ashi reporter may 2015
DESCRIPTION
Home inspection news for inspectors, home owners/buyers and relators.TRANSCRIPT
1 May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 1
Improper connection Loose connections Corrosion Rot
Cracks
Oil Storage Tanks | 10People Driven PR — First Time Buyers’ Seminar | 17
Lintels — A Visible Means of Support | 20 Pain in the Sump Pump | 21
On My Mind: Safety | 38
ReporterASH
I MAY 2015
Inspection News & Views from the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.
DECK SAFETY MONTH p24
Features 9 | The ASHI School: Taking a Look Back While Looking Forward Jack McGraw, National Director of the ASHI School
10 | Oil Storage Tanks Alan Carson – Carson, Dunlop
17 | People-Driven PR — First-Time Buyers’ Seminar Alan Carson – Carson, Dunlop
21 | Pain in the Sump Pump Michael Leiden, ACI, Spectro Home Inspections
23 | ASHI Western Washington 2015 Spring Seminar Joanne MacKintosh
24 | Deck Safety Month Sally Chapralis
27 | PRO-ASHI Peer Review Michael J. Ashburn
Departments 6 | You Tell Us Letters From Our Readers
16 | Herspective From the Women of ASHI Pam Pybas, Inspect It Like a Girl
20 | Insider Tips for Smart Inspectors Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc.
28 | ASHI Community New Inspector Status, Chapters, Education
32 | Your ASHI Membership News & More
34 | Postcards From the Field It’s Wacky Out There
38 | Safety Alden Gibson, ASHI President
May 2015 Vol. 32, #5
ASH
IReporter
21
10
34
24
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5May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 5ASHI Reporter | May 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
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
Main Phone: 847-759-2820, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri., CST
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7May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 7ASHI Reporter | May 20156
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Don’t Drink the Dogs Water!
Health officials believe that thousands of
people become ill because of contaminated
water every year. Most folks think it is the
stomach flu or food poisoning when
contaminated water is the real culprit.
Around your home, you must always
separate drinking or potable water from any
source of contamination. How could
contamination happen? Check out your
exterior hose bib (faucet) and think about
how you use it. You water the dog, leave the
hose lying on the ground, and maybe even
connect it to a fertilizer or chemical weed
sprayer. Then, if the contaminated water is
allowed to flow back‚ yuck, some of it
mingles with your drinking water.
Wherever there’s a possibility that
contaminated water might contact drinking
water, there should be a backflow
preventer. On many exterior hoses, this is that thick brass fitting where you attach the hose.
This backflow preventer stops dirty water from backing up into the drinking water. In some
cases, the backflow device may be built into a hose bib.
Many devices in your home, including hot water boilers, steam boilers, and lawn sprinklers,
have special backflow preventers. Other fixtures have the separation built in: a tub faucet
always sits above the rim of the tub, and the toilet fill valve is placed above the water line.
If you have any questions or concerns about water backflow in your home, contact your water
utility, plumber or home inspector. And don’t remove any of these safety devices. Sure, the
hose connection may spray your foot when you turn it off, but that safety device is worth it to
ensure clean drinking water in your home.
By Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It
(c) Copyright 2009 by Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc. | misterfix-it.com | htoyh.com
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You Tell UsLetters From Our Readers
Lou Rinaldi of Eagle Eye Home Inspection ServicesShared This Press Release:
February 12th, 2015, Eagle Eye Home Inspection Services was recognized as the Emerging Business of the Year by the Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce at the PV Stars, Best of the Valley event. The award, to honor small businesses having exceptional performance and community involvement, was presented at the First Annual Chamber “Gala of the Stars,” held at River Crest Country Club in Collegeville, PA.
Eagle Eye Home Inspection Services’ owner, Lou Rinaldi, was honored for exemplary service to homeowners and real estate offices. He was also recognized for donating his time and services to those less fortunate. Lou has brought his 34-year background as a general contractor forward into home inspections, delivering peace of mind to home buyers with services that include comprehensive home inspection reports, radon testing, and wood infestation services.
Mr. Rinaldi is a member in good standing with ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors).
Eagle Eye is an affiliate member of MCAR (Montgomery County Association of Realtors) and a member of the Spring-Ford Chamber of Commerce, the Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce and BNI (Business Network International) of Collegeville, where Lou serves on the Leadership Committee.
Electrical Fires are one of the Top Safety Hazards in HomesIn case home inspectors are not aware of the following receptacle problem, I wish to bring this information to their attention.
A friend of mine discovered cracked receptacles and switches in his condo unit located in Columbia, MD. His home inspector had missed these particular cracked devices and therefore had not reported them. His condo building was built in 2007; the electrical receptacles and switches were manufactured by Pass & Seymour/Legrand Company. Fortunately for all concerned, the manufacturer paid for replacing all the devices in his unit.
Apparently, when the electricians push the wired devices back into the wall boxes, the pressure of the metal screw connections cracked the plastic parts. This condition was discovered in other condo units in the building.
Another item in the local news related to electrical hazards was a 16,000-sq. ft. mansion built in 2005 in Annapolis, MD, that had burned to the ground last month, tragically killing a family of six (two adults and 4 visiting grandchildren). Sprinkler systems were not required in 2005 in that county when the house was built. A preliminary investigation by the fire department determined the blaze was caused by a faulty electrical outlet that ignited materials in the home’s great room, including a 15-foot tall Christmas tree. The deceased owner of the mansion was a 56-year-old computer/software developer.
Sincerely, John HeynJJH Consultant Inc.Owings Mills, MD
9 May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 9ASHI Reporter | May 20158
The ASHI School: Taking a Look Back While Looking For ward
The ASHI School Taking a Look Back While Looking Forward
BY JACK MCGRAW, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE ASHI SCHOOL
WHILE WE TEND TO CONCENTRATE ON WHAT’S NEXT, The ASHI School (TAS) would like to look back on the past five years of progress and change.
Beginning in:2010 – The ASHI School, in a joint venture with Casey O’Malley & Associates, issued certificates for students who attended classes in FL, Northern CA, Southern CA, IL, CT, CO and MO.
2011 – Jack McGraw was appointed director of The ASHI School. The school ended its joint venture with Casey O’Malley & Associates. TAS issued certificates for students who attended classes in CA, CO, OH, MO, CT, IL, FL and CA, which moved from locations in Southern and Northern CA to one location in Cypress, CA.
2012 – The ASHI School issued certificates for students who attended classes in CA, CO, CT, GA, IL, VA and OH, which moved from Columbus to Cincinnati State Technical Commu-nity College (CSTCC). CSTCC, in partnership with TAS, issues five college credits to students attending home inspection classes at the college. TAS also was approved for Chapter 31, Vocational Rehab and Employment for veterans in all of the school locations. The school also held additional classes in commercial and mold instruction.
2013 – The ASHI School issued certificates for students who attended classes in CA, CO, GA, IL, MO, FL, OH and VA. The school closed the site in Stamford, CT. The school also held additional classes in Commercial, Mold and Infrared instruction. The school opened a new location in NY.
2014 – The ASHI School issued certificates for students who attended classes in CA, CO, GA, IL, MO, FL, OH, VA, and a new location in WA. TAS was approved for the G.I. Bill for the Des Plaines, IL location. We continue to have high interest and
registration from veterans using this benefit. The school was approved for its home inspection pre-license instruction in the states of AK, OK, WV, TN, KY and VT. The school has also been approved by the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools in OH. With this approval, the school has moved forward with submitting the paperwork to begin the process of gaining ap-proval for the G.I. Bill in OH.
TAS continues to increase registration in its nine locations and is actively marketing in NY, our tenth location. Two employees were hired at the school: Steve Reilly, Sales Manager in 2012; and Kendra Eiermann, Administrative Assistant in 2013.
2015 – The ASHI School has registered students in CA, CO, OH, FL, GA, IL, MO, VA and WA. TAS has also held a commercial class and has upcoming classes for mold and infrared. The class curriculum has been updated as of February 2015 and is now being used by all instructors.
TAS has many goals for 2015 and beyond. These include additional state approvals, website improvements, more classes, continued excellence in training of home inspectors, and many more.
Upcoming 120-Hr. Home Inspection ClassesBellevue, WA – May 11–22, 2015Lakewood, CO – June – 2, 2015Cypress, CA – June 15–26, 2015
Additional ClassesInfrared Class – June 24–25, 2015 in Bellevue, WA July 31– Aug 1, 2015 in Leesburg, VA
Mold Class – May 2–3, 2015 in Des Plaines, IL
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ASHI Reporter | May 201510 11May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 11
Oil Storage Tanks
Oil Storage Tanks BY ALAN CARSON – CARSON DUNLOP, WWW.CARSONDUNLOP.COM
444 Oil Storage Tanks
IntroductionApproximately 8 million homes in the United States heat their homes with oil. We do have to inspect oil tanks as part of our home inspection, so let's have a look.
What's Required?Before we start our discussion, let's review what the ASHI Standard of Practice calls for with respect to inspecting fuel oil stor-age tanks.
In the Heating section, we are required to inspect installed heating equipment and to describe energy sources. Oil tanks are not on the list of items not required to be in-spected. The conclusion is that we inspect oil tanks. However, if the tank is under-ground, we cannot inspect it. The Stan-dard makes it clear we are not required to inspect it. In the General Limitations and Exclusion sections, we find this:
Inspectors are NOT required to inspect underground items including, but not limited to, underground storage tanks or other underground indications of their presence, whether abandoned or active.
Despite this, in our experience, many inspectors do report the possibility of an underground tank if they see evidence. We can also say from firsthand experience that
clients may expect you to identify such things. You have a business decision to make here.
About Oil Storage TanksThe typical oil-heated house has a steel (12-or 14-gauge) tank, which commonly has a 275-gallon capacity. There are many variations including fiberglass tanks, epoxy-coated tanks, stainless steel tanks and double-walled tanks. For any tank, you’re going to be looking for a data plate that includes a listing from an agency such as UL, ULC, CSA or Warnock Hersey. If you can't find a data plate or are not convinced it is an approved tank, recom-mend further evaluation by a specialist.
The tanks are commonly;• inside the home • outside, above ground• outside underground (often 550 gallons)
Indoor TanksMany say that tanks are best located indoors, where they are protected from the elements and accessible for inspection and maintenance. Warm oil also flows better than cold. Indoor tanks should be at least 5 feet away from ignition sources, includ-ing the oil burner. Some areas require a secondary containment system for indoor tanks.
Outdoor TanksMany areas now require that outdoor, above-ground tanks be cylindrical rather than the traditional tall, oval shape (see photo below). Cylindrical tanks are less likely to tip over in high winds. The tall, oval-shaped tanks were designed to fit through doors for indoor installations. They are by nature top-heavy and not well suited to outdoor installations.
New tanks should typically be at least 5 feet from property lines, although municipalities may have different rules. Tanks should be protected from weather and physical damage. They should not be installed under the edge of eaves, for exam-ple. They should not be touching buildings or anchored to building walls.
How Much Oil is in the Tank?Indoor tanks typically have a fuel gauge to indicate the amount of liquid in the tank. Many tanks have an audible vent whistle
alarm, warning that the tank is full. Over-filling the tank may result in an oil spill.
Fill and Vent PipingFill and vent pipes are most often steel and terminate at least 2 feet from any building openings. Fill pipes should have a tight-fitting cap. Vent pipes should slope back to the tank with no low spots and should enter the top of the tank.
Abandoned fill and vent piping should be removed or plugged to prevent accidental oil delivery.
Oil Supply Piping to BurnerThe pipes carrying oil from the tank to the burner (and back, in some cases) should be corrosion-resistant and protected from mechanical damage. The piping is typically steel or copper. Aluminum is not permitted.
Life ExpectancyWhile tanks typically last from 15 to 30 years, some home insurance companies insist on replacement after 15 to 25 years.
Things to Watch for Here's a partial list of things to check when looking at an oil tank, in no particular order:
• Non-standard tank - (no UL, ULC, CSA, Warnock Hersey label)
• Evidence of leakage - at the tank; at all fittings; at all piping, on the pad, ground or floor below; and at foundation walls in the basement adjacent to buried tanks outside (oil smells)
• Rust on tank or legs - check the under-side and welded seams at ends of tanks
• Evidence of tank movement/settlement - should be on a solid concrete pad
• Poor fill or vent pipe arrangement - too close to grade or building openings, etc.
• Poor supply line arrangement - exposed to damage, material, etc.
• Outdoor tank partially under eaves - exposed to vehicle impact, too close to the property line, etc.
• Indoor tank too close to source of ignition - (< 5 ft.)
• Old tank - some insurers may require replacement
• Lack of restraint against earthquake - where required
• Presence of buried/abandoned tank - fill and vent lines outside, oil supply lines inside
Most of these are fairly straightforward, but we will have a quick look at the rust issue and then at the tricky, high-cost one - the buried oil tank.
Rust - Where do Tanks Typically Fail?When tanks rust, they will often fail at the bottom first. While the outside of tanks often shows rust, the most damaging rust comes from the inside out, as a result of water in the tank.
Look at the bottom of the tank. The one below would be hard to miss. Don’t touch rusty surfaces, especially if they are exfoliating or if there are protruding bumps. You may cause a leak.
Watch for staining on the pad below and the soil around outdoor tanks and on the flooring below indoor tanks. Follow the fuel lines where visible, looking for evidence of leakage as well.
Underground Tanks (Buried Tanks) These are important due to the risk of environmental contamination and expen-sive remediation. The costs can be six figures. Let's assume you're going to look for evidence of an underground oil tank, irrespective of the ASHI Standard. Remember, if it's an older home with gas heating, it may have had oil previously.
Identifying Underground TanksIf the tank is still in service, it is fairly easy to identify. The furnace or boiler will have an oil burner and you can typically follow the path of the oil supply line to where it disappears through a foundation wall, indicating the potential for a buried tank.
Tank rusted at the bottom.
Rusty and poorly supported.
Rusted lag ready to collapse. Photo courtsey of NY inspector and ASHI Member Arlene Puentes.
ASHI Reporter | May 201512 13May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 1312 13
444 Oil Storage Tanks
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Identifying abandoned underground tanks is more difficult. While many jurisdic-tions call for the removal of abandoned oil tanks, some do get left in place. In some cases, the tanks can be filled with polyure-thane foam, sand or concrete slurry and left in place.
What to Look forInterior fuel supply lines to the burner may have been removed, although sometimes you will see abandoned piping, filters and valves. The piping is often 3/8-inch copper or steel. It may be largely covered in concrete on the basement floor.
Exterior fill and vent lines may or may not be visible. They may be against the house wall or in the yard. If the fill and vent pipes are still there, the tank is almost certainly there, too. Tanks are usually close to the house and accessible for an oil delivery truck.
Sometimes the copper lines are cut off and this is all you see.
Oil lines
Oil lines
Oil lines
Oil lines capped at inside of the foundation wall.
Can you find the fill and vent pipes?
Fill Pipe
Vent Pipe
Fill Pipe
Vent Pipe
ASHI Reporter | May 201514 15May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 15
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444 Oil Storage Tanks
A Tricky One: This one is courtesy of Kenny Hart. Do you see anything unusual here?
Most inspectors would focus on the oil tank, understandably. However, to the right of the oil tank, you can see an extra vent pipe coming out of the ground and extending above the top of the tank. This vent line was for a buried oil tank that has been abandoned and replaced with the above-ground tank we can see.
You might also wonder from this photo whether the tank is sitting on a solid pad.
This is a good example of the impor-tance of taking both a micro and macro approach to home inspection. While you spend most of your time looking at the evidence in front of you, and seeing what you expect to see, you also need to stop, clear your mind, step back and let the house tell you its story. What's unusual? What's missing? What's there that shouldn't be there? These are the things that don't show up on checklists, but are identified by the home inspector who is a true professional consultant.
Kevin O’Hornett, a respected source, refers to spotlight and floodlight rather than micro and macro.
Another Tricky One — Neighborhood Oil Distribution SystemSome neighborhoods were built with un-derground oil supply lines, similar to the natural gas distribution network, but on a smaller scale. In these areas, the fuel line comes in through the foundation wall, usually near the furnace. You can recog-nize these by the absence of a tank and the presence of a meter and a shut-off valve on the piping where it enters the house. Many of these systems have been abandoned in areas where natural gas has become avail-able. It's easy to look at this and mistak-enly report a potential buried oil tank.
What to put in ReportWhere you have reason to suspect a buried oil tank, you might say, “Possible buried oil tank on the property, based on the apparent fill and vent pipes noted (or
whatever evidence you saw). Further evalu-ation by a specialist is recommended to determine whether there is a tank and/or contaminated soil, which may be a high-cost issue.”
Summary
We have looked at oil tanks and
outlined some of the common
problems, including buried
tanks. More information can
be found in the ASHI@HOME
training program.
Alan Carson: Thanks to our contributing authors: Daniel Friedman, Kevin O'Hornett, Roger Hankey and Kenny Hart.www.carsondunlop.com
ASHI Reporter | May 2015 17 May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 16 17
People Driven PR — First Time Buyers‘ Seminar
People-Driven PR — First-Time Buyers’ Seminar
BY ALAN CARSON CARSON DUNLOP, WWW.CARSONDUNLOP.COM
Introduction The first-time buyers’ seminar is a powerful way to acquire new clients and build relationships with allied professionals – real estate agents, bankers, mortgage brokers, title companies and real estate lawyers.
Provide Good, Relevant InformationThe seminar speakers are typically involved in the real estate trans-action. Each gives a brief overview of what they do, some practical advice and, very often, their competitive advantage. The seminar is a business development opportunity for the service providers, and an opportunity for homebuyers to learn a lot very quickly.
There is no need to promote your company during your talk. Your participation as the guest expert establishes your credibility. You gain trust by position and association, but more importantly, by providing something of value to the audience. That might include tips on things to watch for, providing perspective for items that frighten most people unnecessarily, etc.
A real estate agent or lender often hosts the first-time buyers’ seminar. The bank and the real estate agent are in the best position to find participants, and they have more to gain financially from the event than other service providers. The bank may put up a sign or poster in the bank advertising the event. Agents often advertise seminars in magazines, websites, newsletters, postcards or flyers that list homes for sale. Agents often have a database of people interested in purchasing a house.
Offer to Speak We have participated in first-time buyers’ seminars for years and don’t pay anything. Instead, our contribution is our presentation. The very nature of our business ensures a compelling presenta-tion because people learn something new about the systems of a house. If you have visuals that combine things to watch for with some entertainment value, your presentation will be valuable and
Herspective
BY PAM PYBAS, INSPECT IT LIKE A GIRL INSPECTITLIKEAGIRL.COM
Herspective From the Women of ASHI
I GREW UP ON CONSTRUCTION SITES. My earliest memories are of sweeping up sawdust and listening to subcontractors argue. My dad was a builder and our family was heavily involved in the day to day operations. My mom was the master organizer and my brother developed into a high-end trim carpenter. On the week-ends we would pile into the car and drive around to job sites. My dad was constantly quizzing us on components and how things were put together.
My mother read an article in the newspaper in the spring of 2003 about home inspectors and immediately called me and said, “Pammie, you can do that!” Mississippi had just passed legisla-tion that required licensure for home inspectors. The first few years were tough. I was met with some resistance from my male counterparts. However, the president of our local Home Inspec-tor Association was welcoming and very helpful. He taught me that there are enough houses for everyone to inspect. I became committed to raising the standards of the home inspection in-dustry. From the beginning, I wanted to bring a higher level of professionalism, and I’ve always been available to anyone wanting to know how to get into the business. I believe the more good inspectors we have, the better off the entire industry is.
After a few years, I noticed I was getting a lot of return busi-ness from clients who wanted “that gray-haired lady” to do their inspection. I began to realize that I was automatically different from my competition just by being female. So I changed my busi-ness name to Pam’s Inspections.
During a women’s softball game, I heard someone yell, “You throw it like a girl!” My first thought was, “I inspect it like a girl!” The tag line was added to my business and eventually evolved
into the name of the business. With the help of my partner, we have trademarked the name and the logo. We added eyelashes to the business car, a Mini Cooper, and began to aggressively market that we were women inspectors.
At this time, we can’t keep up with the increased sales. We have hired two more female inspectors, are in the process of hiring someone to take the phone calls and have part-time office help. And just for the record, we will hire men. If they are willing to wear the logo, Inspect It Like A Girl, then they are welcome!
To be honest, I didn’t start out to run a business, but the potential of growing the female inspection industry is enormous. Less than 5% of home inspectors are female; however, the National Associa-tion of Realtors market research shows that 91% of homebuying decisions are made or influenced by women. Over 70% of Realtors are women. We are proof that women like doing business with women. And, as a side note, one of the funniest things I hear from men is, “if you are anything like my wife, I want you inspecting my house.”
Our current business is based heavily on meeting the needs of our clients. We aren’t trying to impress anyone with how much we know. We are trying to listen to what they want to know about their new home. We stress the importance of communication, not only with our clients, but also with the Realtors and with each other. I personally have had to open up my mind to new ways of doing things. The inspection business is so much more than inspecting the house. It’s all about building and maintaining relationships, something, we believe as women, we do quite well.
Our vision is to grow nationally. We’d like to be a platform for other female inspectors to stand on. We are working diligently to build systems that can be duplicated by women nationally and internationally. We are currently networking with inspection companies around the United States and Canada, soaking up as much knowledge as we can. Just like Rosie the Riveter claimed, “We Can Do It!”
memorable. It’s easy to capture attention with a few well-chosen pictures. If there have been home-related issues prominent in the news recently, there is often a good chance to shed more light and clear up misinformation. When the media sensationalizes things, the home inspector can be the calm, professional expert and the voice of reason.
PRESENTATION FORMATS
Visual Presentations Pack a PunchIf you have a presentation with visuals, you need an overhead projector or a media projector, a screen and portable computer. The host often provides these. A PowerPoint presentation is a great way to show interesting pictures of house system performance (or non-performance!). The goal is not to put on a horror show, but to pose issues and then solve them. Be sensitive and courteous to all parties ,with respect to time. Check with your host.
Make a lasting impression: Give the audience a copy of your pre-sentation — on paper, CD, DVD, memory stick or through a link to your website. We like things that are inexpensive, tangible and can be branded easily. Business cards and brochures are old-school, but effective.
Non-Visual Presentations Are Portable We like to use visuals where we can, but that's not always possible. You may have to present without the visual aids. You can use hand-outs that leverage your PowerPoint presentation and include useful content and promotional materials, but don't overdo the promo-tion. Your presentation should be focused, high-energy, and brief. Inviting questions is a great way to build rapport with an audience. Make it interactive!
Whether or not your presentation includes visuals, be sure to touch on any ancillary services you provide such as radon, termites, pools and spas, infrared thermography, etc. People appreciate one-stop shopping. Offer to answer the attendees' questions any time, including months after the presentation.
Long Presentations Bore Attendees and Alienate Other PresentersWhen using visuals, speakers often find themselves doing too much. The lender makes a slide for every possible mortgage option, the agent projects a copy of an offer to purchase and goes through each detail, and the lawyer puts up a list of conditions that should be added to the offer to purchase. This level of detail is unnecessary.
Most first-time buyers don’t want to commit to an entire evening of presentations. They would prefer a quick, informative session. Be helpful, be dramatic and be brief. Your audience will love you.
What Is a Home Inspection?Buyers’ seminars are a great way to educate other presenters as
”To be honest, I didn’t start out to run a business, but the potential of growing the female inspection industry is enormous. Less than 5% of home inspectors are female.“
19May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 19ASHI Reporter | May 201518
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well as your audience on the scope of a home inspection. You need to provide a balanced view of the tremendous value of the home inspection, framed within an appropriate scope of work. It's amazing what people think you will do unless you adjust their expectations.
Discuss the importance of the client attending the inspection and describe the inspection as a course in homeownership by show-ing clients how to maintain their home and how to shut off gas, electricity and water in an emergency. You should also touch on report format, report delivery time and perspective – all homes will have some adverse conditions.
ELEMENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL SEMINAR
This section outlines the key features of a first-time buyers’ seminar. Whether you are invited as a guest speaker, are involved in the planning stage or decide to organize the players yourself, keep these points in mind.
Create Relationship with Other PresentersIf you have any input, make sure all your seminar speakers think in terms of goals. Each presenter’s goal is to be recognized as an expert or leader in their field. As a home inspector, you have the advantage of highlighting the independent, unbiased nature of our work. We receive our fee whether or not the transaction goes through. However, be careful not to make this point at the expense of other presenters.
Recognition is an important goal, but it’s not the only goal. The other goal is to create a relationship with the other presenters. In the long run, their referrals may be worth more than the attendees’ inspection business.
Know Attendees’ Goals The main goal of the attendees is to get some advice that will help them make a great decision. They also want to walk away with something. Your educational material and one piece of promo-tional material may be ideal. These allow the attendees and the other presenters to absorb your message. The material also makes it easy for the attendees to contact you. Also, be sure to give your materials to the other presenters.
OVERALL SEMINAR OUTLINE
Golden Rule: Keep It Short Everyone’s goals are best served by a short presentation, followed by a question and answer period. We have consolidated our expe-riences over the years and put together this outline for success:
1. Introductions (five minutes): The host introduces all of the guest speakers and gives an overview of topics. They should also be clear about the session duration. An uncertain audience is a distracted audience.
2. Mortgage lender or broker (ten minutes): He or she gives an overview of the pre-approval process, why pre-approval is prefer-able to applying after finding the house and what information the bank needs to approve someone.
3. Real estate agent (ten minutes): What the agent does for you. Who pays the real estate agent? Who the agent is representing, how you choose an agent, some comments on current market conditions and a few tips on house hunting.
4. Home inspector (ten minutes): What is a home inspection? How much does it cost? (Best to cover this early because the audience will be waiting for it.) When is the inspection performed? What should people watch for? What questions should a home-buyer ask a home inspector?
5. Real estate lawyer or title company (ten minutes): When does the lawyer enter the picture? How much does it cost? What is title insurance? A few tips for your offer to purchase.
6. Question-and-answer period (fifteen minutes): Attendees are invited to ask questions. If the answer is too long and complicated, the subject expert offers to discuss it with the attendee afterwards.
7. Snacks and discussion: The entire seminar is roughly one hour, plus any discussion after the seminar over coffee.
Closing Advice As a home inspector, you are in the communications business. However, presenting to a group is different from talking to clients as you go through a home. Like so many things, practice makes perfect. To get started, create your presentation and practice in front of a mirror; practice it in front of a video camera and watch yourself; practice it with friends and family; polish it and practice some more. It's not enough to be the expert. You have to look and act the part.
Public Relations Follow-UpLast month, we talked about public relations. Roger Hankey provided this great advice:
“Get to know the real estate reporters in your local press/media. By providing them information about real estate, home inspection and other topics of interest, you create an opportunity to be quoted as an expert. Local press often needs content to support the real estate ads they carry. Be a source of content. Over time, you can become their home expert, and they will reach out looking for your opin-ion. This may also lead to a local news piece on inspectors, where you are featured as the expert inspector. This type of PR has long lasting-benefits. People remember who they read about or who they saw on TV.” Thank you Roger!
Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop www.carsondunlop.com
444 People-Driven PR — First-Time Buyers’ Seminar
ASHI Reporter | May 2015 May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 20 21
Pain in the Sump Pump
Pain in the Sump Pump
BY MICHAEL LEIDEN, ACI, SPECTRO HOME INSPECTIONS
ALL HOMES WITH A SUMP PUMP SYSTEM SHOULD HAVE a backup system in place for when the primary pump fails. Everyone knows an electrical primary pump will not operate if the power is cut off. Using Murphy’s Law, this can happen during a storm when the system is needed the most. There are also other reasons pumps fail, for which a backup system can provide you time to make repairs. Some of the breakdowns include: float switch gets stuck or breaks, pump intake gets blocked with mud or stone, waterlogged float, broken impeller or drive shaft, an air-locked pump not pumping, blocked or frozen discharge line. There are several different backup systems you may see out in the field, and each of them has its own pros and pains.
First, I want to talk about an inverter system which gives backup power to the primary pump when the power goes out. This works on a D/C battery connected to a controller that converts the house A/C power to charge and run the primary pump. This power backup usually uses multiple batteries and may only provide a few hours of operation on an average-sized primary pump. As you can see, even if the home has a power inverter backup or even an automatic home generator, the house is still not protected from many of the problems listed above. Having a secondary pump is always better, but may
be a tough install in a narrow basin.
Water-Powered You may have seen water-powered sump pumps. I have seen these used as primary pumps or as secondary pumps. These work on the principle of the venturi effect. Water rushes through an ejector designed to create a pressure drop inside a nozzle to draw water up an inlet line. Water-powered pumps need a back-flow preventer to keep dirty sump water from contaminat- ing the fresh water supply. If you receive your potable water from a well with an electric pump and the power goes out, this system soon goes down, too. These are really not the best choice when assisting a primary pump, which is overwhelmed with too much inflow water entering the sump pit. Many use over 3 gallons of household water to draw out 1 gallon of sump water. This is then sent to an over-saturated daylight area or storm sewer. Most of these installs do not have an alarm to notify you when the pump is activated. It is also very important to know that if the float switch gets stuck in the “on” position, it is like leaving a faucet running and can be costly.
Battery-PoweredBattery-powered pumps appear to be the favorite choice for a backup system. These units, along with the inverter system, trickle-charge themselves using a house branch circuit or solar cells. There are two types: AC/DC and DC. The units which run exclusively DC power will only operate from the battery power. AC/DC battery backup systems will switch to DC battery power when the AC power is out or when the primary pump fails. When the power is on, these pumps can run directly off the AC house power without depleting the battery. The AC/DC backup is a valuable assistant for an overwhelmed primary pump. Both of these systems can have many bells and whistles. They can tell you if they were activated, battery condition, if water is nearing the
Photo courtesy of Basement Watch Dog,© 2015.
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MOST BRICK OR STONE HOME EXTERIORS ARE SKIN DEEP. The house is framed in wood; then the builder uses brick or stone (masonry) to create a cladding or veneer, similar to the way other homes are clad in wood, fiber cement or vinyl siding.
Although they’re just a veneer, heavy masonry materials need sup-port over door and window openings. That’s where lintels come in. Lintels require a visual inspection because of the heavy weight they’re asked to carry.
In home construction, lintels can be made of cast concrete, stone or angular steel. In most residential construction involving stone or brick veneer, an angular steel lintel supports the masonry above windows and doors.
Typical installationUsually, a steel angle extends over the opening and is supported at the edges of the openings. In the ideal situation, installers allow an air space between the masonry and the wood frame, and the wood frame is covered by a moisture-resistant barrier. Builder’s paper was the barrier used in older homes. In newer homes, the barrier con-sists of a housewrap such as Tyvek HomeWrap.
This moisture barrier is lapped over the lintel, perhaps with a flash-ing that drains water over the top of the lintel to the outside. In some cases, you will see lintels with weep holes and visible flashing. Some experts recommend flexible neoprene flashing, which adapts to differing expansion rates between the masonry veneer and the underlying material.
Inspection essentialsDuring inspection, you’ll see the outer edge and the lower side of the lintel over the opening. The lintel should be painted to limit rust. Rusted lintels should be reported as an issue.
Caulk should not be placed between the top edge of the lintel and the masonry it supports because caulk interferes with necessary
water drainage. This area is a common site of incorrect caulking and painting.
Watch out for rustSeriously rusted lintels will expand – in fact, metal expands to as much as 10 times thicker when rusted. Expansion leads to cracking of the masonry edge and you may discover step cracks. Extensive cracking requires replacement of the lintel, which is a costly repair.
Badly rusted lintels will also sag and fail beneath the weight of the masonry. This serious defect requires another costly repair: lintel replacement by a mason.
Unpainted lintels that are otherwise in good condition constitute a maintenance item for the seller or buyer.
Tom Feiza has been a professional home inspector since 1992 and has a degree in engineering. Through HowToOperateYourHome.com, he provides high-quality marketing materials that help professional home inspectors boost their business. Copyright © 2015 by Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc. Reproduced with permission.
Insider Tipsfor Smart Inspectors
Lintels – A Visible Means of Support BY TOM FEIZA, MR. FIX-IT, INC.HOWTOOPERATEYOURHOME.COM
23May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 23ASHI Reporter | May 201522
444 Pain in the Sump Pump
ASHI Western Washington 2015 Spring SeminarThe ASHI Western Washington chapter held its 2015 Spring Seminar at the Red Lion Tacoma March 7, 2015. More than 80 licensed home inspectors were in attendance from across the state, with several traveling up from Oregon to hear several speakers throughout the day. GAF Commercial Roof Consultants Shawn Nolte and John Forest kicked off the day with discussions about roof systems. Dan McDonald, LiftMaster Safety Ambassador, traveled out to talk about garage door opener installations, repairs and maintenance. After a hearty buffet lunch, the group was regaled with discussions from Brad Cyrier, ASHI chapter member, and Corey Chantry about damage found during home inspections due to wood-destroying insects. Don McFeron and Hugh Kelso, both long-time chapter mem-bers, wrapped things up with an ASHI seminar module about steep roof flashings. The chapter spring seminars are always well-attended, preparing folks for the start of a very busy season.
ASHI Western Washington sponsors two educational events each year: the one-day spring seminar in early March, and our two-day Fall Education Seminar held in Seattle in September. This year the seminar is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12, 2015. The weather in September
is generally the best of the year. Plan ahead and join chapter members for a great seminar and stick around to enjoy the Pacific Northwest.
rim of the pit, and some will even text your phone to let you know of any status changes. Moreover, problems with these, as with other systems, include the lack of maintenance and the neatness of installation; floats tend to get restricted when wires are moving around loose. Choice in sizing to an existing primary is also some-thing that should be considered.
All-in-OneLastly, I would like to mention the all-in-one sump pump units. These systems are a combination of a primary sump pump and a battery backup pump. Two pumps are rolled into one self-contained package having their own power and controls. These systems are easy to install and have all the bells and whistles you may want to find. The design of these systems does tend to give their floats minimal vertical travel distance. Restricting the float in this way can make them cycle on and off more when set at an improper level in your basin. All-in-one units are built with more plastic parts that tend to wear more quickly. Even though the canister or sump liner is made of high-quality plastic, it can nevertheless begin to deteriorate. Repeated use and movement take a toll on these units, causing wear and tear – cracks and splits are the most common signs of damage.
Because a pain in the sump is always present, always
know what you have and what the limits are. The
security of having a backup sump pump can be a
valuable asset when the time comes. A properly
installed and understood system can rescue a
home from costly water damage and
cleanup.
Michael Leiden, ACI, of Spectro Home Inspections, has been an ASHI Certified Inspector since 1998 and has been in the building trades for 26 years. He is the current Secretary of the North Central Ohio ASHI Chapter.
All-in-One: Photo courtesy of Basement Watch Dog,
© 2015.
All-in-One: © WAYNE Water Systems/
Scott Fetzer Company
Battery-powered: © WAYNE Water Systems/
Scott Fetzer Company
Battery-powered: Photo courtesy of Zoller Company,© 2015.
ASHI Reporter | May 2015 May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 24 25
Deck Safety Month
Deck Safety MonthEducation Addresses Challenges
and Increases Safety BY SALLY CHAPRALIS
IT’S MAY, THE BEGINNING OF HOME INSPECTORS’ BUSIEST season. It also follows another brutal winter that requires even more attention to safety issues, particularly decks. Deck injury news underscores the continuing need to increase public awareness, the importance of ongoing maintenance and of professionally certified home inspectors. Education is a reward-ing and life-saving experience for consumers and inspectors.
May is Deck Safety Month, introduced by the North American Deck and Rail Association in 2006, two years after it was established. “NADRA has worked with ASHI for seven years on education and certification, and we’re delighted that we formalized our collaboration at this year’s InspectionWorld 2015. We held an all-day Deck Inspection Certification Course, which is approved as an ASHI Continuing Education program,” explains Michael Beaudry, Executive Vice President, NADRA.
“The first half of the course covered existing structures as they relate to decks and other walking surfaces. The second half intro-duced the NADRA Deck Evaluation Checklist. The Checklist ensures that every part of the deck is appropriately reviewed: Stairs, Footings/Deck Support and Posts/Columns; Beams and Joists; Ledger; Deck Boards; Hand Rail Assemblies and Guards.”
NADRA has created an Inspectors section on its website that will give consumers across North America direct access to professional inspectors who specialize in deck inspections.
“Our 10th anniversary was last year, 2014, and this collaboration is a wonderful milestone.” You can see more on NADRA’s home page, including videos about inspecting decks and deck safety, at www.nadra.org/consumers/deck_safety_month.html, and at Deck Inspections www.nadra.org/consumers/deck_inspec-tions.html
“ASHI inspectors now have the educational resources through this first-of-its kind collaboration with ASHI to utilize the NADRA Deck Evaluation Form and truly make a difference in deck safety and deck safety awareness for consumers across North America.”
While deck-related injuries occur every year, decks do not have to fail. “With consistent inspections and evaluations, proper maintenance and skilled preventive care, an exterior deck is a great feature,” Mike adds. “Decks, like roofs, have life expectan-cies, 15 to 20 years on average in most areas of the country.”
“This is why it is very important to have a deck inspected by a NADRA-certified home inspector, who is trained on what to look for on a regular basis. Standards have also changed during the last 10 years. Thus, when a repair is needed, have it done by a licensed, well-trained professional.”
Photo/Image courtesy of Simpson Strong-Tie Co. Inc.
Improper connection. Photo/Image courtesy of Simpson Strong-Tie Co. Inc.
27May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 27ASHI Reporter | May 201526
ASHI Chapters What’s Happening at the Chapters
444 Deck Safety Month
PRO-ASHI Peer Review
PRO-ASHI's Peer Review took place in Triadelphia, West Virginia. It was a central location for the Pittsburgh chapter and the Ohio chapter. George Basitas and I are the Chapter Presidents.
George Kasmirsky, Bryan Cole, John Vacarello, Kelly Beveridge, Dan Howard, John Fleenor, Tom Laurato, Scott Kelly, Shawn Bruce and John Socher attended the review.
We basically did a mini-review to discover different options and methods for inspect-ing an entire home. We met about 9 o'clock and finished around 2 pm. It was an excellent experience for the senior inspectors as well as some of the new ones who shadowed.
We had a wonderful discussion about older building methods, newer building methods, structural concerns and exteriors. Everything was wonderful. We cannot wait to do it again.
At a leadership meeting a few years ago, George, from the Ohio Chapter, and I had discussed having a joint meeting. It took us quite some time to find a good location and the proper house. George did the majority of the work locating the house and getting that set up.
Michael J. Ashburn, ACI, Pro-ASHI President
NADRA’s goals include reducing injuries, increasing awareness of potentially unsafe structures and offering solutions on how to best resolve and prevent unsafe situations. NADRA approaches these goals through continuing education for inspectors and connecting consumers with reputable, trained installers.
Our busiest season can be considered an oppor-tunity and commitment to deliver positive news by addressing deck-safety challenges and reducing injury statistics.
“Providing quality deck, stairs and railing inspections as a Certified NADRA Home Inspector grows your brand and business and truly helps to prevent injuries and save lives.”
Sally Chapralis is the Consulting Editor for the ASHI Reporter. Her writing, business communications and PR experience includes working with construction and real estate industry publications.
Loose connections. Photo/Image courtesy of Simpson Strong-Tie Co. Inc.
Corrosion. Photo/Image courtesy of Simpson Strong-Tie Co. Inc.
Rot. Photo/Image courtesy of Simpson Strong-Tie Co. Inc.
Cracks Photo/Image courtesy of Simpson Strong-Tie Co. Inc.
Peer Review
ASHI Reporter | May 2015 May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 28 29
ASHI CommunityNew Inspector Status, ASHI Chapters, Council News
New ASHI Associates As of March 1, 2015.
H Denotes graduate of The ASHI School
New ASHI Certified Home Inspectors As of March 1, 2015
ASHI Chapter Education
MAC ASHI Chapter Technical SeminarWhen: May 16, 2015
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: John Hopkins University,
Rockville, MD
CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs
Contact: www.mac-ashi.org
MAC-ASHI Technical Seminar When: May 16, 2015
8am - 5pm
CEUs: Proposed 8.
Where: John’s Hopkins University
9601 Medical Center Dr.
Rockville, MD 20850
Featuring:
John S. Rossi, P.E.
Presenting:
“Settling Cracks and Foundation
Failures” and Cecil Johnson
Presenting:
“Thermodynamics and Design/
Operation/Evaluation of HVAC
Equipment”
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
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
Where: Holiday Inn
17201 Northline Road
Southgate, MI
Contact: [email protected]
734-283-4400
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
David WaeschleCactus Coastie Home InspectionsChandler, AZ
Kenneth A. RodriguezLoyalty Home InspectionsNew Castle, DE
Michelle BelknapThe Archwood Studio and ChampiaAtlanta, GA
Roger WeaverA1 Home Inspection LLCWhite Haven, PA
Mark A. McCauleyFighter Pilot Home Inspection & Repair, LLCMechanicsville, VA
Chris WeinbergerPillar To PostOakton, VA
Jeff HippHuntsville, AL
Ross VandenbergMobile Bay Home Inspection LLCMobile, AL
Vincent SferruzzaProperty Pro Home InspectionPhoenix, AZ
Chris FryeFrye Home InspectionsRoseville, CA
Arif BaigHomeGuard IncorporatedSan Jose, CA
Ingram GriffinHomeGuard IncorporatedSan Jose, CA
John DanielHomeGuard IncorporatedSan Jose, CA
David PiconeHomeGuard IncorporatedSan Jose, CA
Scott HighlandS&S Home Inspections LLCJohnstown, CO
Kenneth ButlerAbove Grade Home InspectionsNaugatuck, CT
John NolanBristol, CT
Robert SouthardHouseMasterPlant City, FL
William LoydMickey and More Home Inspections LLCTucker, GA
James Van WinkleLocust Grove, GA
Britton ThomasAtlanta, GA
Phillip SwansonPhillip Alan Swanson Home InspectionsMonticello, IL
Charles BrunoPremier Home InspectionsWichita, KS
Jason BrozenTann ElectricLenexa, KS
Paul StrattonStratton Inspection ServicesMesa, AZ
Shawn ThomasAmeriSpecWilmington, DE
Mark FlanzbaumNational Property InspectionsNew Port Richy, FL
Edward LaiWaypoint Property Inspection LLCRiverview, FL
Chad BridwellPillar To Post Professional Home InspectionAthens, GA
Alex SmithAmerispecAcworth, GA
Zac LeshZac Of All TradesDarien, IL
Joshua McDanelGreater Gateway Inspections LLC. dba Pillar To PostAlton, IL
Paul AndersonGood Protection Home InspectionAurora, IL
Brian McCulloughHouseMasterSalina, KS
Patrick SmithMcKinney Home InspectionLawrence, KS
Jose Roberto MontielMetropolitan Residential InspectionSilver Spring, MD
John FoleyOC Home Care LLCBelcamp, MD
Randy CottrellOC Home Care LLCJoppa, MD
Richard SaylorRCS Home Inspections, LLC Westminster, MD
Terry TvrdikTotal Home Inspectionsof New England, LLCBolton, MA
Bradley HopkinProtech Inspection Poolesville, MD
Bob GossmanOC Home Care LLCBel Air, MD
Charles BrownPrestige Home Inspection ServicesHuntingtown,MD
Robert GoldbergThe Home DetectiveChevy Chase, MD
Peter FarmanFarman Home Inspection ServicesSunfield, MI
Kenneth KalkbrennerBrickKicker of Missouri St. Louis Florissant, MO
Brandon CaldwellR. Heyl and AssociatesO'Fallon, MO
Mark ArmstrongBuyers Protection GroupChesterfield, MO
Paul PetersonSelf EmployedLake St. Louis, MO
Brandon MillerA-Pro Home Inspection ServicesKansas City, MO
Jesse MorganPrime Time Inspections, LLCBlue Springs, MO
Gregory SchmitAsheville Home InspectionsAsheville, NC
John ThompsonSureHome Inspection CompanyPlatsmouth, NE
David SixHome Standards Inspection ServicesDecator, NE
David HaighGarden State Home Inspectors, LLCBasking Ridge, NJ
William WakeUS InspectRichmond, VA
Martin AmadonAmadon Home Inspection LLCHampton, VA
Franco PalombiInsight Residential Inspections LLCArlington, VA
Robert MennittCulpeper, VA
Charlie CaldwellC3 Home ServicesHerndon, VA
Paul BarnhartHome Inspections of VA and WV, LLCFront Royal, VA
Wade MooreNine Mile Falls, WA
James FranceJon's Quality Inspection ServicesShelton, WA
Joel GarlinghouseOlympia, WA
Amanda CrouchPuyallup, WA
Chad ParrottPuyallup, WA
Russell Tolle45th Parallel Home InspectionVancouver, WA
Jeffrey AraujoAAdvantage Home InspectionUnion, WA
Matt LawrenceSouth Sound InspectionGig Harbor, WA
John KeenerMountaineer Inspection Services, LLCFlemington, WV
Sam QurainiKirkland, PQ Canada
New ASHI Inspectors As of March 1, 2015
INSPECTOR
Wayne RademacherStructure Tech Home InspectionsMinneapolis, MN
LaVaine MurphyNook-n-Kranny Home InspectionWebb City, MO
Bill NastBPGWebster Groves, MO
Christopher PelsterAmeriSpec Inspection ServicesOmaha, NE
Todd RenschRensch Property InspectionElkhorn, NE
Kevin WileyAmerispec InspectionsOmaha, NE
Michael MulhollandCaveat Emptor Home Inspectors LLCGlen Rock, NJ
Mark NobleNobility Home Inspection Services L.L.C.West Milford, NJ
Anthony ChristoforouTouchstone Home InspectionNew Hyde Park, NY
Tom CaranoApex Inspection Services, LLCAkron, OH
Jason GreenawaltVBInspect.comPittsburgh, PA
Jason DaleyDaley Home Inspections, LLCMount Juliet, TN
Shane RittenhouseHWS Inspections LLCEarlysville, VA
Michael PillionPillar to PostBridgewater, NJ
Robert PeoplesCinnaminson, NJ
James ParraAmeriSpecAlbuquerque, NM
Martin EblinFirst Choice Home InspectionsChillicothe, OH
Douglas CurfmanSherlock Homes Independent InspectionWadsworth, OH
Joe IaconaIcon Home InspectorsMentor, OH
Thomas JankovicPillar to PostNorth Ridgeville, OH
Eric LimperAmerican Verified Home InspectionsCincinnati, OH
Andrew MillsPillar to PostJunction City, OR
John BevichAffordable Home InspectionsAlburtis, PA
Timothy LewisSligo, PA
Kevin MillerWIN Home Inspection Cranberry Cranberry Twp., PA
Matt TaylorWIN Home Inspection CranberryCranberry Twp., PA
Daniel GoodsonPillar to PostKnoxville, TN
Larry PruittAmerispec Home InspectionsCollierville, TN
Joseph CostantiniManassas, VA
Colin MileyVirginia Beach, VA
To submit your materials for moving up, please contact Janet George at: 847-954-3180 or [email protected]
To have your chapter seminar listed here: Email all information about your chapter seminar to [email protected].
Be sure to include all information: when, where, CEUs & a link for more information or contact information.
Information also will be picked up from CE applications.
ASHI Reporter | May 201530 31May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 31
4 4 4 ASHI Of f icers for 2015
NEW ENGLAND/CANADA
British Columbiawww.cahpi.bc.caGary Poirer, [email protected]
CAHPI Atlantic www.cahpi-alt.comBlaine Swan, [email protected]
CAHPI Ontariowww.oahi.comDonald Beneteau, [email protected]
Coastal Connecticutwww.coastalctashi.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, SyracusePeter Apgar, [email protected]
First State (DE)www.firststateashi.orgThird Wednesday, 7 pm The Buzz Ware Center, 2121 The Highway, ArdenMark Desmond, [email protected]
Garden State (NJ)www.gardenstateashi.comSecond Thursday, The Westwood, GarwoodBret Kaufmann, [email protected]
Greater Rochester (NY)www.ashirochester.comSecond Tuesday, 6 pm, Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, IrondequoitJohn White, [email protected]
Hudson Valley (NY)SecondTuesday, 6 pm, Daddy O’s Restaurant3 Turner StreetHopewell Junction, NY 12533Michael Skok, 845-592-1442 [email protected]
Long Island (NY)www.liashi.comThird Monday, 6 pm, Domenico’s Restaurant, LevittownSteven Rosenbaum, [email protected]
New York Metro www.nyashi.comLast Thursday, Eldorado West Restaurant-Diner, TarrytownRaymond Perron, 914-329-2584 [email protected]
Southern New Jersey (NJ)www.southernnjashi.comThird Wednesday, 6:30 pm Ramada Inn, BordentownRick Lobley, [email protected]
Western New YorkSecond Thursday, 6:30 pm Tony Rome’s West SenecaAndy Utnik, [email protected]
MID-ATLANTIC
Central Virginiawww.cvashi.org
First Thursday, 6:30 pm, Indepen-dence Golf Club, MidlothianRay McMurdy, [email protected]
Greater Baltimore (MD)www.greaterbaltimoreashi.orgThird Thursday except July & Aug., 6:30 pm, Snyder Willow Grove Restaurant, LinthicumStephen R. Dallmus, 410-323-7600 [email protected]
Hampton Roads (VA)Second Thursday, 7 pm, Cypress Point Country Club, Virginia BeachGuillermo Hunt, [email protected]
MAC-ASHI (MD, VA)www.mac-ashi.comSecond Wednesday, Rockville Senior Center, RockvilleJohn Vaughn, [email protected]
NOVA-ASHI (MD, VA)www.novaashi.comFourth Tuesday, Associate hour 6-7 pm, Membership meeting 7-9 pm Northern Virginia Resources Center, FairfaxFerando [email protected]
Piedmont ASHI (VA)Robert Huntley, [email protected]
SOUTH ATLANTIC
ASHI Georgiawww.ashigeorgia.comGregg Allen, 770-745-7574gregg@totalhomeinspections atlanta.com
East Tennesseewww.etashi.orgThird Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. and Nov.Paul Perry, [email protected]
Mid-TennesseeRay Baird, [email protected]
Mid-South (TN)Steven Campbell, [email protected]
North Carolinawww.ncashi.comThird Wednesday, 3 pm, Quality Inn at Guilford Convention Center, GreensboroLarry Conway, [email protected]
South CarolinaFirst Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. & Nov., 8 amRoger Herdt, [email protected]
GULF
ASHI South (AL)www.ashisouth.orgQuarterly, Homewood Library, HomewoodDerl Nelson, [email protected]
Central Floridawww.centralfloridaashi.orgSecond Tuesday, 6:30 pmBill Labita, [email protected]
FLASHI (FL)First Tuesday except July, 6 pm Golden China, 11112 San Jose Blvd., JacksonvilleDavid Sorge, [email protected]
Florida Wiregrasswww.ashiwiregrass.orgSecond Wednesday, 6:30 pm Hyundai of Wesley ChapelNancy Janosz, [email protected]
Gulfcoast (FL)First Thursday, 7 pm, The Forest Country Club, Fort MyersLen Gluckstal, [email protected]
Gulfstream (FL)Ralph Cabal, [email protected]
Lone Star (TX)www.ashitexas.orgCraig Lemmon, [email protected]
LouisianaQuarterlyMichael Burroughs, [email protected]
Suncoast (FL)www.ashisuncoast.comFirst Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Please see our website for meeting locations.Steve Acker, [email protected]
Southwest Floridawww.swashi.comSecond Wednesday, 6 pm Holiday Inn, Lakewood Ranch6321 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota Michael Meesit, [email protected]
ASHI Chapters Find the Chapter Nearest You and Join Today
Chapter meetings and contacts are subject to change. Please contact the chapter to confirm meeting time and location.
NORTH CENTRAL
ASHI Central PA www.ashicentralpa.comSecond Monday, 6 pm, except Jan. & July, Bonanza Steak House, Walnut Bottom Rd., CarlisleWilliam Weitzel, [email protected]
Keystone (PA)www.keystoneashi.orgFirst Monday, 5:30 pmThe Crowne Plaza, ReadingDavid Artigliere, [email protected]
Ohiowww.ohioashi.comHoward Snyder, [email protected]
North Central Ohiowww.ncohioashi.comWilliam Stone, 216 [email protected]
Pocono-Lehigh (PA)www.pocono-lehighashi.orgThird Tuesday, Tannersville Inn, TannersvilleRonald Crescente, [email protected]
PRO ASHI (PA)www.proashi.comSecond Wednesday of Jan., March, May, July & Nov.John Fleenor, 412-862-1443 [email protected]
Tri-State (DE, NJ, PA)www.tristateashi.orgSecond Tuesday except April, Aug. & Dec., Dave & Buster's Plymouth Meeting, PAVince Tecca 215-527-5710 [email protected]
MIDWEST
Central Illinoiswww.cicashi.comSecond Monday, 6 pmKevan Zinn, [email protected]
Great Lakes (IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI)For monthly meetings: www.greatinspectors.com/ schedule-of-events/Carol Case, 734-284-4501 [email protected]
Greater Omaha (NE)www.ashiomaha.comRick Crnkovich, [email protected]
Heartland (IA, MN, ND, SD, WI)www.ashiheartland.comReuben Saltzman, [email protected]
Indiana ASHIwww.inashi.comQuarterlyDanny Maynard, [email protected]
Iowa ASHIwww.iowaashichapter.orgFourth Tuesday, 5:30 pm Clarion Inn, Cedar RapidsMike Tomash, [email protected]
Kentuckiana (IN, KY)www.ashikentuckiana.orgAllan Davis, 502-648-9294elitehomeinspections@ insightbb.com
Mid-Missouriwww.midmoashi.comSecond 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 pmKathleen Barbee, [email protected]
Southern Coloradowww.ashi-southerncolorado.orgSecond Thursday, 6:30 pm Valley Hi Golf Club, Colo. SpringsMike Meyer, [email protected]
Utahwww.ashiutah.comFirst Tuesday, 7 pm Marie Callender’s, MidvaleFred Larsen, [email protected]
PACIFIC
AlaskaSecond Thursday, Jitters Coffee House, Eagle RiverJim Foss, [email protected]
ASHI Hawaiiwww.ashihawaii.comAlex Woodbury, [email protected]
CaliforniaRandy Pierson, [email protected]
Central Valley CREIA-ASHIPeter Boyd, [email protected]
Golden Gate (CA)www.ggashi.comJohn Fryer, [email protected]
Inland Northwest (ID, WA)Chris Munro, [email protected]
Orange County CREIA-ASHI (CA)Third Monday, 5:30 pm Hometown Buffet, 2321 S. Bristol, Santa AnaRalph Bertke, [email protected]
Oregonwww.oahi.orgFourth Tuesday, 6:30 pm 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 | May 201532 33May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 33
Your ASHIYour Link to Membership News and Information
Current ASHI MembershipASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,253
Inspectors/Logo: 99
Associates: 1,780
Retired Members: 90
Affiliates: 73
TOTAL: 5,295 as of April 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 Representativesand 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
MAY ANNIVERSARIES
Thirty YearsRon Wells
Twenty-Five Years Dewey CampbellBruce WhiteJerry FehrRichard RoutsonJames RooneyJames MurphyCraig HoldenAlbert MushinskyNorm RichertTore KnosThomas KraeutlerRudolph PlatzerWilliam Hogue
Fifteen Years Ron EntwistleStephen EricksonGaret DeniseMark DamonGlen BrownLloyd ScarboroughRyan KrausMichael BryanArthur BagirovMichael LegattJoseph Donnelly
Ten YearsAlexx Anne RexRichard SpencerDale McNuttRobert Raishart
Gregg ForscherEdward ZirzowVince VargasChristopher MunroJohn KavanaughJeffrey AdlerKenneth PineraDelford Murphy
Five YearsGilles LarinThomas SutkoErnie ThomasKevin HarperRafael VazquezWalter GorneyMaureen (Molly) Grady
Michael BarryRick PageErik ZerrennerChris KnackGregg MillerMike TwittyBob DavidsonBradley LongoskyPatrick CaverleyPaul DeFeliceRaymond SochaAustin RoeweMark BaxleyLarry Messner, CRIMilind Angolkar
Did you Know ASHI has a New Online Learning Center? • Recorded sessions from 2015 ASHI InspectionWorld Philadelphia and past IWs are now available online through the ASHI Online
Learning Center.
• Great online education resource, available FREE to ASHI Members. • Non-members: $29/per module for purchase.
• Earn 2 ASHI CEs upon successful completion. Session recordings make great training tools, keeping you at the forefront of your industry year-round.
• Many of the past IWs recordings have been approved for state CEs. View a list of state-approved online education under each of the Past IW course descriptions.
• Go to the ASHI Online Learning Center: View the two-hour module and then successfully complete the exam. A certificate of completion will be available to print out.
1. Go to www.ASHI.org2. Under Education &
Training3. Click on:
ASHI ONLINE
LEARNING
CENTER
Continue learning at the click of
a button!
FREE ASHI Member access to past IW
sessions.
ASHI Reporter | May 201534 35May 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]
Innovations in Water Heater Technology
The FPE (Federal Pacific Electric) panel literally fell out when I removed the panel's cover.
Matthew Steger, ACIWIN Home InspectionLancaster, PA
If Only the Wires had Been Tighter
Let's preheat the water with the exhaust before it enters the water heater.
Kyle D. RodgersA+ Home Inspections, LLCSiloam Springs, AR
Fred FieldsFred Fields ServicesBerlin, MD
In the basement, I found a door with a concrete sono-tube tunnel, rope and pulley to transfer the target to the other end, a light and several bullet casings. This tunnel passed underneath the patio some 30-49 feet!
J. Vince BusnardoPrecision Home Inspection LLCCentennial, CO
No wonder the bath-room didn't get cool when the A/C was running.
Matthew Steger, ACIWIN Home InspectionLancaster, PA
How Many are too Many?Not too Cool
Lock and LoadDon't Need a Flashlight to Inspect This Attic
Thomas DabbImmaculate Home InspectionsPlainfield, NJ
ASHI Reporter | May 201536 37May 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]
You will Either Laugh or Shake Your Head.
The yellow cables in the top portion of this panel are used to JUMPER around the main circuit breaker. A qualified electrician is recommended to remove the jumper as soon as possible.
Roger Hankey, ACIHankey & Brown Inspection ServicesEden Prairie, MN
Modification by a Misguided Person
Can you find the carpenter mistake? Clue: The end is not painted.
Roger Hankey, ACIHankey & Brown Inspection ServicesEden Prairie, MN
Thomas DabbImmaculate Home InspectionsPlainfield, NJ
OOOPS ...So, That's What's Hiding Under the Bag!
The Owner Admits he Truly is a Gear-headGutter-Cleaning Time
Thomas DabbImmaculate Home InspectionsPlainfield, NJ
Thomas DabbImmaculate Home InspectionsPlainfield, NJ
... now the cone has been re-purposed.
Thomas DabbImmaculate Home InspectionsPlainfield, NJ
© 2011, HankeyandBrown.com© 2011, HankeyandBrown.com
39 May 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 39ASHI Reporter | May 201538
On My Mind By ASHI President Alden Gibson
Safety
JUNE IS NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH and Home Inspection safety cannot be emphasized enough. It must be the number one priority and must remain ever-present on your mind especially during the inspection process. The majority of home inspectors are independent business owners, so if injured on the job, every aspect of their life and business is in jeopardy. I encourage all home inspectors to acquire an insurance policy that will cover some expenses if you are unable to continue inspections due to an injury or accident.
An injury experience during a home inspection left me with a sprained ankle, all caused simply by a misstep while walking around the house. No work/job time was lost, but the sprain caused several days of pain and discomfort as I continued to perform inspections through the process. On another occasion, while walking back to the truck for some additional equipment, I tripped on a lip from the driveway to the curb and went down like a rock, striking my head and shoulder on the road and throw-ing my glasses across the road. After having a sore shoulder for a few days, I visited the doctor to find out that I tore ligaments in my shoulder and had to go for therapy for several weeks. It is still sore from time to time, so watch your step and look where you are walking. Keep safety at the forefront of your mind.
The Standard of Practice does not require ASHI inspectors to walk on roofs during home inspections; however, I walk on every roof that I feel is safe. The first thing I do before going from the ladder to the roof is tie off the ladder with a bungee cord. This will prevent the ladder from moving when getting on and off and prevent the ladder from falling if a big gust of wind unexpectedly occurs. In my area I am required to take a course on fall protec-tion if I climb a ladder longer than 7 feet. Once the course is completed, participants receive a certificate for the course. Presen-tation of the certificate may be required if questioned by the Min-istry of Labor as the result of the fall. Find out if you are required to have this or similar training in your area.
Another example of a lesson learned as the result of a safety mishap occurred a few years ago. I was conducting a framing in-spection on a new house. I arrived early and had permission from the builder to be on the property. I proceeded down the basement stairs and noticed plastic on the stairs. The builder put plastic on the stairs to protect them from paint and dirt from boots. I stepped on the first step and the next thing I remember was waking up on the basement floor in pain and out of breath.
Luckily, nothing was broken except my pride. The lesson was learned to never step on plastic on stairs unless holding the rail.
The ESA (Electrical Safety Authority in Ontario) mandates that electrical workers need to have the bare minimum in terms of safety equipment when inspecting and working with electrical panels. Home inspectors should maintain at least this minimum requirement. The following is a list of some of the specifications required for personnel inspecting electrical equipment:
• Helmet – contains electric arc flash, shield that meets NFPA70E• Inside rubber gloves, 10 Novax by GB Industries, D120 type 1,
max use voltage 1000 V AC• Outside gloves, O.A.L. low-voltage protector, worn over inside
rubber gloves• Flame-resistant coverall suit
I have been wearing this equipment for years and will not remove a cover without it. In my 22 years of inspecting, I have had three arc flashes with no injuries. All of my safety equipment is made in the USA, so there is no excuse for anyone not to wear it.
During inspections, the last place I examine is the attic. I always wear a respirator when entering an attic or crawl space. Many years ago, I entered a walk-up attic that was full of bat droppings (guano). I was there for less than two minutes, yet contracted a lung infection. That experience has caused me to use a respirator since that time. I also provide paper disposable dust masks for clients if they accompany me into the attic or crawl space. Think safe. Work safe. Be safe. You can’t afford not to.
