ashi reporter june 2015
DESCRIPTION
Inspection News & Views from the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.TRANSCRIPT
1 June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 1
Indoor Residential Stairs Leading Cause of Home Injuries | 16
Garage Door Safety | 18Metal Roofing | 20
Sponsoring an Event: Making it Work for you | 25On My Mind: Informative and Inspiring Conferences | 38
ReporterASH
I JUNE 2015
Inspection News & Views from the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.
NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH
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Features 7 | Motion to Reduce the Size of the ASHI Board of Directors Preented by: James Funkhouser, Speaker of the CoR Brendan Ryan for the By-Law Committee
9 | To be safe up there ... Ya gotta love your ladder, at least for now! The ASHI School
10 | Compact Ladder Test: a Long-Term Update Rick Bunzel, ACI
16 | Indoor Residential Stairs Leading Cause of Home Injuries Home Inspectors can Make Them Safer Sally Chapralis
18 | Garage Door Safety: How Home Inspectors can Have an Impact Sally Chapralis
20 | Metal Roofing Alan Carson – Carson, Dunlop
25 | Sponsoring an Event: Making it Work for You Alan Carson – Carson, Dunlop
28 | The Last Samurai Michael D. Conley, ACI
Departments 6 | Being Frank Letters From Our Readers Report From Headquarters
15 | Quick Tip: Clothes Dryer Venting – A Hidden Danger Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc., HTOYH.COM/HTOYH/
16 | Herspective From the Women of ASHI Monica Johnson, Wellspring Home Inspections
30 | ASHI Community New Inspector Status, Education
32 | Your ASHI Membership News & More
34 | Postcards From the Field It’s Wacky Out There
38 | On My Mind Informative and Inspiring Conferences Alden Gibson, ASHI President
Please note the chapter listing is online this month.
June 2015 Vol. 32, #6
ASH
IReporter
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5June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 5ASHI Reporter | June 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 Editors: Sally Chapralis and Carol Dikelsky Art Director: Arlene Zapata
American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.
932 Lee Street, Suite 101
Des Plaines, IL 60016
847-954-3186 Reporter calls only
847-299-2505 (fax) Reporter only
E-mail: [email protected]
Advertising: Dave Kogan
Phone: 847-954-3187, E-mail: [email protected]
ASHI REPORTER – ISSN 1076-1942 – the official publication of the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. (ASHI), 932 Lee St., Suite 101, Des Plaines IL 60016, is published monthly. Annual subscriptions: $44.95 to non-members. Periodical postage paid at Des Plaines, IL 60016 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ASHI Reporter, 932 Lee Street, Suite 101, Des Plaines, IL 60016-6546.
Copyright© 2015, ASHI. None of the content of this publication may be reproduced, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Inclusion of or specific mention of any proprietary product within does not imply endorsement of, nor does exclusion of any proprietary product imply non-endorsement, by the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. Opinions or statements of authors and advertisers are solely their own, and do not necessarily represent the opinions or positions of ASHI, its agents or editors. See above for information pertaining to submission of articles, advertising and related materials.
Lisa Alajajian 2013-2015
Milford, MA, 508-634-2010 [email protected]
James Allen 2013-2015 Overland Park, KS, 913-894-5893 [email protected]
Bruce Barker 2015-2017 Cary, NC, [email protected]
Ken Harrington 2015-2017
Delaware, OH, [email protected]
C. Blaine Illingworth III 2015-2017
Harleysville, PA, [email protected]
Keven Kossler 2015-2017
Huntersville, NC, [email protected]
Bruce Labell 2015-2017
Scottsdale, AZ, [email protected]
Mark Londner 2014-2016 Purcellville, VA, 540-668-6339 [email protected]
Donald Lovering 2015-2016 Auburndale, MA, 617-698-3903 [email protected]
Scott Patterson 2013-2015
Spring Hill, TN, 615-302-1113 [email protected]
Robert Peterson 2013-2015
Carmel, IN, [email protected]
Tony Smith 2015-2017 Cedar Rapids, IA, 319-533-4565 [email protected]
Mike Wagner 2014-2016 Westfield, IN, 317-867-7688 [email protected]
Robert Walstead 2013-2015 Colorado Springs, CO 719-495-2652 [email protected]
Kevin Westendorf 2014-2016
Mt. Pleasant, SC, 843-881-7842kevinw@lowcountryhome inspection.com
Speaker, Council of Representatives: James Funkhouser 2015-2016 Manassas Park, VA, 703-791-2360 [email protected]
Alden Gibson, President Breslau, ON, [email protected]
Randy Sipe, President-ElectSpring Hill, KS, [email protected]
Howard Pegelow, Vice President Milwaukee, WI, [email protected]
Tim Buell, TreasurerMarysville, OH, [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 Track, InspectionWorld Michele 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, Membership 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] AccountingToni Fanizza, Bookkeeper, 847-954-3190, [email protected] 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
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ASHI Reporter | June 2015 7 June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 6 7
Being FrankFrom ASHI’s Executive Director
Report From Headquarters
WE HAVE A LOT OF NEWS FROM ASHI TO TALK ABOUT this month.
One of the most important issues coming up this year is a proposed bylaw change. The Council of Representatives wrote and passed a bylaw amendment that recommends reducing the size of ASHI’s board of directors. The board of directors then reviewed the proposed bylaw, checking for grammar and punctuation errors. Finding none, the Board voted unanimously to send the amendment to the bylaw committee.
The bylaw committee will send the proposal to staff, who will forward it to the membership for a vote. Two-thirds of the members will have to vote “yes” to make the change. The pro-posal will list the pros and cons of the amendment. Please read the bylaw proposal carefully, and please vote. It’s your society, and we need your input.
Speaking of input, have you checked out the new ASHI website? I think it’s easier to use, is more visually pleasing and has some great new features that benefit you. One important feature is the option you have to change your online profile information yourself. I’ve mentioned this feature before, but some of you have been a little hesitant to try it. Your profile contains information you’d like to share with the public such as your areas of expertise, your contact information, a photo of yourself, as well as other important information. To help you, Russell Daniels has recorded concise “how-to” videos that take you through the procedure step by step. To view it, go to:
1. ASHI’s home page2. Click on the “Members-Only” tab3. Scroll down to “How-To-Videos”
There you’ll find videos that will assist you. It’s important that you make sure your contact information is current. Having an up-to-date profile should help prospective buyers learn more about you, which may generate more inspections for you.
Another feature on the website that can be found when you go to the “Members-Only” tab is a “Quick Poll.” We use this feature at headquarters to help us help you. For example, say you’d like to know something like, “How many inspectors use thermal imag-ing?” You can let us know your question, and we’ll put it on the website. Then we’ll tally up the responses and let you know the results.
Frank Lesh, Executive Director American Society of Home InspectorsDirect: 847-954-3182 [email protected] • www.ashi.org
Motion to Reduce the Size of the ASHI Board of DirectorsApril 23, 2015, Chicago, ILPresented By:James Funkhouser, Speaker of the CoRBrendan Ryan for the By-Law Committee
Motion:That the number of ASHI Directors will be reduced to 12 over the course of the next three voting cycles. The officer position of Immediate Past-President will immediately become an ex-officio / non-voting position.
Changes to the By-Laws are as follows;6.4 Composition of the Board. The Board shall consist of twenty-one seventeen voting members: fifteen twelve directors and six five officers. The Immediate Past-President will be an ex-officio member of the Board with no vote.
6.4.0 The above composition will be achieved by reduction of seats available and attrition over three years allowing for fourteen Direc-tors in 2016 and thirteen Directors in 2017, and ultimately twelve Directors in 2018. This provision will sunset with the induction of the 2018 Directors.
Rationale:A three-member reduction in the size of the Board of Direc-tors will enable the Board to operate more efficiently, reduce the burden on the CoR for filling candidate positions and save funds which can be put to better use enhancing value to our members.
PROs:1. A reduction in Board size can save ASHI approximately
$16-20K annually.2. A reduction in Board size will allow for more comfortable
meeting arrangements at the ASHI office facility.3. A reduction in Board size could allow for a more efficient
work environment, potentially resulting in more work getting done and in a timely fashion.
4. A reduction in Board size will bring ASHI’s composition closer to the norm for association structure.
5. A reduction in Board size will reduce the burden on the Director Nominating Committee to fill slates each year.
6. The removal of the vote from the Immediate Past-President position will maintain the perceived balance of power within the Board by compensating for the loss of three Director votes.
CONs:1. The original premise to save money is a moot point as costs were
cut and we have a surplus due to the hard work of staff and the board.
2. We have a board with three distinct classes. a. Freshman in their first year have no experience and
spend most of the first year getting up to speed on ASHI Policies, Procedures and the politics involved.
b. Sophomores who begin to contribute to the process and who have the experience to serve in different capacities.
c. Seasoned Directors who are immersed in the process, typically serving on several task forces, are actively involved with AEI and the Foundation and may be ready to move on. (In my opinion, we have 10 active directors and five “freshman who are being mentored into the position.)
3. We are all volunteers who cannot always devote a lot of time to ASHI as we all continue to run our businesses. This alone dictates the need to have more volunteers, not less.
4. We, like Congress, may be large, but there will always be mem-bers who are elected, who will sit silently the whole three years and not contribute anything that is meaningful to our society. (Because we can’t stop this from happening, we need members to pick up the slack.)
5. Words like nimble no longer apply. With the ability to call a webinar in a matter of a few days, any major issue can be handled in a judicious and expedient manner.
6. With the continuance of the current board structure, their duties could be expanded to allow them to be more involved in the day-to-day planning and decision process that staff is involved in (freeing up staff time for other duties). This could include the process of overseeing issues like NOCCA, IW, budgeting and public relations, as well as involvement with the Internet, website development, building the resource library and activity on Twitter, Facebook, etc.
The only reduction that should be implemented is removal of the Vice President’s Position. It is redundant. The President-Elect fulfills that role.
BUDGET IMPACT:A potential savings of $16-20K from meeting expenses that can be used elsewhere to the betterment of the Association and its Membership.
For those of you who use or are contemplating using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), also known more commonly as drones, you’ll be happy to know that ASHI has been lobbying regarding drones on Capitol Hill. Our lobbyist, Randy Pence, has been busy working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to make sure Uncle Sam doesn’t write draconian measures limiting the use of UAS by home inspectors. Randy, with the help of the drone task force mem-bers Keven Kossler, Bob Sisson, John Biegalski, Bruce La Belle and Don Lovering, drafted a letter and forwarded it to the FAA. ASHI was asked for input from the FAA on this important issue.
ASHI IS BEING ASKED FOR INPUT FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT AGENCIES MORE THAN EVER BEFORE. SO YOUR VOICE IS BEING HEARD!
I’ve written about these achievements because some of you may wonder what ASHI is doing for you. I think we should be blow-ing our horn a little louder. We’ve never gone to the same extent as other organizations have to announce our accomplishments, but it doesn’t hurt to keep members informed of our successes.
Another really big deal is our renewed approval from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). For anyone who doesn’t know, ASHI is the ONLY home inspection organization that has true third-party certification. As we all know, everyone says they’re “certified,” “super certified,” super duper certified,” “master blaster certified” or whatever, but ASHI’s certification program is acknowledged by the NCCA. The NCCA defines accreditation in this way on its website:
Accreditation for professional or personnel certification programs provides impartial, third-party validation that your program has met recognized national and international credentialing industry standards for development, implementation, and maintenance of certification programs.
That’s something every ASHI Certified Inspector can be proud of. In this day of instant gratification, ASHI members can be proud that we truly have earned the 40 Years of Trust™ from our clients.
Motion to Reduce the Size of The ASHI Board of Directors
9 June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 9ASHI Reporter | June 20158
The ASHI School: Ya got ta love your ladder, at least for now!
To be safe up there …
Ya Gotta Love Your Ladder, at least for now! THE ASHI SCHOOL
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Photo from left to right: Kim McGraw, Pete Jung, Greg Grabs, Bruce LaBell, Harry Janssen, Chairman Greg Noyes, Michele George, Uli Sommers, Randy Sipe, Mario Lucciola, Alden Gibson and Frank Lesh.
The IW 2016 Education Committee met on April 22 to review presentation proposals and to select the education program for IW San Diego. Over 170 proposals were submitted for consideration. Twelve of the 45 IW San Diego courses will be presented by brand-new speakers. The exciting lineup will include a wide variety of topics ranging from home inspection basics, advanced, specialty/ diversification, to important environmental matters and business management.
When it comes to inspecting roofs, chimneys or any elevated surface, how you inspect is just as important as where or what you inspect. Unless you own an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and program it to fly around and take pictures, your portable ladder is the equipment that will allow you to reach and examine those high places.
One of the topics that The ASHI School instructors teach is Roofing, Flashings and Chimneys. At the end of the roofing instruction, the student should be able to do the following:
• List and explain the two main categories of roofing• Describe 12 types of roofing material used• Explain 10 common problems affecting all roof types• Explain five common problems unique to sloped roofs • Explain two common problems unique to flat roofs • List and describe 11 types of flashings used on roofs• Explain eight common defects related to roof flashings • List five materials and five components used in chimneys• Explain nine common defects with chimneys
With this instruction, the school also wants to alert students to the dangers that can exist when inspecting a roof and provide guidance about how to remain safe.
It may be gratifying to know that, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Construction Standard, 29 CFR 1926, Subpart M, Section 500(a), fall protection is not required for those conducting initial roof inspections.
But does that mean the operation is safe? You know the answer: “Of course not!” Slips and falls are the second largest source of unintentional injury deaths. Of all industrial fatalities, falls account for about 12%, which is more than the percentages for fatalities by electrical current, fires, burns, drowning and poisons. Among all the workers injured in falls from heights, about 20% die from their injury. For falls between levels (e.g., from ladders or roofs), the main events that typically lead to the fall are loss of support of underlying surface or slipping (28%), and unexpected vertical foot movement or “stepping on air” (8%). Falls from ladders make up about 1% of total accidental deaths. And because not all falls result in a lost-time injury, accident reports tend to drastically underestimate the actual number of falls that occur, as stated in a 2008 publication of Work Design. The solution to falls is twofold: Prevent the fall and reduce the risk of falling.
Knowing how to properly set up a ladder, along with having a good pair of safety shoes to wear while inspecting roofs, are all part of the knowledge and equipment that home inspectors should invest in to remain safe and confident during roof inspections.
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ASHI Reporter | June 201510 11June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 11
Compact Ladder Test: A Long-Term Update
Compact Ladder Test: A Long-Term UpdateRICK BUNZEL, ACI
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It has been two years since my last article about ladders in the January 2013 issue of ASHI Reporter (http://www.ashireporter.org/HomeInspection/Articles/Compact-Ladder-Test/2462), so it’s time for a long-term use update of the ladders I picked as the winners.
Xtend and ClimbI had been using the Xtend and Climb 770P as my go-to ladder and had become dependent on it. With its climbing height of 12.5 ft., I could get to most single-story roofs and most interior attic accesses. It weighs 27 lbs., so it was easy to move around without banging into things.
In spring of 2014, Xtend and Climb sent me the 785P model. The 785P is a professional-grade ladder that goes to 15.5 ft. The first thing I noticed was the difference in weight, and then I saw how tall this ladder gets when extended. I can easily throw around the 770P when it is extended, but I definitely feel the weight of the 785P when it is at its full height. With the P designation, the ladder gets a 250-lb. rating, but this ladder does not flex as much as the ladders that have a lighter weight rating. Even with its heavier weight of 35 lbs., I still love this ladder.
Inspectors frequently ask me, “If I were to buy just one ladder, which one should I buy?” The reality is, it depends on the area
you live in and the type of structures you inspect. If most of your business is residen-tial homes, then I would pick the Xtend and Climb 785P. I use the 785P at 95% of my inspections, while my Little Giant stays in the car.
However, the 785P ladder is not perfect. It does have flaws and drawbacks. It goes up easily, but it can be a struggle to collapse it, especially if the weather is cold. The locks do not like the cold temperatures, so if the ladder has been in your vehicle overnight and the temperature is or has been freez-ing, good luck trying to get it down. Best to take it inside and let it warm up before using it. The locks tend to bind when the temperature is below 32 degrees and you might have to fight with them to unlock. The other major quirk is that the ladder will cock to one side and bind when taking it down; I frequently have to unlock alter-nate sections to get it down. The binding section will be impossible to unlock; how-ever, sometimes you can unlock a section above it or below it to take some pressure off the locks. A similar issue occurs when you try to drop the sections when it is on an angle. The sections will bind, but you can get it to move by gently shaking the sections to relieve the pressure. I find that regular lubrication with Pledge helps, but doesn’t solve it 100%. Another issue is that the lower section does not always lock when you are extending it. The newer lad-ders have green “locked” indicators and I
always step back to verify that the sections are locked. My last complaint is that the Velcro strap is good for about six months before it wears out from daily use; I added a metal snap to mine to solve that issue.Clients love this ladder and I get lots of positive remarks about the Xtend and Climb. Based on how frequently I use this ladder, I won’t be returning it any time soon. It does everything I need it to do and I can work around the annoyances so smoothly that most of my customers do not realize the ladder did not come down as easily as it should.
Little Giant Little Giant sent me a Conquest 17 for the original test, and I gave very positive com-ments about the ladder. The only down-side was that the actual climbing height was about 15 ft., or a single story. The Conquest is identical to the Dark Horse model, with the exception that the Dark Horse has wide flares on both ends. The Conquest has straight beams on one end. Because Little Giant did not have a Con-quest 22 available in early 2014, they sent me the Dark Horse 22 instead. (As of fall 2014, Little Giant started offering a 22-ft. model of the Conquest.) This is a profes-sional-grade ladder that is constructed with a fiberglass composite material. It is only slightly heavier than the aluminum Classic 22, but when it is extended to its full length, there is a big difference in how stiff and secure the ladder feels. The lock-ing system is bulletproof, so once you get familiar with it, you can extend and col-lapse the ladder in seconds. The drawback with this ladder is the tricky maneuver
ASHI Reporter | June 201512 13June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 1312 13
444 Compact Ladder Test: A Long-Term Update
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required to raise it to its full length. You either need to extend it all the way on the ground and raise it to the gutter line or put the ladder in the vertical position and extend the telescoping section while balancing it. Either way takes practice to do smoothly and safely.
The Conquest or Dark Horse model adds an element of safety by having a noncon-ductive construction. I hope most of us always scan above for overhead wires, but if you have inadvertent contact with wires, the fiberglass composite is not conductive. Both of these models come with lifetime warranties and the quality of the construc-tion shows it. Another benefit is the wheels that come with it; it is nice to not always have to carry a ladder when you have to go a distance. Now that Little Giant offers a 22-ft. version, I highly recommend this model for those who need a compact ladder that can reach a second-story level. However, if you have a regular need to access second-story roofs, then you should buy an extension ladder.
In my opinion, both the Xtend and Climb and the Little Giant represent the best of the ladders available to inspectors. These ladders may be more expensive than their competitors, but personally, I don't have a problem spending extra money on tools that I will use every day.
Ladder SafetyClimbing into attics and onto roofs are among the more dangerous things we do as inspectors. Recently, I asked a number of inspectors to share their “near misses” with me. I received more than 30 responses and there was a familiar pattern.
Managing slick surfaces. Most incidents occurred when the inspector was transi-tioning on or off the ladder. This transition causes the loads on the base of the ladder to change or be altered. Placing ladders on deck surfaces that are slick and having the ladder slide out of position was mentioned numerous times. A number of inspectors use blocks or wedge something behind the ladder to prevent this kind of sliding. I often use a doormat and place it under the ladder feet. When no mats are available, I use a towel as a substitute because provid-ing a greater surface area will allow more traction. Trex-type decks that are wet, have snow, or algae on them are notoriously slick, and as a result, I always choose another location to place my ladder.
Not securing the top of the ladder. We have all done roof inspections on windy days, and several inspectors have had their ladders blow over. In many cases, there is no one able to set it back in place, so the inspector resorts to hanging by the gutter and dropping to the ground. Tying off the ladder or inspecting from the ground on windy days may be better options.
Using an owner’s ladder or homemade ladder. Your ladder is sitting outside and the owner already has a ladder sitting
under the attic access. Do you take the time to get yours or just jump on theirs? This is a judgment call; several inspectors mentioned issues that came up when using a homeowner’s ladder, including one in-spector whose landing was cushioned by a brand-new BMW. Occasionally, the only option is to use the built-in ladder, which is usually made of 2x4s. Once again, this is a judgment call on your part. Just because it hasn’t failed yet doesn’t mean it won’t fail when you get on it.
Stepping on a rung above the gutter line. There was a video on YouTube attacking a compact ladder company because of play in the hinges. The video attempted to show the ladder kicking out when the user stepped on the rung. What was actually happening was the user was changing the loading on the ladder by stepping on a rung above the gutter, which caused the loads to shift outward at the base of the ladder instead of toward the home. Always step on a rung below the gutter line, even if it’s a stretch.
The potential for a ladder accident is with us at every inspection. All it takes is a moment of carelessness. Several inspectors who shared their stories told of being laid up for five months or more after an acci-dent. Some don’t get on ladders at all now and use alternate methods for roof inspec-tion. Every time I use my ladders, I survey for the best location. Then, after I set up the ladder, I take a step back to ensure that the ladder is straight and locked in. This is a step that we all should practice every time we use ladders.
Rick Bunzel is the principle inspector with Pacific Crest Inspections and an ASHI Certified Inspector. He holds a BA in business marketing and has chaired the marketing and public relations committees for a national home inspection organization. Locally, he is a member of the North Puget Sound Board of Realtors and is a Lieutenant with the Mt. Erie Fire Department in Anacortes, WA.
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15 June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 15ASHI Reporter | June 201514
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Each year, many home fires are caused by improperly maintained clothes dryers. The dryer and vent pipes can overheat and cause a fire. Vents plugged with lint will compound the problem. Don’t let your home become the next casualty. First, always follow the manufacturer’s requirements for cleaning the dryer lint screen. On most dryers, the screen is easy to find and clean between each load; just pull the screen from your dryer and remove the lint. Next, make sure the ducting that vents dryer discharge to the outdoors is properly installed. Many dryer manufacturers and local municipalities require a metal vent duct, not a flexible vinyl vent. The metal duct should have as few bends as possible and be routed outside with as short a duct as possible. M061C - Clothes Dryer Venting - Poor Conditions_300dpi The problem with flexible vinyl and flexible metal ducts is that their rough interior traps lint. Also, these ducts are often installed with excessive loops and tight bends that trap lint.
When in doubt, contact the manufacturer of your dryer for specific requirements. A person who cleans chimneys may also clean and maintain dryer exhaust ducts and will know local code requirements.
Quick Tip #30
Clothes Dryer Venting – a Hidden DangerTOM FEIZA, MR. FIX-IT, INC., HTOYH.COM/HTOYH/
Quick Tip
ASHI Reporter | June 201516 17June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 17
Indoor Residential Stairs Leading Cause of Home Injuries
Indoor Residential Stairs Leading Cause of Home Injuries — Home Inspectors can Make Them Safer
SALLY CHAPRALIS
Herspective From the Women of ASHI
BY MONICA JOHNSON WELLSPRING HOME INSPECTIONS
I AM THE OWNER OF WELLSPRING Home Inspections in Colorado Springs, Colorado. And, as you might ask, what is a woman doing in the home inspection business?
For me, it began as a wonderful opportu-nity to not work for an entire year. Since I was looking for a career change and since I had some time to think about what might come next, I decided not to think, “What job do I need to find?” Instead I thought, “What do I want my workday to look like?” I knew I didn't want to sit at a desk all day. I wanted each day to be a little dif-ferent. I wanted to work for myself and be able to have some control over my sched-ule. I wanted to work at least part time from home. I had a list of about 10 items.
Within a week, I met a gentleman who mentioned that he did home inspections. Home inspections? Hmm ... he had my attention immediately. Home inspectors don't sit at a desk all day. Each day is dif-ferent. Most work for themselves. I quickly realized that, as a home inspector, I would be able to check off every item on my list! Plus, I had pretty extensive experience in home remodeling. Not just painting and making things look pretty, but adding walls, removing walls and learning how to correct the situation when I removed a wall that I shouldn't have removed! I've soldered plumbing in crawl spaces and run wiring in attics. So, I figured that I already knew a lot about how houses are built. What else would I need to learn?
I began to investigate the home inspec-tor training courses available in Colorado and chose The ASHI School. I found the training material thorough and profession-ally prepared and, best of all, presented by instructors who were still active in the inspection business. Even though I was the only woman in the class, I felt perfectly comfortable with my instructors, and every one of my classmates encouraged me and made me feel at home. I knew the decision to change my career path was the right
decision, but I also understood that there was more I needed to know in order to “get out there” and perform inspections on my own. I needed a mentor.
I found the Colorado Springs ASHI Chap-ter of Home Inspectors, and there I met Bob Walstead, an ASHI Certified Inspec-tor and owner of Nationwide Property Services. He had more than 30 years’ experience inspecting homes in the area. Who better to mentor me? Bob was very willing to share his knowledge and experi-ence with me, just as he has with many other inspectors who now have their own businesses. He allowed me to go with him to every inspection I was able to attend. They say “knowledge is power.” Well, Bob imparted vast amounts of knowledge at each inspection and I began to feel I was ready to perform my own inspections.
I believe that women inspectors have the ability to bring a slightly different perspec-tive to the home inspection industry. I really enjoy working with first-time, single female homebuyers, who (I was surprised to find out) are the second largest demographic in the homebuying market. I understand firsthand what a big step it is to buy your first home on your own. I really welcome the opportunity to show other women the inner workings of house systems, structure and maintenance. I enjoy giving them an understanding of and confidence in their first venture as a home-owner. I also appreciate being an example to other women who might want to get into the home inspection business. If any new or curious women home inspectors wish to contact me for questions or input, I can be reached at 719-502-5231.
EVERY YEAR, THOUSANDS OF people experience unintended home injuries as a result of using indoor stairs and handrails that have not been properly constructed or main-tained. The results include trips to the emergency room, billions of dollars in medical costs and even fatalities. “Knowledgeable home inspectors can help prevent many of these injuries,” explains Armand Magnelli, President and Senior Consultant, Livable Housing, Inc., York, Pennsylvania.
In his consulting and training activities, Armand works with municipalities, local nonprofit housing organizations and national nonprof-its such as the National Center for Healthy Housing. His work focuses on improving health, safety, energy efficiency and affordability in all sorts of housing. “I went to school for me-chanical engineering and have always had an interest in construction and
how people use their homes. I also have many interests related to safety issues in homes. Home inspectors who understand how to identify and address home safety issues can offer such valuable information to their clients.”
One of the resources that Armand sug-gests for home inspectors is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI offers the Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, commonly known as A117.1, which was developed in cooperation with the Inter-national Code Council (ICC). The 2009 version of the A117.1 guidelines can be accessed online (http://ecodes.biz/ecodes_support/free_resources/ICC_Standards/ICC_A117.1-2009/ICC_A117.1-2009_main.html). Although this document regulates public spaces and not private homes, it offers useful guidelines on ac-cessibility. For example, Chapter 5 of the A117.1 guidelines focuses on indoor stairs and handrails.
Armand also recommends Code Check Complete: An Illustrated Guide to Build-ing, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Codes, 2nd Edition.
Both of these documents provide illustra-tions showing the proper placement of handrails, grab bars and electrical switch-es and outlets, and both resources address issues of accessibility and safety.
Older homes are more likely to have safety hazards, but problems occur in new con-struction, too. As you check the overall structure of the home and compare its condition with applicable codes and accessibility standards, look for potential safety issues. Remember that, although injuries can happen to people of all ages, some occupants may be especially vulner-able. Ask the homeowner whether any of the people who use the stairs — including those who live in the home and those who visit — have special needs.
Here are a few examples of safety issues to put on your checklist:• Check the stairs’ ratio of tread to riser
(minimum 11-inch tread depth and maximum 7-inch riser). You will find more specifics and illustrations in Chapter 5 of the A117.1 guidelines.
• Are there handrails on both sides and are they secure? Handrails (or lack of handrails) can affect the mobility of elderly people as well as others who use the stairs.
Smooth textures
Smooth textures
40-50mm.
40-50mm.60mm
Rough texture
Rough texture
0.50mm.-0.75mm.
0.85-0
.95
0.70-0
.75
0.10-0
.15
0.30-0.45
0.30-0.45
0.90
0.70
0.30-0.45
0.30-0.45
• If there is carpeting, is it loose? If the stairs are wood, are they slippery? Both of these issues can be hazardous.
• What is the shape of the handrails? If the handrails are too large in diameter or if they are a difficult shape to grasp, people could have problems using the stairs safely. A117.1 offers good guidance on this point.
• Check the lighting at the top and the bottom of the stairs. Is it adequate? Is there a contrast between treads and risers? If not, consider whether painting the risers a contrasting color could help.
• Are there light switches that are lighted or phosphorescent (glow in the dark) at both the top and the bottom of the stairs?
• How high are the railings and light switches, and is the height appropriate for the people who use them?
• Do the handrails extend all the way down past the last stair?
• Is there sufficient clearance at the bottom of the stairs? Is a door placed too close to the bottom stair?
Home inspectors have an opportunity to help make homes safer for the occupants and their visitors by identifying ways to im-prove staircases. Often, making improve-ments to stairs can be relatively simple jobs. For example, although it would be difficult to modify the tread-to-riser ratio, adding appropriately shaped and well-secured handrails to both sides of the stairs and providing adequate lighting are reasonable recommendations for most homeowners. Making these kinds of adjustments can help prevent injuries from occurring on a home’s indoor stairs.
ASHI Reporter | June 201518 19June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 19
Garage Door Safety: How Home Inspectors can Have an Impact
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MORE THAN 70 PERCENT OF HOME-owners with attached garages use the garage as the main access point to their houses. Because garages are such a major hub of activity in the modern home, garage safety should be an important focus for both homeowners and home inspectors alike.
June is both National Safety Month and National Garage Door Safety Month, so there’s no better time for inspectors to commit to checking garage door safety and to educating homeowners about how to inspect their garages to ensure proper operation throughout the year. Although June’s special safety focus is on homes and garage doors, June is also a good time to remember that all door systems, including commercial doors and gates, need regular attention.
“Many of us don’t check for garage door safety as often as we should. In fact, one in 15 garage doors lack the latest safety features,” explains Todd Wilkinson, Field Manager and Safety Ambassador at LiftMaster, the leading domestic j20 manufacturer of garage door openers.
If a garage door opener was made before 1993, it may not be equipped with infrared sensors that will trigger standard safety features. LiftMaster estimates that number at four million garage doors.
The company, which has been manufactur-ing garage door openers for over 45 years, has a strong commitment to safety and has established an initiative to develop safety ambassadors as a means to further drive public awareness of garage door safety. This initiative is in addition to prior safety efforts from the company, including the following:
• Don’t Chance It. Check It. This national initiative began in 2013 and helps homeowners understand how to make sure they have the safest possible garage door opener system in place. It also provides resources that home inspectors can use when advocating for safety with homeown-ers, including the 3-Step Safety Check.
• 3-Step Safety Check. This offers a quick and easy way to confirm that a garage door is operating properly. Home inspectors can perform the check during inspections, and they should encourage homeowners to execute the test three or four times a year.
To perform the Safety Check: 1. Check the sides of the garage door for
properly installed photo eyes (black sensors) mounted no higher than six inches off the floor.
2. Block the photo eye with an object over 6 inches tall and press the garage door opener’s close button. The door should not close.
3. Lay an object that is at least 1½ inches high on the ground in the door’s path and press the garage door’s close button. The door should reverse off this object.
If the home inspector determines a garage door fails any of these steps, a professional garage door dealer should be contacted to help correct the issue. • Red Tag Program. As part of its work with home inspectors, LiftMaster distrib-utes Red Tag Kits, a free resource that provides information on how to identify outdated garage door openers. Each kit in-cludes a Red Tag that inspectors can place on a garage door to alert the homeowner that it is unsafe. Every Red Tag comes with a LiftMaster rebate that homeowners can use toward purchasing a new garage door opener. To date, LiftMaster has distributed more than 400 Red Tag Kits to home inspectors.
Through these resources, LiftMaster is working to help home inspectors and homeowners identify potential problems and ensure the safety of garage door openers across the country. To learn more or sign up for the free Red Tag Program, visit www.LiftMaster.com/HomeInspectors.
Garage Door Safety:How Home Inspectors can Have an Impact
BY SALLY CHAPRALIS
ASHI Reporter | June 201520 21June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 21
Metal Roof ing
Metal Roofing
BY ALAN CARSON, CARSON DUNLOP, WWW.CARSONDUNLOP.COM
In this article, we’ll look at metal roofing, focusing on the following three topics:
• the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofing
• different kinds of metal roofing
• what to look for when inspecting metal roofs
Metal roofing may be made up of either shingles or panels. In this article, we will focus on panels, also known as sheet metal roofing.
ADVANTAGESMetal roofs are lightweight and strong. Metal roofing lasts longer than many other roofing materials, including most asphalt shingles. Also, metal roofing is not brittle like concrete, clay or slate. Although metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt shingles, most metal roofs are less expensive than premium roofing products like slate or clay tile.
Metal can be used on sloped or flat roofs. (Note: Roofing professionals refer to flat roofs as low-slope roofs; this is because a metal roof should never be absolutely flat.) Metal roofing is noncombustible, which is an advantage over asphalt and wood roof-ing. The smooth surface of a metal roof
sheds snow and ice well, certainly better than asphalt or wood roofs. Depending on the system, there may be many fewer joints in a metal roof than in other materials. Every joint is a potential leak.
DISADVANTAGESMetal rusts (or corrodes), of course. Some metals rust more quickly than others. Many metal roofs have exposed fasteners (usually screws), and each fastener makes a hole in the roof, which becomes a potential leakage spot.
Metal also expands and contracts with changes in temperature, so allowances must be made for this. Metals like zinc and aluminum have high coefficients of thermal expansion — meaning they move a lot. As metal roofs move, fasteners may loosen and back out over time. Metal roof maintenance often includes retightening fasteners as needed.
SHEET METAL ROOFINGSheet metal roofs can have many different looks, materials, profiles and installation methods.
Common Roofing MaterialsGalvanized Steel and GalvalumeGalvanized steel is a commonly used metal roofing material because it is the least expensive type of metal roof. It is strong and resists denting. The steel is protected
from corrosion by a layer of zinc or other material. Galvalume is a brand name of a zinc/aluminum alloy–protected steel. (If you are curious about the makeup of this product, the alloy is 55% aluminum and 45% zinc.)
Galvanized steel roofing can be painted on site, but it is typically prepainted at the factory. With zinc galvanizing, the thickness of the zinc coating varies. The more zinc, the better.
Aluminum Aluminum stands up well to most environments. It is lightweight, but it is not particularly strong. Most aluminum roofing products are actually an alloy of aluminum. Other metals are mixed with aluminum to improve the strength of the material. Even with the use of alloys, aluminum roofs tend to have a high coefficient of expansion and contraction. Aluminum is more resistant to corrosion than galvanized steel or Galvalume.
Copper Copper is historically the “Cadillac” of metal roofing. Copper roofs start out looking like the color of a penny, but over time, they may turn dark brown or green. Some copper roofs last more than 100 years, and copper is typically found on high-quality homes and commercial
buildings (government buildings, for example). Copper runoff will stain painted surfaces, and copper is corrosive to most other metals because of its galvanic action. Steel that comes in contact with a copper roof will corrode quickly.
Stainless Steel Steel combined with other metals can form a high-quality, but very expensive, mate-rial. Stainless steel typically contains at least 10% chromium and often contains nickel and other metals. The grade of stainless steel, determined by the makeup of the alloy, affects the resistance to cor-rosion. Stainless steel does not need to be painted and retains its shiny appearance. This material is more commonly used on commercial buildings than on single-family homes.
Zinc Zinc is a very expensive and long-lasting metal roofing material. It is relatively soft and tends to creep over time. It expands and contracts significantly with tempera-ture changes, and consideration must be given to this expansion and contraction in the design and installation of zinc roof-ing. Zinc should be kept away from other metals because it will be the “sacrificial metal” in a galvanic action resulting from contact between dissimilar metals. Zinc roofs may be made of pure zinc or may be made of an alloy. Zinc and zinc alloys are not commonly used roofing materials in single-family homes.
InstallationTraditionally, sheet metal roofing is installed with the joints running vertically down the roof surface. In some cases, the panels run the entire height of the roof. Seams can be standing, flat or battened. Many raised-rib seams are simply over-lapped. Butyl tape may be used at the overlap, but if it is used, it is not visible.
The field of the roof can be flat, ribbed, corrugated or a combination of these. Metal is stronger with more bends. Large flat panels (approaching 20 inches wide) may be subject to buckling caused by changes in temperature. Some people call this “oil canning,” and although it may be a visual distraction, it is not a performance issue.
Fasteners Metal roofs may be secured to the substrate with screws or clips. Nails are not typically used, although there are some systems that allow the use of nails. Where screws are exposed, neoprene washers are used to make the joint weather-tight. With ribbed roofing, screws are placed in the troughs rather than at the caps. There are many systems that have no exposed fasten-ers. A variety of clips and caps can be used.
Fastener spacing is determined by the manufacturer and depends on a number of variables. It is common to see fasteners spaced every 6 to 10 inches horizontally and every 24 to 32 inches vertically. More
Prepainted metal roof panels
Standing seam, low-slope metal roof
Sloped, standing seam metal roof connected to flat roof
Valley flashing on metal roof
Copper roof over a bay window
June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 23ASHI Reporter | June 201522
CONDITIONS: WHAT TO WATCH FORYour inspection focus should be on the following list:
1. Rust: Check along the edges where the metal has been cut. Rust often starts there. Rusting shows up first as discolor-ation or small pinholes. These are some-times difficult to see, especially from the ground. Rust on metal roofing is caused by exposure to the atmosphere and weather. Rusting may be more severe in areas close to saltwater. Rust may be vis-ible, but it also can be concealed. Rust may first appear at field-cut edges where there is no corrosion-resistant coating.
2. Fastener failure: Watch for over-tight-ened fasteners in which the gasket is squeezed out beyond the fastener. Over-tightening can cause dimples in the roof surface where water may collect. Watch for under-tightened fasteners by trying to rotate the gasket. You should not be able to move it with your fingers. Fas-teners also may become loose over time with thermal expansion and contraction of the roof panels.
3. Missing fasteners: Watch for inconsis-tencies in the fastener pattern that may indicate missing fasteners.
4. Open or failed seams: Caulking may suggest repairs to failed seams.
5. Debris in seams: Watch for hardened dirt forming mud-like deposits along seams. Water gets hung up in these areas, often resulting in leaks.
6. Roof penetrations and changes in direc-tion, material or both: As with any roof, these are the vulnerable areas.
7. Overhangs: Depending on the manufac-turer, overhangs should be roughly 1½ to 2½ inches at the eaves and gables.
A Word About LeaksLeaks often occur around the fasteners. Check for rust around fasteners and watch for fasteners that are loose or have pulled through the panel. Fastener failures may be caused by poor installation, corrosion of the fasteners (note: corrosion can be accelerated if there is a dissimilar metal contact leading to galvanic action) or wind uplift forces that exceed the design. Watch for caulking or other sealants on the roof surface. This usually suggests poor installation, repair work or both.
CONCLUSION
In this article, we introduced the basics about sheet metal roofing. Additional information regarding metal shingles, their conditions and strategies for inspection can be found in the ASHI@HOME Training Program.
Open seams and rusted fasteners on this metal roof
Oil canning on metal roof Photo courtesy of John Stortz & Son
fasteners are used at eaves and gables to resist wind uplift.
Be Careful With Your Description Generally speaking, metal roofing is considered high quality. We suggest that you describe it as “a metal roof,” rather than making a guess as to what kind of metal it is. Unless you’re absolutely sure, you can get into trouble by inadvertently describing the metal inappropriately. Be aware that there are steel and aluminum roofs that are made to look like copper.
Be Careful When Walking on a Metal RoofMetal roofs are slippery, especially when wet. Walking on roofs can damage them. Although you are less likely to damage a sheet metal roof by walking on it than you are when walking on a metal shingle roof, you should take care not to step on unsup-ported sections of metal. It is good practice to step on the fasteners, since they will be placed above a solid surface. Although we did not describe metal shingles in this article, please note that you can easily damage a metal shingle roof by walking on it, unless you know where to step.
Caulking over leaking fastenersPhoto courtesy of Sentry Roofing, Inc.
Open seams on this metal roof (note the poor roof-wall joint as well)
Rusted metal and failed fasteners Photo courtesy of Sentry Roofing, Inc.
Severely rusted sheet metal roof
444 Metal Roof ing
444 Metal Roof ing
ASHI Reporter | June 2015 June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 24 25
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Strengthen Relationships and Open New DoorsSponsoring a golf tournament can reinforce existing relation-ships and create new ones. If you circulate comfortably in large groups, sponsoring this kind of event may be a perfect opportunity for you to network. But even if that’s not your style, don’t worry, sponsoring a golf event can still work for you.
Be VisibleThe event may get you lots of attention or your name may get buried in a list. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle, but you can use these tips to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
Do It Your WayEvent organizers will often ask you for something specific, but you can be creative. We don’t think you get a great return from buying a foursome or sponsoring a hole, although that is often the first ask. Let’s look at some other options.
Contests and PrizesWe like contests because you usually get to give a prize at the banquet, which is a great opportunity to get noticed. We particularly like contests in which you get to interact with everyone at the event. For example, sponsoring a putting contest after the round of golf is great because people are generally relaxed and feeling social. It’s easy because there is something to talk about and it’s a low-stress activity. It’s effec-tive because you get to spend time with each group as they come off the course.
Another good option might be to sponsor a closest-to-the-pin contest. This gives you a chance to explain the contest on the tee block and have someone at the green to measure and place the marker — giving you two chances to interact. We also like to provide a small gift or
Sponsoring an Event: Making It Work for You
Sponsoring an Event: Making it Work for YouALAN CARSON – CARSON DUNLOP WWW.CARSONDUNLOP.COM
Working with real estate professionals can be an im-portant part of marketing for home inspectors. Not all home inspectors choose to market themselves to the real estate community, but if you are one who does, the tips provided in this article will help you navigate one of the more common sce-narios: event sponsorship.
Being asked to participate in or sponsor an event can feel like an honor or an obligation. We think you should look at it as a marketing opportunity. In this article, we will focus on responding to a golf tournament sponsorship because it’s a common request. However, the principles can apply to any type of event.
refreshment for the groups as they come through. For ex-ample, you could give the par-ticipants premium-quality golf balls with your logo or ice-cold water in thermoses with your logo. This approach allows you to spend time with each group and to announce the winner at the dinner.
It often makes sense to double your exposure by giving two prizes. You will meet two new people, and you’ll get more time in front of the entire group when you’re handing out the awards at the banquet. One approach is to set up one category for men and one category for women. You get to make the rules!
ASHI Reporter | June 2015 June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 26 27
Take a Photo!Whether it’s a putting contest, a closest-to-the-pin contest or something else, we encourage you to take a photo of each group as they go through your station. Sending participants a copy of their group photo, printed and framed, courtesy of your company, is a great way to turn a one-time event into a durable memory.
The GiftA noteworthy gift can provide good returns, especially if you are able to announce the winner and say a couple of words about your company. You will have the attention of the entire group and, if the gift is memorable, the effect can be very positive.
The gift can be anything from the latest electronic device (for example, an Apple watch) to a high-quality golf club (for example, a driver, wedge or putter) or a top-of-the-line golf bag with your company’s name appearing subtly.
Also, a free home inspection makes an interesting gift. This gift offers some obvious business-building possibilities. Mention that the winner can use it for their own home or for any client they choose. Create a certificate and put it in an attractive frame.
444 Sponsoring an Event: Making It Work for You
Buying a FoursomeYou may have no choice but to buy a foursome. Invite three real estate agents to be your guests — try to find one person with whom you work already and two others who would be new clients for you. It’s great if the two “others” are friends of the first person you already know. Buying a foursome works best if you enjoy golf and people. One downside is that you will be spending several hours with only three people, thus concentrating your marketing efforts.
At the Dinner/BanquetMost golf tournaments end with a meal, awards and a few speeches. This may be the most valuable time for you. If you can circulate comfortably, that’s great. If not, standing at the bar before and after dinner is often a good strategy. You might offer to buy someone a drink, if appropriate. (Be care-ful not to overserve yourself, of course — it’s a business event.)
Before the event, ensure with the event organizers that you will be awarding the prizes you have donated. When it’s your turn to speak, remember that it’s okay to mention your company and what you do, but be sure to keep your com-ments brief so you don’t abuse the privilege and alienate your audience. Make sure to ask someone to take photos of you giving the prizes to the winners.
After the EventMake the most of your experience. • Send the photos you took of
each group of golfers to each attendee and the photos of you presenting awards to the winners to each award recipient.
• When you send the photo, include a letter in which you offer to do an office presentation that provides some information of value to salespeople.
• Send a handwritten note thanking the organizers, other sponsors and important people.
• Post a summary of the event (with photos) on your social media feeds and your website.
• Congratulate the winners publicly.
• Make sure people know that you supported the event.
ConclusionYour business may grow itself without much effort, but most businesses don’t. Sponsoring events can be an easy and com-fortable way to connect with many real estate professionals. It requires a marketing invest-ment of both time and money, but the returns can be great. One last thought: Growing your business doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time for people to get to know you and feel comfortable with you. Think long term and persist with patience.
29June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 29ASHI Reporter | June 201528
ASHI Chapters What’s Happening at the Chapters
The Last Samauri
MANY OF YOU MAY HAVE SEEN THE MOVIE (of the same title) with Tom Cruise who, as a cavalry officer, had to make the decision whether to be on the winning side or the right side.
We, as home inspectors, face that dilemma every day when doing inspections. As ASHI members, we follow the Standard of Practice and often go way above it. We are required to follow a standard; that's how we do an inspection. But we also have an obligation to show an honest and aboveboard stance to our clients; that's how we do business.
The Standards are a no-brainer, although some of you may disagree with me based on what some inspectors in your market area are doing. I would not dispute that, as we all face, or should I say, compete, with those individuals.
No, what I'm talking about here is the business part of our obligations. I'm talking about the way we conduct ourselves with others. How we treat our clients, real estate agents, sellers, just about everyone. Even the way we conduct ourselves with family members.
I'm talking about our ethics, more specifically ASHI’s Code of Ethics. Ethics often are not talked about and sometimes are a misunderstood requirement of ASHI membership. Like most reputable organizations whose members interact with the public, ASHI has created a set of rules for us to follow when dealing with clients, real estate agents, home sellers, etc. Sometimes, we take those rules for granted. We tend to concentrate on the “technical” how to do the inspection and not so much on how to conduct the inspection business.
Ethics tend to be assumed, but not adhered to. We may follow some, but not all, of the rules. The stress of the economy, income, family matters may divert us from the path we initially decided to follow.
Similar to a well-known poem, are we talking about the path less taken or is it more taken? Well, that's the dilemma, isn’t it? It’s a dilemma that home inspectors face every day when doing inspections.
Would you like to know more? Read on!Robert Frost said it best in the first two lines of his stanza
from “The Road Not Taken”:Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both.
We face our fork in the road with every inspection. We decide which fork to take with every inspection. It's not just an empty path before us, but one littered with distractions and temptations as to which fork to take. One perhaps puts more money in our pocket and the other perhaps alienates a potential business source. In some instances, the unethical path actually may encourage a potential business source.
One path follows our Code of Ethics, while the other may be an easier one. Again, I defer to Mr. Frost, when he says:
Then took the other, as just as fair,And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;from the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
Like Tom Cruise in the movie, we are faced with an ethical choice.
Cruise was asked how he knew when to trust someone with his life. He said, “When there's doubt; there is no doubt.”
In other words, if a question arises about whether something is ethical or unethical, then it probably is unethical.
When you’re on the precipice in your mind, facing an ethical dilemma, then you know what the answer is. When in question, there is no question. You should do the right thing, not always the profitable thing.
There are tools available to help anyone who is in a quandary about an ethical situation or making an ethical decision. In addition to ASHI's CoE, there are guidelines that can help us come to an ethical choice at the fork in the road.
Michael D. Conley is a sole proprietor Professional Home Inspector (ACI)
with 25+ years’ experience in the business. He is Certified with ASHI
FABI and with the State of Florida as a Home Inspector, Building
Inspector and Coastal Construction Inspector, as well as a Certified
General Contractor. Mike has taught classes at ASHI National and local
ASHI chapters, as well as being state license certified for CE.
The Last Samurai MICHAEL D. CONLEY, ACI
The Chapter Listing is Online. Please visit: www.homeinspector.org/Chapters/Listing
1. VISIT: www.homeinspector.org
2. Hover over the Members Only tab, scroll down and click on chapters
3. On the chapter page, scroll down to the 1st bullet and click on: Find the closest chapter here.
4. When you see the screen pictured on the left, click on the state where you wish to find a chapter and the information will appear below the map.
ASHI Reporter | June 2015 June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 30 31
Donald Lambert Bona Fide Home InspectionsWoonsocket , RI
David Lyons Lyons InspectionsChristiana, TN
Troy Pappas Safe House Property InspectionsVirginia Beach, VA
Edward Gray AmeriSpec NOVAAnnandale, VA
Matthew Lloyd MHT Enterprises LLC DBA Pillar to PostHaymarket, VA
Darren MelnarArlington, VA
Steve GregoryGregory Enterprises, LLC DBA NPIFloyd, VA
James BurnsBurns PropertyMaintenance, LLC Essex Junction, VT
Mike Olson WIN Home InspectionMontlake Bothell, WA
Larry GeorgeBellville, WI
Jeff VerdoneElmira, ON Canada
New ASHI Certified Home Inspectors As of April 1, 2015
ASHI Chapter Education
ASHI Great Lakes Chapter Spring ConferenceWhen: July 10-11
Where: Holiday Inn
200 E. Rand Road
Mt. Prospect, IL
Contact: [email protected]
847-392-0123
Golden Gate ASHI ChapterMetal Seam RoofingWhen: June 11, 2015, 7:00 pm
dinner meeting
When: Pyramid Alehouse
901 Gilman St.
Berkeley, CA
CEUs: 2
Contact: www.ggashi.org
Golden Gate ASHI ChapterFoundation DrainageWhen: July 9, 2015, 7:00 pm
dinner meeting
When: Pyramid Alehouse
901 Gilman St.
Berkeley, CA
CEUs: 2
Contact: www.ggashi.org
Golden Gate ASHI ChapterPoria IncrassataWhen: August 13, 2015
7:00 pm dinner meeting
When: Pyramid Alehouse
901 Gilman St.
Berkeley, CA
CEUs: 2
Contact: www.ggashi.org
ASHI New England 266 CMR 6.00 Standard of Practice When: September 14-15, 2015
CEUs: 4 ASHI CEs
Contact: [email protected]
ASHI Great Lakes Chapter Fall ConferenceWhen: September 25-26
When: Holiday Inn
17201 Northline Road
Southgate, MI
Contact: [email protected]
734-283-4400
Keystone ASHI KeystoneInspection SeminarWhen: October 30-31, 2015
When: Crowne Plaza Reading
1741 Papermill Rd.
Reading, PA 19601
CEUs: 16 ASHI CEs
Contact:
keystoneinspectionseminar.com
Mid-Missouri ASHI Chapter Educational SeminarWhen: November 6, 2015
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Columbia Board of Realtors
Office, Columbia, MO
CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs
Contact: www.midmoashi.com
Scott SlavenGaddy Home InspectionVirginia Beach, VA
Robert BalesHome CheckInspection Services LLCPalm City, FL
Ed Hopkins Pillar to PostHardeeville, SC
Roberto ZorzanSuburban Home Inspections LLCLivonia, MI
Robert MorrowInspectioneering LLCTempleton, PA
Jim YoungHome Pro Professional Home InspectionsCleveland Heights, OH
Dana HillerbySuburban Home Inspections LLCHatfield, PA
William DareSpotlight Home Inspection, LLCHarleysville, PA
David TeterDown HomeInspection, Inc.Orwigsburg, PA
Scott WhartonHouseMasterRichmond, VA
David Gibbs Specialty Inspections, Pleasanton CADanville, CA
Robert GoldbergThe Home DetectiveChevy Chase, MD
Bill LaughlinPrairie HomeInspections Inc.St. Paul, MN
Doug BrownPillar to PostWest Chester, OH
ASHI CommunityNew Inspector Status, ASHI Chapters, Council News
New ASHI Associates As of April 1, 2015.
H Denotes graduate of The ASHI School
Michael A. LaMarAmerican Dream Home InspectionsHuntsville, AL
Richard CostelloHome InspectionsAnd More LLCLittle Rock, AR
Joseph R. OphoffScott Home Inspection, LLCBerthoud, CO
Robert TibergWillow Springs, IL
Steve AgenbroadNational Property Inspections Troy, OH
David E. BeckCornerstone InspectionsWestlake, OH
Andrew Kimmich Lancaster, PA
Stephen MulrooneySJC PropertyServices LLCLincoln University, PA
Michael S. SporikSporik InspectionSolutionsHarrisburg, PA
Kevin JoynerJoyner Property Inspection, LLC Manakin Sabot, VA
Jeff Steiger KGM Home Inspections Auburn, AL
Robert ForsythForsyth Home Inspection Benton, AR
William Francis Advanced Home Inspections Benton, AR
Anthony JurewiczSmart StartInspection Services Scottsdale, AZ
James GillespieWIN HomeInspectionGoodyear, AZ
Joe BowerInspection SpecialistsSurprise, AZ
Nick Falus Green FieldInspection ServiceSan Francisco, CA
Roger WarnerAll Points Inspection Service Inc. Woodland, CA
Aaron LewisBuyers Protection GroupRancho Cordova, CA
Darrell CleggLeft Coast InspectionsLompoc, CA
John GleasonColorado Springs, CO
H David CainLakewood, CO
H Scott AyenColorado Springs, CO
H Troy DonoghueIndian Hills, CO
Raulton ReichelDiversified 3 Inspection Services, Inc.Denver, CO
Larry GibsonAmeriSpecGeorgetown, DE
H Bradley TonnerAxis Inspection Services, LLCTitusville, FL
New ASHI Inspectors As of April 1, 2015
INSPECTOR
To have your chapter seminar listed here: Email all information about your chapter seminar to [email protected].
Be sure to include all infor-mation: when, where, CEUs & a link for more information or contact information.
Information also will be picked up from CE applications.
To submit your materials for moving up, please contact Janet George at: 847-954-3180 or [email protected]
Jason SmithNaples, FL
Robert PassenPassen Inspectionsand Thermal Im Tangerine, FL
Anthony MartinA.T. Martin Home InspectionsCanton, GA
George FosterBuyers Protection GroupAlpharetta, GA
John WatsonHome InspectionServices of Central GeorgiaMacon,GA
William Jazon Home Probe, Inc. Johns Creek, GA
Steve Talley Neighborhood Maintenance Services, LLC Canton, GA
Bill FlammerWhite, GA
John HartResidential Inspectionsof America Marietta, GA
Nick CashCash Home Inspections Des Moines, IA
Tony Shaw Springer Professional Home ServicesCedar Rapids, IA
Kurt HolmPillar to PostTwin Falls, ID
Scott SeatonSLS Home Inspections Bourbonnais, IL
Richard Majher RSM Builders Inc. Frankfort, IL
Steven PollardNorthlake, IL
Kent StephensUS InspectIndianapolis, IN
David HermannUS InspectMartinsville, IN
Anthony WalkerWalker Property Inspection, LLCMartinsville, IN
H Justin Blick Wichita, KS
Christopher IversUniversal Inspections LLCOlathe, KS
Stanley SangerSanger Home InspectionsLawrence, KS
James Morrison Citadel Inspection ServiceMarshfield, MA
Bill PlourdeMr. Bill The Handyman LLCAuburn, ME
Samuel ClarkBlue Heron HomeServices LLCRockport, ME
Kevin StriplingHome Inspection ProfessionalsSaint Clair Shores, MI
Dale RainesAccuSpect HomeInspectionTrenton, MI
Andrew RogersJDR Inspections LLCBattle Creek, MI
Vincent AlagnaBeacon HomeInspections LLCKansas City, MO
Paul KirkseyMo Home Inspections LLCSt. Charles, MO
Roy Van Hee EICSSt. Charles, MO
Kurt Bethel Pillar to Post - The ChadBorah Team St. Louis, MO
Scott Goddard Pillar to Post - The Chad Borah Team St. Louis, MO
Noel NasonWIN Home InspectionBedford Pembroke, NH
Scott GordonProfesional Inspections& Evaluations Santa Fe, NM
Alex MarrufoAmeriSpecAlbuquerque, NM
Charles BulferVegasinspect LLCLas Vegas, NV
Clifford FrinkPlanet InspectionsBaldwinnsville, NY
Jacek SurdykaJACK Home ImprovementOceanside, NY
Eugene IaconaIcon Home InspectorsMentor, OH
Sean StumphSundance HomeInspectionsLima, OH
Keith KetelaarInspect It 1st - ToledoToledo, OH
Dave Kermes Pillar to PostBrook Park, OH
Kevin FarrisNext Step Inspect, LLCSpringboro, OH
Seth LewisLantern Home Inspections, LLCOregon City, OR
Wayne Oman Stone Peak Home InspectionWest Linn, OR
Paul Smith Curry Home Inspection Gold Beach, OR
Daniel McLaughlinUS Inspect Southampton, PA
Chidelu EnigweThe Phoenix HomeInspection, LLCPhiladelphia, PA
Gary HelmanGH Home InspectionsPittsburgh, PA
Michael Rupp Penn-Mar InspectionsLittlestown, PA
ASHI Reporter | June 201532 33June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 33
Current ASHI MembershipASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,310
Inspectors/Logo: 100
Associates: 1,832
Retired Members: 90
Affiliates: 73
TOTAL: 5,405 as of May 11, 2015
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.combuckner@legalshieldassociate.com
InspectionContracts.comDave Goldstein, 800-882-6242www.inspectioncontracts.comdavid@inspectoreducation.com
OneSource Solutions877-274-8632http://www.osconnects.com/ashi/
Porch.comEliab Sisay, [email protected]
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 RepresentativesSpeakers and Group LeadersASHI Rebate Program
Quill.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 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
Your ASHIYour Link to Membership News and Information
JUNE ANNIVERSARIES
Thirty-Five YearsBruce Platine Thirty YearsMartin GreenbergGrant R. Bell Twenty-Five Years Ned Dominick
Twenty YearsSamuel WoodLyn ToburenJack RothweilerKevin A. MooreJeffrey HerbertDouglas HensiakDavid GrantBill DillonAnthony J. ChimkoGreg CaudillCharles Carter
Great New Membership Benefit Effective July 1, 2015.We have listened to your request and we are proud to announce two great benefits regarding your membership with ASHI.
We are moving to anniversary dates. This means that when a member joins ASHi, he/she will renew his/her membership one year from the date that he/she joined.
Please note: All current members will stay on the fiscal year schedule, where their dues will be due on September 30.
This will make it easier for you to keep track of when your dues and continuing education hours are due.
Secondly, we are offering a plan where you can pay your dues monthly. This means your dues will be charged automatically monthly. If you are an associate or an inspector, you will pay $41.00 monthly. If you are an ASHI Certified Inspector, you will pay $43.00 monthly.
Stay tuned for more details.
Motion: Change 7.2A 3 in P&P and replace with the following: Chapters should contact Russell Daniels for revised policies pertaining to chapter incorporation.
Motion: As of May 1, 2015, in order to achieve ACI status, all new inspectors must pass the National Home Inspectors Exam (NHIE). PASSED
Motion: Motion was made and seconded to accept the agreement with Home Owners Network (HON). PASSED
Motion: Motion was made and seconded to accept the agreement with Guardian Financial subject to Harry, Tim and Executive Director legal changes. PASSED
COR Report: James Funkhouser presented the CoR report as well as the Motion to reduce the Board for the By-Law Committee.
Motion: Motion was made and seconded to make PNC ASHI’s Bank. PASSED
Motion: Motion was made and seconded to contribute $10,000 to the ASHI Foundation for its purpose. PASSED
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMPLAINTS COMMITTEEA paper ballot vote was taken to elect three past-presidents to be selected into the Executive Director Complaint Committee and the follow-ing were selected after votes were counted: Bill Jacques, Marvin Goldstein and Joe Corsetto.
Motion: Motion was made and seconded to cor-rect minutes and pass minutes once changed. PASSED
NEW BUSINESSMotion: Motion was made and seconded to create a standing Strategic Planning Committee, with members to be assigned by the president, tasked with developing a long-term strategic plan
of 5, 10, and 25-year goals. A preliminary report from the Committee will be presented to the Board in six months and the Strategic Plan, if accepted by the Board, will be reviewed and updated by the Committee annually. PASSED
Motion: Motion was made and seconded to approve travel expenses for Alternate Director to attend all Board meetings. PASSED
Motion: Motion was made and seconded to update P&P within four weeks of all Board meetings. PASSED
Motion: Motion was made and seconded to consolidate of ASHI and Finance P&P. PASSED
Motion: Motion was made and seconded to approve $20,000 for Stack Solutions to develop monthly dues payment software. PASSED
REPORT OUT: ASHI Board Meeting April 24-25, 2015
Fifteen YearsDaniel TempleKevin SullivanPaul J. RogoshewskiDanny PritchardHarold MullinsThomas F. Moorehead Sr.Dan MillerTerry JenkinsGuillermo HuntDaniel Annunziata
Ten YearsMichael WaraksaDale H. RobinMichael K. RachelJames QuarelloJohn G. KnudsenDamon EdenBrandon W. DylesHarry CrumpKenneth BukowskiJesse Brown
Five YearsRobert Brian RoodDaniel ReikDarryl L. RappCraig OswaldPaul McDowellLars KnoblochCarlton JonesJames B. HollKenneth Karl HebertBradley C. HaugenEarl HarveyGuy HartmanJohn FunkMargaret ConableRichard AltonGeorge Acuna
ASHI Reporter | June 201534 35June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 35
444 Preparing for an IRS Audit
NEW POSTCARDS EMAIL!! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: [email protected]
English, Spanish, Illiterate.
I could not say the bathroom ventilationwas not sufficient.
Bobby Fowler1st Priority Home InspectionsLocust Grove, GA
Blow Dried to the Max!
I’m lost!
Dave GrudzinskiAdvantage Home InspectionCranston, RI
How many wire splices in one junction box does it take to start a fire?
David Maudlin Indy Pro Inspection Service, Inc.Carmel, IN
Why use an outlet box when a floor joist is so handy?
Brian EppersonAction Inpsection STLO'Fallon, MO
Guess the wood support can’t burn, nor melt the plastic.
J. D. GrewellJ. D. Grewell & Associates, Inc.Silver Spring, MD
That Pesky Firewall ...Close, but no Cigar
Fire StarterHoly Bat Cave, Batman!
... is always getting in the way when installing garage door openers. And sometimes ya have to re-contour the metal ducting with a sledge hammer to get just the right fit.
David WhiteleyWhiteley Home Inspections, LLCKenmore, WA
ASHI Reporter | June 201536 37June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 37ASHI Ad.indd 6 3/25/15 10:33 AM
444 Preparing for an IRS Audit
NEW POSTCARDS EMAIL!! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: [email protected]
New & Improved Heat Shield – Easy to Install, too!
Here is a funny drain pipe under a kitchen sink I saw today. I guess they could not figure out which way to go!
Mark RathzWIN St. CharlesSt. Charles, MO
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah
(aluminum foil and a leftover ceramic tile)
David Maudlin Indy Pro Inspection Service, Inc.Carmel, IN
Electric or plumbling?
Pascal BaudauxAlmo Inspection Inc.Laval, PQ Canada
Line the space between the joist with aluminum foil and put a light bulb in it.
Scott TernaskyAbove Board Home InspectionsFort Collins, CO
Brilliant!What came first?
C A N Y O U S P O T T H E D E F E C T ( s ) ?
Please send your responses to Frank Lesh, [email protected].
We will publish the best answers next month.
How many issues can you see here? The handyman must have claimed he would bend over backward for these clients.
Photo submitted by: Dave Grudzinski, Advantage Home Inspections, Cranston, RI
To Submit Test Your Knowledge Photos for Future Reporter Issues:Email high-resolution photos, 180-300 DPI (300 is always appreciated!)
to [email protected] with an explanation of the issue shown in the photo, your name, company, city and state.
Test Your KnowledgeEngaging Our Readers
39 June 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 39ASHI Reporter | June 201538
On My Mind By ASHI President Alden Gibson
Informative and Inspiring Conferences
FEBRUARY AND MARCH PROVIDED ME WITH OPPORTUNITIES to attend three informative and inspiring conferences. Mike Crow’s “Three Days of Secrets Revealed” marketing seminar was held in Texas in February, and I had hoped that heading south would get me out of Ontario’s frigid winter weather. So, I left Ontario at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit and arrived in Dallas with temperatures a bit warmer, but still very cold and snowy. I was told that the snow was merely an attempt by my Texas friends to welcome me. Mike’s goal is to teach the owners of more than 100 home inspector companies how to grow their businesses into million-dollar companies. To do this, the companies would have to have gross revenues over $1 million per year. Obviously, to accomplish this requires hard work and team effort. Mike explained that membership in his organization can take many forms and that, although moving up within the organization takes time, it can easily be accomplished through hard work, commitment and dedication.
Once a home inspector is an established team member, they are surrounded by like-minded individuals who want to succeed. The conference provided many motivational speakers and representa-tives from businesses who showed and explained many products that would help promote your business and increase growth. To be successful, spending time and money on your business is required. If you have a willingness to invest time and money in your business on the road to success, Mike Crow can help you accomplish those goals.
Mike is a supporter of ASHI and InspectPAC. After Mike explained to the conference attendees what InspectPAC does for the home inspection industry in Washington, D.C., he asked for their support. He raised over $10,000 for InspectPAC. Thanks, Mike, for stepping up to the plate.
I was beginning to think that Texas wanted me to extend my stay, as there were several unexpected happenings at the Dallas airport. First, a plane slid off the runway and then, on Thursday after-noon, the airport shut down completely. Fortunately, my flight to Columbus, OH, took off on Thursday morning, so I made it out of Texas safely and without delay.
While in Columbus, I attended the Ohio Home Inspectors Expo, sponsored by the Ohio Chapter of ASHI, Ohio NAHI and North Central Ohio ASHI. Expo speakers included Alan Carson, Frank Lesh, Joseph Denneler and David Haught. I attended the mock inspection on Friday morning, as well as the classes taught by Alan Carson in the afternoon. I’d like to say thanks to the chapter for presenting a birthday cake to me at lunch. I felt right at home, sharing my birthday with friends. I also attended the Ohio Chapter of ASHI Board of Directors meeting on Friday night. That meeting resulted in good discussions and positive ideas for ASHI’s future. Saturday’s program provided more opportunities for education, and the classes were well-attended and very interesting.
March took me to ASHI’s Great Lakes Chapter (GLC) Spring Conference in Toledo. On Friday, I attended the Peer Review Program/Testing. This program offers a great learning experience for both new and experienced inspectors, and should be adopted by all chapters. GLC’s program is excellent, so if chapters intend to implement such a program, please do not reinvent the wheel. Call the GLC for assistance regarding the development of a peer review program for your chapter. If you do not belong to a chapter, find a chapter that has a peer review program and participate in it. You will not be disappointed.
I also attended the GLC board meeting while at the conference. Good news! Membership is on a steady incline since 2012. Keep up the good work.
Saturday was a full day of events and programs with many good speakers. However, I did have an embarrassing moment when they were having the draw for the door prizes. Everyone who attended received one ticket for the door prizes. After attendees got those tickets, the leftover tickets were put up for sale. To support the chapter, I purchased another 20 tickets. Long story short, I won five prizes! Maybe I should apologize for that, but I think that it’s probably the best way to illustrate what I said earlier: You have to spend money to make money.
On ’til next month.Alden
