders, 8 to 10 inches in diameter and 18 inches to 3 feet long. Typical conventional tank above the boiler

Pipe Connections: They typically have one pipe connected to the heating system, usually tapped into the hot water distribution supply pipe coming off the boiler. The expansion tank has a drain valve and may have an air inlet valve that can be opened to allow air into the tank as the water is drained out.

valve and get water, it means the bladder has ruptured. However, we don’t recommend that you operate the valve.

Isolating Valve: The piping between the heating system and the expansion tank has an isolating valve that can be manually closed to allow the tank to be drained.

Typical diaphragm tank

Diaphragm Tanks: Conventional tanks have to be mounted above the boiler. Diaphragm tanks (bladder tanks) can be anywhere, including above or beside the boiler. Tanks can be on the supply or return side of the boiler. Tanks on most modern systems are on the supply side close to the boiler. Boilers with diaphragm tanks usually have an air vent. Bicycle Valve on Diaphragm Tanks: The air side of the diaphragm tank usually has a “bicycle tire”–style valve (Schrader valve) that can be used to pressurize the air side of the tank. If you operate this

Operation Setting Up the System with a Conventional Tank: When the heating system is first set up, all the pipes are filled with air. The expansion tank is completely filled with air as well. You can think of the expansion tank as a large dead-end part of the heating system. When water is introduced, the pipes and radiators will be filled with water, but air will be trapped in the expansion tank. This is what we want. Some water will enter the expansion tank, but the majority of the tank remains filled with air. Normal Operation: As the boiler operates and the water heats up and expands, the air in the tank is compressed and the tank may be more than half filled with water. Air Dissolved over Time: The air eventually is lost from the conventional expansion tank. It sometimes leaks out slowly through the air valve, but the majority is dissolved into the water over time. Waterlogged Tank: When the tank is filled with water, it is said to be waterlogged. The system loses its shock absorber. When the 11September 2016

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Expansion Tanks

boiler comes on, the pressure in the system will rise quickly. If all goes well, the relief valve operates and water leaks out through the discharge pipe from the relief valve. A dripping relief valve often means a waterlogged expansion tank. If the relief valve is missing or inoperative, or if its discharge is obstructed, a dangerous highpressure situation can develop.

Diaphragm Tanks Are Low-maintenance: Modern expansion tanks have a rubber (neoprene) bladder or diaphragm that separates the air and the water, as discussed. The system works exactly the same, but the flexible rubber diaphragm keeps the air from being dissolved into the water. These systems rarely become waterlogged and are therefore more convenient.

Restoring the System: The homeowner or serviceperson will notice the relief valve discharging and eventually notice that the expansion tank is waterlogged. Restoring the air in the tank is done as follows:

Where Is the Best Spot for the Expansion Tank? There is some controversy about where the expansion tank is best located. However, for the purposes of a home inspection, as long as it is present and connected to the heating system, we don’t have to worry. In most cases, you’ll see a bladder tank on the hot water supply distribution pipe coming off the top of the boiler. (Conventional tanks on closed systems have to be above the top of the boiler.) If the tank is connected to the return side of the boiler, the system will still work.

1. The isolating valve between the boiler and expansion tank is closed. 2. A hose is connected to the fitting on the drain valve and the drain valve is opened. 3. The air inlet valve (usually located near the top of the tank) is also opened. 4. The water runs out of the drain line and air is introduced through the air inlet. 5. When the tank is empty— a. the hose is removed from the fitting, b. the drain valve is closed, c. the air inlet is closed, and d. the isolating valve is opened. 6. Water from the heating system makes its way up into the bottom of the tank, compressing the air. 7. The system is ready for operation again.

Expansion tanks are subject to the following problems: • Leaks • Waterlogging • Rust • Too small in size • Poor discharge location for open tank • Poor location for tank This concludes our general discussion about boiler system expansion tanks. For more details about the problems related to expansion tanks, please refer to the ASHI@Home Training Program. H

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ASHI Reporter • September 2016

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An ASHI-Washington Q&A

An ASHI-Washington Q&A:

Appraisals, Home Inspections and the Important Role of Home Inspectors An Interview with Cheryl B. Walker, Director, Office of Single Family Homes, Home Valuation Policy Division, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

In June 2016, I had the opportunity to ask some specific questions of Cheryl Walker, Director, Office of Single Family Housing(OSFH), Home Valuation Policy Division, US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Washington, DC. Director Walker is ASHI’s direct point of contact at HUD for the concerns of home inspectors. The following is a summary of our greetings and conversation. – Carol Dikelsky ASHI Reporter: Director Walker, ASHI would like to congratulate the HUD’s Office of Single Family Housing for its update of the Single Family Housing Policy Handbook, released in 2015. This is a great accomplishment, the result of tremendous effort by you and your team. We appreciate the fine working relationship that ASHI has had with your office in this effort. The Handbook contains multiple references that highlight the importance of home inspection. Furthermore, ASHI would like to thank you for the update and reissue of Form HUD-92564-CN, “For Your Protection: Get a Home Inspection” (http://portal. hud.gov/hudportal/ documents/huddoc?id=92564-cn. pdf), and in particular, the following statement in the Handbook: “Mortgagees are required to provide form HUD-92564-CN, For Your Protection: Get a Home Inspection, to prospective homebuyers at first contact, be it for prequalification, preapproval or initial application.”

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

ASHI has heard anecdotally that some home sales professionals suggest that the new requirements for appraisers to make observations on the technical elements of a home might signal a blurring of the distinction by HUD OSFH between appraisals and home inspections—even that appraisals might replicate or displace home inspections. Could you comment on HUD OSFH’s intent on this point and clarify its views on the roles of appraisals and home inspections as outlined in the Handbook? Was the Handbook drafted with any intent to diminish the need for a home inspection or change the historic relationship between appraisals and home inspections? Director Walker: Thank you for the opportunity to speak directly about this issue to the members of ASHI and readers of the ASHI Reporter.

We strongly encourage homebuyers to get an independent assessment of the property they intend to purchase and to have it done by a qualified home inspector who will fully check the property’s condition. HUD does not intend for FHA appraisals to diminish the need for home inspections or change the purpose for which appraisals and home inspections are intended. We view home inspectors as a valuable resource to prospective buyers in the home-buying process. The appraiser is an integral party in the assessment of property value. ASHI Reporter: In response to these concerns, ASHI has cited the Handbook passage that states, “An Appraiser’s observation is limited to readily observable conditions and is not as comprehensive an inspection as one performed by a licensed home inspector.” Could you elaborate on this point to address any confusion that might exist in the home sales professions?

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15September 2016

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An ASHI-Washington Q&A

Director Walker: The important thing is that we do require appraisers to report readily observable conditions, specifically as they relate to the health, safety and soundness of the property. So if the property has obvious deficiencies in areas of health and safety, appraisers must mention and describe those issues in the appraisal report. Appraisers’ input and assessment is essential to determine the value of the property. We do not expect appraisers to make determinations or statements about anything they are not qualified to assess. ASHI Reporter: Because the decision to obtain a home inspection is always voluntary and because typically a home inspection is not performed unless a homebuyer requests it, this increases the importance of education and awareness. In the Policy Handbook, HUD OSFH clearly restates the law that states that mortgagees are required to provide Form HUD-92564-CN, “For Your Protection: Get a Home Inspection,” to prospective homebuyers at first contact, be it for prequalification, preapproval or initial application. Are there other steps that HUD OSFH might take to enhance awareness and education regarding voluntary home inspections? Director Walker: We strive to provide information to all stakeholders involved in the home-buying process about the value of getting a home inspection.

HUD provides training to lenders, housing counseling agencies and real estate agents who work with first-time homebuyers. This training is offered in face-to-face settings and prerecorded webinars that include reminders about the importance of getting a home inspection. ASHI Reporter: Looking toward the future, do you see emerging issues pertaining to health and safety in homes—such as asthma, radon, fall hazards and more—expanding HUD OSFH’s role for and linkage to home inspection as being part of the solution? How can ASHI and home inspectors help and participate in these efforts? Director Walker: We are always researching home health and safety issues. HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes helps ensure that home and safety issues remain in the forefront. ASHI members can and do help, albeit indirectly, through the continued good working relationship that ASHI and HUD share. We meet at least twice a year to exchange information with each other and maintain our mutual awareness of the emerging issues in home health safety. Once again, thank you to ASHI for giving HUD the opportunity to have input into this discussion and reach out to the members of ASHI. We hope to continue to receive information on behalf of home inspectors across the country and work out ways to enhance the home-buying experience for all. ASHI Reporter: Thank you, Director Walker! H

REPORT OUT: ASHI Board Meeting • JULy 23, 2016 MOTION: was made and seconded to allow current Board Members to receive a complementary Inspection World registration in return for their assistance during the event. PASSED MOTION: was made and seconded to allow the following two housekeeping changes to be submitted to the Board for approval to be presented in the October election ballot for Bylaw Changes. PASSED MOTION: was made and seconded for the Certification Committee request, that ASHI Bylaws 8.2.7 and 8.2.7.c be changed to allow the terms of the elected members of the committee to be extended to three years. Passage of this motion will affect Section 17.5.A of Policy & Procedures as 16

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

well. The committee also requests the addition of 8.2.7.c.4 to address filling vacancies on the committee. PASSED MOTION: was made and seconded for the Council of Representatives’ request of Board approval for the addition of Section 5.5.5 to the Bylaws, providing for the ability to fill the Alternate Director position in the event it is vacated. PASSED MOTION: was made and seconded to Change Policy and Procedures Manual Sections 10.1B and 10.3B to remove the requirement that new Standard of Practice (SoPs) and changes to existing SoPs be published in full in the Reporter, and to reduce the public comment period from three months to two months. PASSED

MOTION: was made and seconded to allow prospective chapter members who join a local chapter to receive a complimentary membership into ASHI national for a period of one year. This offer will expire Dec. 31, 2016. This does not apply to any current ASHI members. PASSED This program is to be called Year of the Chapter Membership Drive. MOTION: was made and seconded to approve the 2017 Fiscal Year Budget. PASSED MOTION: was made and seconded to accept the Legacy Professionals Engagement Letter for the next three (3) years. PASSED H

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Making More Money by Providing Home Energy Scores

Making More Money by Providing Home Energy Scores By Dominic Maricic, CEO, Home Inspector Pro – Home Inspection Software, www.HomeInspectorPro.com

Urban Development’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced a new policy. Under this new policy, a homebuyer receiving an FHA loan can receive thousands of dollars in additional funds added to their mortgage. If a home receives a Home Energy Score of 6 or higher, the buyer’s lender can provide a 2% stretch on the debt-to-income ratio during the purchase or the refinance of the home. If a home receives a Home Energy Score below 6, the buyer can receive funds to help bring the house up to the level of a 6 or higher. The goal of these incentives is to increase the energy efficiency of homes in the United States by rewarding the owners of homes that are already scoring well in the hopes that the owners will spend their savings on making more energy improvements to their home and by helping owners of homes that aren’t up to the ideal score to finance energy-efficient improvements in those homes. (You can read more about the FHA’s partnership with Home Energy Score program at http://goo.gl/idTqMp.1)

Home Energy Score assessments are going prime time. They’re simple to perform and a great way to increase your bottom line. The question is, are you ready? As you read this article, keep in mind what adding this specialized skill to your toolkit could mean for your business— for both pre-listing and listing inspections, and as a unique selling point to enhance your marketing strategies.

ome Energy Scores are a rating system created by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The simplest way to describe the Home Energy Score program is to compare it with the familiar miles per gallon (MPG) rating for cars, which was developed by the DOE’s Environmental Protection Agency. The Home Energy Score is intended to be an easy-to-understand, national standard that will motivate homeowners and buyers to invest in energy efficiency in a similar way to how the MPG rating encourages buyers to purchase cars that are more energy efficient. Everyone can understand a simple rating scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most energyefficient homes. And, just like with cars, the DOE wants every house to be scored. The DOE started testing their Home Energy Score program in 2011. Ten agencies across the United States ran the program to help test and refine it before going public in 2012. During that first year, 4,000 Home Energy Scores were generated. As of the beginning of 2016, over 32,000 homes had been scored. With 5.25 million homes sold in 2015, though, it’s obvious that most homes have not yet been scored. One of the main reasons for this has been that the incentive to pay someone, such as a home inspector, to perform the Home Energy Score test just wasn’t there. Several recent developments have caused things to change, however. In September 2015, the U.S. Department of Housing and 18

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

Another big change that has occurred recently is the acceptance of the Home Energy Score rating by multiple listing services (MLS). The DOE’s Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) and the Council of MLSs are working together to provide energy information to all buyers. This partnership means that Home Energy Scores will start appearing on MLS data sheets and on sites like Realtor. com, Zillow and others. Currently, five regions—in the Northeast, Washington, D.C. (MRIS), Chicagoland (MRED), Boulder, CO (IRES) and Portland, OR—are leading the way. The rest of the MLS areas have agreed to incorporate Home Energy Scores by 2018. Many areas are already in the process of programming in the scores. (You can read more about the MLS and Home Energy Scores at http://goo.gl/2r1BL1.2)

he last major change that’s occurring is the acceptance and expansion of the program among states and cities. Colorado, for example, will give homeowners $750 for each point that they improve their Home Energy Score, up to a max of $3,000, or four points. In addition, Connecticut, Vermont, Oregon, Missouri, Alabama and others are working with the DOE to create combined state-federal programs and energy recommendations. The city of Berkeley, CA, has become the first city to mandate that a Home Energy Score be acquired for all real estate sales.

19September 2016

â&#x20AC;¢ www.ASHIReporter.org

Making More Money by Providing Home Energy Scores

Becoming a Home Energy Score Assessor There are not many statements you can make when speaking with prospective clients that will show that you’re more qualified than saying you are certified by the U.S. Department of Energy. So, how do you get certified? First, the DOE requires all inspectors to be members of an official organization. In the home inspection industry, ASHI, BPI, CREIA and InterNACHI all qualify. You also need to be affiliated with a DOE partner. Currently, ASHI, BPI and InterNACHI are considered to be partners. To this end, ASHI is holding an “Assessor Boot Camp” September 13 and 14 in partnership with the DOE, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of ASHI (MAC-ASHI) and Northern Virginia ASHI (NOVA ASHI). If you’re interested in signing up for this camp, contact Ken.Slattery@csra.com, who is the DOE contact. The two days will include classroom and on-site training and is a big step in ASHI working with the DOE to turn more of its members into energy assessors. ASHI and the DOE have more training sessions in the planning stages in different locations across the country!

Once you choose your partner organization, you’ll be required to complete its specific program. To begin this process, you’ll contact the organization’s designated Home Energy Score representative, who can direct you to the online courses you’ll need to complete to become a Home Energy Inspector. Once you’ve completed the requirements of your DOE affiliate partner, you’ll be directed to the DOE website. The DOE website offers online training that includes using a 3-D simulation tool, and you’ll take the practical and written test online. Entering the Data and Generating Reports Although there are a few software programs outside our industry that you can use to generate the report, the main methods currently available within the home inspection industry are via the InterNACHI website and by using Home Inspector Pro. Home Inspector Pro recently became the first home inspection software company to partner with the DOE, and we have spent the last year adding software that allows people to create Home Energy Scores online. During the inspection, you’ll collect data on approximately 40 items, almost all of which you normally would collect during your home inspection process. These items include the type of HVAC system and water heater units in the home (and when they were manufactured) and information about the home’s roofs, foundations, walls and windows. The only equipment required that you may not already own is a measuring wheel, which you’ll use to measure the perimeter of the house. The total additional time needed to collect the Home Energy Score data and enter the information into the program is approximately 20 to 30 minutes. After you’ve entered all the data, you’ll electronically send the information to the DOE. Within a minute, the DOE software will automatically generate and send a PDF of the information back to 20

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

you. The Home Energy Score program does not require mandatory reporting—this means that your client can choose whether or not to send the Home Energy Score information to his or her lender. Reading the Report The Home Energy Score report contains five pages. Page 1 shows the home’s score on a rating scale of 1 to 10. Pages 2 through 4 show the information that you collected in an easy-to-read format. Page 5 shows the items that are recommended for “Repair Now” or “Replace Later.” Items listed in the “Repair Now” category are repairs for which the homeowner could recuperate the costs within 10 years. Items under the “Replace Later” category are repairs that could take longer to recuperate the costs. Having a list of these items is useful to homeowners because they may be planning to make specific changes to the home, and they may want to know that an item, such as their home’s HVAC unit, is already near the end of its life. Calling All Home Inspectors I hope that the information provided in this article has helped you to see what’s happening and what’s likely to happen in the realm of Home Energy Scores. If you’re still wondering whether becoming an inspector who can conduct Home Energy Score assesments would be beneficial to your business today, think about this: Can you imagine going to a car dealership to buy a car and then even considering a car that doesn’t have a MPG sticker on it? Of course not. So, as more and more Home Energy Scores start showing up on MLS listings, there will be a tipping point at which buyers will begin to demand this information. Will you be in the group of inspectors who led the way in performing Home Energy Score assessments? Will you be the first to teach a class at your local real estate agent’s office? Or will you sit on the sidelines and wait to see what happens? H 1. Glickman J. DOE’s Home Energy Score and FHA Mortgages: New Tools to Help You Shop for and Buy an Energy Efficient House. Posted January 14, 2016. Better Buildings, US Department of Energy. Available at: http:// betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/beat-blog/doe%E2%80%99shome-energy-score-and-fha-mortgages-new-tools-help-you-shop-and-buyenergy-efficient. Accessed July 25, 2016. 2. C rawford J. Home Energy Efficiency Information: Coming to Your MLS by 2018. Posted January 5, 2016. Better Buildings, US Department of Energy. Available at: http://betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/beat-blog/ home-energy-efficiency-information-coming-your-mls-2018. Accessed July 25, 2016. Dominic Maricic is the CEO of Home Inspector Pro, Inspection Software & Website Hosting. He has spent the last few years working with the Department of Energy to bring Home Energy Scores into the hands of home inspectors via Home Inspector Pro. Dominic has given several talks with the Department of Energy and will be giving another joint talk with the DOE in January 2017 at ASHI’s InspectionWorld.TM If you have any questions on this topic, please contact Dominic Maricic, CEO of Home Inspector Pro, at Dominic@HomeInspectorPro.com.

21September 2016

â&#x20AC;¢ www.ASHIReporter.org

“It’s a Perfect Fit for Me” Wendy McDowell, 954-254-8337, www.HandiGirl.us

McDowell is one of ASHI’s newest members. In fact, Wendy when we spoke, Wendy had only just completed The ASHI

School’s two-week course that was held in Seattle last March. She said, “I’m still in the process of doing ride-alongs to get to the 40-hour mark so that I can take the Washington State exam and the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE).” After she passes these exams, Wendy will focus on getting ASHI certification. Her decision to align with ASHI came about when she asked a real estate agent which organization is the best in terms of education and support. Wendy said, “The agent replied, ‘Hands down, you should become an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI).’ So that’s how I chose The ASHI School and this path.”

( “The ASHI School instructors are excellent

role models. I continue to be encouraged by them. Also, I’ve been thrilled with the support and follow-up from ASHI Chapter members at the regional office near Seattle.”

Scheduling and coordinating times and places for ride-alongs can be tricky. Wendy said, “It’s not always easy to say ‘yes’ when the question is ‘Can you be at such-and-such remote location tomorrow at 7 am?’ But that said, I’m thankful that many instructors and members of the local ASHI chapter have been willing to help guide me as I rack up my hours shadowing inspectors on the job.” “During many of the ride-alongs, I’ve noticed that it’s an advantage to be a woman. I can usually form an instant rapport with the client, especially if the client is a woman, and I have a knack for setting nervous homeowners at ease. Ease can develop into trust.” Wendy said, “Getting to the career of home inspection was not exactly a natural progression for me. I’d been a radio disk jockey and a TV producer, and my dad was a contractor in Texas. When he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I took over his company and sort of fell into the role of ‘handygirl.’ I found that the greatest gift of that job came from making people happy. It’s very rewarding to know that I’ve fixed something that’s been broken or added something that clients have wanted.” “I’m also in a band—I play guitar and bass and I sing. I think that having all these various types of jobs has helped me become a better 22

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

people person and that helps my clients.” She joked, “If things go badly, I suppose I could try to sing to them.” Eventually, Wendy’s father also pointed her in the direction of home inspection. According to Wendy, “He was pretty blunt. He said, ‘You’re getting too old to be swinging a hammer! Get away from doing all the grunt work!’ He suggested that I become an administrator of a construction company, but I knew I’d get bored with that. Home inspection is more hands on, so I’m able to keep myself engaged in my skills. Each day is interesting.” Wendy said that one challenge is delivering bad news, “I know that the information I share can help solidify my clients’ dreams about their home or give them pause.” She continued, “Making good personal connections and finding sensitive ways of presenting difficult information are things that I like to do and do well. I try to be straightforward, using statements like, ‘Hey, this is an issue with the house’ or ‘This house is passing all the tests.’” Wendy said the most essential tools for the job are her moisture meter and electrical multi-tester. She noted, “I can go to most inspections with my electrical toolbox and be ready for whatever I might encounter.” Then she divulged (with a bit of humor) that “if I had a dream home, it would not have a crawl space. I’m terrified of spiders and don’t like finding dead animals. So when I have to enter one, I sort of put up my hood and get my ‘eyes’ on and then psych myself up to go in and get it done!” In these and other situations, Wendy recalls her (and Yoda’s) personal mantra: “Do or do not; there is no try.” “People sometimes are surprised that I work as a handygirl and a home inspector,” Wendy said. “But after I’ve done the work, I usually get a pat on the back, maybe partly just for being a woman in this male-dominated industry. I’ve found that home inspection is a smart career choice if you like working in construction. It’s definitely a perfect fit for me.” H

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23September 2016

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Put On Your Salesman Hat and Do Some Open House Prospecting

Put On Your Salesman Hat and Do Some Open-house Prospecting By Amy Kleptach, 330-361-5505, www.TKhomeinspection.com

Editor’s note. After Amy Kleptach attended ASHI’s InspectionWorldTM in San Diego in January 2016, she submitted this updated article (which originally appeared in the Reporter in May 2012) to share these marketing strategies with all the new inspectors joining the industry, as well as those who might need some fresh ideas or reminders.

If you want business, you have to go out and create it! Being a home inspector and being a salesperson are two different jobs, and you should treat them as such. As a home inspector, you’d never go to an inspection without all the tools, supplies and information you need to complete the job. The same is true with sales—you must have a plan and be prepared. By doing so, your “salesman hat” will fit comfortably and may even become enjoyable to wear. When the topic “open house prospecting” comes up, it definitely strikes a chord with home inspectors. My partner, Terry, and I have heard many reactions when we tell others that we go to open houses to meet real estate agents. Any sales coach will tell you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. This type of marketing can be successful for you, too, and success is more likely if you approach it correctly. Remember, going to an open house is essentially making a sales call on a prospective referral source, so you must approach it as such or it can end up working against you. When we first started out, the majority of referrals we received from real estate agents came from the ones we met by going to open houses. It worked for us, and it can work for you. Here Are Four Keys for Preparing to Attend an Open House: Have a Positive Attitude and Smile This sounds simple and easy, but when you are thinking of something else (like what to say to a real estate agent), you can forget to smile. So think about this before you start. Stop and smile at yourself in the mirror before you get out of your car. Wear your smile whenever you wear your salesman hat!

Plan Who You Want to See This kind of planning is critical for time management. Look in the newspaper or online at the company’s website for dates of upcoming open houses. Pick an area and go see the agents in that area. I make a list of 10 to 15 potential stops. Remember that not all advertised open houses are actually “open” to anyone; therefore, put some extras on the list just in case you end up with extra time. Each item on my list includes the time of the open house, the agent’s name, company name, open house address and town. Before we go, I look up each address on a map and make a plan for whom to see first, second, third and so on. On average, we meet six to eight real estate agents each Sunday. Don’t try to plan too many for one day. Remember that the point is to develop relationships to get future referrals, not speed prospecting. Plan What to Take It’s no surprise that real estate agents enjoy getting sweets and chocolates, so take along some treats to give them with your business card, brochure, flyer or whatever you have. Put everything together in something that’s easy for you to carry and access. We use a small wooden basket with handles to carry our chocolate-covered strawberries as well as our business cards, brochures, newsletter and a pen. If carrying a basket is not your style, you could pack a small toolbox for a creative way to tote your prospecting items, and it certainly would be a conversation starter. Plan What to Say This is extremely important! Be ready for your sales call by thinking ahead about these five tips: Greeting: Your greeting to the agent sets the tone for the conversation. Be upbeat and smile as you say, “Hi, I’m Robert Smith, and I’m a home inspector. I came to see you!” If the conversation stalls, you can add, “I heard that real estate agents like gifts, so I brought you a treat.” Hand them the gift and watch them smile. Quick Company Story: For your company story, write out a few sentences that you’d be comfortable saying, memorize it and use it when an agent asks about you. A quick company story could sound

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

Put On Your Salesman Hat and Do Some Open House Prospecting

something like this: “I’ve been an inspector for a few years now. I’m an ASHI member based out of Smithville and I serve the surrounding counties. I’ve worked in the construction field all my life and have many years of hands-on experience building and renovating homes. Becoming a home inspector was a natural fit for me.” (Don’t forget to smile!) Questions: Asking questions is your opportunity to find out important information. Especially when you’re wearing your salesman hat, you should remember that the person asking the questions is in control. You also should know that people like to talk about themselves. Therefore, ask the agents specific questions about themselves to get them talking. Here are some sample questions: • How long have you been a real estate agent? Have you always been an agent? • Out of which office do you work? • How do your clients choose a home inspector? • Do you have a home inspector whom refer regularly? • Does your office have a list of inspectors? Who would I contact to be added to the list? • What day does your office have their staff meeting? Be comfortable asking questions. Be patient and listen to their answers. The more your prospective referral source talks, the more you’ll learn about him or her. Write down all the information you learned as soon as you get back to your vehicle. Company Benefits, Storytelling and Countering Objections: Every company has their own benefits. For example, Terry has a strong background in HVAC and construction, so we like to discuss how we are able to give our clients extra knowledge about the HVAC system in the home. Also, because the two of us both attend our clients’ home inspections, we mention that to the agents we meet and explain how it helps us with our time and people management. You can tell a short, positive story or two about your business to paint a visual picture and make a solid memory. bpg-ashi-third-page-062816-5pdf.pdf 1 6/30/2016 3:24:28 PM

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Put On Your Salesman Hat and Do Some Open House Prospecting

The biggest concern agents want to talk about is how a home inspector can be a “deal killer.” (We know this even if they don’t bring it up.) Instead of ignoring this concern, why not discuss it and get it out of the way! Say with a smile, “I can’t change what I find at a home inspection (for example, bad roof, broken furnace), but what I can do is make sure that I deliver any concern in a professional and non-threatening manner. I have a lot of experience working with people, and I know how to talk to them without scaring them.” A second common objection that comes up with agents is when they nicely tell you that they won’t use you. You can respond by telling them that you know that! You could say: “I’ve heard it takes five to seven times meeting an agent before I’ll get a referral.” (You will have their attention now.) Continue with this: “I’m hoping that it only takes three or four times meeting you before I get a referral.” (Don’t forget to smile!) Then, shut up and let them talk. This is when they tell you a story about how they met the home inspectors they currently work with and how the agent-inspector relationship works for them. Wrap-Up and Good-Bye: Before you leave, be sure to get the agent’s business card or contact information. By this time, the agent should have all of your literature and treats, but if not, hand it out and ask for their business card. If you need to, say, “Do you have a business card I can have?” And if they need to run out to their car to get a card, let them. You want their contact information! Shake hands, tell them it was nice meeting them and that you are sure you’ll see them again in the future. (And…smile!) Most open houses have few visitors so, for the most part, the agent will be glad to have someone to talk to when you walk in. Respecting the agent at the open house is critical. There are three rules to follow to show your respect to the agent at an open house and to make your trip worthwhile. Rule 1. Never let the agent think you are there to see the house. I carry a basket with all my supplies. Most times, the real estate agent will notice my basket and know I’m there for a different reason. If they do start their sales presentation about the house, I tell them, “It looks like a nice house, but I already have one. I’m here to see you!” (Smiling, of course.)

Mid Missouri Chapter The Mid Missouri ASHI Chapter participated in the Columbia Board of Realtors New Realtor Orientation and Training Program in July. The Chapter members presented the new realtors with a program covering why to choose a Mid Missouri ASHI Chapter inspector, how to prepare their sellers for a home inspection, two hot topics (decks and stone veneer) and answered questions. JL Stanley, Craig Angerer, Dan Shough, Joshua Hoyes, Joe Pangborn, Stuart Spradling, Bobbi Wilson, Scott Wilson, Melanie Spradling, Rob Smith, Mario Trevino, Randall Smith, John Watkins, Mark Kelsey, Keith Proctor, Justin Smith

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

Rule 2. Know when to leave. •L eave on a high note. Get out while everyone is smiling and laughing. You can hope that, after you are gone, the agent will read your literature while eating the chocolate. • I f the agent is involved in a deep discussion with a possible client, leave your information, get theirs and leave. •S ome agents can handle multiple groups of people at an open house; others cannot. If there are several people at the open house and the agent is acting nervous, leave your information on the counter, get their business card and leave. • I f there’s no agent at the open house; be friendly to whomever is there and leave. • I f the agent isn’t being friendly, be sure that you remain courteous as you leave. • I f, for some reason, you feel like you won’t have a positive attitude about meeting new people on the day you’ve been planning to check out the open houses, do not leave your home. Wait until next week instead. Rule 3. Always get the agent’s contact information and be sure to keep and organize the information you collect. Make a Real Estate Agent Contact Book, which can be a tool for your marketing plan. A quick way to do this is to use a notebook and tape the agents’ business cards on the pages, adding a few handwritten notes about them and your perspectives of your first and any additional meetings with them. Keep these pages organized by offices. This will help you remember whom you met and when and, most important it will document the results that open-house prospecting produces for your business and bottom line. Good luck in your prospecting adventures! Take this information and create a prospecting presentation of your own. H Amy Kleptach is co-owner of TK Home Inspection with her inspector partner, Terry Kleptach. Before becoming a home inspector, Amy was the director of sales training for a 12-office, 125-person sales force based out of Cleveland, OH. Next, she applied her sales knowledge and tactics to grow their home inspection business 447% from year 1 to year 2. Contact Amy at terry@tkhomeinspection.com or visit www.facebook.com/tkhomeinspection or www.facebook.com/ radoninstarkcounty.

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Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors

The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) is developed and maintained by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI). This board has received many requests over the years for a study guide to assist those taking the NHIE. This study guide, and the associated NHIE Home Inspection Manual, were developed to address this need.

The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) is devel oped and maintained by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI). This board has received many requests over the years for a study guide to assist those taking the NHIE. This manual, and the associated NHIE Study Guide, were developed to address this need.

The NHIE Home Inspection Manual addresses the technical aspects of the NHIE. This NHIE Study Guide addresses the non-technical aspects. Many come to the home inspection profession as a second or a third career, and may not have taken a professional entrance exam for many years, if ever. This study guide helps to familiarize the candidate with the examination itself, and with the associated administrative procedures. It also includes helpful insights into the types of questions the exam contains, and techniques for success.

This NHIE Home Inspection Manual is based on the most recent Role Delineation Study (RDS). This study surveys thousands of home inspectors in order to determine the services they provide, and the components they inspect. The questions in the NHIE are derived directly from this survey, Exam Administration and constitute the knowledge base for an entry level home inspector. This manual is the Content ﬁrst of its kind to follow this Exam Outline format. It also informs the candidate about the knowledge base behind the current examination questions, and proHow to Take an Exam vides a technical reference for the experienced home inspector. $98.50

and Inspection of Adhered Manufactured Stone Veneer

Questions? Contact Michele

HomeInspectionExam.org

George at micheleg@ashi.org, call 847-954-3188.

ISBN 978-0-9964518-1-9

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

Course 4: High-efficiency Furnaces

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 27September 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

North Central ASHI Central PA

www.ashicentralpa.com Second Monday, 6 pm, except Jan. & July, Bonanza Steak House, Walnut Bottom Rd., Carlisle William Weitzel, 717-919-5087 bill@centralhomeinspections.com

Keystone (PA)

www.keystoneashi.org First Monday, 5:30 pm The Crowne Plaza, Reading David Artigliere, 610-220-1907 artihi@gmail.com

Ohio

www.ohioashi.com Howard Snyder, 330-929-5239 ohashi@neo.rr.com

North Central Ohio

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

Pocono-Lehigh (PA)

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

PRO ASHI (PA)

www.proashi.com Second Wednesday of Jan., March, May, July & Nov. 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

Midwest Central Illinois

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

Great Lakes (IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI) For monthly meetings: www.greatinspectors.com/ schedule-of-events/ Carol Case, 734-284-4501 carol@greatinspectors.com

Greater Omaha (NE)

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

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

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

www.ashiheartland.org Reuben Saltzman, 612-205-5600 reuben@ashiheartland.org

Indiana ASHI

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

Iowa ASHI

www.iowaashichapter.org Fourth Tuesday, 7:00 - 9:00 pm Clarion Inn, Cedar Rapids Craig Chmelicek, 319-389-7379 elitehomeandradon@gmail.com

Kentuckiana (IN, KY)

www.ashikentuckiana.org Allan Davis, 502-648-9294 elitehomeinspections@ insightbb.com

Mid-Missouri

www.midmoashi.com Second Thursday, 12:00 pm, Even months of the year; Columbia Board of Realtors office. 2309 I-70 Drive NW, Columbia, MO 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

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 Bodega Burger Co., (March, July) Socorro - 11 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

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

Great Plains (KS, MO)

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

Midwest PRO ASHI (KS) Jack Koelling, 316-744-9990 jackkoelling@cox.net

St. Louis (MO)

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

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

ASHI Hawaii

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

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

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

Golden Gate (CA)

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

Inland Northwest (ID, WA) Chris Munro, 208-290-2472 chris@peakinspections.net

Orange County CREIA-ASHI (CA) www.creia.org/orange-countychapter Third Monday, 5:30 pm Hometown Buffet, 2321 S. Bristol, Santa Ana Bill Bryan, 949-565-5904 bill@rsminspections.com

Oregon

www.oahi.org Fourth Tuesday, 6:30 pm 4534 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Portland Jay Hensley, 503-312-2105 jay@carsonconstruction.com

San Diego CREIA-ASHI First Tuesday each month Elijah’s Restaurant 7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard San Diego, CA 92111 Dennis Parra II, 619-232-1100

San Joaquin Valley (CA) Third Tuesday, 6 pm Rice Bowl, Bakersfield, CA Raymond Beasley, 661-805-5947 rbinspector@aol.com Mail: 3305 Colony Oak St. Bakersfield, CA 93311

Silicon Valley ASHI-CREIA (CA)

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

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

Los Angeles-Greater San Gabriel Valley Second Tuesday, 6 pm Old Spaghetti Factory, Duarte Larry Habben, 714-685-0321 habbenshome@earthlink.net

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

Greater Rochester (NY)

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

Hudson Valley (NY) Second Tuesday, 6 pm Daddy O’s Restaurant, 3 Turner Street, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 Michael Skok, 845-592-1442 ashistatewide@yahoo.com

Long Island (NY)

www.nnec-ashi.org Tim Rooney, 603-770-0444 homeviewnh@comcast.net

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

Prairies (Alberta) (CAHI)

New York Metro

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

www.cahpi-ab.ca Chris Bottriell, 780-486-4412 api94@shaw.ca

Quebec AIBQ

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

Southern New England (CT)

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

New York/Jersey/ Delaware Capitol Region (NY)

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

Central New York

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

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

Southern New Jersey (NJ)

www.southernnjashi.com Third Wednesday, 6:30 pm Ramada Inn, Bordentown Rick Lobley, 609-208-9798 rick@doublecheckhi.com

Western New York Second Thursday, 6:30 pm Tony Rome’s, West Seneca Andy Utnik, 716-636-9676 esimail@aol.com

Mid-Atlantic Central Virginia

www.cvashi.org Second Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Keegans Irish Pub 2251 Old Brick Road Glen Allen, VA 23060 Jim Wilson 804-237-9523 fchi@comcast.net

Greater Baltimore (MD)

Gulf

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

ASHI South (AL)

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

Central Florida

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

MAC-ASHI (MD, VA)

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

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

Florida Wiregrass

NOVA-ASHI (MD, VA)

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

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

Gulfcoast (FL) First Thursday, 7 pm, The Forest Country Club, Fort Myers Len Gluckstal, 239-432-0178 goldenrulehi@comcast.net

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

Gulfstream (FL) Ralph Cabal, 305-256-7369 info@cabalinspections.com

South Atlantic

Lone Star (TX)

ASHI Georgia

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

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

Louisiana

East Tennessee

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

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

Suncoast (FL)

www.ashisuncoast.com First Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Please see our website for meeting locations. Steve Acker, 727-712-3089 steve@buyersally.com

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

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

North Carolina

www.centralfloridaashi.org Second Tuesday, 6:30 pm Bill Labita, 407-977-9182 hbis@cfl.rr.com

Southwest Florida

www.ncashi.com Third Wednesday, 3 pm, Quality Inn at Guilford Convention Center, Greensboro Andy Hilton, 336-682-2197 hiltonhomeinspection@gmail.com

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

South Carolina First Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. & Nov., 8 am Roger Herdt, 843-669-3757 herdtworks@msn.com

29September 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

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

New ASHI Associates As of July 1, 2016

H Denotes graduate of The ASHI School

H Jeremiah Taylor

Matt Butcher

Troy Allen

Dover, DE

Kihei, HI

St. Louis Park, MN

Donald Burno

Ryan Johnson

Thomas McGrath

Don Burno Inspections Clermont, FL

Pillar to Post Abbeville, IA

Elk River, MN

ProSpect Property Inspections Stratham, NH

Jerald Allmon

William Christen

H John Meade

St. Louis, MO

Christen Home Inspection Deland, FL

Sense Inspections Davenport, IA

Piera Bryant

Scott Drew

Richard Long

Arthur Heilsberg

Inspection Connection LLC Anchorage, AK

Stronghold Torrance, CA

Joshua Ross

Lance Horton

Legacy Home Inspections Homer, AK

All Home Inspection Services Santa Cruz, CA

Danielle Morris

Kevin Smith

Seminole, FL

H Ronald Comer

H Michael Kerr

Florida Orange Home Inspection Palm Bay, FL

Know Now Property Inspections, Inc. Marion, IA

Harrison McLean

Bruce Drake

Whitestone, NY

Pillar to Post, St. Charles, LLC Maryland Heights, MO

Ed Kawecki

Jeff Huber Madison, AL

James Jones Pinson, AL

Steven White Nodyssey LLC Daphne, AL

Garden Grove, CA

Danielle Lanthier

Jose Navarro

Pacifica, CA

James Barrell

John Synott

The BrickKicker Athens, GA

South County Inspections Mission Viejo, CA

H&L Home Inspections LLC dba Win Home Inspection Coeur d’Alene, ID

Ken Wick Five Star Home Inspection Star, ID

Home Inspect Plus, LLC Wentzville, MO GoldenLeaf St. Louis, MO

Tracy Hageman

Thomas Yagla

First Choice Property Evaluations, Inc. Kansas City, MO

Star, ID

Jason Klein

Gibson Inspections, LLC Savannah, GA

H Tomasz Lis Arlington Heights, IL

Kleinstruction Festus, MO

H David King

Earnest McElwee, Jr.

Scott Trog

Boris Dimoff

Conyers, GA

Westchester, IL

Ballwin, MO

American Dream Home Inspectors Peyton, CO

Matt Lowe

H Bryan Nelson

George Wyatt

Better Buy Homes Woodstock, GA

CNT Chicago, IL

Jessica Owens

H Bruce Farrar

J & R Home Inspections Fort Mohave, AZ

Westminster, CO

Omar Mathis

Emerson Tonon

Mathis Property Solutions Decatur, GA

Naperville, IL

Vernon Sandt

Eric Owner

Justice, IL

Vail, AZ

Pillar To Post Lone Tree, CO

406 Property Inspections, Inc. Billings, MT

James Sullivan

H Layne Harris

Curtis Gregory

Nick Hanson

Sullivan Inspection Group Queen Creek, AZ

Orchard, CO

Jim Sullivan

Elevated Inspections Estes Park, CO

Keith Rogers Keystone Inspections Fayetteville, AR

John Anson

Alex Byron

Chris Cox

TLC Professional Inspections, Inc. Tucson, AZ

Pillar to Post The Kastberg Team Westminster, CO

Michael Hamilton Pillar to Post Home Inspections Cave Creek, AZ

Sullivan Inspection Group Queen Creek, AZ

Ted Thorson Surprize, AZ

Neal Wood Stratton Inspection Services LLC Gilbert, AZ

H Armi Babakhanloo Burbank, CA

Bryan Finley Pillar to Post Home Inspections San Marcos, CA

Dylan Garner Better Home Inspections Inc. Oakland, CA

Harry Gill Pillar to Post Home Inspectors San Clemente, CA

H Robert Ware

Longmont, CO

Brent Gerlitz

Kyle Pontius

H Benjamin Ruh Denver, CO

Nathan Thomas Longmont, CO

Stan Uno Salida Inspection Services LLC Salida, CO

Jeffrey Wroth Sacred Spaces LLC Evergreen, CO

Robert Yager Southwest Home Inspections Pagosa Springs, CO

H Andy Young

Alvin Dudley Nehemiah Home Inspections Snellville, GA

Colby Gibson

Southern Style Home Inspections Powder Springs, GA

Kurt Puterbaugh US Inspect Jefferson, GA

Daniel Sanderson Smyrna, GA

H Charles Stahl Savannah, GA

Ronald Strand

Gregory Home Inspections Inc. Indianapolis, IN

Mike Pomeroy MPI Services LLC Hugoton, KS

James Taulman Pleasant Valley Home Inspections Baldwin City, KS

Willie Strand Home and Property Inspection Midland, GA

David Elden

Lee Swinney Blueprint Home Inspection Griffin, GA

Durwood Taylor Taylor Property Improvement Columbus, GA

Reginald Turk Alpharetta, GA

Seattle, WA

H Robert Whatley

Keith Orr

Auburn, GA

Amerispec-DE Wilmington, DE

Brandon Williams

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

Rene Villarreal

Residential Inspector of America Loganville, GA

In Good Hands Home Inspections Kirkwood, MO

Joe Ballard

Pillar to Post Home Inspections of Northwest MT Kalispell, MT

Done Right Home Inspections, LLC Dover, NH

Vincent Deutsch Islandwide Home Inspections Levittown, NY

William Kammarada

Greenlawn, NY

Artur Rutkowski Prima Home Inspections LLC Staten Island, NY

Pat Bruce Ostrander, OH

Joseph Farelli TF Home Inspection Berlin Center, OH

H Jim Gibson Inspect It 1st of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH

Robert Purdum National Property Inspections Bellbrook, OH

Mike Holmes Mike Holmes Inspections Toronto, ON

Michael Holmes Mike Holmes Inspections Toronto, ON

Mark Putman

Alex Hayes

Timber Ridge Home Inspections, LLC Helena, MT

Associated Master Inspectors Portland, OR

Dale Sandage

Ivan Cilik

T&S Inspection Stevensville, MT

HouseMaster Home Inspections Cranberry Township, PA

Concord, MA

H Chris Finch

Alfredo Sanchez

Monroe, NC

Doug Roach

Lawrence, MA

Joseph Lavigne

H Michael Noble

Jacksonville, NC

Castle Inspections, Inc. Barrington, RI

Williamsport, MD

Kirk Anderson

H Roger Richardson

National Property Inspections/Greater Omaha Plattsmouth, NE

Linthicum, MD

Gary Youness House to Home Complete Lapeer, MI

Lucas Brown Home Sight Inspection Inver Grove Heights, MN

James Brown Eden Prairie, MN

Clayton Conaway National Property Inspections/Greater Omaha Plattsmouth, NE

Thomas Gainey Myrtle Beach, SC

Arthur Horneij Greer, SC

Jay Emberton Win Home Inspection Johnson City Johnson City, TN

See page 32 for chapter education.

Rick White Procision Home Inspections Cedar City, UT

John Abbott Manassas, VA

H Robert Harvey RSH Innovations Inc. DBA Home Team Inspection Services Spotsylvania, VA

New ASHI Certified Home Inspectors

ASHI’s Recruit-aMember Program

As of July 1, 2016

George Robinson CSI Home & Commercial Services Spotsylvania, VA

Thomas Wasikowski River City Home Inspection LLC Midlothian, VA

Pierre Arcos JAKE Home Inspections Everett, WA

H Mel Natividad Lakewood, WA

H Todd Parker

David Smith Star Inspection Group Oakland, CA

David Spielman Scott Home Inspection, LLC Longmont, CO

Glen Leach Reliable Florida Home Inspections LLC Sarasota, FL

Falls City, WA

Christopher Daggy

James Pasola

Property Engineers, LLC Franklin, MI

James Pasola Home Inspections Bellingham, WA Seattle, WA

H Mitchel Watson

Colin Lennon

Smartworks Spokane, WA

H Brian Derewicz

Nicolas Landers

Peter Malley

John Keener

New ASHI Inspectors As of July 1, 2016

INSPECTOR Kevin Marler Buyer’s Protection Group Golden, CO

HELP ASHI GROW & Earn $50 in Gift Cards

( Who knows best how to sell ASHI membership? You!

House To Home Inspection Services Inc. Freehold, NJ

“Sherlock Holmes” Inspection LLC Milwaukee, WI Shipshape Home Inspection Milwaukee, WI

warm

Keith Stewart Keith Stewart - Home Inspection Madison, MS

Alexander Shefts

Would like to offer a

Who deserves to be rewarded for helping ASHI grow? You!

Pillar to Post Williamsburg, VA Mountaineer Inspection Services, LLC Flemington, WV

TO ALL MEMBERS OF

Earn $50 in gift cards for every new member you recruit. Download the membership application form, have the new member fill it out (including your member number in the referral field) scan and email it to: russelld@ashi.org or fax to 847-759-1620. Questions? Contact Russell Daniels, russelld@ashi.org.

31September 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

ASHI Chapter Education Southeastern Home Inspector Conference

North Central Ohio Chapter Fall Seminar

When: September 7-11, 2016 Please go to the website for location and additional information. Contact: www.sehomeinspectorconference.com

When: September 23 & 24, 2016 Where: Holiday Inn of Fairlawn, Ohio 4073 Medina Road Akron, OH 44333 CEUs: 16 CE hours for September 23 - Radon 8 CE hours for September 24, 8am - 5pm Electrical, Lead Contact: Paul Wancata inspectionsunlimited@cox.net

ASHI New England Chapter 12th Annual Fall Conference When: September 12-13, 2016 Where: Hilton Mystic Hotel 20 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT CEUs: 12 ASHI CEs Contact: Bob Mulloy info@ashinewengland.com

ASHI Western Washington Chapter 2016 ASHIWW Fall Seminar When: September 16-17, 2016 Where: Shoreline Community Center Shoreline Room CEUs: 17 ASHI CEs Contact: Brad Albin inspectorbrad@frontier.com

Great Plaines ASHI Fall Conference When: September 16-17, 2016 Where: Kansas City Expo Center 11728 NW Ambassador Dr., KC, MO Speakers: Tom Feiza, Mr. Fixit; Jason Brozen, Tann Electric; Joe Ferry, Ferry Law Practice; Joe Konopacki, Insight Inspections; Bruce Chyka, Performance Plus Homes; Tony Hyatt, National Cedar Shake Shingle Bureau; Bob Berry, Full Service Chimney; and Mike Westerhouse, Westerhouse Heating and Air Contact: www.ashikc.org doug@firstchoice.com

Great Lakes Chapter When: September 23-24, 2016 Where: Grand Rapids, MI Subjects: Friday: Peer Review, Board Meeting, Hospitality Suite Saturday: Vendors, Furnace Inspections/ John McAuliffe, Infrared Technology/Bill Fabian, Exploring the Metal Roof/ Mike Griffin Contact: 734-284-4501 www.greatinspectors.com

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

New York Metro ASHI Annual Seminar When: September 23-24, 2016 Where: DoubleTree Tarrytown, NY CEUs: 19 ASHI CEs Contact: Victor Faggella Webmaster@nyashi.com Register: http://www.nyashi.com/seminar

Ohio ASHI Chapter Cincinnati Seminar When: September 24, 2016 Where: DoubleTree Cincinnati 6300 East Kemper Road Sharonville, OH 45241 Subject: Electrical Systems (4 hours) Chimneys, Roofing CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs/4 Kentucky CEs Contact: George Basista, 513-489-3636 georgebasista@yahoo.com

Tri-State ASHI Fall Conference How do Construction Changes Over Time Affect Your Inspection Today? When: September 30, 2016 Where: Temple Ambler Campus, Ambler, PA CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs Contact: Gerry Gavin, 620-717-2181 www.tristateashi.org

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.

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

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

ASHI St. Louis Chapter 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

IMPORTANT Reporter Deadlines: • NOVEMBER ISSUE - 9/15/16 • 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.

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You May Have Missed A recent event of major importance may have overshadowed this article in a past ASHI Reporter, but I thought it would be good to review it anyway. In the May 2006 issue of the Reporter, we printed what would turn out to be a prophetic story that has played out just seven years later: “Most ASHI & NAHI Members Find Something Positive in Talks.” After representatives from the two pre-eminent professional home inspector organizations met in February 2009, ASHI and NAHI members were asked to provide input regarding a joint education conference and a possible unification. The survey introduction explained that a joint task force was following a deliberate process to discuss mission, stakeholders, similarities and differences, challenges, opportunities and strategic objectives. The joint task force agreed that having a unified voice for the profession is important and the two organizations should work together for the benefit and unification of the profession. While the survey is no longer available online, the results are the same. Former NAHI members are now members of ASHI. Thanks to the decision of the NAHI board of directors, our profession has become more unified than ever before thought possible. Welcome to our new home inspector comrades!

33September 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

Call for Volunteers— Help Shape ASHI’s Future Your affiliation with ASHI means you are recognized as a leader in your profession. As a volunteer leader, you are a key to ASHI’s success. As an ASHI volunteer, what’s in it for me?

• Opportunities to give back to your profession • A chance to contribute to ASHI’s mission and vision • Networking with your peers to form business and personal relationships • Recognition for your involvement and support • Opportunities to enhance your leadership skills • Business-building ideas from other inspectors • Interactions with ASHI leaders to share your ideas and expertise

What’s expected of me when I serve as an ASHI volunteer? • A willingness to learn from others and to welcome diverse viewpoints • An ability to receive and consistently respond to email communications

Take the first step now to become a volunteer!

1. Visit the ASHI website at www.ashi.org 2. Select “Members Only” 3. Click on “Downloads and Forms” 4. Fill out the Call for Volunteers form 5. Email the completed form to Jen Gallegos at jeng@ashi.org by October 1, 2016. H

Be on the Lookout: ASHI Membership Dues Notices Coming Soon It’s that time of year when you start hearing about ASHI’s Membership Renewals going out. So, skip this section (and all upcoming news about dues renewal) by renewing your dues today! If you’re planning to continue paying monthly, kudos to you! Ignore this section and enjoy the rest of the magazine. If you have any questions about your dues, feel free to reach out to us at hq@ashi.org. H

We look Forward to Seeing Chapter Leaders at the Leadership Training Conference Presidents, CoR Representatives, Education Chairs, Treasurers, Secretaries and whomever you feel are your up-and-coming leaders should attend.

October 20-21, Des Plaines, Illinois

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

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

January 22-25, 2017 InspectionWorld® and ASHI Board Meeting Las Vegas, NV

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 for 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: 3,549 Inspectors/Logo: 212 Associates: 3,822 Retired Members: 114 Affiliates: 75 Total: 7,772 Members as of 8/5/2016

Septe mber Anni versa ries

Thirty-five Years

Ten Years

Christopher Monahon

Steven Campbell R. Douglas Etter Jim Ferber Mark Harrington John Owen Art Palmer Michael Salinas John Yaroch

Thirty Years Gerald Hargrove

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

Twenty-five Years John Jennings Thomas Lauhon

Twenty Years Parris Bradley Jerrold Hochstedler Steve J. Kroeckel Dan Pressman Anthony Tilenni Fred Yahya

Fifteen Years John Albright David Artigliere Roger Baker Keith Dumas Greg Jones Joe Kovatch Glenn Loisel Don Norton Tim Oland Joseph Poplawski Donna Ranson Mel Scott Robert Smith Mike Steinle Eric Sunderland David Thompson Bill White Stephen Yingst

Five Years Mel Benedict Jeffrey Bentley Jeff Broussard Bert Cooper Angelo DeBenedictis Dave Edens Mark Fee Christopher Feroli John Gordon Bill Gray Pete Lawrence Tracey Litt Matt Miller Jeff Novy Dennis Pelczynski Mark Thompson Kevin Thompson

The ASHI School Kendra Eiermann, 888-884-0440 kendra@theashischool.com www.TheASHISchool.com Platinum Provider Millionaire Inspector Community Mike Crow www.mikecrow.com dreamtime@mikecrow.com Mention that you are an ASHI member

35September 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

Why Join ASHI?

Why Join ASHI? By Dave Kogan, ASHI Marketing, Advertising, InspectionWorldTM Expo and Business Development Manager

If a person is interested in furthering his or her career—no matter what that career is—joining a professional association is a good start. An association is a synergistic group, meaning that the effect of a collection of people is greater than the effect that just one person can have. So, all you home inspectors, how exactly can becoming part of a synergistic group help you further your career goals? Because there are so many benefits to being a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), we decided to list several of the highlights in this article. Enhance Your Network For most people, creating professional relationships is important, and joining a group of people who all have common skills and interests allows you to have a sense of security and trust. By being a part of this network, we are able to support and help one another as we all reach our professional goals. ASHI has chapters all across the United States and Canada that meet on a regular basis. Attending chapter meetings allows you to connect with your peers. You can share ideas, ask for advice, volunteer to be a speaker, become a member of a committee and gain continuing education (CE) credits so you can maintain your state license (if your state licenses home inspectors), and keep your national membership up to date. When you attend local, regional or national conferences such as ASHI’s InspectionWorldTM, you can participate and have the opportunity to learn about breaking news in your career, learn “best practices” and new ideas, hear about changes to your profession and meet and brainstorm with others who are looking to share and learn new information.

7 201 ®

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

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

Another benefit of enhancing your network is that you may find a mentor who can help you advance your professional needs or you may be in a position to become a mentor for someone else. Either finding a connection

with a mentor from whom you can learn or enhancing the next generation of home inspectors by becoming a mentor can bring about great professional and personal rewards and benefits for both parties. Participating in forums, chat groups or discussion boards sponsored by ASHI is another great way to grow your network. This type of participation allows you to use your home inspection peers as sounding boards. It’s also a way to make some great friends who have the same interests as you. Broaden Your Knowledge ASHI provides an enormous amount of resource information, such as courses for which you can earn CE credits, technical and marketing and special focus articles of interest to home inspectors, white papers and books (and even book reviews) written by experts in the home inspection field. As part of your ASHI membership, you also receive the top-rated, award-winning ASHI Reporter. Why ASHI? By becoming an ASHI member, you are clearly stating that you want to align yourself with the association that launched the profession of home inspection into the strong position it is in today. Just take a look at a few of our most important professional attributes: • the ASHI Standard of Practice (used by 37 state licensing boards) • our Code of Ethics • o ur third-party accredited membership examinations that are recognized as the standard for home inspection In addition, when you join ASHI, you’ve joined an organization that fights for your rights as home inspectors in Washington, D.C., on Capitol Hill. Plus, ASHI offers many benefits involving travel, vacations, health care, buying a car, repairs, shopping and more. ASHI is the unparalleled leader of home inspection associations

If you haven’t joined yet, join now! Contact us at hq@ashi.org to get started. And if you are a member of ASHI already, please share this information as well as your enthusiasm for ASHI with other home inspectors you know who haven’t yet become members of ASHI. H

Protecting Home Inspectors From Meritless Claims

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Smells Like a Meritless Claim is Headed Your Way

ust like home malfunctions, irrational clients are out of your control. But they don’t have to come out on top. And they shouldn’t.

Equip yourself with the knowledge and protection necessary to crush claims before they live long enough to impact your reputation and business. ENDORSED

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VISIT WWW.JOEFERRY.COM/ASHI TO SIGN UP BEFORE ANOTHER CLIENT COOKS UP A MERITLESS CLAIM 37September 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

Leviton 2016 GFCI Update

2016 GFCI Update: Powerful New Layer of Receptacle Safety Receptacle and Circuit Breaker Safety After the UL 943 Standard Revisions By Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc., Melville, NY, www.leviton.com

Somewhere Charles Dalziel is smiling.

oday his remarkable 1961 invention— the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)—is found in nearly every American home, apartment and place of business. The GFCI is credited for saving scores of people from electrocution injury or death.

The GFCI has undergone a series of enhancements since its first appearance in circuit breakers in 1968 and four years later in plug-in receptacles. Just last year, a revision to the UL 943 standard mandated one of the most significant upgrades in GFCI history: A new self-test (auto-monitoring) feature is now built into all GFCI receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers manufactured after June 29, 2015. Taken for Granted The new self-test feature is the industry’s recognition that many, if not most, users take the GFCI’s performance for granted. They shouldn’t. For example, an electrical surge can damage the ground fault sensors, leaving users vulnerable to the risk of electrocution. Manual monthly testing goes a long way to minimizing that risk. But expecting users to test with that frequency overlooks human nature. Bill Grande, senior director for residential products at Leviton, a leading maker of electrical supplies, likes to illustrate this issue with a story. Grande frequently leads training sessions on electrical products. “I often ask for a show of hands to the question, ‘How many of you have GFCI receptacles at home?’ Generally, all hands go up. Then I ask, ‘How many of you have tested them in the past month?’ I’m lucky to see a single hand go up,” reports Grande. 38

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

Safety Alert New self-test receptacles proactively test themselves for the ability to detect and respond to a ground fault. If the test reveals that the unit no longer offers protection, the receptacle emits a visual or audible signal and will automatically trip itself if it is able to and will not allow the user to reset it if the receptacle cannot provide protection. It’s an extra layer of safety that GFCI receptacles have never offered before.

No one disputes the layer of extra safety that the new self-testing capability presents in circuit breakers and receptacles. But for now, only self-test receptacles offer users an even higher level of safety from ground fault accidents.

So, what about circuit breakers? The GFCI Circuit Breaker Exception The same self-testing feature is similarly required for circuit breakers, but with exceptions. The new UL standard does not require circuit breakers to respond to all of the same “end of life” scenarios that it requires for receptacles. Circuit breakers are not required to perform any actions if the solenoid or silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) fail. This could create a potentially hazardous situation, because these components are critical parts of the tripping mechanism. A lack of indication could lead users to believe that they are protected against ground faults when, in actuality, they may not be. The distinction between receptacle and circuit breaker technology is an important one. Trade professionals and users understandably may think GFCI-equipped circuit breakers and receptacles respond identically to a positive self-test result. They do not. Receptacle Advantage “Should there be consistency between circuit breakers and receptacles?” asks Grande. “Absolutely. The GFCI standards should be consistent. It would be helpful to installers and consumers if both products had similar requirements.”

GFCI receptacles are required by UL to offer more complete protection.

About Leviton: Leviton is the smart choice, providing the most comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of today’s residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Leveraging more than a century of experience, Leviton helps customers create sustainable, intelligent environments through its electrical wiring devices, network and data center connectivity solutions and lighting energy management systems. From switches and receptacles to daylight harvesting controls, networking systems and equipment for charging electric vehicles, Leviton solutions help customers achieve savings in energy, time and cost, all while enhancing safety. For more information, visit www.leviton.com, http:// www.facebook.com/leviton, http://twitter. com/leviton or http://www.youtube.com/ Levitonmfg. H

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

Dual-sourced Water Heater with Kindling

What a Nice Job They Did on the Supports...So Neat Realtor comments during the inspection after we showed her the picture.

At least there is wood protecting this exterior-installed water heater and if you need to start a fire, no problem – the wood adjacent to the exposed connection should do the trick.

Mitchell Rothenberg The HomeTeam Inspection Service Tampa, FL

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 A special raffle will be held October 1, when three lucky registrants will receive complimentary registration to InspectionWorld Las Vegas. 39September 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

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

Hooked on Finding Defects

Gotta Love Those DIY Plumbers! Ed Fryday Space City Inspections, LLC Webster, TX

Fishing Rod Infestation Jack Mason MKC Associates Somerville, MA

Structural Integrity?

Where Did I Put Those Shingle Installation Instructions? Jim Richards Inspection Connection, Inc. Tampa, FL

Why is this floor squeaky? Andy Wallace National Property Inspections Los Osos, CA

The Best Time to Plant a Tree Was Twenty Years Ago The next best time is now. ~Chinese proverb (maybe just not in the gutters!) Pete Busch Eagle Home Inspections Minneapolis, St. Paul, MN

From the Welcome Wagon At an inspection yesterday in RI, the sellers’ kids left these notes on their etch-a-sketch for me. I thought it was so cute. I left them a little note back. David Grudzinski Advantage Home Inspections Cranston, RI

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

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• www.ASHIReporter.org

Your On-call Network Can Start with Your Chapter

Last month, I shared the story of how I unexpectedly fell ill and had to go to the hospital during an inspection. I’d like to follow up this month and talk about how that sort of situation can affect your business. I’m sure most of us think about this once in a while, especially when we don’t feel well. I’ll speak to the issue from the point of view of a single inspector company. Several things can come into play when you can’t make it to an inspection. Let’s look at the simplest scenario: It’s the day of an inspection and you just are not feeling well, so you decide to cancel or postpone. Depending on how you booked the inspection, you’ll call either the client or the agent as soon as you know that you won’t be able to do the inspection. Making this call as early as possible is of vital importance to maintain that element of trust with your clients. Remember, several people have planned this day to be the one for completing the inspection. If you think about it, you’re not the only player involved. The buyer’s agent has scheduled time with the selling agent to have access to the home, and the selling agent has arranged for the seller to accommodate this time. It’s possible that the buyer has scheduled some ancillary services, such as a termite inspection, a chimney inspection or a sewer scope, so the timing of those appointments could be affected as well. Hopefully, you can reschedule your inspection for another day and any others can keep their scheduled appointments. Short-term illnesses are usually not a problem, although they are not what we desire. A worst-case scenario is when a short-term illness turns into an extended condition that puts you out of commission for several weeks or more. This could have a dramatic effect on your business and income. A good business plan should include a plan of action. But where do you start and how do you put a plan together? Previously, I’ve mentioned how important our chapters are and how getting involved can help you get to know other inspectors you can trust. Having someone you can call on in case of an emergency or

ASHI Reporter • September 2016

By ASHI President, Randy Sipe

an extended illness is another reason why it’s so important to know other inspectors and be known by them. These relationships are built at chapter meetings. Once you’ve established these relationships, it’s much easier to work out a plan for someone to help you out until you get back on your feet. For example, at chapter meetings, you could seek out newer inspectors who maybe don’t have a full schedule yet and approach them to be your contract employees if and when you need someone to fill in for you. My point is, if you don’t think about this possibility ahead of time and have a plan in place, you could be left struggling to set up things when you are least able to spend your time or energy figuring it out. Call to Action! I’d like to ask ASHI’s chapter leaders to think about making this a discussion topic at your upcoming meetings. It makes sense that this would be a great conversation to start among inspectors. Many times I’ve heard Russell Daniels, ASHI Assistant Executive Director and Director of Membership and Chapter Relations, say, “Welcome to the ASHI family.” This is exactly the sort of “family thing” he’s referring to—inspectors helping inspectors. Too many times I hear people complain that “chapters are archaic” and “times have changed” and “I can get all I need online.” It’s just not true. You can do more for yourself and your business by developing personal bonds with other inspectors at your chapter meetings.

Let’s face it—at some time you may need help with your inspection schedule because of an unexpected situation. You need to have a plan in place to deal with these kinds of bumps in the road, and your chapter is the best place to start. I encourage you to attend your chapter meetings. Get to know other inspectors and become known by them. Then, above all, do the best job you can do and earn others’ respect.

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Your Partner in Radon Measurement 43September 2016

• www.ASHIReporter.org

ASHI Reporter â&#x20AC;¢ September 2016