ashi reporter
DESCRIPTION
Home inspection News and information for inspectors, real estate professionals, home sellers and buyers.TRANSCRIPT
WATER QUALITY TESTING P12
REPORTERASHI
Inspection News & Views from the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.
8.15
7 Discover San Diego — Enjoy it all!
15 Air-Transported Moisture: A Stealthy Enemy
18 Mold: Another 800-Pound Gorilla
19 Marketing With Discounts and Coupons: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly
22 Tri-State ASHI Grows Membership Through Education
Membership Renewal Information on page 32
ASHI Reporter • August 20152
6
34
Features 7 Discover San Diego — Enjoy it all! Michele George, Director of Education & Events 8 “How my ASHI Experience Became my American Experience” On the Road with Kenny Hart An Interview with Kenny Hart by Carol Dikelsky
12 Water Quality Testing: What Home Inspectors Should Know Ben Fontan, PRO-LAB®
15 Air-Transported Moisture: A Stealthy Enemy Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop
18 Mold: Another 800-Pound Gorilla Larry Wasson
19 Marketing With Discounts and Coupons: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop
22 Tri-State ASHI Grows Membership Through Education Gerry Gavin, Tri-State ASHI Education Chair
August 2015 Vol . 32, #8REPORTERASHI 8.15
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Departments 6 Being Frank From ASHI’s Executive Director
14 Herspective From the Women of ASHI Lisa Yetter, Yetter Inspection Services
24 Insider Tips for Smart Inspectors Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc.
26 ASHI Community New Inspector Status, Chapters, Education
32 Your ASHI Membership News & More
34 Postcards From the Field It’s Wacky Out There
35 The ASHI School Advancing Your Career With the ASHI School Program
38 On My Mind Alden Gibson, ASHI President
OMB Approval No: 2502-0538 (exp. 04/30/2018)U.S. Department of
Housing and UrbanDevelopmentFederal Housing Administration (FHA)
For Your Protection:Get a Home Inspection
Why a Buyer Needs a Home Inspection
A home inspection gives the buyer more detailed information about the overall condition of thehome prior to purchase. In a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth, unbiasedlook at your potential new home to:
Evaluate the physical condition: structure, construction, and mechanicalsystems; Identify items that need to be repaired or replaced; andEstimate the remaining useful life of the major systems, equipment, structure, and finishes.
You Must Ask for a Home Inspection
A home inspection will only occur if you arrange for one. FHA does not perform a home inspection.
Decide early. You may be able to make your contract contingent on the results of the inspection.
Appraisals are Different from Home Inspections
An appraisal is different from a home inspection and does not replace a home inspection. Appraisals estimate thevalue of the property for lenders. An appraisal is required to ensure the property is marketable. Home inspectionsevaluate the condition of the home for buyers.
FHA Does Not Guarantee the Value or Condition of your Potential New Home
If you find problems with your new home after closing, FHA cannot give or lend you moneyfor repairs, and FHA cannot buy the home back from you. Ask a qualified home inspector toinspect your potential new home and give you the information you need to make a wisedecision.
Radon Gas Testing and other safety/health issues
The United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Surgeon General of the United Stateshave recommended that all houses should be tested for radon. For more information on radontesting, call the toll-free National Radon Information Line at 1-800-SOS-Radon or 1-800-767-7236.
Ask your home inspector about additional health and safety tests that may be relevant for yourhome.
Be an Informed Buyer
It is your responsibility to be an informed buyer. You have the right to carefully examine yourpotential new home with a qualified home inspector. To find a qualified home inspector ask forreferences from friends, realtors, local licensing authorities and organizations that qualify and testhome inspectors.
HUD-92564-CN (6/14)
CAUTION
15
8
ASHI National Officers and Board of Directors
ASHI MISSION STATEMENTTo 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.
Publisher: Frank Lesh
Editor: Carol Dikelsky
Art Director: Arlene Zapata, Jr. Designer: Juraj Ilavsky
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: [email protected]
Advertising: Dave Kogan
Phone: 847-954-3187, E-mail: [email protected]
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© 2015, 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.
Lisa Alajajian 2013-2015
Milford, MA, 508-634-2010 [email protected]
James Allen 2013-2015 Overland Park, KS, 913-894-5893 [email protected]
Bruce Barker 2015-2017 Cary, NC, [email protected]
Ken Harrington 2015-2017
Delaware, OH, [email protected]
C. Blaine Illingworth III 2015-2017
Harleysville, PA, [email protected]
Keven Kossler 2015-2017
Huntersville, NC, [email protected]
Bruce Labell 2015-2017
Scottsdale, AZ, [email protected]
Mark Londner 2014-2016 Purcellville, VA, 540-668-6339 [email protected]
Donald Lovering 2015-2016 Auburndale, MA, 617-698-3903 [email protected]
Scott Patterson 2013-2015
Spring Hill, TN, 615-302-1113 [email protected]
Robert Peterson 2013-2015
Carmel, IN, [email protected]
Tony Smith 2015-2017 Cedar Rapids, IA, 319-533-4565 [email protected]
Mike Wagner 2014-2016 Westfield, IN, 317-867-7688 [email protected]
Robert Walstead 2013-2015 Colorado Springs, CO 719-495-2652 [email protected]
Kevin Westendorf 2014-2016
Mt. Pleasant, SC, 843-881-7842kevinw@lowcountryhome inspection.com
Speaker, Council of Representatives: James Funkhouser 2015-2016 Manassas Park, VA, 703-791-2360 [email protected]
Alden Gibson, President Breslau, ON, [email protected]
Randy Sipe, President-ElectSpring Hill, KS, [email protected]
Howard Pegelow, Vice President Milwaukee, WI, [email protected]
Tim Buell, TreasurerMarysville, OH, 614-746-7485 [email protected]
Larry Cerro, SecretaryTallahassee, FL, [email protected]
Bill Loden, Immediate Past-PresidentMadison, AL, [email protected]
Officers
Directors
ASHI STAFFMain Phone: 847-759-2820, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Mon. - Fri., CST
Executive Director
Frank Lesh, Executive Director, 847-954-3182, [email protected] Bruno, Executive Assistant, 847-954-3177 [email protected]
Education, CE Approval, Smart Track, InspectionWorld
Michele George, Director of Education & Events, 847-954-3188 [email protected]
Membership, Chapter Relations, Booth Rental, Product Orders
Russell Daniels, Assistant Executive Director, Director Membership and Chapter Relations, 847-954-3185, [email protected] Lester, Membership Services Coordinator, 847-954-3176 [email protected] George, Membership Services Supervisor, 847-954-3180 [email protected] Gallegos, Membership Administrator, 847-954-3175 [email protected] Accounting
Toni Fanizza, Bookkeeper, 847-954-3190, [email protected] Canham, Financial Assistant, 847-954-3184 [email protected]
Website, Information Systems, Database
Mike Rostescu, Director IT & Internet Communications 847-954-3189, [email protected] Publications, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations
Dave Kogan, Manager of Marketing & Business Development 847-954-3187, [email protected] Arlene Zapata, Graphic Design Manager, 847-954-3186 [email protected]
The ASHI School
Kendra Eiermann, Manager, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3178 [email protected] Steve Reilly, Senior Sales Representative, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3181, [email protected] McGraw, Administrative Assistant, 847-954-3198 [email protected]
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ASHI Reporter • August 20154 5August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 5
ASHI Reporter • August 20156 7August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 7
There’s more to San Diego than palm trees, sunshine, beaches and beautiful
sunsets. You can discover San Diego by light rail, trolley or boat and discover all that “America’s Finest City” offers. ASHI’s 40th anniversary celebration kicks off at the Annual Meeting Lun-cheon on Sunday, January 24, at 12:30 pm. You’ll want to attend this special event, so plan to come in on Saturday, take in some sights and benefit from lower airfare with Saturday travel. InspectionWorld’s planned events and education will continue through Wednesday. On Thursday, January 28, take in a guided tour of the Quake Shake Table at the University of California, San Diego, and then take in the town.
San Diego is one town where you definitely can have your seafood and eat your taco, too. You’ll get your money’s worth and have a great time seeing the sights. Here are five ways to get the most from your visit:
1. Explore the Town and Country Resort — the place to re-energize The Town and Country Resort property is lovely and spacious. You’ll find opportu-nities for relaxation at the pool and comfortable locations to meet up with friends for food and fun. Be sure to visit the resort’s concierge desk in the hotel lobby to seek tourism advice and brochures. And there is a spa for anyone who’s in need of pampering. www.towncountry.com
2. Travel on the light rail — quick, clean and simple The resort is located at the Fashion Valley Transit Center stop on San Diego’s light rail transportation Green Line. The light rail travels anywhere in and around the city to all tourist sites and interesting
spots. It costs only $5 per day to travel the rails. Stops include Old Town, Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village. www.urbanrail.net/am/sdie/ san-diego.htm
3. Ride the Old Town Trolley — get around the town Take a day tour to see the best of San Diego’s sights as well as visit Coronado Island. You can avoid costly parking and city driving. Hop on and off the trolley and explore on your own at any time. Frequent pickups at all 11 stops help you avoid walking long distances. Friendly conductors narrate the drive with a fascinating and fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. Stops are conveniently located close to all popular attractions, shops and restaurants. Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Balboa Park, USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village and Coronado Island. Beach tours are available daily. Pickups and returns are at the hotel. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Town and Country Resort Hotel. www.trolleytours.com/san-diego/
4. Do some cruisin’ on the bay — a view from the bridge and back The best way for you to get an idea of how important the waterfront is to San Diego is to travel by boat on San Diego Bay. Cruise past huge Navy ships, along the downtown skyline and under the sweeping San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. Don’t miss spotting the Star of India tall ship and the USS Midway Museum. One-hour or two-hour cruises are offered. www.hornblower.com/port/category/sd+tours
5. Check out San Diego’s eats and streets — fine dining in the Finest City The light rail trolley transportation provides the ability to quickly travel to several locations where you will find fine
restaurants and shops to enjoy. You might like to try San Diego’s unofficial delicacy, the Fish Taco — deep-fried, battered fish, wrapped in a corn tortilla with cabbage and sauce.
• Little Italy: “Cool neighborhood” offers several wonderful restaurants from which to choose in a busy environment.
• Seaport Village: Great city and harbor views are plentiful. Stroll through the shop area and along the water’s edge. Dine at restaurants offering wide menus including seafood, fish, burgers and pizza.
• Gaslamp Quarter: Enjoy restored architecture as well as many fine restaurants and pubs.
• Old Town: Tour the historic buildings, visit many shops and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.
Known as America’s Finest City, San Diego definitely lives up to its nickname — it’s an interesting and fun place to visit. Plan on spending extra days to discover what San Diego has to offer. H
Check This Out!
How about the new Reporter format? It’s been five years since we redesigned it, so
Arlene Zapata, ASHI’s graphic design manager, suggested we give it a makeover. The icons for the department sections and the color scheme are more pleasing, all while retaining the easy-to-use format. It takes a lot of time and effort to put our flagship periodical together every month, and Arlene does it with aplomb.
InspectionWorld® San Diego is in the final planning stages, so get your bags ready to join us in sunny Southern California. Michele George is putting together a lot of information in the next few editions of the Reporter, so be sure to read her articles that start running in this issue. Fun fact: She’s doing her best to find a dunk tank on site. Apparently, some idiot volunteered to be the first “victim.” Of course, Michele and other staff members will be forbidden from participating. The proceeds will go to a charity
or other worthy cause — not to the executive director’s benevolence fund.
In case you haven’t heard, you are now able to pay your ASHI dues in monthly installments. This option should make it easier to budget the cost. Of course, you may continue to pay your dues annually if you choose, but this just gives you another option. For more details, see Your ASHI section on page 32 in this issue of the Reporter.
Back on “The Hill”Trying to fly out of Chicago during severe thunderstorms can be bad, but when there are tornado warnings near the airports, it’s best to get out of Dodge as quickly as possible. I did make it out of Midway Airport okay, and my trip to Washington, D.C., was well worth it.
On Tuesday morning, I met with staff from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) to discuss “For Your Protection, Get a Home Inspection.” You may know that, several years ago, ASHI got approval for this letter to be included with mortgagee’s loan documents. Regulations require that it be renewed and approved every three years. Because of the efforts of ASHI and our lobbyist Randy Pence, we are set until 2018! If you haven’t seen the document, go to http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=92564-cn.pdf.
This is the only document (see above) presented to clients that has a red highlighted border with “CAUTION” around it! A remarkable effort by ASHI to get HUD to adopt this information for homebuyers! H
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OMB Approval No: 2502-0538 (exp. 04/30/2018)U.S. Department of
Housing and UrbanDevelopmentFederal Housing Administration (FHA)
For Your Protection:Get a Home Inspection
Why a Buyer Needs a Home Inspection
A home inspection gives the buyer more detailed information about the overall condition of thehome prior to purchase. In a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth, unbiasedlook at your potential new home to:
Evaluate the physical condition: structure, construction, and mechanicalsystems; Identify items that need to be repaired or replaced; andEstimate the remaining useful life of the major systems, equipment, structure, and finishes.
You Must Ask for a Home Inspection
A home inspection will only occur if you arrange for one. FHA does not perform a home inspection.
Decide early. You may be able to make your contract contingent on the results of the inspection.
Appraisals are Different from Home Inspections
An appraisal is different from a home inspection and does not replace a home inspection. Appraisals estimate thevalue of the property for lenders. An appraisal is required to ensure the property is marketable. Home inspectionsevaluate the condition of the home for buyers.
FHA Does Not Guarantee the Value or Condition of your Potential New Home
If you find problems with your new home after closing, FHA cannot give or lend you moneyfor repairs, and FHA cannot buy the home back from you. Ask a qualified home inspector toinspect your potential new home and give you the information you need to make a wisedecision.
Radon Gas Testing and other safety/health issues
The United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Surgeon General of the United Stateshave recommended that all houses should be tested for radon. For more information on radontesting, call the toll-free National Radon Information Line at 1-800-SOS-Radon or 1-800-767-7236.
Ask your home inspector about additional health and safety tests that may be relevant for yourhome.
Be an Informed Buyer
It is your responsibility to be an informed buyer. You have the right to carefully examine yourpotential new home with a qualified home inspector. To find a qualified home inspector ask forreferences from friends, realtors, local licensing authorities and organizations that qualify and testhome inspectors.
HUD-92564-CN (6/14)
CAUTION
Discover San Diego — Enjoy it all!By Michele George, Director of Eduction & Events
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ASHI Reporter • August 20158 9August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 9
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How my ASHI Experience Became my American Experience
Last month we featured an article titled “Your Top 10 HVAC Questions Answered,” written by Kenny Hart, also known as The Plumbing and HVAC Guy. You might recall that Kenny lives in Virginia and has been an ASHI member since 1999. He’s worked in the plumb-ing and HVAC field for more than 41 years.
And if you don’t live in or even near Virginia, you still might recognize Kenny. He regularly presents training sessions about plumbing and HVAC issues to home inspectors around the United States and Canada. Since his first presentation at the ASHI Great Plains Chapter in 2002, he’s presented information at more than 75 national, regional and state home in-spection events. Among these, more than a dozen have been at InspectionWorld® conferences, and at least 50 have had an ASHI connection. Kenny’s connections with ASHI began to extend beyond the basics of membership when he served on the technical commit-tee and when he started contributing to the ASHI Reporter in 1999. He credits the Reporter’s now-retired editor Sandy Bour-seau with motivating him to write technical articles about plumbing and HVAC topics. Kenny said, “Sandy encouraged me to write, and she showed me how a guy who graduated from the local Vo-Tech (as op-
“How my ASHI Experience Became my American Experience” On the Road with Kenny Hart An interview with Kenny Hart by Carol Dikelsky
posed to the renowned Virginia Tech) could get published.”
Authoring articles for the Reporter became a stepping stone for Kenny to be invited to serve as a contributing author on technical articles and columns that have appeared in Popular Mechanics. Kenny also has writ-ten for Journal of Light Construction, Back-flow Prevention and Plumbing Standards, Hampton Roads Realtor, Residential Resource (published by the National Association of Residential Property Managers) and NAHI Forum (published by the National Association of Home Inspectors). Some of the articles he wrote for the Reporter have been reprinted in Canadian Home Inspector.
Having the opportunity to provide his expert opinions in these publications helped Kenny build his credibility and boosted his confidence to explore new avenues for his business. Ultimately, trying new things led Kenny to become a trainer for home inspectors who are seeking guidance about plumbing and HVAC issues. Kenny credits his association with ASHI and his col-legial friendships with Alan Carson and Michael Casey, both Past-Presidents of ASHI, as inspiring him to contribute to the home inspection community. Kenny added, “Jack Moriarty, an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI) and owner of Homebuy-ers Inspections, which is a multi-inspector firm in Virginia Beach, gave me my first
opportunity to get in the field and work as a home inspector. Jack taught me a lot about the business of home inspection and about home inspectors.”
When I first talked with Kenny, he had just returned from presenting a full-day session at ASHI’s St. Louis chapter conference. Two weeks earlier he was in Chattanooga, TN, and before that, he was at Inspection-World® in Philadelphia. Around 2007, he began traveling with his daughter Kristen Hart, whom he describes as his “copilot.” Besides sometimes working the booth when she and Kenny arrive on site, Kristen uses their travels to make videos and blog about accessibility issues in public accommoda-tions. Kristen was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, but Kenny says those challenges never slow her down. As do many people with paraplegia at the L1 level, Kristen is able to drive with hand controls. However, Kenny points out that “perhaps not so common among people with the same disability, Kristen sometimes trav-els some pretty long distances, alone and whenever she wants to go. Her Facebook page is Living Able, and you can link to her YouTube channel through it.”
Turns out Kenny and Kristen have trav-eled across the country by truck twice since 2010. They’ve trekked to events in Seattle, Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, Nashville, Pittsburgh and Chicago, to name a few.
Kenny and Kristen at InspectionWorld® in Atlanta
ASHI Reporter • August 201510 11August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 11
> “How my ASHI Experience Became my American Experience”> “How my ASHI Experience Became my American Experience”
Sometimes, they strategically plan their route and schedule so that Kenny can present multiple sessions of plumbing and HVAC training during the same trip. Kenny said, “On a recent return trip from a training session in Frankfort, KY, I was able to swing through Columbus, OH, and speak at the Ohio Chapter of ASHI. Not too long before that, I worked at a local event with Gary Smith, ACI, of the Professional Home Inspectors Group in Mississippi on my return trip from an event held in Little Rock, AR. You can probably tell that I don’t mind being on the road and when I schedule trips in this way, I can pass on some of the savings on travel expenses to the event planners.”
Just like others who work in the presenta-tion business, many of Kenny’s speaking engagements start with booking a flight and a hotel. But breaking out of that pattern now and then is something Kenny enjoys. He said, “My very first presentation started with a road trip from Virginia Beach to Kansas City. I made the trip with my father who, like myself, loved to travel. Along the way, we decided to visit the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum and we even caught a Kansas City Royals baseball game. My dad passed away a few years after that trip, so I look back at the time I spent trav-eling with him to and from Kansas City very fondly.”
Just like the diversions he enjoyed with his dad, Kenny and Kristen make the same kind of impromptu stops while they’re on the road. They’ve visited Mount St. Helens, driven along the Oregon coast and toured the Florida shoreline. They’ve seen the Meteor Crater in Arizona, spent time on
the Las Vegas strip and stopped by Antique Archeology Nashville (one of the stores where the American Pickers from the History Channel sell their collectibles). Kenny also has stopped by Antique Archeology in LeClaire, IA. They also have visited Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, the house where Jesse James was killed in Missouri and the place in Montana where Custer made his last stand.
The Meteor Crater, Arizona
Approaching Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Kenny crossed the Mississippi River from seven different states in less than one year’s time.
Kenny said, “Recently while crossing a bridge and heading out of Memphis, TN, I realized that I had crossed over the Mississippi River from seven different states in less than one year’s time. Together, Kristen and I have driven over most of the country’s great mountain ranges, the Great
Plains and the Mojave Desert. We’ve visited the Great Lakes and got a look at the Great Salt Lake, too. I’ve traveled to 47 states and, with very few exceptions, I was heading to or from an ASHI event when I visited them.”
( It occurred to Kenny that
these American experiences
have been made possible
because of that special
connection to ASHI. Kenny
continued, “We’ve seen a lot
of this country, and some of
the places are breathtaking.
I love hearing the accents and
enjoy learning about local
customs and traditions. But
my favorite things on the road
have been the unexpected
moments you have with people.
Once in a hotel lobby, I watched
a mother talk to her children
in French, while Dad spoke to
the kids in English. The kids
replied to their parents in the
language directed at them. I
was fascinated by that family.”
“Also, Kristen and I still laugh about a waiter in Pigeon Forge, TN, who was flirting with her when suddenly he realized that it was her dad sitting at the table. The look on his face and the mangled words that came out of his mouth still destroy us whenever we remem-ber it.”
At many of his training seminars, Kenny’s animated slideshows and anecdotal stories about life as a plumber and HVAC techni-cian help home inspectors learn what they need to know about HVAC during an in-spection. One of his recent strategies has
been to bring along visual aids. The project he calls “The HVAC Roadshow” got started in late 2012 when he purchased some new HVAC equipment. By 2013, he was loading up a trailer with air conditioning and heat pump units, furnaces, water heaters and other mechanical equipment and bringing it along as he traveled to events all over the United States. The names of the companies that sponsored this endeavor — by supply-ing HVAC equipment and subsidizing the trailer to transport the equipment — are included on each piece, and these logos give the trailer its signature look.
The HVAC Roadshow trailer in Virginia Beach.
Kenny said, “Like most speakers in this business, I had been making presenta-tions by lecturing on various plumbing and HVAC topics as I clicked through a slideshow. Over the years, I’ve done a lot to jazz up my slides, including adding anima-tions, sound effects and video clips. But after I had been doing it for about 10 years, I felt that if I wanted to keep inspectors coming to the events (not to mention if I wanted to keep getting invited to speak at events), I needed to try something different. My thought was, if home inspectors could see new HVAC equipment up close — not only during sessions, but also during the breaks — they could learn a lot more about these things than they could by just look-ing at slides. With the help of Mike Casey and a lot of sponsors, I was able to make it happen.”
At a recent ASHI event in St. Louis, for example, attendees could view Kenny’s program notes on one screen and see the
HVAC Roadshow equipment displayed on the floor on another screen.
“Hauling the trailer to events is a lot more work than just showing up and connect-ing my laptop to a projector. Parking can be an issue. Not just finding a space, but in some places you might have to watch out for graffiti artists and so you park the trailer where it can be seen at all times. I chain the wheels each night, and I keep a check on the load several times a day. But I’ve always found that once I get to the event, plenty of inspectors are willing to help load and unload the equipment. That’s a big help.”
“Although I acquired the equipment spe-cifically for The HVAC Roadshow, I’ve enjoyed the added benefit that, when I’m not hauling the equipment from state to state, I’m able to use it when I teach classes in my Virginia Beach classroom. I recently used the equipment during a shoot for some training videos, and I’m using some pieces in my online training sessions.”
Kenny hears many of the same questions at his training sessions. Because his presenta-tions draw up to 100 people and because he has returned to many of the same chapters and locations over the past several years, he sometimes asks himself, “Why do inspec-tors keep asking me the same questions about the same HVAC issues? Am I not teaching this very well?” But the answer occurred to him once he began asking the people in the room about their experience in the profession. He explained, “I realized that there is constant growth and change in the home inspection business. New home inspectors attend each training session. And everyone who is new to home inspection seems to have a common set of questions.” He listed and answered those questions in Part 1 of this article, published in the July 2015 issue of the Reporter.
It’s easy to see that Kenny truly enjoys his work. He said, “Over the years, I’ve worked in new construction and service plumbing. I’ve installed and repaired furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and their distribution systems. In the early 1990s, I sold real estate, which
led me to a career in home inspection. But I’ve enjoyed nothing more than talking to home inspectors about the plumbing and mechani-cal systems in homes. It’s allowed me to travel throughout the United States and Canada, and I’m grateful for this opportunity. Joining ASHI took me in a direction that I never an-ticipated. My ‘ASHI Experience’ has become my ‘American Experience.’ I’d like to thank all the people who have supported me over the years, but especially the friends, attendees and sponsors of ‘The HVAC Roadshow.’”
You can reach Kenny Hart at theplumbing [email protected] or on Facebook www.facebook.com/plumbingandhvacguy. H
Thank You to the Sponsors
of the HVAC Roadshow• Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop and
Horizon Home Inspection Report Writing Software
• Michael Casey, Michael Casey and Associates
• Terry Howell, Radalink™
• Diana “Dee” Goldstein, GEM Marketing
• Hollis Brown, Yadzooks
• Aaron Menlove, InspectorPro Insurance Program
• Russell Buchanan, HomeGauge Inspector Software
• Nathan Thornberry, RecallChek©
• Kevin O’Malley, Home Owners Network
Kristen at the InspectionWorld® booth in Nashville
ASHI Reporter • August 201512 13August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 13ASHI Ad.indd 6 3/25/15 10:33 AM
Water Quality Testing: What Home Inspectors Should Know
Today more than ever, people are concerned about what they put into
their bodies. Purchasing healthy and organic products to eat is becoming more and more prevalent throughout our society.
The water that we drink is at least as impor-tant as the food we eat. Many companies’ advertising strategies emphasize that their products contain “clean water.” However, many consumers are skeptical of such claims and come to their own conclusions after doing their own research. In addition, frequent reports in the media describing the dangers of polluted or toxic water working its way into our neighborhoods and commu-nities have caused people to want to know exactly what makes up the water they con-sume on a daily basis and whether the water in their homes is safe to drink and use.
With this heightened awareness of poten-tially overstated marketing claims, coupled with the very real risks of consuming unsafe water, people increasingly request confir-mation and details concerning the quality of the water in their current or prospective homes. As a result, water quality testing is in high demand.
Some companies offer consumers “free water testing”; however, these companies may simply be offering consumers the opportunity to purchase their water delivery services or purification systems. It is impor-tant for consumers to understand what is involved in water quality testing, and home inspectors can help provide that
Water Quality Testing:What Home Inspectors Should Know
By Ben Fontan, PRO-LAB®
understanding by becoming familiar with the following points:
Both city water and well water should be tested. Knowing your own community or home’s situation and level of risk is key. For example, wells can contain bacteria and pesticides and they can be a host for other contaminants.
Know what you’re looking for (for example, bacteria, lead, pesticides). Because home inspectors offer a full range of services, assessing each customers’ needs and concerns about their specific water quality situation is extremely important.
When choosing a water testing service, look for a lab with proper state and federal accreditations. As the nation’s leading environmental testing laboratory, PRO-LAB can assist you with all of your testing needs. It’s important to note that PRO-LAB is the largest supporter of the home inspection industry and understands that turnaround times are critical to completing real estate transactions.
Water testing is mandatory for some loans, including FHA and VA loans. The following guidelines were set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in a December 2005 letter titled “US HUD FHA Mortgagee Letter 2005-ML-48”:“Well (individual water system): test or inspection required if mandated by state or local jurisdiction; if there is knowledge that
well water may be contaminated; when the water supply relies upon a water purification system due to presence of contaminants; or when there is evidence of:• corrosion of pipes (plumbing)• areas of intensive agriculture within
¼ mile• coal mining or gas drilling operations
within ¼ mile• dump, junkyard, landfill, factory, gas
station, or dry cleaning operation within ¼ mile
• unusually objectionable taste, smell or appearance of well water
(superceding the guidance in Mortgagee Letter 95-34 that requires well water testing in the absence of local or state regulations).”(Note: The entire letter can be found at http://inspectapedia.com/water/FHA_HUD_Mortgagee_Water_Test_Letter.php.)
Use proper materials to conduct a water quality test. You should never use an empty plastic water bottle to collect a sample. Upon request, PRO-LAB can provide ster-ile water bottles with proper preservatives and will send them to you in a styrofoam cooler equipped with freezer packs.
Check with your lab for proper packag-ing guidelines and turnaround times for results. A home inspector should look for a lab that understands what a home inspec-tor does. Finding the right lab will make it easier for you to receive a report with results that are clear to the inspector as well as the client. PRO-LAB has been in the inspec-tion industry since 1998 and provides the most comprehensive reports in the industry.
With growing awareness among consumers of the importance of testing the quality of the water in and around their homes, it is important for home inspectors to be aware of how to address these concerns and know how to access testing and results related to water quality. H
Ben Fontan is Vice President of Operations, PRO-LAB, Weston, FL. Contact Ben at 800-427-0550, ext. 268, or e-mail [email protected].
15August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 15ASHI Reporter • August 201514
Lisa Yetter Yetter Inspection Services, North Hollywood, CA818-419-9238, 818-353-7664 • [email protected]
( “Sometimes the best man for the job is
a woman.” This saying is one of my favorites,
maybe because for the past 29 years, I’ve been
a home inspector — in a field of several men —
serving clients throughout the Los Angeles area.
Recently at a California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) conference, I noticed two or three other women who attended were inspectors — not wives or assistants — which is encouraging. Home inspection can be a strange business for women to be in. Over the years, I’ve trained women and hoped they would become colleagues, but none I’ve worked with have stayed with home inspection. I think it’s because many women just don’t have the right skill set or background.
For me, having solid communication skills as well as collecting a broad working knowledge base and hands-on experiences have been keys to my success. I’ve found that I draw on this foundation to speak intelligently about systems found in homes, explain codes, and tell people the results of an inspection.
I was an architecture major in college and worked as a draftswoman when I finished school. I found out quickly that I disliked working on the
boards and doing all those drawings. But because I had also learned about structural, electrical and HVAC systems, I found that I had a lot of general knowledge about buildings and homes. And since I wasn’t satisfied working on the draft boards, I started using my free time to work for others on their remodeling projects.
Eventually, I worked for construction companies as the building manager or the project lead. It was my job to make sure others were doing their jobs and staying on track and on time. I learned so much by watching the contractors install equipment and build homes, including how to start and finish projects.
That type of job was a great training ground for becoming a home inspector. And when the person I worked for suddenly closed his business, I took the opportunity to work with an established team of home inspectors. I was the only woman on the team.
At that time, many people in California were suspicious of home inspectors. The realtors and sellers seemed to think, ”How dare you inspect this house?” They thought the purpose of the inspector was to ruin the sale. But now, about 30 years later, it’s so different. Buyers feel more empowered and sellers are more vulnerable.
While working with the team of home inspectors, I noticed that, when given a choice of three inspectors, realtors often would ask for me. I
think that’s because they saw that it’s not my style to be alarming, but it is my style to be honest. I state the facts. If there are weak points about the house, I will explain them to you. So in 1992, after seven years working with the team, I decided to establish my own business.
My clients know that I’ll get homeowners involved in the inspection. I think it is a great opportunity for people to find out about their house. I tell people, “This is your housing seminar.” I explain how things work, show them where to find things and estimate how old the systems are. I have clients walk with me through the entire inspection so that they can get to know the house. I joke that I will give them a quiz later and if I actually did this, my standard question would be “Do you remember how big your electric service is and how old your A/C system is?” Pointing out these things during the home inspection allows people to have useful information if things go bad later.
I’ve had a great run as a home inspector and I’m still getting new clients. Young people who are buying houses now use Yelp. In fact, 90% of my business comes from people who read Yelp reviews. I get very few clients from realtors anymore — people just find out about me on Yelp or see my website on the Internet.
Home inspection is the perfect business for me. Women make good communicators, and as I get older, I want to communicate my knowledge to help others learn from what I already know. At least from my perspective, things have worked out for me kind of like that saying … “Sometimes the
best man for the job is a woman.” H
Lisa’s Stories from the Field …• A two-year-old watched me climb under a house to inspect a
foundation. Then the toddler closed and locked the door behind me and ran off.
• I was inspecting a vacant house and locked myself in a closet with no way to get out and no cell phone to use. I’ll never test a door that way again.
• I’ve been known to start an inspection at the right address but on the wrong street.
• Once I started an inspection at the right address on the right street, but I pulled into the wrong driveway. The housekeeper invited me in and let me use the bathroom before I realized I was in the wrong house.
• When I was inspecting a roof on a windy day, my ladder blew away, leaving me with no way to get off the roof.
• I was under a house when an earthquake occurred — luckily, the realtor dove in under the house to pull me out.
Most home inspectors would agree that water is the No. 1 enemy of homes.
We usually think of roof and plumbing leaks, surface water leaking through foun-dations and other similar examples. These situations are called bulk moisture, which is the most visible way that moisture moves through buildings. The following list covers all four ways that moisture moves through buildings:• bulk moisture — leaks (description and
examples listed above) • capillary action — wicking or rising
dampness• vapor diffusion — water vapor that moves
from high-to-low pressure areas without air movement
• air-transported moisture — water vapor carried by the air
Bulk moisture is the most visible and significant source of water damage in houses. Air-transported moisture is second. Vapor diffusion and capillary action are relatively minor issues. In this article, we will examine air-transported moisture.
In a nutshell, warm, moist air that leaks into walls condenses as it cools, trapping water in the wall, which leads to mold and rot. It’s important for home inspectors to understand what’s happening so they know what to look for during inspections.
This article will focus on heating climates. The same principles apply to cooling climates, although the issues are slightly different.
How does moisture get into the air? Air is able to hold moisture as a vapor. Moisture in the air comes from the following:• humidifiers, which people often set im-
properly, causing too much moisture to be added to the air in cold weather
• people washing their faces and hands and brushing their teeth
• showers and baths• cooking and washing dishes• washing clothes• washing floors, walls and furniture• watering plants• people breathing and perspiring• damp soil in subgrade spaces
(crawl spaces)• firewood (one cord can release one gallon
of water per day as it dries)• pets
A family of four can generate 10 to 12 gallons of water a week by just going about their normal household activities. Humidifiers can add considerably more water to the air. Unprotected soil in a crawl space can contribute 10 gallons a day!
How much water can air hold?The amount of water in the air is described as either absolute humidity or relative humidity.
Absolute humidity. Absolute humidity is the actual amount of moisture in the air. This can be measured in grains (0.002285 ounces) of moisture per pound of dry air. For example, 70°F-saturated air contains 108 grains of moisture per pound of dry air. The term “saturated” refers to the amount
of moisture that air can hold without form-ing condensation. If more moisture is added or the temperature drops, we will get rain or condensation.
Saturation levels change. Air can hold more moisture at higher temperatures. A pound of 70°F air can hold 108 grains of mois-ture. The same air at 40°F can hold only 36 grains. As air warms up, it can hold more moisture. As air cools down, it’s able to hold less moisture. Condensation forms when air is cooled.
Relative humidity. Relative humidity (RH) is the amount of moisture in the air relative to how much moisture the air could hold if saturated. Air at 40°F can hold 36 grains of moisture per pound of dry air. That air is at 100% relative humidity. If the air is warmed to 70°F, it still has 36 grains of moisture, but its relative humidity drops to 33% because 70°F air can hold 108 grains of moisture (36/108 = 33%). The dew point is the temperature for air of a given relative humidity below which condensation occurs.
Here’s where it gets interesting! Air at 70°F can hold twice as much moisture as air at 50°F. If we cool a sample of air at 70°F with 50% relative humidity to 50°F, the relative humidity rises to 100%. If the temperature falls to 49°F, we get condensation. And that can be a problem ... To summarize, cold air can hold very little moisture. Warm air can hold a lot of mois-ture. Cooling the air causes condensation. The more moisture it has, the less it has to cool to condense.
Air-Transported Moisture: A Stealthy EnemyBy Alan Carson, Carson Dunlopwww.carsondunlop.com
Air-Transported Moisture: A Stealthy Enemy
ASHI Reporter • August 201516 17August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 17
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How much humidity?People are comfortable with humidity in the range of 30% to 50% RH. When it’s freez-ing outside, it is best for buildings to have <15% RH to avoid condensation, mold and rot. People usually get their way.
What does it all mean?The air in a home at 70°F and 40% RH will be saturated if it cools to 45°F. Condensa-tion will form in the winter when warm, moist house air leaks into cold wall or roof spaces. The outside wall temperature will be close to the outdoor temperature. As air leaks through the wall or roof, it will cool and the water vapor will condense inside the wall or roof assembly. This can lead to water damage, mold and rot inside the wall assembly. This can go unnoticed for some time until considerable damage occurs.
The water damage, mold and rot inside of this exterior wall assembly was a result of the extreme moisture from an indoor pool that was not managed properly. This structure had to be torn down.
How do we prevent condensation?We can reduce the indoor humidity, but generally, people are not comfortable with that. We try to stop the air leaking into wall assemblies with drywall, polyethylene air and vapor barriers, building wrap, and foam insulation, among other materials, but perfection is hard to achieve. Air barriers that are 99% effective are not effective at all, in the same way that a balloon with a tiny hole in it won’t hold air.
Another strategy is to let the air escape quickly outdoors before it can condense. Attic ventilation is a good example. Breath-able exterior siding (wood, vinyl and alumi-num siding) is more forgiving than barrier systems like stucco and exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS). It’s risky to rely on this approach, although it was very ef-fective in older homes with air-leaky, poorly insulated walls. The walls were warmer and the air escaped more easily than in today’s tight, energy-efficient construction.
What do we watch for?Damage in walls can be difficult to iden-tify until the damage becomes extensive. Moisture runs down, collecting on sill plates inside the wall. There may be visible evidence of water at baseboards and quar-ter rounds. Moisture meters and infrared cameras can help identify concealed water problems.
Problems are typically worse on upper floors owing to stack effect. Warm air rises and exerts more pressure on upper walls, result-ing in air moving into wall assemblies.
> Air-Transported Moisture: A Stealthy Enemy
Staining on siding indicates severe condensation.
Photo courtesy of Roger Hankey.
Although there could be many variables in play, condensation on windows is an indica-tor of possible problems and should be a clue for a home inspector to look further. .
Water damage and rot on the interior sill of
this window is a result of condensation, which
commonly occurs with single-pane or poorly
insulated glazing combined with high interior
humidity levels.
ConclusionThis article reviewed air-transported moisture that can cause wall damage in cold climates. The ASHI@HOME training program provides a more comprehensive explanation of the building science, as well as home inspection strategies.
Thanks to Roger Hankey for his significant contributions to this article. H
ASHI Reporter • August 201518 19August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 19
Mold: Another 800-Pound GorillaBy Larry Wasson
Every few years, more of these daunting beasts come along and change the way
we inspect houses. They seem to arise out of nowhere, demanding that home inspectors successfully evaluate and report on them despite clouds of misinformation, confusion and controversy.
Our ever-changing troop of gorillas has included lead, Stablok breakers, UFFI, polybutylene and orangeburg pipes, electromagnetic fields, EIFS, radon, aluminum wiring, FRT sheathing, pinhole leaks, fire sprinkler systems, asbestos, pressure-treated lumber, Chinese drywall and CSST.
Two recent game changers are mold and mold-conducive conditions. When these upsetting giants are in the house, your customer can easily be distracted by confusing misinformation and meaningless comments such as “That’s just mildew” or “It’s not toxic black mold” or “It’s just a mold-like substance.”
Over the years, I have created a strategy to deal with each new 800-pound gorilla as it arrives. The results are information sheets that are updated as the facts change (for example, it took over 10 years for the true facts about polybutylene to be uncovered). These info sheets can and do help my customers make better decisions. An info sheet about mold would include these 10 points:
1. Careful visual inspection is the primary and the best method for finding mold, mold-conducive conditions or both. You can always consult a professional mold inspector. Not knowing what mold looks like and not knowing where and how to look for mold are the reasons why people not present during an inspection fail to see the mold that is reported. Even large amounts of mold can be “invisible” in normal room settings. The same mold quickly becomes “visible” to all people present with the effective use of proper inspection procedures.
2. Is it mold or a mold-like substance? Actually, there are very few mold-like substances; in most instances, if it looks like mold, it is mold. The most common uncertainty arises when mold is growing on or is mixed in dirt, deposits or other matter. Although many mold colonies are obvious, some are not easily recognized (for example, people often think that all that powdery or fluffy-looking stuff is just dust).
3. When there is uncertainty, have the substance tested. Lab results will confirm whether samples contain mold (for example, molds listed with numerical spore counts are the molds present in the sample). The magnitude of spore counts has little meaning. Even samples taken nearby will have different spore counts and low spore counts do not mean low risk. If the report says mold is present, remove or remediate it as soon as possible.
4 . Mildews pose the same environmental and health risks as do molds, and environmental and health documents seldom differentiate between the two. Many varieties of Aspergillus mold are actually mildew and Aureobasidium, a common bathroom mold, is a mildew that causes skin irritation and asthmatic symptoms. So, whether it is mold or mildew, be sure to remove or remediate it as soon as possible.
5 . Toxic black mold is a very misleading term. There are toxic molds such as Penicillium that are not black, and there are black molds like Aureobasidium that are not toxic but are unhealthy. Of course, there are lots of unhealthy molds that are neither black nor toxic. All of these examples explain why all mold should removed or remediated as soon as possible.
6 . Air sampling is not a reliable method for determining whether mold is present. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide on mold, moisture and your home does not recommend or even mention air sampling; instead, the guide recommends careful visual inspection for mold. Air sampling is best used after all visible mold has been removed or
remediated. Getting favorable air sample test results does not mean that there is no mold, and it does not mean that there is no risk. Using short-term air samples as a preliminary or primary method of checking for mold is as useless as trying to determine the risk of radon by using grab samples. In both instances, it is a gross misuse of short-term air sampling.
7. If mold is present, it should be removed or remediated. Although it is common to find some minor indoor mold, active indoor mold growth is not common and is an unnecessary health risk. Whenever possible, mold should be removed; for example, using bleach to kill mold is not very effective, and dead mold will continue to release unhealthy spores. The reality is that even small amounts of mold can quickly become little spore pumps that seed unhealthy mold growth.
8. If mold-conducive conditions such as water intrusion, excess moisture or humidity are present, they should be eliminated or remediated as soon as possible. EPA guidelines state that “indoor mold growth can and should be prevented.” Prevention means eliminating or remediating mold-conducive conditions. Two common methods of remediating moisture are bathroom exhaust fans with timer switches, and dehumidifiers installed in basements and crawl spaces. Correcting more complex conditions requires a commitment of time and effort, and remedies can be somewhat expensive.
9. Follow EPA guidelines (www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html, and www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html). You could also consult a licensed, qualified remediator of mold and mold-conducive conditions, an industrial hygienist or both.
10. Guard against and monitor for mold-conducive conditions. For example, install inexpensive humidity sensors with alarms and probes or inexpensive hygrometer systems with wireless sensors in attics, crawl spaces, basements, mechanical rooms, laundry rooms
and other moisture-prone spaces. H
Discounting must be a good
idea — so many businesses
do it! Does it work for home
inspectors? Let’s take a look.
The TheoryThe goal of all marketing is to get people to change their behavior, to use your service. People resist change. Coupons and dis-counts help overcome that resistance. They help create a pattern of repetitive buying. Although by using coupons or discounts you will lose money on the first sale, there is the hope that you will recover it in sub-sequent sales. Consider the life value of the customer — how often does a typical client or real estate agent refer you and how often do they recommend your services?
Coupons and discounts also can affect deci-sions on one-time purchases such as cars, appliances and electronics. People choose based on price in situations for which they perceive services to be equivalent, espe-cially for commodities like gas, milk and mortgages. In general, people make choices on differentiated products based on their perceived value. For example, many people perceive that Apple’s electronic products are better than others in this category and in turn, the prices of Apple products generally are more expensive than the prices of their competitors. Generally, we don’t recom-mend competing on price, but rather on value.
Marketing GoalsThe goal of any marketing activity is to solve a problem or satisfy a need. Home buyers’ and sellers’ goals are pretty clear. Real estate agents’ goals are to sell homes and build their business through a good referral network. Because home inspection is now a part of real estate transactions, good agents identify inspectors who help them build their business by providing their clients with great value.
As home inspectors, we ask real estate agents to take a risk when we request that they include us in their referrals. Estab-lished agents typically know and recom-mend certain inspectors. Why would they change? They may be unhappy with an inspector. Or they may be happy with an inspector, but he or she may not always be available. In our experience, offering a home inspection at a lower price does not change the behavior of a real estate agent if he or she is happy with your service. Instead, you might focus on agents who do not seem to be completely satisfied with their home inspector options.
Do Coupons and Discounts Work for Home Inspectors? It depends. ... There are pros and cons.
Pros• You may build new relationships and get
new business.
• Providing coupons or discounts may differentiate you and provide branding for your business.
• Offering coupons or discounts may help strengthen relationships with real estate agents and promote retention.
• This strategy can be seen as giving a “thank you” to clients and real estate agents, which can promote retention.
Cons• There is a cost to you because of the re-
duced income you will receive for discounting your services.
• Design, production and distribution of coupons and promotional materials can be costly.
• You are competing on price. Coupons and discounts are not unique selling proposi-tions (USPs), so your competitors can copy your idea quickly.
• Providing coupons or discounts can di-minish your reputation. Some say that professional consulting services should not be discounted. For example, lawyers and accountants do not typically discount their fees or offer coupons. Consider these ques-tions: Does it diminish the perceived value of the service? Does it make home inspec-tion look more like a commodity? We can see both sides.
• Offering coupons or discounts to only some real estate agents may cause you problems with others.
Marketing With Discounts and Coupons: The Good, the Bad, and the UglyBy Alan Carson, Carson Dunlopwww.carsondunlop.com
Marketing with Discounts and Coupons: The Good, the Bad and the UglyMold: Another 800-Pound Gorilla
1. Go to www.ASHI.org2. Under Education &
Training3. Click on:
ASHI ONLINE
LEARNING
CENTER
Continue learning at the click of
a button!
FREE ASHI Member access to past IW
sessions.
ASHI Reporter • August 201520 21August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 21
• Providing coupons or discounts may be perceived as an inducement and could be considered a questionable way to do business with regard to ethical practices.
PossibilitiesAs an example, we reward the agents who regularly refer us to their clients with $25 coupons that they can pass along to their clients. In this way, our promotion makes the agent look good and is one more reason for the agent to recommend you. Some offer the coupons to clients in the hopes they will pass them along to their friends. This helps build referrals. Social media makes this relatively easy.
Thank clients for referralsSome home inspectors offer coupons or gifts as a thank you to clients who refer them to others. Examples include Starbucks gift cards, movie tickets, lottery tickets and fuel cards. There’s some tracking needed, but this can be a good way to stay in touch with clients.
Coupons for services offered by othersMany businesses would like to connect with new homeowners and are willing to offer a coupon or discount to your clients. For example, we work with a junk removal com-pany that gives us $50 discount cards that we can pass along to every client. The card is co-branded with our company name and theirs. If you think about it, you could prob-ably identify 50 other services that might be willing to partner with you in this way. This can be a win-win-win!
The ultimate discountThe ultimate discount is a free inspection. Would you ever offer a free inspection? We believe it can make sense. A real estate agent is taking a risk anytime they refer a new home inspection company. A free in-spection for their client can reduce the risk enough to convince the agent to give you an opportunity to create a strong impression. We suggest doing this with top-producing agents who need to arrange lots of home inspections. Your investment should have a chance of a good return.
In exchange for the free inspection, you should ask the agent for their feedback and, ideally, their commitment to include your name and information when they give their clients a list of home inspectors. Either way, you will learn something. Remember, trust and respect are earned, not given or bought.
When a real estate agent asks you for a discount, you may want to offer a free in-spection for their client. This may be an especially good idea if they have used you as an inspector a number of times. One ap-proach is to offer a 10% discount, but we recommend offering it in this way — every 10th inspection is free. This ensures that they will keep using you to get the reward.
You might use a free ancillary inspection if you are trying to introduce a new service or type of inspection. This includes pre-listing (sellers) inspections or termite, radon, mold, swimming pool and spa inspections. Of-fering these added services free as a way to introduce them may get you more home inspections and can help create awareness of your new and, ideally, unique offerings. MeasurementCoupons or discounts are just a price reduc-tion if they don’t grow your business. You need to track your results so that you can know if any marketing, including coupons and discounts, is working. You should number your coupons and keep track of redemptions. You also need to track the behavior of clients and agents. Are you getting more referrals since you introduced the coupons? If not, change the strategy.
Coupon TipsUse a high-quality coupon that looks and feels as substantial as a credit card. These are not expensive when purchased in volume and their appearance will avoid the risk of having others try to duplicate your paper coupons.
A sample coupon offered by Carson Dunlop.
Be sure to number the coupons so you can track their use and effectiveness. Consider including an expiration date.
Introduce coupons as a short-term cam-paign rather than a long-term commitment. Announcing an end date at the beginning of the campaign allows you to wind it down if it does not generate results. On the other hand, it’s easy to extend a successful program.
Summary
Coupons and discounts are not for everyone, but they have worked for us in some situa-tions. We hope these ideas are useful for marketing your home inspection business. H
Thanks to Roger Hankey and Kevin O’Hornett for their insightful contributions to this article.
> Marketing With Discounts and Coupons: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
$25Your Next Carson Dunlop
Home Inspection
Redeemable from Carson Dunlop covering the GTA and surrounding area for Home
Inspection services only. This coupon must be mentioned at the time of booking and
presented upon arrival to the Home Inspector in order to redeem. This coupon is one
time use only, cannot be combined with any other offers, is not redeemable for cash,
and must be presented onsite to Carson Dunlop personnel. Management reserves all
rights. Limit one coupon per inspection. This card is transferable and can be used by
anyone and the same terms and conditions apply.This card expires on 12/31/15.
9000
ASHI Reporter • August 201522 23August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 23
A t Tri-State ASHI, we’ve always known that education is the key to
success. When I first started in the home inspection business, my first outreach was to Tri-State ASHI. I still remember the excitement of attending a seminar of entre-preneurs who were practicing or learning the home inspection profession. That was 1986 — it seems like just yesterday and forever ago at the same time. At that time, Tri-State ASHI could attract hundreds of people who were eager for every morsel of education available.
I’ve been fortunate to maintain an ongoing relationship with Tri-State ASHI, which I consider to be one of the most knowl-edgeable groups of professionals I have encountered. At any given meeting, I can see people, including several ASHI Past-Presidents and charter members, who collectively represent hundreds of years of experience.
Tri-State ASHI has splintered into mul-tiple groups over the years. Many home inspection organizations throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey can trace their roots to Tri-State ASHI.
Although the organization once had membership rates exceeding 100, our membership gradually sank to as low as 30 members. Now, the trend has reversed and we are happy to report steady membership growth. Our plan has been simple. Stick to offering meetings that feature a tried and true combination: excellent education and camaraderie, coupled with a good meal.
Currently, I’m the chair of the Education Committee and I find it is a rewarding
challenge. I’d like to share with you some of our strategies for planning education and increasing our membership.
Offer Educational Opportunities Tri-State ASHI offers two educational sessions at each meeting and we hold nine meetings each year. This schedule allows us to offer our members 18 continuing educa-tion credit hours per year. We also hold an annual seminar, at which we typically offer sessions that can earn members an ad-ditional eight continuing education credit hours. Keeping the educational sessions diverse, interesting and current while meet-ing our ASHI continuing education criteria is Objective Number 1.
Select Relevant TopicsWith so many topics from which to choose, finding the right topic and choosing the right speaker is tricky. Making a list of topics that will interest your group and that haven’t been covered or overcovered is essential. We distribute questionnaires at meetings to get our members involved in the selection.Here’s a typical list of topics:• Emergency generators• Zone damper control for HVAC systems• On-demand water heaters• Electrical changes• Radiant heat• Indoor air quality• Mini split heat pumps• New foundation repair techniques
Build a Pool of SpeakersWe like to start our speaker search early so we can give presenters time to prepare and choose dates that work best for them and
that fit our schedule. We’ve found that there are many product representatives who are eager to speak to our group. We let it be known that, although our members do not make sales, we are in contact with the end users of their products. Speakers can benefit by explaining their systems to us, and we benefit by having the ability to recognize a new product or system and actually know how it works. We prepare our speakers to expect a well-educated group that will test them with great questions. Also, we remind our speakers that they must keep their “sales hype” to a minimum. Most reps have had years of practical experience in their fields, are well-spoken presenters and welcome the challenge to present their product to a professional audience that appreciates the information.
Engage Affiliate MembersTri-State ASHI has formed a depend-able and knowledgeable group of affiliate members who work in multiple trades. By tapping into their resources, we’ve offered enlightening sessions on swimming pools, HVAC, termites and mold, for example. Affiliate members are part of our associa-tion, attend our meetings and often enjoy the other speakers’ presentations. Having these affiliate members definitely makes us a stronger organization.
Get the Word OutHaving speakers planned in advance lets our membership and guests plan as well. This also shows the level at which we value education in our group. We broadcast our schedule for monthly meetings and list the next three months’ topics on the notice.
Invite Members, Then Invite Them AgainOnce a topic is targeted, we send out a letter with the date, time, location and what’s expected for the presentation. I’ve had ex-cellent results in boosting our numbers of attendees at meetings by making follow-up phone calls and sending e-mails.
Provide a Good Showtime LocationWe meet at a local Dave & Buster’s. It’s been a good choice because it is reasonably accessible and appealing to the majority of our membership. The meeting rooms are well-equipped with all of the WiFI video screens and audio equipment needed, which is a big plus. We schedule the first educa-tion session to start at 6 pm, have time for dinner from 7-8 pm, and begin the second education session at 8 pm.
Offer the “Wow” FactorOur board decided to go all out for the Tri-State ASHI annual seminar this year.
Tri-State ASHI Grows Membership Through EducationBy Gerry Gavin, Tri-State ASHI Education Chair
Joe Lstiburek, a leader in and creator of the field of building science, will present a “Day with the Expert” October 9, 2015. We’ve engaged Joe to set up a program tailored strictly for home inspectors. Because a building scientist looks at the home from the top down, Joe’s presentation will cover some of the following topics:• High R-value roofs• High R-value wall assemblies• Top 10 blunders that rot your house• Mold explosion — why now?• Difference between air sealing
and ventilation• Air sealing and ventilation in retrofits• Vapor barriers• The perfect storm — why systems fail• Masonry retrofit project• Energy-efficient retrofits• Hybrid foundation and insulation retrofits• New light in crawl spaces• Conditioned crawl spaces• Q&A session
Be Persistent and Patient to get Steady Membership GrowthWe have found that, through our emphasis on education, including monthly meetings, biannual peer reviews and yearly seminars, our membership is growing. It will take time to meet previous highs, but we are inching along.
Our efforts are taking our chapter to the next level. We hope that by sharing our secrets about growing our membership, we’ve given you ideas that can help your chapter increase its membership, too. H
For more information, visit www.tristateashi.org or contact Gerry Gavin, Tri-State ASHI Education Chair, at [email protected].
TRI-State ASHI Grows Membership Through Education> TRI-State ASHI Grows Membership Through Education
This Test-Your-Knowledge photo appeared on Page 36 of the June 2015 issue.
Thank you to Lawrence DiPietro and J.D. Grewell for sending in responses to the question “Can you spot the defect(s)?” that accompanied this photo submitted by Dave Grudzinski (Advantage Home Inspections, Cranston, RI).
Answer submitted by Lawrence DiPetro, Wakefield, MARegarding the water heater, the vent pipe should slope up (not down) at ¼-inch per foot per NFPA 54. The corrugated pipe used in the installation is not approved for venting gas appliances. Vent pipe must be single-wall sheet metal or double wall-(type B) vent pipe.
Answer submitted by J.D. Grewell, Silver Spring, MD• Based on the stains, it appears the masonry chimney likely has some
issues with condensation accumulation or prior seepage.• The CSST gas line has no apparent bonding (as is required in my area)
and lacks proper support.• The vent pipe is not an approved material and is not on a positive pitch,
thus it cannot function and likely is drafting into the home’s interior. I hope they had a carbon monoxide detector.
• The hot feed appears to be undersized at only one-half inch and may be tubing rather than pipe.
• The furnace (larger diameter, oil-type flue) enters the chimney flue at a lower elevation than the water heater.
• Many jurisdictions no longer allow natural gas and oil appliances to vent into the same flue; thus, if the water heater has its own flue, it leaves the water heater orphaned. In my area, all masonry chimney flues must have a metal stainless steel liner.
• It appears that the water heater is newer; in my area, new heaters must have a properly installed expansion tank.
• (P.S. Dave Grudzinski finds some weird stuff.) H
ASHI Reporter • August 201524 25August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 25
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On Again, Off Again: Short Cycling Damages Well PumpsBy Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc. • HowToOperateYourHome.com
Insider Tipsfor Smart Inspectors
Private wells and well pump systems are beyond the scope of many home inspec-
tors, but we all should understand the basic science behind well pressure tanks and know how to recognize a short-cycle problem.
Under normal conditions, a private well system utilizes a submersible centrifugal pump immersed in the water near the bottom of the well casing. The pump pushes water through a pipe in the well casing into a storage tank in the basement.
The storage tank or pressure tank limits the cycling of the pump by maintaining a cushion of air over water or air over a rubber bladder containing water.
Water use triggers the systemWhen someone in the household draws water, air expands in the tank, pushing more water out into the system. This reduces air pressure in the tank. As pressure in the tank approaches 40 psi, the pump switches on, refilling water in the tank and restoring the air pressure. When the air is compressed to about 60 psi, the pump turns off. This opera-tion allows the home’s water flow to remain almost constant, as the 20 psi pressure change is rarely noticeable.
The pump is controlled by a pressure switch located on the piping near the pressure tank. Systems typically run between 40 and 60 psi, but can be set to a higher or lower pressure. Often, pressure is set with a simple spring and screw adjustment inside the pressure switch housing.
Loss of air cushion causes problems Problems occur when the system loses its air cushion. In systems with no bladder, air is simply lost through contact with the water, with the air cushion disappearing over a period of several months. (Some systems have a floating disk that slows the loss of air.) Air loss can also occur with rubber bladder systems when the bladder fails.
Because there’s less air in the tank, the system kicks in repeatedly whenever some-one draws as little as a quart of water. The pressure switch clicks on-off on-off. The pump may also turn on and off. With the pressure fluctuating so quickly, noticeable changes occur in flow and pressure.
This “short-cycling” will damage the pump. If you run water during a home inspection and notice any of these noises or quick vari-ations in pressure, you should note this as a potential issue to be evaluated by a special-
Tom Feiza has been a professional home inspector since 1992 and has a degree in engineering. Through HowToOperate YourHome.com, he provides high-quality marketing materials that help professional home inspectors boost their business. Copyright © 2015 by Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc. Reproduced with permission.
ist. In this case, you are not doing a private well inspection but simply pointing out ob-vious issues that need further evaluation.
Some shallow well systems have a “ jet” pump that sits on top of the well casing, and some older systems have a deep well jet pump. These systems also rely on a pressure tank to even the water pressure and flow. In recent years, sophisticated systems have become available, providing a variable-speed pump to vary the flow of water; these eliminate the pressure tank or use a very small pressure tank. H
ASHI Reporter • August 201526 27August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 27
Garden State Chapter Celebrates 30 Years of Excellenceby Diana Moore, Affiliate Member Committee Chairperson, Garden State Chapter
At its June 2015 meeting, the Garden State Chapter of ASHI celebrated its 30-year anniversary during its biennial awards and installation-of-officers ceremony. Officially incorporated in June 1985, the Garden State chapter provides continuous service to
home inspectors throughout New Jersey. The chapter offers quality continuing education, networking and marketing opportunities for home inspectors.
In his address, incoming Garden State Chapter President Kevin Vargo said, “This chapter now has 30 years of history and experience in educating, supporting and helping home inspectors become leaders in their profession. The Garden State chapter has been cultivating inspectors and leaders for far longer than any other home inspector organization in the state.” Kevin previously served as chapter President (2007-2009), is a recipient of the chapter’s President’s Award, is the current chair of the Complaints Committee–Ethics and is a recipient of the prestigious John Cox Award.
In addition to installing the chapter President, the Garden State Chapter also installed the rest of its incoming board members. The board thanked the outgoing officers and directors for their service and presented them with plaques in appreciation. In his remarks, Chapter President Jason Mitchell thanked the outgoing board members for their work in their terms of office and presented this year’s President’s Award to Dominick Laurita. This award is presented to a chapter member who has performed exceptional service to the chapter. Jason Mitchell stated, “While dealing with a number of personal issues, Dom has always gotten the job done. He has been a dependable, hard-working member of the board and is always willing to help.” Dom served as Director of Education for the chapter and will now assume the position of Vice President.
Congratulations, Garden State Chapter, on 30 years of outstanding service to home inspectors throughout New Jersey! H
Safety Harbor for the 2015 FABI Summer Conference
Left to Right: Larry Cerro, ASHI Secretary, Robert Dees, FABI President;
and Randy Sipe, ASHI President-Elect. H
ASHI & CREIA Los Angeles/Ventura Chapter’s June 26-27 Certified Residential Thermographer Seminar With Monroe Infrared Technology
Certified Residential Thermographer Seminar with Monroe Infrared Technology at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Canoga Park, CA.
Twenty-four members attended with instructor Mr. Bill Fabian. H
Left to Right: Active Past Chapter Presidents
Bret Kaufmann, Jason Mitchell, Joe Corsetto,
Pete Engle, Ernie Borsellino, Dave Whittle,
Kevin Vargo, Robert Fico, Sergio Angione
(Ken Salvo is not pictured).
ASHI Reporter • August 201528 29August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 29
H Denotes graduate of The ASHI School
SoutheasternInspectors ConferenceWhen: September 9-13, 2015
Where: Gwinnett Center, Duluth, GA
CEUs: Earn 20 ASHI CEs
Radon Certification: 16 ASHI CEs
Thermal Imaging: 16 ASHI CEs
Mold Sampling and Protocols for
Inspectors: 8 ASHI CEs
7 Surprisingly Simple Ways to
get More Business: 8 ASHI CEs
Contact: Shannon Cory,
www.sehomeinspector
conference.com
New York Metro Annual Seminar 2015When: September 11-12, 2015
Where: DoubleTree Hotel
455 South Broadway
Tarrytown, NY 10591
CEUs: 16 ASHI CEs
Contact: Vic Faggella
www.nyashi.com
ASHI New England 266 CMR 6.00 Standard of Practice When: September 14-15, 2015
CEUs: 4 ASHI CEs
Contact: [email protected]
Great Plains Chapter Annual Fall SeminarWhen: September 18 - 19, 2015
Where: Great Wolf Lodge
10401 Cabela Dr.
Kansas City, KS 66111
CEUs: Earn 16 ASHI CEs
Contact: www.ashikc.com
Alvey GaryBlack Dog Home Inspections, LLCMartinsville, IN
Myers ToddFirst Rate InspectionsTrenton, OH
Joe TaylorJOTA Consulting LLCConway, AR
Jack FernstrumJack's Home Inspections, LLCScottsdale, AZ
Robert BurdickBurCan DynamicsChandler, AZ
Michael MarshBuyers Protection GroupCarmichael, CA
Lisa YetterYetter Inspection ServicesNorth Hollywood, CA
Dale BenselDale Bensel Home InspectionsPalm Springs, CA
Mark PavelichPavelich Property InspectionsFresno, CA
Karim YounesPillar to Post Menlo Park, CA
Derek RogersAvalon Inspection ServiceCamarillo, CA
H David YanushonisArvada, CO
H Jacob WilcoxArvada, CO
H Michael GriessCornerstone Home Inspections, LLCLittleton, CO
H George KlapacColorado Springs, CO
H Matthew VarneyPueblo, CO
Daniel LiegghioColorado Springs, CO
Ed BerginAAA Pex Property Maintenance LLCAurora, CO
H Deahn HendrixsonLakewood, CO
H Michael FiolaSt. Petersburg, FL
Ken EganPillar to PostNaples, FL
David SturmanMalachi Construction, Inc.Fort Myers, FL
Glenn CrowlHome Inspections LLCPrescott Valley, AZ
Paul BreitkopfBPG InspectionsAlameda, CA
Margaret ConableElm City Home Inspections LLCNew Haven, CT
Mark HillAllview Home Inspections, LLCMarietta, GA
Adam GoldnerWoodArts, LLCAtlanta, GA
Keith ProctorCentral Missouri Home Inspections LLCColumbia, MO
INSPECTOR
To submit your materials for moving up, please contact Janet George at 847-954-3180 or [email protected]
New ASHI Associates As of June 1, 2015.
New ASHI Inspectors As of June 1, 2015.
New ASHI Certified Home InspectorsAs of June 1, 2015
Mario Garcia, Jr.Same Day Inspectors LLCMiami, FL
Jeffrey GunterCumming, GA
Darrin HillElite Spec Home Inspections LLCBuford, GA
Mac Van PeltAmerican Visions LLCAdel, IA
Patrick ForanHome Pro Services, Inc.Skokie, IL
Paul RaganoP.I. InspectionsChicago, IL
Richard StevensIron Gate Inspection ServicesLebanon, IN
Joseph AielloI-Spy Home InspectionWinthrop, MA
Matthew BagbyAlbun InspectionsFrederick, MD
Stacy LinkStrongest Link Home Inspections, LLCSykesville, MD
Jarrod McGillTrue Sight Home Inspections Crystal, MN
David LillbackPro Serv Home Inspection LLCMonticello, MN
Brandon CapelleRichfield, MN
Kyle MontgomeryAbsolute Home Inspection ServicesSt. Charles, MO
H Cody HalfacreHazelwood, MO
H Leagh DementWarrenton, MO
James CannonCannon Certified Inspections IncorporatedPleasant Hill, MO
Todd KleinheiderBuyers Protection GroupO‘Fallon, MO
Chris KaemmererKaemerco Home InspectionsLake St. Louis, MO
Michael TriplettSt. Louis, MO
Michael GriewingInspection Pros of St. Louis LLCSt. Louis, MO
H Michael Schallenberger
American Property InspectionsBillings, MT
Dan McCormickEagle View Property InspectionsFort Harrison, MT
Edward HansalikSugar Hill, NH
Raymond OlivierPeace of Mind Home Inspection Pembroke, NH
Blaise IngrisanoA-ProNesconset, NY
Michael LoiacanoProfessional Property Inspections, LLCYorkville, NY
Paul ChowSTONETOWER Home Inspection ServicesRego Park, NY
Moshe LapchinskyInspector Guy, LLCMonsey, NY
David MillardMillard Home Inspections LLCLouisville, OH
Geoff DuncanChoice Home Inspection Services Stow, OH
Charles WolfeAmerican Home ConsultantsCoolville, OH
Kevin MillerRainier, OR
Bruce SmithNeighbor's Home Inspection LLCEast McKeesport, PA
E. Patrick JosephEssential Home InspectionsBridgeville, PA
Andrew CohenResource Home Inspection Services, LLCMurrysville, PA
Brian WeischedelEast Penn Home Inspection, LLCHarleysville, PA
Michael WatsonPillar to PostPittsburgh, PA
Sam LesliePillar To PostMount Pleasant, SC
Michael ValtierraTNT Home InspectionsDallas, TX
Clark CoveyCovey Inspection Services, PLLCFlower Mound, TX
H Ryan AsmussenPillar to PostClinton, UT
Victor WalshLogan, UT
Jeremiah SargentUS InspectNorth Chesterfield, VA
Austen JordanNshore Home ServicesChesapeake, VA
Raymond MontminyGHISpringfield, VA
Adam ComeauFinal Analysis Property InspectionVirginia Beach, VA
Shawn McQuistonMaple Valley, WA
H Jenny DaileySeattle, WA
Dan MooreHomesweet InspectionSeattle, WA
Bran MeadeSeattle, WA
Matthew Van CleaveVancouver , WA
Eric JohnsonPillar to Post Seattle, WA
James SmithJL Smith Home InspectionsFall City, WA
LaPlante GillesWaasis, NB, Canada
ASHI Great Lakes Chapter Fall ConferenceWhen: September 25-26
Where: Holiday Inn
17201 Northline Road
Southgate, MI
Contact: [email protected]
734-283-4400
Tri-State ASHI ConferenceWhen: October 9, 2015
Where: Temple University Ambler
Campus
Learning Center
580 Meetinghouse Road
Ambler, PA 19002
CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs
Contact: www.tristateashi.org
Keystone ASHI Inspection SeminarWhen: October 30 - 31, 2015
Where: Crowne Plaza Reading
1741 Papermill Road
Reading, PA 19601
CEUs: 16 ASHI CEs
Contact: dave@thehomeinspecto
rinc.com
Mid-Missouri ASHI ChapterEducational SeminarWhen: November 6, 2015
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Columbia Board of
Realtors Office
Columbia, MO
CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs
Contact: www.midmoashi.com
ASHI Chapter Education
H. Tyler MahleyBPGSt. Louis, MO
Alex MarrufoAmeriSpecAlbuquerque, NM
Frank KishelABI Inspections LLC Boardman, OH
Joshua AllenAllen Home InspectionsDayton, OH
Steve GregoryGregory Enterprises, LLC dba NPIFloyd, VA
To have your chapter seminar listed in this section: Email all information about your chapter seminar to [email protected].
Be sure to include all information: when, where, CEUs & a link for more information or contact information.
Information also will be picked up from CE applications.
Saturday, June 20, had a new (first-time) “Home Maintenance 2” class
for 10 Habitat for Humanity-Northern Fox Valley volunteers and home
recipients, in Elgin, IL. Lasted over two hours, lots of discussion and
questions! Each attendee received a copy of Tom Feiza's How To
Operate Your Home.
Jack Fehlandt
ASHI Retired Member
HURRY! If you haven’t voted on the pro-posed Bylaw concern-ing reducing the size of the ASHI Board of Directors, you still have a few days.
You should have received an email with a link to voting. If you haven’t, it may have gone to your spam/junk file.
If you’d like to review what the Bylaw change is, go to Page 7 of the July 2015 ASHI Reporter. Whatever you decide, please vote. This is YOUR association and YOU decide how it’s run.
Thank you!
ASHI Reporter • August 201530 31August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 31
NORTH CENTRAL
ASHI Central PA www.ashicentralpa.comSecond Monday, 6 pm, except Jan. & July, Bonanza Steak House, Walnut Bottom Rd., CarlisleWilliam Weitzel, [email protected]
Keystone (PA)www.keystoneashi.orgFirst Monday, 5:30 pmThe Crowne Plaza, ReadingDavid Artigliere, [email protected]
Ohiowww.ohioashi.comHoward Snyder, [email protected]
North Central Ohiowww.ncohioashi.comWilliam Stone, 216 [email protected]
Pocono-Lehigh (PA)www.pocono-lehighashi.orgThird Tuesday, Tannersville Inn, TannersvilleRonald Crescente, [email protected]
PRO ASHI (PA)www.proashi.comSecond Wednesday of Jan., March, May, July & Nov.John Fleenor, 412-862-1443 [email protected]
Tri-State (DE, NJ, PA)www.tristateashi.orgSecond Tuesday except April, Aug. & Dec., Dave & Buster's Plymouth Meeting, PAVince Tecca 215-527-5710 [email protected]
MIDWEST
Central Illinoiswww.cicashi.comSecond Monday, 6 pmKevan Zinn, [email protected]
Great Lakes (IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI)For monthly meetings:www.greatinspectors.com/ schedule-of-events/Carol Case, 734-284-4501 [email protected]
Greater Omaha (NE)www.ashiomaha.comRick Crnkovich, [email protected]
Heartland (IA, MN, ND, SD, WI)www.ashiheartland.comReuben Saltzman, [email protected]
Indiana ASHIwww.inashi.comQuarterlyDanny Maynard, [email protected]
Iowa ASHIwww.iowaashichapter.orgFourth Tuesday, 5:30 pm Clarion Inn, Cedar RapidsMike Tomash, [email protected]
Kentuckiana (IN, KY)www.ashikentuckiana.orgAllan Davis, 502-648-9294elitehomeinspections@ insightbb.com
Mid-Missouriwww.midmoashi.comSecond Thursday, 12:00 pm Even months of the year. Columbia Board of Realtors office. 2309 I-70 Drive NW Columbia, MOStuart Spradling, 573-874-9797 [email protected]
Northern Illinoiswww.nicashi.comSecond Wednesday, 5:30 pmAssociate Corner Dinner, 6:30 pm Main Presentation, 7:00 pmCrazypour,105 E. North Ave.Villa Park, ILSteve Reilly, [email protected]
SOUTH MIDWEST
ArkansasRichard Kirkman, [email protected]
Great Plains (KS, MO)www.ashikc.orgSecond Wednesday of even months, The Great Wolf Lodge, Kansas CityMiki Mertz, [email protected]
Midwest PRO ASHI (KS)Jack Koelling, [email protected]
St. Louis (MO)www.stlashi.orgSecond Tuesday, 6:30 pm Spazio’s at WestportFrank Copanas, [email protected]
MOUNTAIN
Arizonawww.azashi.orgTony Hecht, [email protected]
New MexicoFirst Saturday, 10 amCharles Smith, [email protected]
Northern Coloradowww.ncc-ashi.orgSecond Thursday, 6:30 pm Fairfield Inn, LovelandChris Elliott, [email protected]
Northern Rockies (ID, MT) Lamar Rase, [email protected]
Rocky MountainFourth Tuesday, 6:30 pmKathleen Barbee, [email protected]
Southern Coloradowww.ashi-southerncolorado.orgSecond Thursday, 6:30 pm Valley Hi Golf Club, Colo. SpringsMike Meyer, [email protected]
Utahwww.ashiutah.comFirst Tuesday, 7 pm Marie Callender’s, MidvaleFred Larsen, [email protected]
PACIFIC
AlaskaSecond Thursday, Jitters Coffee House, Eagle RiverJim Foss, [email protected]
ASHI Hawaiiwww.ashihawaii.comAlex Woodbury, [email protected]
CaliforniaRandy Pierson, [email protected]
Central Valley CREIA-ASHIPeter Boyd, [email protected]
Golden Gate (CA)www.ggashi.comJohn Fryer, [email protected]
Inland Northwest (ID, WA)Chris Munro, [email protected]
Orange County CREIA-ASHI (CA)Third Monday, 5:30 pm Hometown Buffet, 2321 S. Bristol, Santa AnaRalph Bertke, [email protected]
Oregonwww.oahi.orgFourth Tuesday, 6:30 pm 4534 SE McLoughlin Blvd. PortlandKen Meyer, [email protected]
San Diego CREIA-ASHIFirst Tuesday each month Dave and Buster's, San DiegoSean Blasius, [email protected]
San Joaquin Valley (CA)Third Tuesday, 6 pm Rice Bowl, Bakersfield, CASam Jabuka, [email protected]
Silicon Valley ASHI-CREIA (CA)www.siliconvalleyinspector.comFelix A. Pena, [email protected]
Southwestern IdahoSecond MondayDavid Reish, [email protected]
Los Angeles-Greater San Gabriel ValleySecond Tuesday, 6 pm Old Spaghetti Factory, DuarteLarry Habben, [email protected]
Los Angeles-Ventura County ASHI-CREIAFirst Thursday, 5 pm Holiday Inn, Woodland HillsBob Guyer, [email protected]
South Bay (CA)Webinar meetingsRandy Pierson, [email protected]
Western Washingtonwww.ashiww.comMichael Brisbin, [email protected]
NEW ENGLAND/CANADA
British Columbiawww.cahpi.bc.caGary Poirer, [email protected]
CAHPI Atlantic www.cahpi-alt.comBlaine Swan, [email protected]
CAHPI Ontariowww.oahi.comDonald Beneteau, [email protected]
Coastal Connecticutwww.coastalctashi.orgThird Thursday, 6 pm, Westport VFW Lodge, 465 Riverside Avenue, WestportGene Autore, [email protected]
New England (ME, MA, NH, RI, VT)www.ashinewengland.orgFourth Thursday, 5 pmThe Lantana, Randoph, MAMichael Atwell, [email protected]
Northern New England (ME, MA, NH, VT)www.nnec-ashi.orgBob McDonald, [email protected]
Prairies (Alberta) (CAHI)www.cahpi-ab.caBert Bruinsma, [email protected]
Quebec AIBQwww.aibq.qc.caGermain Frechette, [email protected]
Southern New England (CT)www.snecashi.orgFirst Tuesdays, 6:30 pmBilly T’s, 150 Sebethe Dr.Cromwell, CTRichard W. Hall, [email protected]
NEW YORK/JERSEY/ DELAWARE
Capitol Region (NY)www.goashi.com Third Thursday, 7 pm, Doratos Steakhouse and Pub, Guilderland Robert Davis, [email protected]
Central New Yorkwww.cnyashi.comSecond Wednesday, 6 pm, Tony’s Family Restaurant, SyracusePeter Apgar, [email protected]
First State (DE)www.firststateashi.orgThird Wednesday, 7 pm The Buzz Ware Center, 2121 The Highway, ArdenMark Desmond, [email protected]
Garden State (NJ)www.gardenstateashi.comSecond Thursday, The Westwood, GarwoodBret Kaufmann, [email protected]
Greater Rochester (NY)www.ashirochester.comSecond Tuesday, 6 pm, Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, IrondequoitJohn White, [email protected]
Hudson Valley (NY)SecondTuesday, 6 pm, Daddy O’s Restaurant3 Turner StreetHopewell Junction, NY 12533Michael Skok, 845-592-1442 [email protected]
Long Island (NY)www.liashi.comThird Monday, 6 pm, Domenico’s Restaurant, LevittownSteven Rosenbaum, [email protected]
New York Metro www.nyashi.comLast Thursday, Eldorado West Restaurant-Diner, TarrytownRaymond Perron, 914-329-2584 [email protected]
Southern New Jersey (NJ)www.southernnjashi.comThird Wednesday, 6:30 pm Ramada Inn, BordentownRick Lobley, [email protected]
Western New YorkSecond Thursday, 6:30 pm Tony Rome’s West SenecaAndy Utnik, [email protected]
MID-ATLANTIC
Central Virginiawww.cvashi.org
First Thursday, 6:30 pm, Indepen-dence Golf Club, MidlothianRay McMurdy, [email protected]
Greater Baltimore (MD)www.greaterbaltimoreashi.orgThird Thursday except July & Aug., 6:30 pm, Snyder Willow Grove Restaurant, LinthicumStephen R. Dallmus, 410-323-7600 [email protected]
Hampton Roads (VA)Second Thursday, 7 pm, Cypress Point Country Club, Virginia BeachGuillermo Hunt, [email protected]
MAC-ASHI (MD, VA)www.mac-ashi.comSecond Wednesday, Rockville Senior Center, RockvilleJohn Vaughn, [email protected]
NOVA-ASHI (MD, VA)www.novaashi.comFourth Tuesday, Associate hour 6-7 pm, Membership meeting 7-9 pm Northern Virginia Resources Center, FairfaxFerando [email protected]
Piedmont ASHI (VA)Robert Huntley, [email protected]
SOUTH ATLANTIC
ASHI Georgiawww.ashigeorgia.comGregg Allen, 770-745-7574gregg@totalhomeinspections atlanta.com
East Tennesseewww.etashi.orgThird Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. and Nov.Paul Perry, [email protected]
Mid-TennesseeRay Baird, [email protected]
Mid-South (TN)Steven Campbell, [email protected]
North Carolinawww.ncashi.comThird Wednesday, 3 pm, Quality Inn at Guilford Convention Center, GreensboroLarry Conway, [email protected]
South CarolinaFirst Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. & Nov., 8 amRoger Herdt, [email protected]
GULF
ASHI South (AL)www.ashisouth.orgQuarterly, Homewood Library, HomewoodDerl Nelson, [email protected]
Central Floridawww.centralfloridaashi.orgSecond Tuesday, 6:30 pmBill Labita, [email protected]
FLASHI (FL)First Tuesday except July, 6 pm Golden China, 11112 San Jose Blvd., JacksonvilleDavid Sorge, [email protected]
Florida Wiregrasswww.ashiwiregrass.orgSecond Wednesday, 6:30 pm Hyundai of Wesley ChapelNancy Janosz, [email protected]
Gulfcoast (FL)First Thursday, 7 pm, The Forest Country Club, Fort MyersLen Gluckstal, [email protected]
Gulfstream (FL)Ralph Cabal, [email protected]
Lone Star (TX)www.ashitexas.orgCraig Lemmon, [email protected]
LouisianaQuarterlyMichael Burroughs, [email protected]
Suncoast (FL)www.ashisuncoast.comFirst Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Please see our website for meeting locations.Steve Acker, [email protected]
Southwest Floridawww.swashi.comSecond Wednesday, 6 pm Holiday Inn, Lakewood Ranch6321 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota Michael Meesit, [email protected]
ASHI Chapters Find the Chapter Nearest You and Join Today Chapter meetings and contacts are subject to change. Please contact the chapter to confirm meeting time and location.
Continues top of next column ...
ASHI Reporter • August 201532 33August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 33
CURRENT ASHI
MEMBERSHIP
ASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,359
Inspectors/Logo: 108
Associates: 1,826
Retired Members: 90
Affiliates: 73
TOTAL: 5,513 Members as of 7/11/2015
ASHI’s E&O Insurance Program: Business Risk Partners (BRP)www.inspectorinsurance.com 866-268-1327
ASHI Personal Lines Insurance Program: Liberty Mutualwww.libertymutual.com/ashi
ASHI Service Program BuildFaxTricia Julian, 877-600-BFAX [email protected]://go.buildfax.com/ASHI
ASHI Customer Appreciation Program: Moverthankyou.comBrent Skidmore, [email protected]
HomeAdvisor.comBrett Symes, 913-529-2683www.homeadvisor.com [email protected]
LegalShieldJoan Buckner, 505-821-3971buckner.legalshieldassociate.combuckner@legalshieldassociate.com
InspectionContracts.comDave Goldstein, 800-882-6242www.inspectioncontracts.comdavid@inspectoreducation.com
OneSource Solutions877-274-8632http://www.osconnects.com/ashi/
Porch.comEliab Sisay, [email protected]
ASHI Rebate ProgramQuill.comDana Fishman, 800-634-0320 x1417www.quill.com/[email protected] Platinum Provider Millionaire Inspector CommunityMike [email protected] that you are an ASHI member
ASHI-ENDORSED ExamsASHI Standard and Ethics Education ModuleGo 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 [email protected]
The ASHI SchoolKendra Eiermann, 888-884-0440 [email protected] www.TheASHISchool.com
Speaker: Jim Funkhouser 571-214-4039 [email protected]
Alternate Speaker:John Wessling St. Louis, MO [email protected]
Secretary:Brendan Ryan 724-898-1414 [email protected]
Group Leaders
New England/CanadaMike Atwell 617-285-8554 [email protected]
New York/New JerseyJerry Sanangini 856-232-6607 [email protected]
Mid-AtlanticJim Funkhouser 571-214-4039 [email protected]
MidwestMichael J. Von Gunten 262-945-2446 [email protected]
South AtlanticRichard Hart 770-827-2200 [email protected]
GulfJohn Knudsen 334-221-0876 [email protected]
South MidwestPaul MacNeill 314-392-9313 [email protected]
North CentralBrendan Ryan 724-898-1414 [email protected]
MountainMarcus Richter 520-271-8582 info@handsonhome inspection.com
PacificScott Swickard 949-454-1389 [email protected]
ASHI Council of Representatives
Speakers and Group Leaders
ASHI Event Calendar � October 22-24, 2015
LTC and ASHI Board Meetings Des Plaines, IL
� January 24-27, 2016 InspectionWorld® and ASHI Board Meetings San Diego, CA
Thirty Years Danny Maynard
Twenty-five Years Ronald HamblinDaniel BlumStephen Pelle
Twenty YearsSteven AckerPeter EngleScott BenkertDavid BunkerRonald MeelyDaniel Merrion
Alan ChaseKim ComanDavid VenableDan JonesRob Schwindt Michael ConnollyMelvin Jacobs
Ten YearsDan MeyersThomas ReckeDaniel WhiteknactGreg ShawnJim KasterkoDrew GordonMichael Myers
Five YearsBill Compton Malcolm Hund John Bowley Tim Krof Gary Cuchna Stephen Gaudet Corey DePenning Joseph BrandliDoug Thomas William Henning Jay Hensleigh Thomas Perez Michael BenderBrian CogleyWendell Montgomery
ASHI-ENDORSED MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT PROGRAMS
� You may now pay your ASHI dues on a monthly basis. • You just click on the link in the email you received on July 7 • You’ll have 12 low payments • You’ll have better cash flow
� Listing on the ASHI Find an Inspector section of the website. Homeowners, homebuyers and real estate professionals rely on the ASHI Find an Inspector function to find an inspector in their area. Did you know that one or two inspections from the Find an Inspector tool will pay for your membership?
� ASHI’s Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics are nationally recognized as the standard for home inspection.
� ASHI is the only association for home inspectors accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, which allows ASHI Certified Inspectors to use the ACI designation.
� Free, online inspector education. The Online Learning Center covers the core subjects of ASHI’s Standards of Practice. Each module includes dynamic exercises and a comprehensive exam. Some modules are state approved.
� A one-year subscription to the ASHI Reporter print magazine and access to the ASHI Reporter online (www.ashireporter.org), which includes more than 10 years of archived issues.
� ASHI’s Online Marketplace offers great deals on marketing publications, technical information and more for your home inspection business.
� Special ASHI member rates on Errors & Omissions Insurance (E&O) and prepaid legal services program, from ASHI’s endorsed providers.
� Member rate at InspectionWorld® 2016 in San Diego. Look for up-to-date state approvals for courses and more information at www.inspectionworld.org.
� ASHI’s public relations program provides millions of potential readers with information about ASHI.
A Community of Successful Professionals� ASHI Chapters offer technical education, marketing and business-building
tips, networking opportunities and camaraderie.
� Use ASHI’s social media — Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn — to obtain and share information and experiences with other inspectors from around the
country. H
Renew Your ASHI MembershipSame membership rates as last year – no increase
For Your Business, Your CareerMembership benefits & value
Questions?
The ASHI staff welcomes your questions and comments at 847-759-2820 or [email protected].
JULY ANNIVERSARIES
ASHI Reporter • August 201534 35August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 35
444 Preparing for an IRS Audit
NEW POSTCARDS EMAIL!! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: [email protected]
Q. Why is The ASHI School the leader in home
inspection education and training?
A. Best known for its pre-license home
inspection courses, The ASHI School
incorporates the very best instructors from
across the country to achieve a reputation of
excellence in education.
Furthermore, the school offers other ancillary courses to assist home inspectors who want to further their careers and, in turn, achieve greater success in this competitive field of study. Currently, the school offers three additional classes: MOLD – Healthy Environmental Living Program (HELP) Infrared (IR) Thermography and Commercial Inspections.
MOLD – Healthy Environmental Living Program (HELP)This 12- to 18-hour class is based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines and covers basic material and more to provide students with an advanced understanding of mold and mildew, with an emphasis on identifying the presence of mold in buildings. Covering the latest in mold-sampling techniques and mold remediation, the course teaches the student about the impact of water intrusion within a building. A supplementary class on proper mold cleaning is also available.
Infrared (IR) ThermographyThe two-day IR Thermography course is designed to instruct the professional home inspector in the practice of thermography, which is the study of heat distribution in structures or regions. Training includes infrared fundamentals, infrared camera operation, thermal science and heat transfer. Attendees learn how to create professional IR thermography reports through image interpretation and the use of correct terminology.
Commercial InspectionsOur three-day Commercial Inspections Class, taught by Richard Weldon, P.E., is always well attended and highly acclaimed. This class offers an opportunity to diversify your home inspection business and generate up to 80% more revenue than residential in-spection in the same amount of time. You will learn how to get into the commercial inspection business. We will cover everything from business practices to technical inspection, with special emphasis on using the “team approach” for commercial inspections. You will learn where and when a consultant is required, and how to find and work with consultants.
As the home inspection industry expands and becomes more diverse in its application, The ASHI School will continue to be the frontrunner in education and training. H
UPCOMING PRE-LICENSE HOME INSPECTION CLASSES
August 24-September 4, 2015• Cypress, CA
September 14-25, 2015• Lakewood, CO • Des Plaines, IL• St. Louis, MO • Cincinnati, OH • Leesburg, VA
September 21-October 2, 2015• Cumming, GA• Tampa, FL
ADDITIONAL CLASSES OFFERED BY THE ASHI SCHOOLMOLD – Healthy Environmental Living Program (2-day class)• September 26-27, 2015 – Des Plaines, IL Commercial Inspections (3-day class)• October 24-26, 2015 – Des Plaines, IL • January 28-31, 2016 – San Diego, CA
Advancing Your Career With the ASHI School ProgramBy The ASHI School Staff
I Spy With my Eagle Eye …
Daniel LandLand Made LLCBethel, CT
At Least They Installed the Cleanout in a Convenient Location.
“Dang? Used a whole tube of caulk and it still leaks!”
Ken MeyerPortico Home Inspection LLCPortland, OR
“Well, that was the last shim. It'll have to do”
Ken MeyerPortico Home Inspection LLCPortland,OR
… the tag on the can light telling the installer not to install in direct contact with insula-tion due to fire safety concerns.
Matthew StegerWIN Home Inspection - Elizabethtown Elizabethtown, PA
… potential fatalities forthe homeowner. This was easy to miss at first glance.
James FossFoss Home InspectionsHancock, MI
I Sure Hope This PRV Never Gets ActivatedApparently, Someone Can't Read …
More is BetterCaulk Fixes Everything.
Clear regular 3/8" plastic tubing, melting time a few seconds.
Norman BodewigAccu-Rate Home Inspections Tierra Verde, FL
ASHI Reporter • August 201536 37August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 37
Standard160 pages350+ illustrations$18.95
Professional304 pages600+ illustrations$29.95
Basic80 pages125+ illustrations$14.95
$4.00 $6.50 $3.00Your cost as low as:
Help Your Customers and Boost Your Business
Throw the book at ’em!
20% off first order for new customers! Call our office for details.Huge discounts and custom printingavailable on large orders.
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Provide extra valueHelp customers understand all systems for greater enjoyment of their homesAdd your contact information to this helpful referenceReduce your liability by educating your customers
Here’s a Novel Approach to Keeping Mice out of the Attic.
If Your AC Overheats, Plug in a fan.
Dave GrudzinskiAdvantage Home InspectionCranston, RI
Jay HensleighAssociated Master InspectorsHillsboro, OR
Michael Chambers The BrickKicker of St. LouisSt Louis, MO
When you Want Warm, Moist MailFuel Source? Check. Ignition Source? Check. Ready? 3-2-1 FIRE!
They Aren’t Even Pretty!
GOT POSTCARDS?We‘d love to share them!
Please send your 1. name, 2. company,
3. city, 4. state, 5. photos, 6. headings & 7. captions
An outlet installed in an A/C disconnect.
Larry BrooksAlatech Home Inspection ServiceAlexandria, AL
Jay HensleighAssociated Master InspectorsHillsboro, OR
ASHI Reporter • August 201538 39August 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 39
SAVE THE DATE • January 24-27, 2016Join us in the celebration as ASHI marks 40 years
as a leader in the home inspection industry.
ASHI’s annual meeting and the largest education conference and expo for professional home inspectors.
> Over 45 expertly led educational sessions
> Popular networking and social events > Exhibits providing the latest information on tools and technology
> Earn 20 ASHI CEs, state CEs and many industry association credits
Town and Country Resort, San Diego www.towncountry.com Room rate $148/night (taxes not included) WiFi included. Parking $5/day.
Reservation site: https://aws.passkey.com/event/13855072/owner/27934/home
Conference registration begins September 1, 2015
A special raffle will be held October 1 when five lucky registrants will receive complimentary registration to InspectionWorld San Diego.
to learn about new products and materials that are coming to the market. Some of these products fail from time to time, result-ing in multimillion-dollar lawsuits. InspectionWorld® brings this type of information to light.
From time to time, I’ve heard that some new inspectors find the cost of InspectionWorld too expensive. My advice for new in-spectors is that the information and contacts you will gain make InspectionWorld® well worth the cost — this is a conference that inspectors should include in their business plan.
The conference provides an opportunity to obtain the mandatory continuing education credits and, with the diverse educational
tracks included in the conference, there’s a wealth of information to help new inspectors achieve success. As an added benefit, the weather in San Diego is fantastic! Consider going out to California a little early and make it a combined business-pleasure opportunity by enjoying some of San Diego’s features and landscape.
In addition to the educational opportunities at InspectionWorld, this year ASHI is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Last year, 850 inspectors attended InspectionWorld in Philadelphia. Let’s make the 40th anniversary celebration one to remember and see if at least 1,000 inspectors attend InspectionWorld in San Diego. Come and be a part of “40 Years of Trust.” See you there. H
Earlier this year, we selected the speakers for the upcoming San Diego InspectionWorld® conference. The conference will
be held January 24-27, 2016. We selected 45 speakers whose topics fit into the following five tracks:
- Essential Track- Advanced Learning- Environmental Track- Specialty Diversification- Business Management
The Essential Track is aimed at new inspectors, while the Advanced Learning and Building Science and Structure tracks cater to more experienced inspectors. Information about additional services (for example, radon, decks and pools) are a part of the Specialty Diversification track.
The Business Management track is a must for all inspectors. Learn-ing the ins and outs of home inspection is only a part of the overall business. Managing the business is also required and this track helps outline what is required to make the business successful.
Another highlight of InspectionWorld® is having the opportunity
By ASHI President, Alden Gibson
