ashi reporter feb issue
DESCRIPTION
Home inspection information for home inspectors and consumers.TRANSCRIPT
1 February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 1
WINDOW WELLS p11
Minority Business Owners Rewarded in Home Inspection | 9
Tax Tips for the Home Inspector | 16Service Philosophy:
Under-Promise and Over-Deliver | 8The Word: Plumbing Pipes | 21
ReporterASH
I FEBRUARY 2015
Inspection News & Views from the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.
Features 9 | Minority Business Owners Rewarded in Home Inspection Sally Chapralis
11 | Window Wells Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd.
16 | Tax Tips for the Home Inspector Tim Buell ACI, ASHI Treasurer and Dave Haught, ACI, MIES, EP, Director - Ohio Chapter
18 | Service Philosophy – Under-Promise and Over-Deliver Alan Carson, ACI, Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd.
21 | The Word: Plumbing Pipes Bruce Barker, ACI
26 | What do yo do When Someone “Sells” Your Report? Randy West, ACI
Departments 6 | Building on the Knowledge of Others Frank Lesh, Executive Director
14 | Herspective From the Women of ASHI Interview With Joanne MacKintosh
28 | ASHI Community New Inspector Status, Chapters, Education
32 | Your ASHI Membership News & More
34 | You Tell Us Letters from Our Readers
36 | Postcards From the Field It’s Wacky Out There
38 | Get to Know the New ASHI President, Alden Gibson Alden Gibson, ASHI President
February 2015 Vol. 32, #2
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IReporter
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5February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 5ASHI Reporter | February 20154
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: Sally Chapralis
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
Spring Hill, TN, [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, 703-409-9762 [email protected]
Donald Lovering 2015-2016 Auburndale, MA, 617-698-3903 [email protected]
Scott Patterson 2013-2015
Milford, MA 508-634-2010 [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, TreasurerHilliard, OH, [email protected]
Larry Cerro, SecretaryTallahassee, FL, [email protected]
Bill Loden, Immediate Past-PresidentMadison, AL, [email protected]
Officers
Directors
Executive DirectorFrank Lesh, Executive Director, 847-954-3182, [email protected]
Bonnie Bruno, Executive Assistant, 847-954-3177 [email protected]
Kimberly McGraw, Project Coordinator, 847-954-3179 [email protected]
Education, CE Approval, Smart TrackMichele George, Director of Education & Events, 847-954-3188 [email protected]
Membership, Chapter Relations, Booth Rental, Product OrdersRussell Daniels, Director of Chapter Relations, 847-954-3185 [email protected]
Mark Lester, Office Services Coordinator, 847-954-3176 [email protected]
Janet George, Membership Services Supervisor, 847-954-3180 [email protected]
Jen Gallegos, Membership Administrator, 847-954-3175 [email protected] Accounting, Human ResourcesBelienda Schultz, Accounting Manager, 847-954-3190 [email protected]
Beverly Canham, Financial Assistant, 847-954-3184, [email protected]
Website, Information Systems, DatabaseMike 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, Communications Design Manager, 847-954-3186 [email protected]
The ASHI School Jack McGraw, Managing Director, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3178 [email protected]
Steve Reilly, Senior Sales Representative, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3181, [email protected]
Kendra Eiermann, Administrative Assistant, 847-954-3198 [email protected]
ASHI Staff
Main Phone: 847-759-2820, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri., CST
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7February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 7ASHI Reporter | February 20156
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LAST MONTH I POKED FUN AT THE VENERABLE MAGLITES® many of us used in the past. But I did that out of respect. There’s no question modern technology has forged improvements in home inspection equipment, but let’s not forget what brought us to the dance.
Those of you who’ve been around for a while may have used this trick before, but for some it may be the first time you’ve heard it. What I’m about to tell you I learned from Dwight Barnett, a member of the Great Lakes Chapter who the folks in Evansville, IN, can’t seem to get rid of. Back before moisture meters became reliable and more importantly, affordable, he told me to use my Maglite® to test for moisture behind shower/tub tile.
Now, before you jump to erroneous conclusions, the Mag couldn’t directly detect moisture, but it sure could determine if the tiles were loose. The sound that firm tiles make clearly resonates in the enclosure. The sound of loose tiles is duller or muffled. Through experience, we can pretty much agree that the most likely reason tiles become loose in a shower/tub enclosure is because of moisture. It doesn’t take a Bill Loden to figure that out. For those of you scratching your heads about why I mentioned Bill, it’s because in his former life, he was a rocket scientist at NASA.
The only drawback to Dwight’s method of using the Mag was that if the tiles were really loose, they’d fall into the tub with a resound-ing clamor, not unlike a loose slot machine. Which, of course, would draw the attention and disdain of the home- owner or listing agent. Surely accusations would follow proclaiming, “The inspector caused that to happen, everything was fine until he knocked a hole in my shower.” And the home inspector would be like a loose slot, paying out hard-earned money for a latent defect. If you want to see some classic old technology, copy and paste this link: Skip to 1:50 to see the tip.
http://www.homeinspector.org/docs/Inspecting_Tiles_Tip.mov
Once I could afford my first Protimeter Surveymaster moisture meter, things became a lot easier for me. But like any new technology, I had to be careful to interpret the data accurately. For example, a moisture meter will beep if it detects moisture,
but it may also give a false positive if it detects a piece of metal behind whatever is being checked. You definitely don’t want someone ripping off perfectly good tile that you’ve said is moisture laden if all that’s really back there is a plumbing pipe or a piece of conduit.
I’ve been fortunate in my career to have followed in the path of some great inspectors who didn’t hesitate to share their hard-earned knowledge. I think that’s one of the most important reasons ASHI is such a well-respected organization.
If you have any tips or comments that you’d like to share, don’t hesitate to drop me a line. Knowledge freely given will always trump technology.
Frank Lesh, Executive Director American Society of Home Inspectors
Direct: 847-954-3182 [email protected] • www.ashi.org
ASHI Reporter | February 20158 9February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 9
Buyers expect “new” to be synonymous with “clean,” but I’ve seen new homes and homes still under construction that had mold problems.
Minority Business Owners Rewarded in Home Inspection BY SALLY CHAPRALIS
Minority Business Owners Rewarded in Home Inspection
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Guillermo took a correspondence course through the American Home Inspection Training Institute. “It was all starting to come together. The general public was now more aware of the importance of home inspections, my experience in the construction industry as well as related fields gave me good credentials, and Realtors encouraged me to join ASHI, which I did in May 2001.”
Being a minority, black and Hispanic (born in Panama), was a challenge at first. “It took six or seven years before I met another black inspector,” Guillermo notes. “When I went on interviews, the hesitancy to hire me was apparent, but I believe my education and experience showed through. Home inspection has been a ‘majority’ business. However, when a broker asked for my business card, I knew times were changing.”
Guillermo established his own home inspection business in 1998. “I was learning more about ASHI and started attending Hampton Roads Chapter programs. I was the only minority person for about four years. Being a minority in a field does, of course, present challenges but it encouraged me to persevere. My experience and involvement have proven rewarding.”
Noting that Hunt’s Home Inspection is doing well, even during the recession, Guillermo says, “I’m so happy I made the career change.”
Guillermo served on the national ASHI Membership Committee for two terms. He has also been a member of the Hampton Roads Chapter Board of Directors, serving as Vice President of the chapter for two, two-year terms and is currently in the second half of his second term. “Our goal is to keep the chapter strong. We now have another minority member so there are two of us.”
Besides growing his home inspection business, what are Guillermo’s goals? “I want to mentor other home inspec-tors. Mentoring is a rewarding experi-ence, one we can all benefit from, and it can lead to new insights, connec-tions and opportunities.”
> Marlon Page – Home Inspection Pros
My strong passion for buying and rehabbing residential and commercial real estate dates back over 20 years ago.
God scripted my pursuit into the home inspection business. My strong beliefs migrated me into this industry. I clearly recall discovering my detailed mechanical skills while taking builders trade classes during high school in Mississippi.
ASHI members and business owners Guillermo Hunt and Marlon Page faced the challenges of being minorities in the home inspection field. However, their perseverance, desire to learn more and entrepre-neurial spirits have proven very rewarding. Their positive experiences offer insights into home inspection’s potential for others.
> Guillermo Hunt – Hunt’s Home Inspections
“I was working for a large heating and air conditioning company in the mid-'90s but was ready for a change. I wanted to be out in the field, away from an office. As I was driving down the street, I saw all of these homes and wondered if there was a way to help them,” says Guillermo Hunt, Presi-dent of Hunt’s Home Inspections, Inc., Hampton, VA, and President of the ASHI Hampton Roads Chapter.
I shared my thoughts with my wife who helped me explore home in-spection, and what I needed to learn about the profession and its career poten-tial. In retrospect, I
truly believe that my drive down the street was a spiritual connection.”
11 February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 11ASHI Reporter | February 201510
Marlon Page
444 Minority Business Owners Rewarded in Home Inspection
Overcoming minority challenges was nothing new to me. Having the experi-ences of being raised during my era in Mississippi was a hurdle I overcame. I fast forward to Georgia and now being a successful minority business owner.
My education and experience from Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Europe all groomed me to better under-stand and handle those challenges of being a minority business owner. My strong work ethic and the mindset of “nobody can outwork me” were instilled in me dating back to my farming days with my grandfather in Mississippi. I consis-tently worked from sun up to sun down on my grandfather’s farm at a young age. My core work foundation was developed and shaped by those farming experiences.
When I graduated from Grambling State University in Louisiana, a top tier HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universi-ties) college, earning my computer infor-mation systems degree, I knew a few things for sure. I knew I needed to be professional and never confirm to any stereotypes repre-senting minorities. At Grambling I played
basketball which allowed me an outlet to unleash my competitive nature.
After graduation, I relocated to Atlanta, GA, and continued to play organized bas-ketball competitively throughout Georgia. Beyond my imagination, I was drafted and began my professional basketball career in Austria, Switzerland and France. The opportunity to play professional interna-tional basketball afforded me experiences to develop even more character and attributes of diversities of cultures.
After Europe I returned to Atlanta, the mecca for African-American businesses and entrepreneurs, to make Georgia home. I returned with success in mind. I landed a job in corporate America with a Fortune 500 company, and over the years I was groomed and developed to work in corporate marketing.
Using the money I earned in my basketball career, my wife Samone and I started investing in real estate.
With her encouragement, I pursued the home inspection business. Samone said occasionally, “You should be paid for your wealth of knowledge.” She continued to pour into me and remind me of ALL of God’s gifts such as: personality and presence. The biggest gift of all is having a well-rounded background in construction, sales, real estate and marketing, coupled with business entrepreneur attributes. My personal experience with totally rebuilding homes as well as new construction reinforced my comfort level with the industry.
I quickly learned that other professionals in the business came to rely on my profes-sional opinion. It was around this time that Samone demanded I officially enter the home inspection business. As she so elegantly put it, “No more FREE inspec-tions. You should be paid for your level of
Window Wells BY CARSON, DUNLOP & ASSOCIATES LTD.
Window Wells
WINDOW WELLS ARE TYPICALLY FOUND ON HOUSES with deep basements, where basement windows are completely or partly below the exterior grade level. Wells provide space for light, venti-lation and access to subgrade areas.
Most window wells have drains that carry water from the well to the storm sewer. These drains can be pipes filled with gravel or just a gravel column. You won’t be able to determine how effective the drain is or, in some cases, whether there even is a drain. The drain may be missing, or not visible because it is located below several inches of gravel.
A common alternate solution to a drain is a clear plastic cover that prevents rain and debris, such as blowing papers, from accumulat-ing in the well. The cover allows light in through the window, but you can’t open the window and get fresh air.
Materials Window well walls are typically made of steel, wood, poured concrete, masonry units or plastic. The floors are usually gravel.
Walls and Floor Check the walls of the window well to ensure that there has been no movement. The floor should be approximately six inches below the window frame. Wood/soil contact should be avoided.
Add Wells When Regrading Sometimes you will have to recommend the addition of window wells when you recommend grading improvements. As the grade around the house is raised, the basement window wells may end up below grade level. They will need to be replaced or extended.
Common ProblemsCommon problems include:• Missing window wells• Damaged window wells• Wood/soil contact leading to rot or rust • Drain problems
expertise.” I gained my certification from the American Home Inspector Training Institute in 2005. One of the best decisions I ever made was developing a great rela-tionship with my instructor, Bill Ross.
Bill has been instrumental in molding my industry progress, filling the gaps as a true mentor in sharing his wisdom and knowl-edge over the years. Bill has also played an instrumental role with ASHI by serving in a number of leadership positions in California. It was Bill who encouraged me to join ASHI.
I created Home Inspection Providers, LLC, dba Home Inspection Pros. The company currently covers all of north Georgia, and there are future plans is to grow Home Inspection Pros in mul-tiple states as well as the international market. One of our short-term goals is to add a minimum of five additional professional inspectors to the team within the next two years.
I’m honored that I will be serving as the first African-American President of the ASHI Georgia Chapter. It is my intention to lead by example while in office. I pride myself in bringing balance to the overall home inspection industry while partnering with ASHI.
My direct example in diversity began with Russell Daniels, ASHI’s Assistant Execu-tive Director, and Director of Membership Services and Chapter Relations. I thank Russell for being an amazing leader and offering his knowledge to me in reference to pursuing those Neiman Marcus real estate broker relationships, which we have since secured.
Thank you again, Russell.
I look forward to much success in the years to come by becoming more involved with ASHI.
ASHI Reporter | February 2015 13 February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 12 13
Missing Window WellsCheck that wells are provided for all windows within six inches of grade. If the finished grade ended up higher than intended, the window wells may be missing. Missing wells create wood/ soil contact and may cause water problems in the foundation or basement. Metal windows and frames may rust, and wood components may rot.
Adding a window well will solve these problems, but it is very expensive to provide a drain for a well on an existing house.
Damaged Window WellsWindow well walls are small retaining walls. Improvements will be needed where these retaining walls have moved or suffered damage. Damage can result from deterioration of the wall materials or soil pressure, often associated with freeze/thaw problems. Concrete walls may be spalled, cracked or leaning. Wood walls may be rotted, cracked, shifting or damaged by insect activity. Metal walls may be bowing, broken or rusted. Masonry walls may be cracked, broken and shifting. Plastic walls may be bowed or cracked.
Ensure that the walls of window wells are intact and well secured to the building. Probe wood for rot and insect damage. If the walls have deteriorated or pulled away from the building, improvements will be necessary.
Also check the grading around window wells carefully. Window wells may funnel water into the window if the grading is poor. This is common at the well/wall intersection.
Wood/Soil Contact Wood/soil contact can occur if window wells are missing or if the floor of the window well is too high as a result of inappropriate installation or debris accumulation in the well.
This problem can lead to rot and insect damage to the well walls (if wood) and to the windows and window frames, or to water entering the basement.
In some cases, the floor of the well can be lowered slightly. However, if the walls do not go down deep enough, they may need to be modified as well. It is often not possible to determine how much the well floor can be lowered during the inspection, so don’t get too specific with your advice on this issue (or any issue, for that matter).
444 Window Wells444 Window Wells
This window well is less than 6 inches above grade and there-fore should have a window well.
Drain ProblemsWindow wells should have drains, which can be open pipes that connect to downspout drains or perimeter drainage systems. The pipes may be filled with gravel.
In many cases, you won’t be able to verify the presence of the drain, but you will see evidence of nonperformance if drains are missing, not connected, broken or obstructed. Problems include water entry into the basement, rusting or rotting window frames and freeze/thaw damage on the well walls.
Warning signs to look for include:• A pipe projecting up through the center of the gravel floor.
However, the top of the pipe may not be visible. The pipe may have been removed, and there may simply be a column of gravel extending down from the gravel in the floor.
• High watermarks on the glass, sash, frames or window well walls.
• Rotting wood or rusted metal. • When you go inside, look for evidence of water running down
the foundation wall below the windows. Use your moisture meter to check the finishes below the window. (The Standards don’t require you to use a meter.) Also look for stains and damage to the finishes.
• Is the floor of the well six inches below any wood or metal in the window assembly? Is the well filled with debris?
Here’s a portion of the drain that has not been covered
A damaged concrete retaining wall.
The poorly installed window well will result in rot to the wood windows.
Clear Cover Providing a drain or improving a clogged drain can be a consider-able expense. As an alternative, a clear plastic dome cover over the window well, sealed to the wall, will deflect water away. Ensuring a proper grade slope away from the well minimizes ground water entry.
A window well with a properly fitted clear cover.
SummaryWe have discussed in detail various types of window wells and addressed the important role they have in allowing below-grade windows to exist. More importantly, we have discussed the significance a good window well has in mitigating water entry into a basement or subgrade area. More information regarding other exterior water management features can be found in the ASHI@HOME training program.
ASHI Reporter | February 201514 15February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 15
Interview with Joanne MacKintosh BY JOANNE MACKINTOSH
Herspective From the Women of ASHI
Q: Joanne, I understand that you recently came on board with the ASHI Western Washington Chapter as Executive Director. How did that come to be?
A: The position evolved over several months of discussions. The state insists on reviewing all of our educational materials now, which added a significant layer of complexity to an already difficult under-taking for the chapter leadership. My job is primarily to support the chapter officers and to provide some continuity from one year to the next. As anyone who has been a chapter officer knows, it can be a very time-consuming job. It’s difficult to organize a two-day chapter seminar from the front seat of a pick-up, or to wage a battle with the legislature after doing two inspections. For example, I work with the education chair to help find speakers, line out a venue and make sure the caterer has enough food for a gang of 100 home inspectors.
Q: But why you?
A: I was an ASHI home inspector in my previous life and had been treasurer and president of the chapter at different times. I have been involved with the chapter since 1991 when my husband, Bruce MacKintosh (MacK), first joined ASHI and soon after became chapter president himself. I stopped doing inspections a few
years ago when our son joined the com-pany but was still in contact with the local Board members. I still do the accounting and sometimes edit reports for our firm, but primarily they eased me out. I can be pretty organized and have a really good idea of what the chapter officers need help with. The main idea is for me to keep things from falling through the cracks so the chapter can continue to benefit its membership.
Q: So, you and your husband worked together?
A: MacK started his company, Centen-nial Home Inspection, in 1989, and I started working with him in 1991. I talked myself into quitting my job/career at the time, justifying it by telling him that if we worked together that "only" one or two inspections a week could make up the difference. I think we were in the midst of trying to find our third nanny in as many months. We wouldn’t have to pay for daycare, a professional wardrobe or gas for commuting, so it all made sense to me. Quitting my job sounded wonderful.
I soon went from answering the phone and editing reports to following him around on inspections. Well, that wasn’t very efficient, so we eventually divided the inspection in half, and then began doing separate in-spections. This occurred over several years as our two children progressed through school.
Working together with our own company enabled us to schedule activities with our children, work around their ball games and drive and chaperone class field trips. Of course, owning your own business also allows you to work to midnight and to decide that maybe you can’t afford that big family vacation this year.
Q: How did clients accept you?
A: Do you mean, as a woman? In the home inspection field, it was so gradual that it never seemed to be an issue. The novelty always seemed to be that we were a hus-band and wife team, working together.
I have always worked in male-dominated fields. On a lark, I headed to Alaska in 1974 and found myself in the midst of the Alyeska Pipeline construction. I worked in the main office doing accounting and then drafting. It didn’t take long to realize that it was the men living in the construc-tion camps up and down the pipeline who were making the big bucks. In the begin-ning, women were not even allowed in the camps. I remember flying up north in a bush plane with the idea of touring the camps. When the pilot radioed in to land at one of the camps, he was told that if there were women aboard he would not be cleared to land. The camp had apparently already been visited by “unauthorized” groups of women.
That was the end of a cultural revolution. Management finally relented and women were allowed to take jobs in the camps. I worked in several different camps north of the Brooks Range. That was all a great experience. After a couple years, I came out of Alaska with $25,000 in savings and took myself back to Seattle and got a civil engineering degree. I worked with heavy construction firms. MacK and I first met on the SR520 project, where he was a fore-man and I was a junior engineer. I was working on the West Seattle bridge project while I was nine months pregnant. I think there were 113 steps to the top! My crew finally insisted that I stay on the ground. They didn’t want to have to strap me to a load of lumber if I went into labor.
Q: What was the most challenging aspect/day/period of your home inspection career?
A: Easy. Going out by myself for the first time. Another challenging time was the result of MacK having a ladder “malfunc-tion” and taking a tumble onto a driveway. He was laid up while his pelvis knitted back together and then while recovering from shoulder surgery. These had to be done consecutively so that he was some-what mobile. I became essentially a “one-man” show at that point.
Q: What’s in store for the future?
A: At this point in my life, we are trying to retire. I function in support roles for Centennial as well as the chapter and I am okay with that. I support a great group of licensed professionals on a very part-time basis. My main support role is as Gr'nanny to my grandson. I see my daughter and her family almost every day, and my son every work day. Life is good.
Sneak Preview of the New ASHI Web SiteCurrently under Construction
Sneak Preview of the New ASHI Web Site
ASHI Reporter | February 2015 17 February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 16 17
444 Tax Tips for the Home InspectorTax Tips for the Home Inspector
Tax Tips for the Home Inspector TIM BUELL, ACI, ASHI TREASURER 2015 DAVE HAUGHT, ACI, MIES, EP, DIRECTOR - OHIO CHAPTER
Most of us are not looking forward to completing our tax return, but it is that time of the year, so here are some tips from two former CPAs. You can expense just about anything in your business, but not every expense is tax-deductible.
These tips are general in nature and no specific advice is offered or intended. You may use these tips as a reference in filing your tax return, but we also strongly recommend the help of a tax adviser, tax
lawyer, accountant or CPA.
According to Intuit, Kiplinger Letter and Money Magazine, here are a few of the most commonly
missed deductions:
State income tax - If you purchased a vehicle, boat or airplane, you get to add the state sales tax you paid to the amount shown in IRS tables for your state, to the extent the sales tax rate you paid doesn’t exceed the state’s general sales tax rate. The same goes for home building materials you purchased. These items are easy to overlook. The IRS even has a calculator on its Web site to help you figure out the deduction, which varies by your state and income level.
Out-of-pocket charitable contributions - The little things add up, too, and you can write off out-of-pocket costs you incur while doing good deeds. For example, the cost of stamps you buy for your school’s fundraiser counts as a charitable contribution. If you drove your car for charity in 2014, remember to deduct 14 cents per mile.
We recommend considering classifying some of your business contributions as advertising. As long as your company was listed and advertised as a sponsor or contributor, you may be able to avoid some charitable giving limitations.
Student loan paid by Mom and Dad - In the past, if parents paid back a student loan incurred by their children, no one got a tax break. To get a deduction, the law said that you had to be both liable for the debt and actually pay it yourself. But now there’s an exception. If Mom and Dad pay back the loan, the IRS treats it as though they gave the money to their child, who then paid the debt. So a child who’s not claimed as a dependent can
qualify to deduct up to $2,500 of student loan interest paid by Mom and Dad.
State income taxes you paid last year - Did you owe taxes when you filed your 2013 state tax return in 2014? If so, then remember to include that amount with your state tax itemized deduction on your 2014 return, along with state income taxes withheld from your paychecks or paid via quarterly estimated payments. Refinancing mortgage points - When you buy a house, you get to deduct points paid to obtain your mortgage all at one time. When you refinance a mortgage, however, you have to deduct the points over the life of the loan. That means you can deduct 1/30th of the points a year if it’s a 30-year mortgage—that’s $33 a year for each $1,000 of points you paid.
Also, in the year you pay off the loan—because you sell the house or refinance again—you get to deduct all the points not yet deducted, unless you refinance with the same lender.
Vehicle deduction - In 2014 the IRS allows 56 cents per mile for business miles driven, 23.5 cents for medical or moving expenses and 14 cents for charitable work. With business mileage, the IRS frowns on deducting 100%, realizing your work vehicle can be used personally as well. If you keep track of annual miles driven, the IRS allows for up to 80% of those miles deducted. Remember if you use mileage you cannot deduct any car expenses such as gas, service, depreciation or auto insurance.
Deduction for Medicare premiums for the self-employed - Folks who continue to run their own businesses after qualifying for Medicare can deduct the premiums they pay for Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D, plus the cost of supplemental Medicare (medigap) policies or the cost of a Medicare Advantage plan. This deduction is available whether or not you itemize and is not subject to the 7.5% of AGI test that applies to itemized medi-cal expenses. One caveat: You can't claim this deduction if you are eligible to be covered under an employer-subsidized health plan offered by either your employer (if you have a job as well as your business) or your spouse’s employer (if he or she has a job that offers family medical coverage).
Planning for the future - It is now February 2015. The best time to plan for next April 15 is now, starting today. The list of deductions listed before is to help you this year. It is hard to do any major tax planning after the year-end has passed. To insure you don’t miss getting all of your tax deductions next year, keep a good set of records. Most of us are operating as a sole practitioner, partnership or LLC. All will have a December 31 year-end and report income and expenses on the CASH basis. Meaning you
only can deduct expenses paid and report income earned and paid to you. You can’t deduct accounts payable or include accounts receivable in income. Year-end tax planning starts with an accurate and current set of accounting records. With good data and an up-to-date set of financial records, you can be proactive prior to year-end, accurately estimate profit and take steps to reduce taxable profit. We recommend using QuickBooks and saving all of your receipts.
Reducing your tax liability – One way to reduce profit and tax-able income is by paying expenses. Pay all of your current bills; purchase any needed supplies like business cards, brochures, paper for the printer and ink cartridges; fill your inspection truck’s gas tank; go ahead and purchase that inspection tool you have been wanting to get, and renew your dues and subscriptions. If you are paying a loan from the bank and it is due on the first of the month, go ahead and pay it before year-end. The interest between the first of the month and the last day of the month is deductible (make sure it is recorded by the bank as a monthly payment and not a principal-only payment).
It is up to you to keep abreast of the current tax law changes and keep up-to-date accurate financials in order to take advantage of all the deductions due you to minimize your taxes.
We always teach Realtors® and home buyers that the cost of hiring a professional home inspector is well worth the investment. We will tell you that hiring a professional tax lawyer or CPA to advise you on tax
saving strategies is well worth the investment, too.
Tim Buell, ACI, ASHI Treasurer – 2015 http://timbuell.pillartopost.com
Dave Haught, ACI, MIES, EP, Director – Ohio Chapter http://www.wvchi.com
ASHI Reporter | February 201518 19February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 19
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Service Philosophy – Under-Promise and Over-Deliver
Service Philosophy – Under-Promise and Over-DeliverBY ALAN CARSON, ACI – CARSON, DUNLOP & ASSOCIATES LTD.
We mentioned in our previous article that you can achieve customer satis-faction by coming close to delivering what the client was expecting. Your goal now is to surpass client expecta-tions. To achieve that, you have to find out what the expectation is and offer a little extra. Another way to accom-plish the same goal is to reduce the client’s expectations first, and then exceed them.
Don’t let the real estate agent over-promise on your behalf. Even though the agent has been through many home inspec-tions, most agents don’t really understand the technical aspects of your service. We have found that agents may overstate what a home inspector does. For example, an agent will tell the client that a home in-spection will uncover all of the hidden defects that the homeowner can’t see. While we, as home inspectors, have lots of tricks up our sleeves for uncovering problems with limited visibility, we can’t uncover hidden defects.
Agents often say things such as the following:
• “The home inspector will look into every nook and cranny.” Clients are then sur-prised that we don’t move pianos and china cabinets.
• “The home inspector will look at the heat exchanger in the furnace.” Actually, home inspectors just look at the parts of the heat exchanger that are visible from the vestibule area in front of the burner.
Educate the Agent If you have a working relationship with agents, it’s a good idea to let them know the limitations of a home inspection so that they don’t over-promise on your behalf.
Present Limitations Up Front Another way to avoid the over-promise problem is to under-promise and over-deliver. Tell your clients about the limita-tions of a home inspection up front. Then the client will be all the more impressed with what you are able to do during the inspection.
Adjust Customer Expectations Home inspectors are reluctant to explain the limitations of the inspection up front because they don’t want to start discussing negatives as soon as they meet the client. However, explaining the limitations before you begin the inspection is a good strategy for the following reasons:
• It supports the under-promise and over-deliver philosophy.
• It increases the difference between what the customer expects and receives by reducing expectations.
• It reduces the chance that your client will sue you for something that you could not see during the inspection.
• Clients are less likely to ask you to do something during the inspection that is outside the scope of a home inspection.
Here is a sample process and outline you can use, or modify, for your on-site ex-planation of the inspection limitations:
Step 1: Introduce yourself to the client. Exchange business cards.
Step 2: Explain to the client what you are going to do during the inspection. For example, say that you will inspect the roof first on your own, but from then on you would like the client to accompany you throughout the inspection.
Step 3: Ask the client if there are concerns about particular areas. Make note of the reply, which shows that you are taking the client seriously. Explain that you will be sure to address those issues as you get to that area of the home.
Step 4: Suggest that the client look at the contract while you inspect the roof.
Step 5: Explain your findings regard-ing the roof. This step establishes your credibility immediately. If there are no roof problems to report, then describe the roof system.
ASHI Reporter | February 201520 21February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 21
Most solvent cement connections betweem ABS and PVC are wrong.
444 Service Philosophy – Under-Promise and Over-Deliver
What we have done here is outline the con-cept of under-promising and over-delivering to build a strong relationship with your clients and agents. In our next article, we will discuss the approach to winning customers by fixing mistakes fast.
Step 6: Tell the client that before you continue you would like to answer any questions about the contract. This is the time to explain that the inspection is a visual, nondestructive investiga-tion, and that, as such, the inspection has inherent limitations. For example, if there is no access hatch to the attic, you will not be able to look at the roof structure. (Use an example that does not apply to the house you are inspecting.)
Step 7: Now go ahead and inspect the house and impress the client with your talents. By the way, we typically e-mail or fax our inspection agreement and a copy of the Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics to the client before the inspection. We have found it has at least five advantages:
1. Clients appreciate having the time to review the agreement.
2. Clients with expectations beyond a standard home inspection can call back and say this is not what they wanted.
3. The client can see that a large associa-tion, not an individual or a small company, sets the rules of the game. The association’s involvement helps assure the client that the rules are fair.
4. The inspector saves time on site, because the client already knows, and has agreed to, the rules of the game.
5. The inspector’s liability is reduced because it is difficult for the clients to argue that they did not know what they were buying when they arrived at the inspection.
Be prepared for the following question, “If you can’t tell me every problem with the house, what’s the point of a home inspection?” The answer is, “We promise to drastically reduce the risk of buying this home, but we cannot eliminate the risk
A look at interesting home inspection subjects
The Word
Plumbing Pipes BY BRUCE BARKER, ACI
ONCE AGAIN, THE WORD INVITES you to travel into the dark realm of subjects that are sometimes misunderstood by home inspectors. The Word hopes you will find this trip informative and maybe a little entertaining.
Our subject this month is plumbing pipes. The Word finds this topic interest-ing because the plumbing pipe family is like most families. Some members are well-adjusted, some are a little quirky, and some can get cranky and experience physical problems as they age. It’s impor-tant that we know the personalities of plumbing pipes so we can alert our clients to pipes that may need an intervention.
ABS and PVC PipeABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a well-adjusted pipe that has been around since the late 1950s. Some ABS pipes manufactured between about 1985 and 1990 tend to misbehave and split along the seams, but other than that they perform well. Problem manufacturers were Apache, Centaur, Gable, Phoenix, Polaris, Spartan. You might want to snap a picture of the pipe label if you happen across ABS pipes in a house built during this period, then come back and see if it was made by one of these manufacturers. This misbehaving pipe is uncommon in most areas.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a well-adjusted pipe. It has been around about as long as
ABS. It has no significant disorders and performs well when installed properly.
ABS and PVC are used as interior DWV (drain, waste and vent) pipe and as the building sewer pipe. PVC is used as the water service pipe but not as water distri-bution pipe (it’s not listed for hot water). ABS is may be used as water service pipe, but this is very uncommon.
ABS is almost always black, but gray is sometimes seen. PVC is usually white. PVC sewer pipe is sometimes green. Use seems to be regional with ABS more popular out west and PVC more popular back east. Either can be found anywhere, however. The service life of ABS and PVC is estimated to be over 50 years.
Proper support is important for all pipes. Lack of support places strain on the pipe and fittings. This strain can cause cracks and leaks. Support is especially important for DWV pipes so they will maintain fall toward the discharge point.
ABS and PVC pipe should be supported horizontally every 4 feet, and vertically every 10 feet. A mid-story guide should be installed for pipes 2 inches diameter and smaller. A mid-story guide is usually a strap or some other method to keep the pipe from moving laterally.
Connections between ABS pipes and between PVC pipes should be made using solvent cement and a fitting. Solvent
cement actually melts the pipe a little and chemically welds the pipe to the fitting. A primer is not required for ABS pipes. A primer (often purple) is required for PVC pipes; however, the 2015 IRC allows sol-vent cement without primer on 4 inch and smaller DWV pipes. Threaded connections using threaded fittings are fine too if the threads don’t impede the flow.
A banded elastomeric coupling is often used to connect ABS to ABS and PVC to PVC when the pipe is repaired or when fittings are added. Banded couplings are not allowed when installed above ground, unless approved. The coupling could work loose, it could move, or it could degrade and leak. Besides, there’s no good excuse for failing to make a proper connection between ABS pipes using an ABS fitting or between PVC pipes using a PVC fitting. That said, a banded coupling usually works fine, so it’s a judgment call whether to report one as a defect.
Connection between ABS and PVC can get interesting. The approved method of connecting ABS to PVC is with a tran-sition fitting. These fittings are half ABS and half PVC. The ABS pipe should be solvent cemented using ABS cement to the ABS half of the fitting, and the PVC pipe should be cemented using PVC primer and cement to the PVC half of the fitting; these fittings are very uncommon. Banded couplings are also not approved in this situation for the reasons stated above; however, as stated above, it’s a judgment call whether to report one as a defect.
A product called transition cement is available to connect ABS to PVC using either fitting. The product seems to work, but it is not approved, so this is an incor-rect connection as well.
Connection between ABS and PVC pipe and cast iron pipe is pretty easy. Either a caulked joint or an elastomeric compres-sion gasket is good if the connection is to the hub (the enlarged part of the pipe or a fitting). We’ll define a caulked joint in the cast iron pipe section. A banded coupling
completely.” Depending on the situation we may also offer, “I am sure that by the end of the inspection you will have learned a great deal about the home and be in a much better position to make a well-informed decision. If this does not happen, you will not be asked to pay for the inspection.”
Easy Way to Exceed Expectations Here is a simple way to go the extra mile for your client. After the inspection, send an e-mail with an article that relates to something you discussed during the in-spection. You can also send a link to a Web site that may be useful. If there is nothing memorable about the inspection, pick a component of the house and send the client an article related to it. It could be an architectural explanation, a functional description, maintenance advice, design and planning information if the client is remodeling and so on.
You don’t have to write the articles; you just have to find them on the Internet and send the links to your client. It won’t take you long to develop a short list of things you can send clients. It takes about five minutes per client and will create a strong positive impression. And there is no hard cost!
ASHI Reporter | February 201522 23February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 23
444 Plumbing Pipes
is good for connecting ABS pipe, PVC pipe or galvanized steel pipe to a cast iron pipe spigot (the straight end of the pipe). A banded coupling is also good for connect-ing ABS and PVC pipe to galvanized steel DWV pipe.
PVC electrical conduit is also available. Amateur plumbers see PVC and Schedule 40 and assume conduit is the same thing as plumbing pipe. It isn’t. PVC conduit may not be used as plumbing pipe and PVC plumbing pipe may not be used as electrical conduit.
Cast Iron PipeCast iron pipe is the grandfather of pipes. Its first recorded use was centuries ago and it was the go-to DWV pipe from the 1850s to the 1950s. It is a well-adjusted pipe during its service life, but like some seniors, it can get a little cranky in its later years and can experience physical problems.
Cast iron pipe’s expected service life is around 50 years, although much older pipes are still functioning well. Cast iron pipe’s weakness is rust. It rusts from the inside, so evidence of impending breakage is usually not visible. The rust also makes the pipe’s interior surface rough so it is more prone to blockage as it ages. An end of life comment may be prudent when in-specting cast iron pipe. A recommendation to run a camera through a cast iron sewer pipe may also be prudent.
Cast iron pipe is used as interior DWV pipe and as building sewer pipe. It is almost always black. Cast iron pipe should be supported horizontally every 10 feet when 10 foot sections are used, every 5 feet when a fitting is used and vertically every 15 feet. A mid-story guide is not necessary nor is protection against puncture when the pipe is installed in concealed space.
Connecting cast iron pipes to cast iron pipes is by a caulked joint or by a compression gasket when a hub and spigot are available. A caulked joint is very old school and involves stuffing oakum (tar-
soaked hemp) in the joint, then pouring molten lead in the remainder of the joint. The Word wonders how many plumbers can still make this joint. The new joint is an elastomeric compression gasket. The connection between cast iron pipe and galvanized steel pipe may use a threaded joint in addition to the caulked joint and the compression gasket joint.
Copper TubingCopper tubing is a well-adjusted middle-aged member of the pipe family. It has been around since the 1930s and was the go-to material for water distribution from the 1960s through the end of the last century.
Copper tubing is available in two types, which are really just different versions of the same material. Rigid (hard-drawn) tubing is most commonly seen as water distribution tubing. Flexible annealed tubing is most commonly seen as gas dis-tribution tubing and as water distribution tubing for low volume applications such as dishwasher and ice maker supply tubes. Copper pipe, by the way, is a different and thicker material used for DWV.
Copper tubing is available in three wall thicknesses (as commonly used in houses). Type K is the thickest and is marked with green. Type L is in the middle and is marked with blue. Type M is the thinnest and is marked with red. Types K and L may be installed anywhere in or under the house. Type M may not be embedded in or installed below concrete.
Copper tubing should be supported hori-zontally every 6 feet and every 10 feet ver-tically. A mid-story guide is not required.
There are many ways to connect copper tubing. Soldered connections are one of the most common as are threaded connections. Flared connections are common, almost always using annealed copper. Compression connections are also common, usually using annealed copper. Push connect fittings may also be used. Press connect connections are less common and are suitable only for hard drawn copper. These connections use proprietary fittings and a proprietary crimping tool.
Copper tubing may be connected to CPVC and PEX using an adapter fitting or a push connect fitting. Copper tubing is sometimes seen connected to polybutylene tubing using a push connect fitting. This use may not conform to the fitting manu-facturer’s instructions. Copper tubing should be connected to galvanized steel pipe using a dielectric fitting.
Copper tubing is usually well-adjusted with an expected service life of 50+ years if installed and treated well. It is known to act out when mistreated. Aggressive water (high or low PH) in places like Florida and from some wells can degrade copper tubing, causing pinhole leaks.
CPVCCPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is well-adjusted pipe that has been around since the 1960s. It performs well unless you abuse it, like subjecting it to freezing or using too much solvent cement on the fittings.
CPVC is used mostly as interior water dis-tribution pipe and rarely as water service pipe. It is usually a cream color and some-times has a yellow stripe. CPVC’s service life is estimated to be over 50 years.
CPVC should be supported horizontally every 3 feet and vertically every 10 feet. A mid-story guide should be installed for pipes 2 inches diameter and smaller.
Connecting CPVC pipes to CPVC pipes should be made using solvent cement and Fitting copper to PVC sharkbite: Push connect Fitting.
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25 February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 25ASHI Reporter | February 201524
RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS ARE cannot hold the floating floor in place. Summary
We have introduced radiant heat as part of electric heating in this discus-sion. Electric heat is, for the most part, relatively straightforward to inspect. The big issues are electrical safety and adequacy of heat. More information
can be found in the ASHI@HOME training program
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a fitting. A primer is usually not required. A threaded fitting is fine too. Connection to other water supply pipes such as copper tubing and PEX (cross-linked polyethyl-ene) can use a push connect fitting such as Sharkbite® or an adapter fitting.
Galvanized SteelGalvanized steel pipe shares grandfather status with cast iron pipe. It was the go-to water distribution pipe from the 1850s to the 1950s and was often used as interior DWV pipe during that era. It is a well- adjusted pipe during its service life, but like some seniors it can get a little cranky it its later years, and can experience physical problems similar to those suffered by cast iron pipe.
Galvanized steel pipe’s expected service life is around 50 years. Its weakness is rust. It rusts from the inside, so evidence of impending breakage is usually not visible. The rust and debris from the water tend to block the pipe as it ages so reduced functional flow is common for this water distribution pipe. The rusted interior is rough and blockage of this drainage pipes is also common. An end of life comment may be prudent when inspecting galva-nized steel pipe.
Galvanized steel pipe is usually a dull gray. It should be supported horizontally every 10 feet and vertically every 15 feet. A mid-story guide is not necessary nor is protection against puncture when the pipe is installed in concealed space.
Connection between galvanized steel pipes is made using threaded fittings. Connec-tion to other water supply pipes such as CPVC and PEX can use an adapter fitting. Connection to copper tubing requires a dielectric or brass fitting to avoid electroly-sis and the resulting corrosion. Connection to other DWV pipes is described in those pipe sections.
PEX TubingPEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing is the quirky teenager of pipes. It has been around in North America since the 1980s
and its use has expanded rapidly in new construction since the 2000s. It’s very common in many markets and uncommon in others.
PEX is used as interior water distribution pipe and sometimes as water service pipe. Older versions are milky white and newer versions are color coded, red for hot and blue for cold. Milky white is still used. Any color can carry hot or cold water. PEX’s service life is estimated to be over 50 years.
PEX should be supported horizontally every 32 inches and vertically every 10 feet. A mid-story guide should be installed for pipes 2 inches diameter and smaller. Support near manifolds and fittings is especially important because this is where PEX is most likely to leak if the connec-tions are subject to stress.
Connecting PEX tubing to PEX tubing should be made using fittings supplied by the PEX manufacturer and that are sealed using compression or crimp rings. Fittings are usually plastic, brass, or copper. The rings are usually plastic, brass, bronze, or stainless steel. Connection to other water supply pipes such as copper tubing and CPVC can use a push connect fitting such as Sharkbite® or an adapter fitting may be used.
Some PEX is starting to act out. The most common problem is dezincification of yellow brass fittings produced from about 1996 to about 2010. Zinc is leached from the fitting producing a white powder at the fittings and sometimes blocking the fittings reducing functional flow. Lawsuits have been filed and some have been settled. The most famous of these lawsuits is the Zurn QestPEX suit. Look for yellow brass fittings stamped with Q or QPEX.
Other defects have been alleged, but these defects have yet to be well substantiated. The PEX drama looks as though it has a way to go before it plays out.
Polybutylene (PB) TubingPB (polybutylene) tubing has a well-known
history of bad behavior. It was installed in North America from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. It is common in some markets like the South, Southeast, and Pacific Northwest and is uncommon in other markets. It was, however, used in other countries too.
PB was used as interior water distribution pipe and as water service pipe. It is usually gray/blue color and it was also produced in blue and black. PB’s service life is uncertain.
PB should be supported horizontally every 32 inches and vertically every 4 feet. Sup-port near fittings is especially important because this is where PB is most likely to leak if the connections are subject to stress.
Connecting PB tubing to PB tubing should be made using fittings that are sealed using crimp rings. Fittings from the 1980s were often plastic with aluminum rings. Fittings from the 1990s were often brass with copper rings. Connection to other water supply pipes such as copper tubing and CPVC an adapter fitting. Connection of PB using a push connect fitting may not conform to the fitting manufacturer’s instructions.
PB failures are more common with the plastic/aluminum installations of the 1980s and are less common with the brass/copper installations of the 1990s. Failure indications include corrosion, mineral deposits, and active leaks at the fittings.
The Bottom LineLike most families, the plumbing pipe family has some well-adjusted members and some black sheep. The Word hopes that you now have a better feel for how to identify which is which.
Memo to Neptune: The Word does not reside on Mt. Olympus (just at its base) and welcomes other viewpoints. Send your lightning bolts or emails to [email protected]. The thoughts contained herein are those of The Word; they are not ASHI standards or policies.
ASHI Reporter | February 201526 27February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 27
ASHI Chapters What’s Happening at the Chapters
This has happened to all home inspectors. You complete a home inspection and report for Buyer A. A month later you get a call from Buyer B. Buyer A did not buy the home, and someone provided Buyer B with a copy of your report. Buyer B has some questions for you.
We all handle this call differently. I will answer a few basic questions, but I explain to Buyer B that I have no contractual obligation with him and that conditions at a home can change rapidly. I also advise him to get his own inspection, and sometimes offer a 10% discount since the inspection and report should take less time. Often he orders the inspection. Sometimes he orders an inspection on a different home later, because I was helpful on
the phone.
Once I gave my usual response to the phone call from Buyer B. He said I had to answer his questions because he paid $200 for my report (1/2 price). Buyer B now assumed he had an inspection report that was "his" because he "bought" the report. He was very upset when I told him that I had no obligations to him. He had no Inspection Agreement with me, he did not pay me, and his name was not on the report. I answered a few questions for him, but told him he could not rely on that two month-old report, and I would not be available to answer further questions. Recently a local Realtor had “includes a recent home inspection report” in an advertisement for a home. I will admit this bothered me a little, so I took an "unoffi-cial poll" of 10 long-term home inspectors. After describing the situation, including how I handle these calls, I asked the inspectors two questions.
First: how do you handle the call from Buyer B with your report that was done for Buyer A? Most of them do what I do. After explaining they have no obligation or "relationship" with the new buyer, they will answer a few basic questions. Three inspectors said they would not answer any questions under these circumstances. This was not asked, but four inspectors said they would offer a discount if the last inspection was only a month or two ago. Two inspectors said they would never offer a discount.
Second: I also asked if it would bother them to see their report ‘advertised’ to other people. Four said no, this is typical and unstoppable. three said yes it would bother them, but not a lot because they know it happens (I’m in this group). Two said they would contact the agent and politely ask her to stop, and one said he would contact the agent and not so politely ask her to stop. I discussed this with "Bob", a local real estate attorney who has hired me as an expert witness. He said it would be very difficult to prevent a seller from handing out your report. Copyright infringement is hard to enforce or prove in this day and age, and you usually have to prove some type of financial loss. Copyright protection prevents you from copying information. It does not prevent you "giving" something away. The example Bob used is he buys a new Tom Clancy book for $40. After he reads it he gives it to me. Or he offers to sell it to me for $20, or I offer to pay him $20 for it. Either way, Tom Clancy does not make a dime off this. Once you buy a book, you can do anything you want with the actual book. If you make 30 copies of the book to sell, or copy a significant amount to use in your own book, that would be copyright infringement (and/or plagiarism).
One of the gray areas here is the seller or listing Realtor do not sign (or likely even see) our Inspection Agreement. We can try to limit the use of the inspection report however we want by our clients. But our
typical client is a home buyer, and the Arizona real estate purchase agreement requires the buyer to give a copy of the report to the seller. The seller is required to disclose any known conditions of the home to prospective buyers. So if a seller has to disclose what’s "in" the report, why not just give the buyer the report?
We all have disclosures/disclaimers in our reports like “not technically exhaustive,” “visual only inspection,” or “conditions observed at the time of the inspection.” Bob recommends putting a disclaimer near the beginning of the report similar to this: “This inspection was performed for James Kirk on January 10, 2015. Under no circumstances should this report be relied on after 30 days (or use the date, e.g., February 10, 2015). This report is for the sole use of Mr. Kirk for this time period only. The inspector has no obligation to anyone other than Mr. Kirk and only for the specified time period.”
Bob pointed out this disclosure would help limit the inspector's liability. But it also alerts anyone who is not our client that we have no obligation to them, legal
or otherwise, and that there is a time limit for this report. The 30 days, or whatever time limit you choose, has nothing to do with statutes of limitations imposed by a state or regulatory agency. It has to do with how long your report is "valid." This is not unreasonable. Appraisals and septic system inspections performed for a real estate transaction have time limits.
As far as a Realtor "advertising" that a home inspection report is available, she probably is not violating any laws. However, many actions are not "illegal" but not quite ethical, and Bob feels this falls into that category. Offering an inspection report to an interested buyer, or leaving it on the kitchen counter, is one thing. Announcing to the world a report is available is another.
What do you do When Someone “sells” Your Report? BY RANDY WEST, ACI
What do you do When Someone “Sells” Your Report? 444 What do you do When Someone “Sells” Your Report?
This might cause Buyer B to think he could rely on this report, since it was "advertised," and may prevent him from having his own inspection or performing other due diligence.Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and wrote this column for informational purposes only. Regulations, rules and "standard operating procedures" will be different in your state and area. You should consult with a local attorney before revising your inspection agreement or report in any way.
Randy West owns Professional Building Consultants in Prescott, AZ, and has performed over 8000 home inspections. Randy has been writing a bi-monthly column in the Prescott Courier since 2005. He served on the Arizona Chapter Board of Directors for 10 years and currently serves on the Home Inspector Rules and Standards Committee for the Arizona Board of Technical Registration. Contact him at [email protected], www.inspectprescott.com.
The ACI (ASHI Certified Inspector) gold logo is the mark of a professional home inspector.
To earn ACI designation, inspectors in this category have:
• Passed the National Home Inspector Examination and ASHI’s Standards and Ethics module.
• Had inspection reports successfully verified for compliance with ASHI’s Standards of Practice.
• Submitted valid proof of performance of at least 250 fee-paid home inspections that meet or exceed the ASHI Standards of Practice.
About CertificationASHI has met the rigorous requirements of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) as a certifying body, therefore it is able to offer the only third-party approved home inspector certification program.
The Gold Standard of Home Inspectors™
ASHI Associates: Step up to ACIACI (ASHI Certified Inspector) is the Gold Standard of ASHI and the only home inspector certification recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
The ASHI Certified Inspector logo has been trademarked for use only by persons who have reached this level of competency within ASHI. Inspectors who qualify for use of the gold logo are encouraged to use it on marketing materials, vehicles and websites.
ASHI CERTIFIED INSPECTOR
ASHI Reporter | February 2015 February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 28 29
ASHI CommunityNew Inspector Status, ASHI Chapters, Council News
New ASHI Associates As of December 1, 2014.
H Denotes graduate of The ASHI School
H Corry Green Bessemer, AL
H Russell HardageHighCrest Home Inspections, LLCPelham, AL
H Emerson PaulkWetumpka, AL
H Derek PhillipsMobile, AL
H Sevan AvanesianGlendale, CA
Donald DurhamWIN Home Inspection YucaipaYucaipa, CA
H Levy EstradaLevy Estrada LandscapesImperial, CA
H Afshin KhalilzadehParamount Property InspectionsTarzana, CA
Robert Pardi Lakeside, CA
H Brent PascoeDana Point, CA
Patrick Jaschek, PEHome Inspection EngineersWheat Ridge, CO
Michael ChenetteSummit Home Inspections, LLCPreston, CT
H Gordon WhelanStamford, CT
Michael WhitmanWilton, CT
H Daniel LunsfordNaples, FL
H David SchuldtTri-County Home Inspection ServicesFort Myers, FL
H John CrowderAcworth, GA
H Kevin Faust Smyrna, GA
Mark KinzieHome-Probe, Inc.Decatur, GA
H Jonathan NelsonSt. Marys, GA
H Stephen RhodesStone Mountain, GA
Craig SingleyCS Inspections, LLCAtlanta, GA
H Damian VuStockbridge , GA
Benjamin WesleyHale Inspections, LLCWailuku, HI
Doug DickenDoug Dicken Home Inspection, LLC Bloomington, IL
H Kevin RaugstadArlinghton Heights, IL
H Munyong SeolPark Ridge, IL
Neil PinnickPinnacle Property InspectionsOverland Park, KS
H Daryl VohsOlathe, KS
Joshua BirkinsMaryland Home Inspectors, Inc.dba Pillar to PostColumbia, MD
H Matthew DuBoisProTec Inspection Services Inc.Poolesville, MD
Kate JohnsonMaryland Home Inspectors, Inc.dba Pillar to PostColumbia, MD
H Christopher RokusSilver Springs, MD
John McCarrollMcCarroll Services Inc..Brighton, MI
Michael ColsonMichael ColsonHome Inspection Services, LLCFordland, MO
P. Timothy CribbPillar Professional ServicesMacks Creek, MO
Tim FethPatriot Inspections Beaufort, MO
Casey HomolyHome Inspection KCKansas City, MO
H Paul LovegrenWildwood, MO
Derek KenersonKenerson Home Inspection Services CtrBarnstead, NH
Michael MessOn-D-Mand Inspections, LLCBrick, NJ
Dennis WhitakerQuality Construction Advisor, Inc..Las Vegas, NV
Jason BrysMentor, OH
H Ryan CunninghamWest Jefferson, OH
Tyler ThompsonPiqua, OH
Don WeberWeber Home InspectionsEuclid, OH
Roger OwenSuperior Inspection ServicesRogue River, OR
William Dare Spotlight Home Inspection, LLCHarleysville, PA
John DenisonHouseMasterCranberry Twp, PA
Dan McCarthy HouseMaster Pittsburgh, PA
George RichardsonHouseMaster Cranberry Twp, PA
Michael SporikSporik Inspection SolutionsHarrisburg, PA
Mark StuczynskiCarlisle, PA
H Robert WarthLaverock, PA
Paul WaslinHome 101, LLCSouderton, PA
H Jerry RossFranklin, TN
New ASHI Certified Home Inspectors As of December 1, 2014
New ASHI Inspectors As of December 1, 2014
INSPECTOR
Ed FiferClear View Inspections LLCPhoenix, AZ
Aaron HuntHunt Property InspectionsColorado Springs, CO
Nick PickertStructure Tech Home InspectionsMound, MN
Gregory Cox Fairfax, VA
Johnny Murphree Murphree Building InspectionsTempleton, CA
J. Spencer Prodromos Spencer Home InspectionsDeerfield, IL
Scott Kinrade Benchmark Inspections LLCMishawaka, IN
Greg DragoSt. Louis, MO
Todd SmithQuality Home Inspection ServicesSTL, LLCSt. Louis, MO
Ehly G. Steven Boiling Springs, PA
Thirty Five YearsRichard Heyl William Warren
Twenty Five YearsDonald LoveringRichard MartinJohn Vaccarello
Twenty Years Ronald ScottDavid TamnyPeter HittDon ArcherMarko VovkMichael ParkerRoderick VanGordonMichael HendersonTim HamiltonRobert KnepshieldDavid Muirhead
Erick MillerJim CornishJohn TurnerMark RoyPeter DeanRichard BelliveauLouis SchneiderCharles ChisholmJeffery BlixtWade PenningtonChuck LeCrawScott DalbeyJerold SweetRon SchlodererWayne RobbinsTimothy MillerWilliam NealHerbert ScottJoe DeLaurentis Sr.Thomas FeizaRob Amaral
Mathew BirkedahlWillis, TX
C.E. SchultzCeS Inspections, LLCSpring, TX
H Robert Allen Jr.Centreville, VA
Paul CumminsNo Surprises Home Inspection NOVA-DC, LLCAlexandria, VA
H Matt DentUrbiquity, LLCVienna, VA
Anthony KellyMcLean, VA
H Terry KrebsTactical Inspections LLCWoodridge, VA
H Jarrett ZieglerAshburn, VA
Stephen CrowellKennewick, WA
Kyle FosterEagle Eye InspectionCamano Island, WA
H Jason GregoryIssaquah, WA
H Michael JohnsonSeattle, WA
H D. Thurston McMurray
Seattle, WA
Charles PoteetNorth Central Home InspectionsLake Stevens, WA
H Adrienne TaggartSeattle, WA
H Kevin WicklundSterling Home Inspection ServicesPuyallup, WA
Michael MarzionFive One Home InspectionsWauwatosa, WI
John NelsonCountdown Inspections, LLCCambridge, WI
H Danial GillihanCasper, WY
1. Go to www.ASHI.org2. Under Education &
Training3. Click on ASHI Online
Learning Center
Easy.
Education.
Excellent.
Continue learning at the click of
a button!
FREE ASHI Member access to past IW
sessions.
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES
Fifteen Years Gregory BarrisMark WarrenLoran OlsonRod ZimmermanFrank FriedelRichard ScrogginsCharles OxfordLanol LeichtyDaniel CullenKyle ErnstAlex SteinbergKevin WestendorffLewis WhiteMichael MeyerMark LindgrenJoseph Schwab
Ten YearsDoug StrickerGeorge BlairSteve RushKurtis WittDaniel SmullenDaniel SleeRichard ZakRonald BlackFrank CasillasDon Martin Matthew MerlinoJohn Dubbs Daniel Kelly Mark MeserthPaul Roebuck Richard RaymondJack KoellingJohn CramptonChris Lowe
Five YearsKevin QuigleyWilliam StambaughScott Taylor Matthew KleinMatthew TracyDan GregorioJohn ZionDan VandersteltRick Bryant Ron RichardsonLarry BoudreauxThomas KemperMurray Parish
ASHI Chapter Education
To have your chapter seminar listed here: Email all information about your chapter seminar to [email protected]. Information also will be picked up from CE applications.
North Central Ohio & Ohio ASHI ChaptersInspector ExpoWhen: February 27, 28 and
March 1, 2015
Where: Holiday Inn,
Worthington, OH
CEUs: 17 ASHI CEs
Contact: thompsonbk@king-
home-inspection.com
Deadlines are the 1st of the month prior to the issue in which you would like your information to appear.
ASHI New Mexico ChapterEducation SeminarWhen: March 7, 2015
8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Where: The Pecos Trail Inn
2239 Old Pecos Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87505
CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs
Contact: Charles R. Smith; ASHI NM,
Secretary 505.670.4442
ASHI Reporter | February 201530 31February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 31
4 4 4 ASHI Of f icers for 2015
NEW ENGLAND/CANADA
Alberta www.cahpi-alberta.comBert Bruinsma, [email protected]
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.org Third 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, CT Richard 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, SyracuseDan Hager, [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, TarrytownStephen P. Tyler, 845-521-4144
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.orgFirst Thursday, 6:30 pm, Indepen-dence Golf Club, Midlothian
Ray 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.
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.George W. Kasimirsky, 724-747-7321 www.npiweb.com/kasimirsky
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.comTodd Wiessner, [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 Tuesday, 12:00 pm Daniel Boone Regional Library 100 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO Joe Pangborn, [email protected]
Northern Illinoiswww.nicashi.comSecond Wednesday, 5:30 pm Associate Corner Dinner, 6:30 pm, Main Presentation, 7:00 pm Crazypour,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 pmPhil Tatro, [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 The East Bank Saloon, PortlandJon Nichols, [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 Fuywe, [email protected]
South Bay (CA)Webinar meetingsRandy Pierson, [email protected]
Western Washingtonwww.ashiww.comMichael Brisbin, [email protected]
Continues top of next column ...
ASHI Reporter | February 201532 33February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 33
Your ASHIYour Link to Membership News and Information
Current ASHI MembershipASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,096
Inspectors/Logo: 92
Associates: 1,545
Retired Members: 86
Affiliates: 68
TOTAL: 4,887 as of December 31, 2014
ASHI-ENDORSED MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT PROGRAMS
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 ProgramBuildFaxSusan Ward, 855.237.8711http://land.buildfax.com/buildfax-special- pricing-for-ashi-members/[email protected]
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.comthenowbenefit@comcast.net
InspectionContracts.comDave Goldstein, 800.882.6242www.inspectioncontracts.comdavid@inspectoreducation.com
OneSource Solutions877.274.8632http://www.osconnects.com/ashi/
Porch.comEliab Sisay, [email protected]
444 Your ASHI
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/Canada: Mike Atwell 617-285-8554 [email protected]
New York/New Jersey: Jerry Sanangini 856-232-6607 [email protected]
Mid-Atlantic: Jim Funkhouser 571-214-4039 [email protected]
Midwest: Michael J. Von Gunten 262-945-2446 [email protected]
South Atlantic: Richard Hart 770-827-2200 [email protected]
Gulf: John Knudsen 334-221-0876 [email protected]
South Midwest: Paul MacNeill 314-392-9313 [email protected]
North Central: Brendan Ryan 724-898-1414 [email protected]
Mountain: Marcus Richter 520-271-8582 info@handsonhome inspection.com
Pacific: Scott Swickard 949-454-1389 [email protected]
ASHI Council of Representativesand Group Leaders
ASHI Rebate ProgramQuill.comDana Fishman, 800.634.0320 x1417www.quill.com/[email protected] Platinum ProviderMillionaire Inspector CommunityMike [email protected] that you are an ASHI member
ASHI-ENDORSED EXAMS
ASHI 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 PROGRAMSASHI@Home Training System 800-268-7070 [email protected]
The ASHI SchoolJack McGraw, 888-884-0440 [email protected] www.TheASHISchool.com
ASHI Event Calendar April 23-25, 2015
Finance Committee, AEI and ASHI Board Meetings Des Plaines, IL
July 23-25, 2015 Finance Committee, AEI and ASHI Board Meetings Des Plaines, IL
October 22-24, 2015 LTC and ASHI Board Meetings Des Plaines, IL
January 24-27, 2016 InspectionWorld® and ASHI Board Meetings San Diego, CA
NORTHERN ILLINOIS CHAPTER of The American Society of Home Inspectors presented Kim McGraw from The Mission Continues a check to help veterans in community developments. Presenting the check is Jeremy Meek Treasurer NICASHI and Steve Reilly, President NICASHI. To learn more about Mission Continues www.missioncontin-ues.org. NICASHI donates annually to different veterans organizations.
January 11, 2015
Greetings to All and Congratulations,
I just arrived home from an eight-and-a half-hour drive. I enjoy those long drives as a time to reflect and think. Just one year ago while returning from Nashville I personally had grave concerns that Phila-delphia would be like the poorly attended New Orleans IW after the destructive hurricane Katrina. I had a wonderful time and enjoyed learning from all of the great presenters. In an organizations as large as ours you will always have “you should have done” comments. But most of those members were not willing to roll up their sleeves and work nine months ago. And of course the biggest critics are now climbing on the “bandwagon” wanting to take credit. I just want to commend you and your commit-tee on a successful IW and we know who rightfully deserves the credit. Rather than
complain and accept defeat you worked to make the 2015 one of the best ever! I am looking forward to San Diego, with the location and a warm weather destination, the sky is the limit! While I will admit by December the Rocky music on hold sounded a bit tattered, I can’t wait to hear California Dreaming or my favor-ite, Hotel California (by the EAGLES) this year. Sincerely,David Haught, ACI, MIES, EP Frank, I whole heartedly agree with Dave’s comments. IW Philly was certainly an exceptional conference. Kudos to all who contributed and made it happen. Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful event! Kevin Westendorff, ACILowcountry Home Inspection, Inc.
THOUGHTS ON INSPECTIONWORLD® 2015
CORRECTIONS
"I apologize for omitting both the Election Committee and the Education Committee in the January Reporter. They deserve recognition for their hard work and I regret the oversight."
Frank LeshExecutive DirectorAmerican Society of Home [email protected]
EDUCATION
Greg Noyes, ChairmanSylmar, CA
John D’ArpinoRochester, NY
Peter JungGermantown, MD
Mario LucciolaSt. Catharinas, ON
Harry JanssenGuelph, ON
Michael WicklundPuyallup, WA
Scot McLeanBayside, WI
Greg GrabsBismarck, ND
The Reporter would also like to correct:Complaints (CEPP) not (CEEPP) on page 34 of the January 2015 Reporter.
ELECTION COMMITTEE
Larry Hoytt
Joe Corsetto
Mark Cramer
Jay Balin
Miki Mertz
Brendan Ryan
ASHI Reporter | February 201534 35February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 35
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If you currently own a home inspection business, ask us about converting it to AmeriSpec.
www.amerispec.com/franchiseopportunities
RICK HARTMANN'S ARTICLE, "Top 16 Things I Learned (the Hard Way) in the Last Ten Years" was great. I wish I could have learned all of those things the easy way, just by reading the ASHI Reporter. Unfortunately, I've learned most of those things the hard, expensive and embarrassing way.
I don't mean to take away from his article, but #16 trashes real estate agents by saying "all you are is a necessary evil that is standing in the way of their com-mission check." While this may be true for an unscrupulous minority of real estate agents, I've found that the most successful and long-lasting agents are the ones with integrity, honesty and a good work ethic. They want a good home inspector who will tell it like it is, not sugarcoat their findings to help the sale along. To paint all real estate agents with this broad brush is cynical and unproductive.
For the greater good of our industry, I'd like to encourage all home inspectors to avoid these kinds of comments. I would also ask the editing staff at the ASHI Reporter to not print these kinds of comments. Thank you, and keep up the good work.
Reuben Saltzman Structure Tech Home Inspections
TO THE EDITOR:I would like to expand on a statement made by Bruce Barker in his article on CSST gas piping. He notes that the piping must be properly bonded and grounded to protect it against lightning. However, he does not mention why the protection is necessary and what the problem is, which can be sub-stantial. A lightning strike, even an indirect one, can electrically energize the air. If the CSST piping is at a different potential from adjacent piping or any other metal, a spark can result, and due to the thinness of the metal, cause it to perforate, leak and possibly result in a fire and/or explosion. Several such occurrences have resulted in
class action lawsuits which have already been settled. One went to trial and was judged in favor of the plaintiff. This ruling is being appealed. Due to this problem, one manufacturer has attempted to rectify the problem by covering the CSST with a heavy shield. I think that inspectors should be made aware of this problem so that they can properly advise their clients, thus pro-tecting their clients and themselves. I have attached an article, for your consid-eration for publication in the Reporter, on Explainers/Disclaimers. We use it in our report to advise our clients of potential problems with various components and issues encountered during an inspection. One of them deals with CSST in greater detail. Sincerely,Victor J. FaggellaPresident Centurion Home Inspections, Inc.
This is the link to Victor's disclaimers article:http://www.homeinspector.org/membersonly/docs/explainers_and_disclaimers.pdf
THIS SUGGESTION WAS SENT TO USin a letter format to his inspectors from Stuart Zwang:
Dear Inspector, Every entity has different requirements and different "hot buttons." One of ours is a recommendation by a home inspec-tor to "review by others" or "evaluate by contractor."
The reason this has become an issue is there many inspectors who use this verbiage. When it is used, the client has to hire a roofer, heating contractor, etc.
Certainaly there are times it is indeed necessary to do this, particularly with mold or structural issues. We understand that these items are not generally within the expertise of a home inspector.
On the other hand, it is your job to evaluate the roof and heating system. These items are within your expected body of expertise.
After you have evaluaed these systems, it is your job to: • Present the fact • Develop an opinion • Offer guidance
In the "evaluate by others" scenario, it generally appears the home inspector has failed to do one of these.
We have clients who insist if an inspec-tor tells us to "evaluate by others" either he does not know what he is doing or does not want to take responsibility for his report. In this situation, it has also been suggested we take the funds ear-marked for the inspector and pay others out of this fee.
Here are some ideas to approach this problem:
• If the item is not working, say it, i.e., "Not performing within expected parameters. Repair or replacement is required."
• If it is working but old, try, "Item is operating at the time of inspetion, however, it is at the end (beyond) its expected service life. Budget for near-term replacement.
Please take this matter under advisement and make necessary adjustments as you prepare the next report for our company.
Thank you in advance for your asistance.Stuart Zwang, P.E.1st Inspection Network
You Tell UsLetters From Our Readers
ASHI Reporter | February 201536 37February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 37
Isn't There a Redneck Joke About This?
Jason Gingery, Viewpoint Inspections, Santa Cruz, CA
Finishing Touch, Attach the Toilet Paper Holder
The home owner doesn't have step drill bit to add a hole in the sink, so, air gap goes under the sink. Oops, it leaks, so let's duct tape it closed, no water out, no air in.
Jim FossBest Inspection, Inc.Anchorage, AK
Dave GrudzinskiAdvantage Home InspectionsCranston, RI
This was running a refrigerator.
Dave GrudzinskiAdvantage Home InspectionsCranston, RI
Seller decided to vent the dryer thru the firewall of the garage into the garage rather than get the vent cleaned out!! And yes, there are other issues!!
Craig Lemmon-ACIReal Estate Inspections of Texas LLCColleyville, Texas
Needless to say, this HVAC 240v discon-nect doesn't look "right" or safe!!
Bob GuyerGuyer Inspections, LLC Simi Valley, CA
Heated GarageSky Box
This Bright Idea is in the BagYou Can Never Have Too Much Support!
444 Preparing for an IRS Audit
NEW POSTCARDS E-MAIL!! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: [email protected]
Hope the Plumber is Skinny
The attached photo is a new inexpensive way to block the damper for a decorative gas fireplace.
Bruce Lenser All American Home Inspections High Country, LLCSedona, AZ
Where are my Vice Grips?
The ejector pump is located behind furnace between new bathroom tub/shower and concrete base-ment walls.
Al BechtolChampia Real Estate Inspections, LLCAtlanta, GA
Max CurtisMaxInspect Livermore, CA
9 electrical junction boxes (all uncovered) connected with short runs of live Romex sitting on a metal chair. The new definition of "The Electric Chair."
Matthew Steger, ACI WIN Home Inspection Lancaster, PA
This is a subpanel in a garage that had one missing knockout. This allowed a mouse to build a nest at the interior of the panel.
Gary ChadwickBPG Property Inspection ServicesBrick, NJ
Not only did the squirrels chew through the plumbing vent boot, but also the PVC vent pipe to get into the attic. I also found a 4" diameter hole they made in a fascia board. Needless to say they also chewed on the wiring in the attic.
Rick RogersHome Inspection ServicesNorcross, GA
Hey Dude, You Misplaced the Wire!Chomp, Chomp, Chomp...
This Home is a Knockout!Electric Chair
A home with considerable settlement / soil conditions that the trusses in the attic are pulling apart.
39 February 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 39ASHI Reporter | February 201538
On My Mind By ASHI President Alden Gibson
Get to Know the New ASHI President, Alden Gibson
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ALDEN GIBSON, PRINCIPAL AND owner of Inspections by Gibson, is the incoming 2015 President of ASHI. Here’s a brief Q & A session held with Alden that gives a more up-close and personal picture, demonstrating his passion for the home inspection industry and its related businesses.
Q: When did you begin performing home inspections?A: My first home inspection was in 1992. With my renovation and construction experience, a closely related skill that was in demand was home inspection. Through my business networks, I researched, in-vestigated and then ultimately completed the Home Inspection Training Program through Carson Dunlop in Toronto, Ontario. I found this course to be very helpful and thorough and feel that it provided me with the comprehensive knowledge to represent my clients thoroughly and fairly. I worked with The Home Inspector for four years and then opened my own business, Inspec-tions by Gibson, in 1996.
Q: Is your business a sole proprietorship or do you have partners in this venture?A: Currently, I am a sole proprietor, performing 300-350 home inspections per year. I do receive administrative support from my wife. I find that after being mar-ried to me for 36 years, she is an excellent sounding board and we work very well together.
Q: How was your skill set developed to prepare you for a career in home inspection?A: Home renovation and construction has always been an interest for me. To officially connect my interest to a career, I started performing home renovations in 1981 and that led to a transition that resulted in custom home construction during the period from 1987 to 1996.
Q: How have home inspections changed since you first began your inspection career?A: The home construction industry is constantly changing and the building codes change accordingly to reflect this. Keeping current with these changes is a definite requirement to completing a thorough and reliable home inspection. Gathering this type of knowledge is equivalent to continuing education courses for other licensed and/or certified professions.
Q: Why did you become a home inspector?A: I really enjoyed the housing, real estate and construction industries – and I like helping people. When I can combine the two interests, I can achieve my goals while making a living at the same time. I like to stay connected to the related fields as well and have been able to do that by lecturing to several municipal real estate boards, real estate sales offices, at colleges and for the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors. I’ve also enjoyed being an instructor for both OAHI and CAHPI.
Q: Are you affiliated with other home inspection organizations, as well as ASHI?A: I am an active member of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI), the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors, Ontario (CAHPI ON) and the Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT). I am also an Associ-ate Member of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians & Technologists (OACETT) and have held executive positions in many of my associ-ated organizations. I am especially proud of having received the President’s Award from both the Canadian and the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors. Most recently, in 2012, I was pleased to receive the Innovation Award & Customer Service Excellence Award from Mike Holmes Inspections. In addition to my Canadian affiliations, I also conduct inspections for the United States Embassy and provide inspections for the U.S. in Canada for US Inspect and Fidelity Inspections & Consulting Services.
Q: What is your top priority when serving as President during 2015?A: Build the ASHI membership. We are setting and promoting standards for prop-erty inspectors. By providing educational programs through the ASHI School and website for our members to achieve excellence in the profession, we will continue to improve the standards and build on education. The one thing we must understand is that ASHI members are all colleagues, not competitors.
