march 2015 reporter issuu
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Home Inspection for Inspectors, realtors and consumers.TRANSCRIPT
1 March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 1
INSPECTIONWORLD 2015, PHILADELPHIA p10
2014 ASHI Award Winners | 12Don't Overlook Your Crawl Space | 16
Service Philosophy – Fix Mistakes Fast | 18Filters and Electronic Air Cleaners | 22
2014 Annual Report | 34
ReporterASH
I MARCH 2015
Inspection News & Views from the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.
Features 9 | The ASHI School – InspectionWorld® 2015 The ASHI School Staff
10 | InspectionWorld® 2015 – Making History in Philadelphia Michele George
12 | 2014 ASHI Award Winners
16 | Don't Overlook Your Crawl Space Joe Provey, Kaplan Clean Tech Blog
18 | Service Philosophy – Fix Mistakes Fast Alan Carson, ACI, Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd.
22 | Filters and Electronic Air Cleaners Andy Tran - Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd.
34 | 2014 Annual Report Bill Loden, ASHI Immediate Past-President Michael Stephens, ASHI Treasurer
Departments 6 | InspectionWorld® Philadelphia Frank Lesh, Executive Director
14 | Herspective From the Women of ASHI Interview With Donna Ranson
27 | You Tell Us Letters From Our Readers
28 | ASHI Community New Inspector Status, Chapters, Education
32 | Your ASHI Membership News & More
36 | Postcards From the Field and Test Your Knowledge Contests
It’s Wacky Out There
38 | April – National Home Inspection Month Alden Gibson, ASHI President
March 2015 Vol. 32, #3
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IReporter
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5March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 5ASHI Reporter | March 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 TrackMichele George, Director of Education & Events, 847-954-3188 [email protected]
Membership, Chapter Relations, Booth Rental, Product OrdersRussell Daniels, Director of Chapter Relations, 847-954-3185 [email protected]
Mark Lester, Office Services Coordinator, 847-954-3176 [email protected]
Janet George, Membership Services Supervisor, 847-954-3180 [email protected]
Jen Gallegos, Membership Administrator, 847-954-3175 [email protected] Accounting, Human Resources
Beverly Canham, Financial Assistant, 847-954-3184, [email protected]
Website, Information Systems, DatabaseMike Rostescu, Director IT & Internet Communications, 847-954-3189 [email protected]
Publications, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations Dave Kogan, Manager of Marketing & Business Development 847-954-3187, [email protected]
Arlene Zapata, Communications Design Manager, 847-954-3186 [email protected]
The ASHI School Jack McGraw, Managing Director, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3178 [email protected]
Steve Reilly, Senior Sales Representative, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3181, [email protected]
Kendra Eiermann, Administrative Assistant, 847-954-3198 [email protected]
ASHI Staff
Main Phone: 847-759-2820, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri., CST
ASHI Reporter | March 20156 7March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 7
Being FrankFrom ASHI’s Executive Director
InspectionWorld® Philadelphia
“YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING!” That’s the reaction many board members had when 2012 President Marvin Goldstein suggested Philadelphia as the destination for InspectionWorld 2015.
“Going to a cold weather city is a mistake”.
“Remember the time we had IW in Chicago? It was 20 below zero.”
Those were honest concerns. Marv’s retort was simple and ultimately successful: • ASHI hadn’t held an IW on the East
Coast for years.• There are a lot of inspectors on the eastern
seaboard.• The local chapters would help with the
groundwork.• The hotel/conference center was ideal.
I have to admit, we at headquarters were skeptical, but with a lot of planning and coordination, IW Philadelphia was, by any measure, a resounding success!
IW 2015 by the numbers: 80+ exhibi-tors, 800 home inspectors, 200+ guests equated with one of the best and largest home inspector conferences ever. Forty-five educational sessions, several lunch ‘n learn presentations, pre-conference courses, a post conference commercial course, along with plenty of time to foster old and new rela-tionships all made IW 2015 fantastic.
It may be hard to believe, but IW 2016 may be even better:
• We’ll be in sunny San Diego.• It will be toward the end of January.• We’ll be joined by the California Real
Estate Inspectors Association (CREIA).• Both ASHI and CREIA will be
celebrating 40th anniversaries.
Our official tag line is: “ASHI-40 Years of Trust”
Oh! and by the way, although I don’t think anyone will attempt this, there will be a dunk tank (proceeds go to charity) for anyone brave enough to challenge the taunts of the Executive Director.*
Speaking of the Executive Director (ED), I’m writing this at 40,000 feet on my way home from Washington, D.C., where I’ve met with representatives from Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Envi-ronmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST), the American Lung Association (ALA), The National Center for Healthy Homes, Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction and The Children’s Environmental Health Network.
I’ve been attending workshops with these organizations for almost two years now. Our goal is to vastly increase the number of homes in the United States tested for radon. For that reason, we will need to train far more radon testers than are currently available. That’s why ASHI was invited to the table to join with these industry and government leaders in this noble challenge. Stay tuned for more up-to-date information on this topic.
We’ve been meeting over the past year and a half to develop the goals necessary to dramatically decrease the number of deaths occurring from radon exposure. ASHI was invited because of its reputation for high standards. Needless to say, we’re held in high esteem by these federal, state and pri-vate industry agencies and we’ve been happy to participate in this worthy endeavor. Our
Frank Lesh, Executive Director American Society of Home Inspectors
Direct: 847-954-3182 [email protected] • www.ashi.org
group has met with EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and she had this to say:
“Our near-term goal is to reduce unsafe levels of radon in 5 million homes by 2020, preventing 3,200 lung cancer deaths every year. Our ultimate goal is to eliminate avoidable radon-induced lung cancer in the United States. We know we can do it. A new and improved strategy, with commitments from industry, govern-ment and homeowners to test for and deal with radon in homes they buy, sell and build can have a huge impact on improv-ing public health and cutting health care costs.”
Another feather in our cap comes from the state of South Carolina, which has passed into law the ASHI Standard of Practice for Home Inspectors. It gives full credit to ASHI, copies our SoP word for word, gives all the important information on "Find an Inspector" and how to contact ASHI. This is the best news we have received in South Carolina in a long time.
Well, that’s it for this month. I’m sure I’ll have more to fill you in on next time.
*ASHI staff, the Board of Directors and any inspectors who have a grudge against the ED are excluded from participating in the dunk tank. That leaves Vicki, who doesn’t need an excuse to punish me.
ASHI Reporter | March 20158 9March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 9
The ASHI School – InspectionWorld® 2015 BY THE ASHI SCHOOL STAFF
The ASHI School – InspectionWorld® 2015
ASHI Suggestion BoxDo you have a great idea for the
ASHI organization or Reporter
magazine? All suggestions are
welcomed. Please e-mail:
THE ASHI SCHOOL (TAS) APPRECIATED GREAT MEETING TIMES with inspectors and students at InspectionWorld® 2015 in Philadelphia.
Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on the first full day at InspectionWorld, the school held its first Instructor Workshop. Seventeen in-structors attended representing eight of our ten locations. Alan Carson led the discussion on class curriculum, providing many new updates that will be forthcoming in 2015. Topics discussed included professional home inspection software, insurance, field event supplies for each student, as well as other subjects.
Later that evening, TAS held its Second Annual Reunion, with 36 students and instructors in attendance. The discussion topics ranged from new inspectors looking for direction on pricing of inspections, the importance of chapter participation, next steps in their new career after graduation, etc.
The instructors in attendance gave much helpful advice and direction. Ten students in attendance had moved up to Inspector level and 7 students received their ACI. Three students have joined multi-inspector firms, and five students are serving on the board of their local chapter. An iPad mini was raffled off with Bill Burross, a graduate of the May 2014 Cumming, GA class, as the winner.
The school has also expanded its vendor participation program, which now has 14 companies participating. This program benefits students by offering information on different types of products that may be quite useful and
helpful in their inspection career, such as insurance, marketing, software and many other products.
The ASHI School has many new projects for 2015, but its biggest and most important product is the education. The school continues to strive for the best curriculum being taught to each student at the school.
And let’s not forget the instructors at the school. Each instructor gives 100% of their time and experience in teaching each student.
Our instructors reflect professional experience and thorough knowledge of the curriculum being taught. With many students expressing what a great experience they had at the school, we know that all comes from the instructors. They are always prepared to answer questions and keep the material interesting for the students.
ASHI Reporter | March 201510 11March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 11
InspectionWorld® Philadelphia 2015
IW PHILADELPHIA WAS AN AWESOME SUCCESS! More than 1,000 attendees enjoyed the conference, which began at the Opening Night Reception in the lively expo hall for an entertaining evening of wining and dining. The attendees included over 800 home inspectors and more than 200 exhibitors, and exceeds the attendance at any IW conference in almost a decade. The education program included pre-conference and post-conference courses, a three-day schedule of classes, lunch 'n learns and special events – lots of opportunities to learn from knowledgeable experts in discussions and classes. ASHI successfully launched the new Event App at IW. This exciting tool connects the user to peers and exhibitors, gives the latest news, provides schedules and details, and offers the ability to create a personal agenda and give feedback on sessions. For the first time, staff scanned student name tags at the door of each session. The a QR code will identifies each student and provides proof of session attendance for use in creating affidavits. We welcomed new members and first-time attendees at our Welcome to ASHI Event, and The ASHI School held a class reunion. The ASHI Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon, a traditional time to recognize achievements and induct new officers, pro-vided some wonderful moments. At the President's Gala, everyone enjoyed the delicious meal and a fun evening dancing the night away to the sounds of a fantastic band. Attendees experienced a successful, event-packed conference. Everyone enjoyed the Philly theme, good food, exchange of ideas and camaraderie. Many spouses enjoyed the classes and planned tours of historic Philadelphia. Thank you to everyone for attending and to all of our wonderful exhibitors and sponsors. A link to free IW photos is included in an InspectionWorld Recap article found on the homepage of the ASHI website. We have already begun planning an educational and entertaining event for next year's IW. Mark your calendar to join us at InspectionWorld San Diego when we meet at the Town and Country Resort, January 24-27, 2016. Join us in celebrating ASHI’s 40th Anniversary!
Call for Presentations for IW San Diego InspectionWorld San Diego, January 24-27, 2016, will provide a forum for attendees to learn the profes-sion's best practices and to expand their knowledge, improve their pro-fessional skills and explore emerging issues relevant to the profession.
ASHI invites those interested in presenting at InspectionWorld San Diego to submit a proposal for review by the IW Education Committee.
Click on the InspectionWorld Philadelphia banner located on the homepage of the ASHI website to find a Call for Presentation form.
Complete it electronically and submit it with materials by email. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, April 1. Contact Michele George with any questions.
Michele GeorgeDirector of Education and [email protected]
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR RAFFLE WIN-NERS!
IW San Diego Package:John Reiss
iPad Mini:Steve BaylyShawn JonesSamone Page
Gift Cards:Nancy BustamanteMike CaseyShannon CoryKelly HankinsJohn KerriganRandy KullBob MacDonaldGeorge Schambach
Inspecti� World2015A Declaration of Home InspectionInspectionWorld® 2015
Making History in Philadelphia
BY MICHELE GEORGE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND EVENTS
ASHI Reporter | March 2015 13 March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 12 13
2014 Winner: Tony Smith of the Great Lakes Chapter
John Cox served on a national committee, taught week-long seminars and routinely inspected homes, although numerous operations on his legs due to diabetes meant using crutches and a wheelchair to do so. Nevertheless, it was dedication and service to two ASHI chapters that earned the greatest respect from his peers.
2014 Winner: Michael StephensOutgoing President Bill Loden chose Michael Stephens for the Ironman Award. Accepting special assignments and working behind the scenes, he was the perfect fit for an award described as follows: Every organization has its unsung heroes, who labor quietly in the background but with great dedication. The Ironman Award, established in 1998 by John Palczuk, recognizes an individual member who has given time, energy, talent and deter-mination to ASHI over a long period of time and with little recognition.
2014 ASHI Award Winners
Chapter Enterprise AwardAn ASHI member established this first- of-its-kind award because he attributes his personal success as a home inspector and the prosperity of his multi-inspector firm to the ideas and information acquired by regularly attending InspectionWorld. The basis for the awards are the total confirmed reservations for InspectionWorld [preceding the date of InspectionWorld] for a chapter in each of two categories based on size.
This year Nova ASHI and the Keystone, PA, chapters each received an award of $750.
Chapter Growth AwardsChapters are recognized for the percent of growth and for the number of new members. In 2014, Keystone, PA, grew by the greatest percentage and Ohio- ASHI had the greatest increase in numbers.
President’s Award Ironman Award
John Cox Award
Tony Smith (R) received his John Cox Award from 2014 ASHI President Bill Loden.
Michael Stephens (R) accepts the Ironman Award from 2014 ASHI President Bill Loden.
2014 Winner: Skip WalkerBill Loden, 2014 ASHI President, chose Skip Walker as the recipient of the President’s Award, which is given for outstanding service to the President and the Board of Directors for a specific year.
Skip Walker (L) was honored with the President’s Award from 2014 ASHI President Bill Loden
2014 Winner: Skip Walker ASHI members take pride in receiving the award created in the memory of the man who led the society in its early years as Execu-tive Director. Described as a visionary who maintained the organization’s focus on valid standards, combined with strict conscientious business practices, Philip C. Monahon set the bar high for the leaders who have followed.
In addition to recognizing an outstanding member every year, ASHI donates $500 to the Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Mass., in the name of deceased member Philip C. Monahon.
View & Download PhotosRelive the confer-ence or see what you missed! Photos are available free of charge for download or to order prints. Go to www.inspectione-world.org.
12 13
Philip C. Monahon Award
2014 Gold Achievement Award: Michele George, Director of Education and Events, was given this award by ASHI president Bill Loden.
Skip Walker receives the 2014 Monahon Award from the 2013 winner, Stephen
Gladstone and the 1998 winner, JD Grewell.
ASHI Reporter | March 201514 15March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 15
Herspective
BY DONNA RANSON, ACI
Herspective From the Women of ASHI AVAILABLE NOW!
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WHEN I WAS A LITTLE KID, my mom took me to home shows and vacant houses for sale. I found it all quite interesting, especially the vacant homes with holes in the floors and walls. What was in there? What else is broken?
I’ve always been in a predominantly male career field. Traditional female positions never appealed to me. I learned about home inspectors about six years prior to retiring from 20 years as an Air Force munitions system specialist. Sign me up!
I dabbled as a part-time independent inspector until just after my retirement from the Air Force. After a short break, I kicked it into gear. My first method of marketing was to carry a printed report to three-four open houses each Saturday and Sunday. The realtors were a captive
audience. This worked in my favor and business doubled for the first five years, with good increases every year after that (with the exception of 2012).
During the time I spent cornering, I mean “marketing to,” realtors, I met with a mix of reactions. “I don’t want to hire a girl. What does she know about construction?” “I want to hire the girl. Girls have an eye for detail.” “She’s too young.” (I was 38 way back then). “I don’t want to hire her, she’s not an engineer.” Know what I real-ized? I don’t care what their excuse is. I’m just going to do the best I can every day. And if one person won’t hire me, I know there are five more who will.
It’s been 18½ years since I completed my initial home inspector training. My suc-cesses have been such that I no longer have
a life of my own and have had to make some decisions. Do I cut back and disap-point my clients and realtors? Or do I grow from owning my job to owning a business?
I chose … both, growth and cutting back. This year my LLC is employing three new inspectors, which gives me an opportunity to increase the number and variety of jobs performed by my company. It also gives me a chance to cut back on the amount of inspections I perform personally.
My future will be what I make it.
Home inspection is such an amazing industry to be a part of and we have great resources at our disposal, the first being ASHI. So get out there and show ’em what you’re made of.
Donna Ranson, ACI
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 | March 2015 17 March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 16 17
444 Don't Overlook Your Crawl SpaceDon't Overlook Your Crawl Space
Don’t Overlook Your Crawl Space BY JOE PROVEY, KAPLAN CLEAN TECH BLOG
EVERY HOUSE IS UNIQUE AND FOUNDATION TYPE IS ONE distinct difference between them. A home typically has a crawl space, basement or a concrete slab foundation. In this article author, Joe Provey explains how foundation type should be taken into consideration when upgrading a home’s energy efficiency. Joe’s article explains how a home with a crawl space foundation can increase its energy efficiency. Save energy with the bonus of controlling excess humidity and improving home air quality!
Like it or not, your crawl space and living space are joined at the hip. Holes for wiring and pipes, plumbing chases, leaky heat-ing ducts, gaps in subflooring, ensure that your living space and your crawl space communicate freely! It is no surprise that the U.S. Department of Energy recommends you insulate your crawl space. Insulation in the floor joists is typically inadequate to offer much of a barrier. To make matters worse, the laws of physics actually cause the air in your crawl space to be pulled up into your living areas. As warm air rises in the upper levels of your home, it creates a draw on the lower areas. As much as 40 percent of the air in your crawl space eventually mixes with the air inside your home.
This creates a whole series of problems, ranging from energy loss to breathing unhealthy air. In summer, cool air is lost to the crawl space. In addition, excess humidity from the crawl space causes your air conditioner to work harder and use more electric-ity than it should. In winter, cold air entering through the crawl space makes your floors cold and first-level rooms drafty. Heating bills climb. Winter and summer, you’re apt to be breathing un-healthy air laden with allergens and soil gases.
There are five steps you can take to turn a crawl space into a clean, healthy, energy-efficient part of your home. Here they are, roughly in the order you should tackle them:
1. Seal and insulate rim joistsThe first framing member attached to a foundation is called the sill plate. It lays flat atop the home’s foundation wall and is fastened to it with J-bolts or by some other mechanical means. Because the top of the foundation is often uneven, there may be gaps under the plate. In new construction, a gasket helps to solve this problem, but in older homes it is a major cause of air leakage. The second framing member is the rim joist. It rests on edge upon the sill plate and provides a way to secure floor joists. Subflooring is installed over the rim and floor joists. Air leakage may occur at the joints between the sill plate and rim joist, as well as between the rim joist and subfloor. In addition, the R value of the rim joist (its ability to stop conductive heat loss) is only 1.88 – about the R value of a single-pane window with a storm window in place.
To stop energy loss from the framing assembly that rests upon your foundation wall, seal all joints with a bead of closed-cell foam insulation. Then install rigid foam board insulation against the rim joists wherever possible. For example, cut the board insu-lation to snuggly fit between the floor joists and between the sill plate and subfloor, then press it against the rim joists. If the fit is loose, fill the gaps with spray-foam insulation.
2. Seal ducts that run through crawl spaceHeating and cooling ducts often reside in the crawl space. Typically fabricated from sheet metal, they’re used to distribute warm or cool air to the rooms of your home. Unfortunately, ducts typically leak a large percent of the air they carry. This means your HVAC equipment must work overtime and that your energy bills are higher than they need to be.
To stop energy loss from ducts, seal all metal-to-metal joints and holes with mastic sealant or with metal tape. Do not use duct tape because it will eventually fail. Seal joints between the subfloor
and ducts with spray-foam insulation. If you do not plan on insulating the walls of your crawl space, consider insulating the ducts with duct wrap. Duct wrap is a fiberglass product with a foil vapor barrier to the outside. Be sure to seal all seams with aluminum duct tape; Oth-erwise, air leaks will allow moist air to penetrate the wrap. In summer, that moisture is likely to condense on the cooler ducts and wet the fiberglass – and wet fiberglass is ineffective as an insulator.
3. Insulate wallsThe above- and below-grade portions of your crawl space wall will lose heat in winter, so you will save energy and be more comfortable by installing wall insulation. Rigid foam boards can be adhered to or mechanically fastened to either block, stone or concrete walls. They are waterproof and will not support the growth of mold. The recommended R value depends on where you live. Check with D.O.E. recommendations or with local building department officials for recommendations in your area.
4. EncapsulateA continuous vapor barrier that covers both floor and walls adds another layer of insulation by sealing out air leaks. It will also help control moisture and stop soil gases from infiltrating your home.
For a vapor barrier to be effective in the long term, it must be du-rable. If interested in taking on this project yourself, I recommend this guide that explains how to install a vapor barrier: www.my-homescience.com/need-know-vapor-barriers. If your crawl space is susceptible to water infiltration, install drainage matting before installing any liner. It will allow water to drain toward either a drainage pit (no pump) or to a sump basin and sump pump for discharge. Here is a resource explaining in detail what needs to be done to fix crawl-space water leaks: www.myhomescience.com/whats-store-crawl-space-floor.
5. DehumidifyIf you’ve opted for encapsulation, install a dehumidifier in your crawl space to dry out framing and flooring that has long been exposed to excess humidity, as well as to ensure against excess humidity on an ongoing basis. Lower humidity in your newly conditioned crawl space will translate to lower cooling costs and greater comfort in warm weather.
An investment in any or all of the above will make your home more energy efficient and improve the comfort level and health of family members. In addition, controlling moisture levels protects your home from structural damage due to rot, corrosion and termite infestation, and can give your home extra storage space.
Interested in learning more about crawl spaces? This very informa-tive crawl space learning center can educate you on this often- overlooked part of a home: www.myhomescience.com/category/abc/basement/crawl-spaces.
Joe Provey is a veteran do-it-yourselfer and journalist. Joe frequently writes about DIY, energy efficiency and home building topics.
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: KrawlGear Krawler K1
The KrawlGear Krawler K1 is built to last and simple to use. Just place the Krawler slightly below your waist and discover how much easier it is to move through a building’s crawlspace. The Krawler tracks you as you move so turning is effortless.
If you fit below the duct or beam when crawling, you’ll fit when “krawling” by simply positioning the Krawler lower on your legs to get under those extra tight spaces.
And if there are large pipes, debris or rough terrain the Krawler makes easy work “krawling” over everything and won’t slow you down.
Movement is so much easier with the Krawler, especially going around a large duct rather than going over the top and risking damage or injury. It’s a welcome change.
The Krawler K1 is available in two sizes: large for those with a pants size of 34 or larger, and medium if your pants are sized 33 or smaller.
The deck or base is constructed out of aluminum, with integral wheel guards and pads for comfort.
Tires are air-filled rubber with split rims and sealed bearings.
Clearance is two inches and the Krawler K1 only weighs eleven pounds. Included with the K1 are a set of free elbow pads.
While a home inspector may have many tools in his or her arsenal, the Krawler K1 by KrawlGear is an absolute must-have piece of equipment. You never know what the house or crawlspace will look like and you will want to be prepared before entering.
The Krawler K1 is just $279.00. Order online at www.krawlgear.com.
ASHI Reporter | March 201518 19March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 19
Service Philosophy – Fix Mistakes Fast
Service Philosophy – Fix Mistakes FastBY ALAN CARSON, ACI – CARSON, DUNLOP & ASSOCIATES LTD.
WE HAVE FOUND THAT IF YOU MAKE a mistake and solve the mistake to your client’s satisfaction, your client will sing your praises more than if you never made the mistake in the first place! Unless you are a machine, you will make a few mis-takes over time. When you do, deal with them quickly. Let’s say a client calls back because he/she hs just moved into the house and discovered a problem that you missed. Here are a few tips to approach the situation:
Tip 1: Think about it from your client’s perspective.Your clients have just invested all of their money in this home and are committed to spending more than they can afford every month for the next 30 years. They might even be experiencing buyer’s remorse.
To you, this is just another house. To your client, it’s their home, their nest egg, their retirement, their future. It’s part of who they are. To the client, the value of the house is greater than the price tag alone.
Imagine after the emotional drain of moving that, on their first day in the house, they discover a problem with the house. You now have an idea of the emotional state the client may be in.
Tip 2: Empathize with the client.Empathizing and sympathizing are not the same. To empathize means to under-stand them; to sympathize means that you share their feelings and opinions. At this
early stage, you want them to know that you understand completely, but you don’t want to tell them that you agree with their conclusion. Notice the qualitative differ-ence between the two:
Empathetic response: “I know how discouraged you must feel.”
Sympathetic response: “I agree that the leak in your skylight presents a big problem.”
In the first response, you are not provid-ing a diagnosis of the problem over the phone, nor are you agreeing that it’s a problem. You are just telling them you can understand why they feel upset. In the second response, you risk making a wrong diagnosis, alarming the client and making a mistake.
Tip 3: Don’t comment on anything until you’ve reread the report.Here is a common scenario: Your clients call you on your way to an inspection and tell you they are having a problem getting fire insurance because it turns out that the house has knob and tube wiring. The clients are in a panic because the insurance company has given them three months to rewire the home. The clients got three quotes that range from $6,000 to $10,000 for rewiring. The clients say this cost was unexpected and now they are concerned that they have just purchased a “money pit.”
You try to down calm the clients by tell-ing them all about knob and tube wiring.
You say that it’s unfortunate the insurance company is taking this position because there is nothing inherently wrong with knob and tube wiring. As long as it has not been inappropriately spliced, it’s per-fectly good. It does not matter that it is an ungrounded system because today most appliances are double-insulated and don’t need a ground connection. The only areas that really need a ground connection are the kitchen and a home office.
This line of reasoning is unlikely to appease the homeowner because it does not solve their problem. You give up because you have to do your next inspection and you don’t really remember the house anyway. You tell them that you will call them back in the evening to discuss what can be done. The client is unhappy with your response and with you. You now have an adversarial relationship with the client.
When you get home and flip through the report, what do you find in the first para-graph of the electrical section? You see the following paragraph:
During the inspection, we identified knob and tube wiring throughout the house. While there is nothing inherently wrong with knob and tube wiring, if it has been tampered with there is a potential safety concern. During the inspection, we identi-fied a number of areas where the knob and tube wiring was inappropriately spliced. In addition, many insurance companies
ASHI Reporter | March 201520 21March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 21
will not insure a home with knob and tube wiring. You should contact your insurance company to find out what their position is on the matter and contact an electri-cian to quote on repairs or replacement as required.
Do you think you should have looked at the report first? You bet! You should have empathized with your client by saying something like, “I can understand how discouraged you must feel. I’d like to give this problem my full attention, so I’ll call you back this evening when I get back to my office.” Now you have given yourself an opportunity to reread the report, remem-ber the home, and make a plan of attack.
If you think this scenario is contrived, that nobody would call and complain about a problem clearly identified in the report, guess again. This scenario is more common than you think and here’s why: The inspection was done about three months before your clients moved in. Neither you nor your clients remember the details. Your clients have forgotten about the knob and tube issue because they had so many other things to deal with during the transaction. They were not worried about it because the agent offered at the time to give the client a list of insurance companies that insure a home with knob and tube wiring. Finally, your inspection report is still packed in a box with just about everything else your client owns. So the clients didn’t reread the report before they called you.
The bottom line is this: Empathize, but don’t get into any details until you have had a chance to go through the report again.
Tip 4: Most callbacks and complaints have nothing to do with the scope of the inspection. For example, if the client finds a problem while renovating the home, you are
probably not responsible because you advised your client before the inspec-tion that a home inspection is visual and nondestructive. Again, the client doesn’t remember this. You will have to remind him/her. Your best strategy in this case is to diffuse the situation:• First, empathize with the situation.• Then, explain how these things are
impossible to detect during a visual inspection.
• Tell the clients that their satisfaction is your prime concern.
• Finally, ask what you can do to help.
More often than not, what the client asks for is less than what you imagine. We have used this technique many times and had the clients say, “I just want you to advise me on what we should do next.”
If you feel that asking this question presents too much of a risk, why not qualify it? “Because inspecting the clothes washer is not part of a home inspection, I don’t feel that I could buy you a new one, but is there anything else I could do that would help you?” If you are still worried about an unreasonable response, offer some reasonable suggestions that you can live with and that would make your client happy.
Tip 5: Get to the house before the lawyer does. There is usually a way to deal with a situation to everyone’s satisfaction if you do it quickly. Once a lawyer is involved, it is never easy.
To summarize, the key thing is speed. It takes no more time and costs no more to handle a callback quickly than to let it drag on. And with every passing hour, your client’s frustration level rises, and your chances of an amicable resolution drop. Deal with it!
ONE OF THE UNIQUE BENEFITS
of ASHI membership is you, the member,
may offer changes to the ASHI Standard of
Practice. So, if you have a pet peeve, if you
have something sticking in your craw, if
you have an itch … those sound like
personal problems.
But if you have an idea on how we may
improve the SoP, please let us know. The
Standards Committee is always looking
for suggestions. Just e-mail Bonnie Bruno
at [email protected] and title it “SoP
changes” and she’ ll forward your request to
the committee. And if you really want to
see some changes, fill out a volunteer form
from the ASHI website and get on
the committee.
Thanks for your time and ideas!
? ? ?DID YOU KNOW?
444 Service Philosophy – Fix Mistakes Fast
ASHI Reporter | March 201522 23March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 23
Filters and Electronic Air Cleaners
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FILTERS CAN EITHER BE CONVENTIONAL mechanical filters or electronic air cleaners. There are other options as well, although these are the two most common.
FunctionFilters help clean the house air, making the environment more pleasant. Filters also clean the air before it passes through the blower and heat exchanger. This helps to keep these furnace components working efficiently.
Electronic Air Cleaners Beyond StandardsInspection of electronic air cleaners is beyond the Standard, since the Standard says we do not have to inspect these. How-ever, we will touch on them here since they are common and most inspectors do check them. Let’s look at conventional filters first.
Mechanical filters
Materials and TypesConventional air filters are typically made of fiberglass in a cardboard or plastic frame. There are other types of systems, including pleated fabric-type filters. Some filters are disposable and are intended to be thrown out. Other types are washable and can be
reused. Let’s look at a few of the common conditions. Common problems include –
1. Missing2. Dirty3. Installed backwards4. Wrong size5. Loose or collapsed
We’ll go over a few of the common problems.
Filters Installed BackwardsConventional filters have an arrow on the frame that indicates the direction of airflow. This is an installation issue. The implication is that the filter is more likely to be pulled into the fan and become tangled if it is installed backwards.
The strategy for inspecting this is to pull out the filter and make sure that the arrow indicating the airflow is in the right direc-tion. Again, as a courtesy, you can explain to your client how the filter should be installed. Do not correct a filter installed backwards. All the trapped dirt will be released into the furnace if you do. Recom-mend replacing or cleaning the filter and then installing it properly.
Wrong Sizing Another common issue is wrong sizing. This is also an installation issue and the implication is that some of the air will not be filtered. The strategy is to check to see that the filter completely covers the air path. If two filters are needed, make sure both are in place.
Electronic air cleaners
More EfficientElectronic air cleaners are more efficient than a conventional mechani-cal filter. They are able to capture small particulate, including pollen and cigarette smoke particles. They are not 100 percent efficient, but are better than mechanical filters if they are well maintained.
Filters and Electronic Air Cleaners
BY ANDY TRAN – CARSON, DUNLOP & ASSOCIATES LTD.
A conventional filter used in place of a system designed for a much wider filter is not appropriate.
25 March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 25ASHI Reporter | March 201524
RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS ARE cannot hold the floating floor in place. Summary
We have introduced radiant heat as part of electric heating in this discus-sion. Electric heat is, for the most part, relatively straightforward to inspect. The big issues are electrical safety and adequacy of heat. More information
can be found in the ASHI@HOME training program
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Location and DescriptionThe electronic air cleaner is located in roughly the same place as a mechanical filter would be. It includes a metal cabinet and an electrical connection (120-volt). There is a power switch and sometimes a test button on the outside. There is an access door to get at the internal components.
How They WorkThese cleaners operate with an elec-trostatic charge. The small wires carry a high-voltage electrical charge and the dust particles passing those wires receive the same charge. The collec-tor plates downstream of the wires have an opposite electrical charge. The dust particles are attracted to the plate because of the opposite charge.
Clean FrequentlyThe dust collects on the plates until the units are cleaned. Because these filters can be quite efficient, they need to be cleaned frequently, perhaps more often than conventional filters, since electronic filters collect more dirt.
Charcoal Filter for OdorsSometimes there is a small, charcoal filter downstream of the cells to pick up ozone that is produced by the static charge. This is typically replaced from time to time, but is not an integral part of the system. Prob-lems we frequently encounter on electronic air cleaners include the following –
1. Dirty2. Missing components3. Damaged cells4. Inoperative5. Improper orientation6. Miswired7. Restricted Airflow
Again, we’ll go over a few of the more common problems with electronic air fil-ters and discuss them in terms of causes, implications and strategies for inspection
Missing ComponentsIf the cells or prefilters are missing, this is usually a homeowner mistake. Sometimes this is because the units have been damaged. The air cleaner will not work properly with missing cells. In many air cleaners, there are two cells, installed one behind the
444 Filters and Electronic Air Cleaners
other. Make sure when you push the cell in that it goes all the way to the back of the cabinet. You don’t want air to get around the cell. In addition, make sure there is a prefilter located upstream of the cells.
Damaged CellsThis is usually caused by careless clean-ing. The damage is usually to the wires on the cells. The plates can also be damaged. The efficiency of the unit will be reduced where wires or plates are damaged. When you take the cells out, look for damaged wires or plates. If several wires are broken, repairs may be warranted. Many feel it’s not worth the cost of repairing just one broken wire.
Installed Backwards or in Wrong LocationThe filter should be installed in the return air duct just before (upstream of) the fur-nace. When you take the cover off, the first thing the air stream should hit is the pre-filter. The air should go through this filter first and then go into the electronic cells. The arrows on the cells should point in the direction of the airflow.
ASHI Reporter | March 201526 27March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 27
ASHI Chapters What’s Happening at the Chapters
LETTER TO THE EDITORThe cover article in the January 2015 ASHI Reporter “Limitations of Two-Day Radon Screen-ings” by Kurt Salomon ignores published work which has found that many short-term tests made during the winter season correctly predict-ed the annual radon average to be above 4 pCi/L 88% of the time and above 2.0 pCi/L 98% of the time. See “A Comparison of Winter Short-term and Annual Average Radon Measurements in Basements of a Radon-prone Region and Evalua-tion of Further Radon Testing Indicators,” Barros, Steck and Field, Health Physics Journal, Volume 106, May 2014. EPA also concluded that short-term measurements agreed well with long-term measurements 85–90% of the time. The author cites selective data from Air Chek Inc. to illustrate seasonal fluctuations. However, the Air Chek data also shows that in four out of the six states referenced, radon levels were above 4 in both the winter and summer months. Irrespective of the season, mitigation would be recommended for all of the measurementsabove 4 pCi/L.
Mr. Salomon describes seasonal fluctuations, weather and abnormal effects that influence short-term measurements and mitigation deci-sions made based on those short-term measure-ments. The author focuses on the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. Mr. Salomon fails to consider that EPA recommends that mitigation be considered for levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L. The World Health Organization (WHO) now recommends an action level of 2.7 pCi/L.
Nancy Bredhoff President, Radon Testing Corporation of America, Inc.
TO THE EDITORThis letter is in response to the article, “Limita-tions of Two-Day Radon Screening,” written by Kurt Solomon, which appeared in the January Reporter.
While I agree, partially, with some of what Kurt wrote, I would like to respond to some state-ments, which I believe to be incorrect, inaccu-rate or contradictory. In the paragraph headed Sample Size, he notes the shortcomings of two- day screening. 48 hours is the minimum time required by the EPA. Charcoal canisters are accurate up to seven days and a longer period will better allow for weather variations. Further, EPA studies show a high correlation between short-and long-term tests.
In the following paragraph, he then notes the shortcomings of a year-long test, stating that it does not show the “peaks and valleys,” with the
peaks being more important than the valleys or average exposure. It is my understanding that it is the total or average exposure to which we aresubjected, not just the peaks, that is important. Kurt seems to then agree with this when he re-verses himself, in his last statement, where he writes, “The true test of radon is a year-long test.”
The other point with which I disagree appears in the description of the “stack effect” on radon levels. Kurt accurately states that rising warm air, which will be replaced with air from the exterior (through open windows, in the winter? Really?), will produce negative pressure on the lower level and draw radon into the building. The part with which I disagree is “cold air causes radon to get trapped in the house.” If warm air rises (and leaves the house) to be replaced by colder air, a convection current will be created and radon will follow this current and thus high radon levels can be encountered on upper levels. Further, the word “trapped” implies that radon levels will increase with time. If this were true, radon levels in an empty, closed house would continue to increase. This is not the case.
Lastly, Kurt states that the buoyancy of air is dependent on the difference in air temperature between the top and the bottom, which is accu-rate, but then adds that height of the house also affects buoyancy. This is not true. It is strictly the temperature differential. What say other inspec-tors? Victor J. Faggella, ACI President, Centurion Home Inspections, Inc.
Member of the ASHI Technical Review Committee
RESPONSE FROM KURT SALOMONAs pointed out by Ms. Bredhoff regarding EPA reference level of 4 pCi/L in 88% of the cases.
The point of the article and continued advice is that short-other tests results are variable and if the short-term test results yield a result below 4 a log-term test should still be recommended for the safety of the client and liability protection of the inspector. However, one must also look at the parameters of the study to better understand the limitation of applying this conclusion to the home inspection industry.
First the study only used results of tests conduct-ed in the winter months where the stack effect in Iowa would be the highest.
Furthermore, the duration of the short-term measurements were not the normal two day
You Tell UsLetters From Our Readers
measurement but rather ranged from 3 days to 27 days, with a median of 7.5 days, which would also improve the predictability. Although one could say that an 88% predictive ability is great, it does not directly translate to the practice of conducting 2 day measurements in non-winter seasons that have become the common ap-proach by home inspectors and said caveat is directly pointed out within this same paper.
A second point in the article, which has been confirmed by countless studies, is that indoor radon levels are variables. It is variable due to environmental factors with stack effect being only one of those and I apologize if I may have improp-erly characterized stack effect in my simplistic approach. There is wind, rain snow, variable op-eration of mechanical equipment all confounded by the occupants willingness to follow protocols.
Kurt Salomon, ACI, ASHI Past-President Advocate Home Inspections
444 Filters and Electronic Air Cleaners
Just like the mechanical filters, the cause for improper location of the filter itself is an installation problem. Improper orientation or location of the filters is usually a homeowner mistake. Implications are that the unit will either not work at all or the efficiency will be greatly reduced. Strategy for inspection is to make sure the filter is in the right location and the cell orientation is proper, with the prefilter before the electronic portion. Electronic air cleaners can usually be installed in a vertical or horizontal orientation.
We have introduced filters and electronic air cleaners. How well these components work will have a significant effect on the performance and condition of the heating and cooling system, as well as the comfort of the occupants. More information regarding the other conditions can be found in the ASHI@HOME train-ing program.
The cells or prefilters are missing in this electronic air cleaner.
PLEASE SEND US YOUR POSTCARDS! WE ARE RUNNING LOW!!
NEW POSTCARDS E-MAIL!! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to [email protected]
Earn $50 in gift cards for every new member you recruit. Down-load the Membership Application form, have the new member fill it out (including your member number in the referral field) and fax it to 847-759-1620. Questions? Contact Russell Daniels, [email protected].
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ASHI Reporter | March 2015 March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 28 29
ASHI CommunityNew Inspector Status, ASHI Chapters, Council News
New ASHI Associates As of January 1, 2014.
H Denotes graduate of The ASHI School
David LaubySunland Home InspectionPhoenix, AZ
Clinton DyeHome Inspection AdvantageSan Leandro, CA
James HallEl Cerrito, CA
Greg McLainWIN Home InspectionBoulder Creek, CA
Andrew BakerPagosa Home InspectionsPagosa Springs, CO
Charles JonesMile Hi InspectionDenver, CO
Adam GoldnerWoodArts, LLCAtlanta, GA
Catherine LemoineRIA SolutionsDuluth, GA
James MethvinAtlanta’s Fine Home InspectionsAtlanta, GA
Alex SmithAmerispecAcworth, GA
Edward O’MaraA Sound Mind Home InspectionLahaina, HI
Toby AdamsonHome Hub ZoneMokena, IL
H Michael ToturaChicago, IL
Shawn O’NeillAvon, IN
Brian WilsonCornerstone Inspection Services Inc.Carmel, IN
Benjamin SchweitzerHill City, KS
Justin WesthoffInsight Inspections, LLCWichita, KS
Steve ClarkHanson, KY
Russell SherlockSherlock Homes InspectorLouisville, KY
John MasonSweet Home Inspection Services, LLCSomerville, MA
Michael DowneyDowney Home Inspection LLCStevensville, MD
Ricky BrownRidgeline Home Inspections LLCKennebunkport, ME
Roger DeatonEquity Home InspectionGrand Blanc, MI
G. Michael HurstWTL Inc.Clinton Township, MI
Andrew KauffmanHouseMaster Home InspectionsSt. Joseph, MI
Greg IndlecofferThe Kirwin GroupPlymouth, MN
Tim WalzSuburban Home Inspections, Inc.Woodbury, MN
Zachary LaVoiGreyStone Inspection ServicesWentzville, MO
Steven ScottSpringfield, MO
John SmithInspections, LLCWeldon Spring, MO
Chris SearsPro-Tech Home Inspections Starkville, MS
Emmon SnyderES Ventures Inc.Missoula, MT
Robert CancellieriHunterville, NC
Robert JohnsonRobert Johnson Home inspections Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Mark NobleNobility Home Inspection Services LLCWest Milford, NJ
William PeragineThorough Home InspectionRiver Vale, NJ
Scott ShayADT Security ServicesSomerset, NJ
David WinkleKaufmann Consultants LLCBarnegat, NJ
James CarnellHome-Tek of Sullivan County, Inc.Monticello, NY
Neal CutroneAccurate One Home Inspection LLC Baldwin, NY
Kenneth DolanKen Dolan Home Inspctions.comNorth Babylon, NY
Edward Von BriesenCarnell AssociatesMill Neck, NY
Aaron BrauerCleveland Heights, OH
Garrett GerardGerard Home InspectionSayler Park, OH
Christopher GregoryReliable Real Estate Inspections, LLC Perrysburg, OH
Skip HowellSkipper’s Home Inspections, LLCDBA Pillar To PostGahanna, OH
Jordan RadloffErie Inspection Service, Inc.Bellevue, OH
Tracy HankinsHankins Construction Inc.Gaston, OR
Daniel DeAntonioDeAntonio Enterprises, LLCLeesport, PA
Dana HillerbySuburban Home Inspections LLCHatfield, PA
New ASHI Certified Home Inspectors As of January 1, 2014
New ASHI Inspectors As of January 1, 2014
INSPECTOR
Hilary GossBuyers Protection Group (BPG)Huntsville, AL
James ArnestArnest InspectionsSan Francisco, CA
Kent GreshamProlific Builders DBA HomeGuardModesto, CA
John ShryockPriority Inspection ServiceSan Diego, CA
Mike LeggettThe BrickKickerAthens, GA
Duane LongeneckerDecatur, GA
Kenneth WinterAmerican Eagle Home Inspections, LLCElgin, IL
Otis (Bud) EshamEsham InspectionsBerlin, MD
Dave TaurinskasReassurance Home Inspection, LLCColumbia Heights, MN
Kevin VescovoPillar to PostSt. Louis, MO
Mike HoulahanHabitation Investigation LLCWesterville, OH
Buddy DeLozierBuilding SolutionsSimpsonville, SC
Ian McNaughtExcel Home Inspections, LLCSterling, VA
Timothy Valaike Hurlbert Home Inspection, LLCCentreville, VA
Steve ReillyInspection Pro’s/BPGLafayette, CA
Andres MartinezRBS&KEdgewater, CO
Jeff WalshLong River Home InspectionFairfield, CT
Scott RandolphDade City, FL
Colin LennonHouse To Home Inspection Services Inc.Freehold, NJ
Michael MartinAdvanced Inspection ServiceDallas, TX
Thirty Five YearsBruce Funk
Thirty Years David Jones
Twenty Five YearsJohn Brancato
Twenty Years Ken GoeweyWilliam BrandyberryMichael GebbenRandall ViaStanley YansickTony SmithMike BeckerNorman ClarkDana WilsonMike WolfertCurtis Blevins
Erick MillerJim CornishJohn TurnerMark RoyPeter DeanRichard BelliveauLouis SchneiderCharles ChisholmJeffery BlixtWade PenningtonChuck LeCrawScott DalbeyJerold SweetRon SchlodererWayne RobbinsTimothy MillerWilliam NealHerbert ScottJoe DeLaurentis Sr.Thomas FeizaRob Amaral
Randall KullAllied Inspection Services, Inc.Auburn, PA
Ryan LingoldAllied Inspection Services, Inc. Emmaus, PA
Milan StanojevicMilan Stanojevic, Inc.Pittsburgh, PA
Edward Szczesniak Jr.A2Z Quality Home Inspections Richboro, PA
Hany ElsawahMose Home Inspection Services Montreal, PQ
Ian TowersInspectrum Inc.St-Lazare, PQ
Bruce MarcomKaty, TX
S. Norman Holland Richmond, VA
Terry ZalovickZalovick Contractors Inc. Front Royal, VA
MARCH ANNIVERSARIES
Fifteen Years Jason MicareTodd Tuvell Raymond FieldsDavid MaudlinBill FateThomas GlynnL. Jay MillerFrancis WestMichael HannaJoseph Hancaviz
Ten YearsRobert LeeMark HarmanAndy FrenchWesley KelleyMark ClarkBud RozellDennis FlahertyCary Seidner
Steve GlennJameel DawanKenneth (Pete) LautererAllen StanczykGary SmithC.B. Moore Coleman BuddMark HathewayMichael WongBob VaughtJohn MitchellBrian Lehman Peter Newman
Five YearsJohn RayNick MescherJohn Cagle IICarl Edmunds
Douglas RamseyAdam StaabAndrew ClearyMichael GuadagnaSamuel DeRodesThomas StarrRobert DivitaJohn HamlinThomas ThayerJohn RodkeyMark MartinJames FronsdahlFred Freer Harold KnightThomas Wilson
ASHI Chapter Education
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 New Mexico ChapterEducation SeminarWhen: March 7, 2015
8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Where: The Pecos Trail Inn
2239 Old Pecos Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87505
CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs
Contact: Charles R. Smith
ASHI NM, Secretary
505.670.4442
ASHI Western Washington ChapterSpring Educational SeminarWhen: March 7, 2015
CEUs: 7 ASHI CEs
Contact: www.ashiww.com
PRO-ASHI & OHIO ASHI Joint Chapter Peer Inspection ReviewWhen: March 21, 2015
CEUs: 5 ASHI CEs
Contact: Michael@ashburn
inspections.com
ASHI St. Louis ChapterEducation Seminar with Kenny Hart When: March 27, 2015
CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs
Contact: paul@appleinspections.
com
ASHI Great Lakes Chapter Spring ConferenceWhen: March 27-28
Where: Park Inn by Radisson
101 North Summit Street
Toledo, OH
419.241.3000Contact: carol@greatinspectors.
com
ASHI Great Lakes Chapter Spring ConferenceWhen: July 10-11
Where: Holiday Inn
200 E. Rand Road
Mt. Prospect, IL
847.392.0123
Contact: [email protected]
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
734.283.4400
Contact: [email protected]
ASHI Reporter | March 201530 31March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 31
4 4 4 ASHI Of f icers for 2015
NEW ENGLAND/CANADA
Alberta www.cahpi-alberta.comBert Bruinsma, [email protected]
British Columbiawww.cahpi.bc.caGary Poirer, [email protected]
CAHPI Atlantic www.cahpi-alt.comBlaine Swan, [email protected]
CAHPI Ontariowww.oahi.comDonald Beneteau, [email protected]
Coastal Connecticutwww.coastalctashi.org Third Thursday, 6 pm, Westport VFW Lodge, 465 Riverside Avenue, WestportGene Autore, [email protected]
New England (ME, MA, NH, RI, VT)www.ashinewengland.orgFourth Thursday, 5 pmThe Lantana, Randoph, MAMichael Atwell, [email protected]
Northern New England (ME, MA, NH, VT)www.nnec-ashi.orgBob McDonald, [email protected]
Prairies (Alberta) (CAHI)www.cahpi-ab.caBert Bruinsma, [email protected]
Quebec AIBQwww.aibq.qc.caGermain Frechette, [email protected]
Southern New England (CT)www.snecashi.orgFirst Tuesdays, 6:30 pmBilly T’s, 150 Sebethe Dr.Cromwell, CT Richard W. Hall, [email protected]
NEW YORK/JERSEY/ DELAWARE
Capitol Region (NY)www.goashi.com Third Thursday, 7 pm, Doratos Steakhouse and Pub, Guilderland Robert Davis, [email protected]
Central New Yorkwww.cnyashi.comSecond Wednesday, 6 pm, Tony’s Family Restaurant, SyracuseDan Hager, [email protected]
First State (DE)www.firststateashi.orgThird Wednesday, 7 pm The Buzz Ware Center, 2121 The Highway, ArdenMark Desmond, [email protected]
Garden State (NJ)www.gardenstateashi.comSecond Thursday, The Westwood, GarwoodBret Kaufmann, [email protected]
Greater Rochester (NY)www.ashirochester.comSecond Tuesday, 6 pm, Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, IrondequoitJohn White, [email protected]
Hudson Valley (NY)SecondTuesday, 6 pm, Daddy O’s Restaurant3 Turner StreetHopewell Junction, NY 12533Michael Skok, 845-592-1442 [email protected]
Long Island (NY)www.liashi.comThird Monday, 6 pm, Domenico’s Restaurant, LevittownSteven Rosenbaum, [email protected]
New York Metro www.nyashi.comLast Thursday, Eldorado West Restaurant-Diner, TarrytownStephen P. Tyler, 845-521-4144
Southern New Jersey (NJ)www.southernnjashi.comThird Wednesday, 6:30 pm Ramada Inn, BordentownRick Lobley, [email protected]
Western New YorkSecond Thursday, 6:30 pm Tony Rome’s West SenecaAndy Utnik, [email protected]
MID-ATLANTIC
Central Virginiawww.cvashi.orgFirst Thursday, 6:30 pm, Indepen-dence Golf Club, Midlothian
Ray McMurdy, [email protected]
Greater Baltimore (MD)www.greaterbaltimoreashi.orgThird Thursday except July & Aug., 6:30 pm, Snyder Willow Grove Restaurant, LinthicumStephen R. Dallmus, 410-323-7600 [email protected]
Hampton Roads (VA)Second Thursday, 7 pm, Cypress Point Country Club, Virginia BeachGuillermo Hunt, [email protected]
MAC-ASHI (MD, VA)www.mac-ashi.comSecond Wednesday, Rockville Senior Center, RockvilleJohn Vaughn, [email protected]
NOVA-ASHI (MD, VA)www.novaashi.comFourth Tuesday, Associate hour 6-7 pm, Membership meeting 7-9 pm Northern Virginia Resources Center, FairfaxFerando [email protected]
Piedmont ASHI (VA)Robert Huntley, [email protected]
SOUTH ATLANTIC
ASHI Georgiawww.ashigeorgia.comGregg Allen, 770-745-7574gregg@totalhomeinspections atlanta.com.
East Tennesseewww.etashi.orgThird Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. and Nov.Paul Perry, [email protected]
Mid-TennesseeRay Baird, [email protected]
Mid-South (TN)Steven Campbell, [email protected]
North Carolinawww.ncashi.comThird Wednesday, 3 pm, Quality Inn at Guilford Convention Center, GreensboroLarry Conway, [email protected]
South CarolinaFirst Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. & Nov., 8 amRoger Herdt, [email protected]
GULF
ASHI South (AL)www.ashisouth.orgQuarterly, Homewood Library, HomewoodDerl Nelson, [email protected]
Central Floridawww.centralfloridaashi.orgSecond Tuesday, 6:30 pmBill Labita, [email protected]
FLASHI (FL)First Tuesday except July, 6 pm Golden China, 11112 San Jose Blvd., JacksonvilleDavid Sorge, [email protected]
Florida Wiregrasswww.ashiwiregrass.orgSecond Wednesday, 6:30 pm Hyundai of Wesley ChapelNancy Janosz, [email protected]
Gulfcoast (FL)First Thursday, 7 pm, The Forest Country Club, Fort MyersLen Gluckstal, [email protected]
Gulfstream (FL)Ralph Cabal, [email protected]
Lone Star (TX)www.ashitexas.orgCraig Lemmon, [email protected]
LouisianaQuarterlyMichael Burroughs, [email protected]
Suncoast (FL)www.ashisuncoast.comFirst Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Please see our website for meeting locations.Steve Acker, [email protected]
Southwest Floridawww.swashi.comSecond Wednesday, 6 pm Holiday Inn, Lakewood Ranch6321 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota Michael Meesit, [email protected]
ASHI Chapters Find the Chapter Nearest You and Join Today
Chapter meetings and contacts are subject to change. Please contact the chapter to confirm meeting time and location.
NORTH CENTRAL
ASHI Central PA www.ashicentralpa.comSecond Monday, 6 pm, except Jan. & July, Bonanza Steak House, Walnut Bottom Rd., CarlisleWilliam Weitzel, [email protected]
Keystone (PA)www.keystoneashi.orgFirst Monday, 5:30 pmThe Crowne Plaza, ReadingDavid Artigliere, [email protected]
Ohiowww.ohioashi.comHoward Snyder, [email protected]
North Central Ohiowww.ncohioashi.comWilliam Stone, 216 [email protected]
Pocono-Lehigh (PA)www.pocono-lehighashi.orgThird Tuesday, Tannersville Inn, TannersvilleRonald Crescente, [email protected]
PRO ASHI (PA)www.proashi.comSecond Wednesday of Jan., March, May, July & Nov.George W. Kasimirsky, 724-747-7321 www.npiweb.com/kasimirsky
Tri-State (DE, NJ, PA)www.tristateashi.orgSecond Tuesday except April, Aug. & Dec., Dave & Buster's Plymouth Meeting, PAVince Tecca 215-527-5710 [email protected]
MIDWEST
Central Illinoiswww.cicashi.comSecond Monday, 6 pmKevan Zinn, [email protected]
Great Lakes (IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI)For monthly meetings: www.greatinspectors.com/ schedule-of-events/Carol Case, 734-284-4501 [email protected]
Greater Omaha (NE)www.ashiomaha.comRick Crnkovich, [email protected]
Heartland (IA, MN, ND, SD, WI)www.ashiheartland.comTodd Wiessner, [email protected]
Indiana ASHIwww.inashi.comQuarterlyDanny Maynard, [email protected]
Iowa ASHIwww.iowaashichapter.orgFourth Tuesday, 5:30 pm Clarion Inn, Cedar RapidsMike Tomash, [email protected]
Kentuckiana (IN, KY)www.ashikentuckiana.orgAllan Davis, 502-648-9294elitehomeinspections@ insightbb.com
Mid-Missouriwww.midmoashi.comSecond Tuesday, 12:00 pm Daniel Boone Regional Library 100 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO Joe Pangborn, [email protected]
Northern Illinoiswww.nicashi.comSecond Wednesday, 5:30 pm Associate Corner Dinner, 6:30 pm, Main Presentation, 7:00 pm Crazypour,105 E. North Ave.Villa Park, ILSteve Reilly, [email protected]
SOUTH MIDWEST
ArkansasRichard Kirkman, [email protected]
Great Plains (KS, MO)www.ashikc.orgSecond Wednesday of even months, The Great Wolf Lodge, Kansas CityMiki Mertz, [email protected]
Midwest PRO ASHI (KS)Jack Koelling, [email protected]
St. Louis (MO)www.stlashi.orgSecond Tuesday, 6:30 pm Spazio’s at WestportFrank Copanas, [email protected]
MOUNTAIN
Arizonawww.azashi.orgTony Hecht, [email protected]
New MexicoFirst Saturday, 10 amCharles Smith, [email protected]
Northern Coloradowww.ncc-ashi.orgSecond Thursday, 6:30 pm Fairfield Inn, LovelandChris Elliott, [email protected]
Northern Rockies (ID, MT) Lamar Rase, [email protected]
Rocky MountainFourth Tuesday, 6:30 pmPhil Tatro, [email protected]
Southern Coloradowww.ashi-southerncolorado.orgSecond Thursday, 6:30 pm Valley Hi Golf Club, Colo. SpringsMike Meyer,[email protected]
Utahwww.ashiutah.comFirst Tuesday, 7 pm Marie Callender’s, MidvaleFred Larsen, [email protected]
PACIFIC
AlaskaSecond Thursday, Jitters Coffee House, Eagle RiverJim Foss, [email protected]
ASHI Hawaiiwww.ashihawaii.comAlex Woodbury, [email protected]
CaliforniaRandy Pierson, [email protected]
Central Valley CREIA-ASHIPeter Boyd, [email protected]
Golden Gate (CA)www.ggashi.comJohn Fryer, [email protected]
Inland Northwest (ID, WA)Chris Munro, [email protected]
Orange County CREIA-ASHI (CA)Third Monday, 5:30 pm Hometown Buffet, 2321 S. Bristol, Santa AnaRalph Bertke, [email protected]
Oregonwww.oahi.orgFourth Tuesday, 6:30 pm The East Bank Saloon, PortlandJon Nichols, [email protected]
San Diego CREIA-ASHIFirst Tuesday each month Dave and Buster's, San DiegoSean Blasius, [email protected]
San Joaquin Valley (CA)Third Tuesday, 6 pm Rice Bowl, Bakersfield, CASam Jabuka, [email protected]
Silicon Valley ASHI-CREIA (CA)www.siliconvalleyinspector.comFelix A. Pena, [email protected]
Southwestern IdahoSecond MondayDavid Reish, [email protected]
Los Angeles-Greater San Gabriel ValleySecond Tuesday, 6 pm Old Spaghetti Factory, DuarteLarry Habben, [email protected]
Los Angeles-Ventura County ASHI-CREIAFirst Thursday, 5 pm Holiday Inn, Woodland HillsBob Fuywe, [email protected]
South Bay (CA)Webinar meetingsRandy Pierson, [email protected]
Western Washingtonwww.ashiww.comMichael Brisbin, [email protected]
Continues top of next column ...
ASHI Reporter | March 201532 33March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 33
Your ASHIYour Link to Membership News and Information
Current ASHI MembershipASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,161
Inspectors/Logo: 92
Associates: 1,665
Retired Members: 87
Affiliates: 70
TOTAL: 5,075 as of February 7, 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 Leaders
ASHI Rebate ProgramQuill.comDana Fishman, 800.634.0320 x1417www.quill.com/[email protected] Platinum ProviderMillionaire Inspector CommunityMike [email protected] that you are an ASHI member
ASHI-ENDORSED EXAMS
ASHI Standard and Ethics Education ModuleGo to www.homeinspector.org, click on Education and Training, then click on the link for the ASHI Standard of Practice Education Module.
NHIE Exam: 847-298-7750 www.homeinspectionexam.org
ASHI-ENDORSED TRAINING PROGRAMSASHI@Home Training System 800-268-7070 [email protected]
The ASHI SchoolJack McGraw, 888-884-0440 [email protected] www.TheASHISchool.com
ASHI Event Calendar April 23-25, 2015
Finance Committee, AEI and ASHI Board Meetings Des Plaines, IL
July 23-25, 2015 Finance Committee, AEI and ASHI Board Meetings Des Plaines, IL
October 22-24, 2015 LTC and ASHI Board Meetings Des Plaines, IL
January 24-27, 2016 InspectionWorld® and ASHI Board Meetings San Diego, CA
REPORT OUT: BOARD MEETING AT IW PHILADELPHIA, JANUARY 2015
EDUCATION AND EVENTS: Michele George welcomed the Board to IW and gave an IW Update. She presented “40 Years of Trust,” IW 2016 San Diego.
MEMBERSHIP: Russell Daniels updated the ASHI Board on the current membership totals. He highlighted that membership had a growth of 191 members over last year’s total. The membership total was 5,817 vs. 5,626 for the previous year. Lastly, he reported 30 new inspectors took advantage of the IW 2015 Comp program.
Motion was made and seconded for Chapter Outreach Member Project (COMP). PASSED
FINANCE: Treasurer Mike Stephens, discussed the financial merits as prepared in Board Book. He reported out the placement of $256,500.00 into the reserve account.
ASHI MEMBER MEDICAL ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE: Motion was made and seconded that the President is directed to create a Medical Assistance or Disability Task Force, Bill Jacques as Chair. PASSED
WHISTLE-BLOWER TASK FORCE: Motion made and seconded to replace existing Policy 1.15c with New Policy, to go into effect after Board approval of Committee Members. PASSED
NEW BUSINESS: Motion was made and seconded for ASHI to pay the same expense for newly elected Board Members as is to current Board Members to attend IW. PASSED
Motion was made and seconded to establish a task force to study the inspection-related use of remote-operated vehicle, chaired by Keven Kossler, with task force members chosen by chairman. PASSED
FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO MOVE UP IN ASHI
1. Take and pass the ASHI Standard of Practice (SOP) module from the ASHI website. You will find this module at www.ashi.org. Log on with your member number and password. Put your mouse on the education and training tab, from the drop down menu click on the Standard of Practice Education Module, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the click here to begin link. Where it says Name, please enter your ASHI member number; where it says group, type in the word ASHI.
2. Take and Pass the National Home Inspection Exam (NHIE). Submit proof of passing the exam to ASHI.
For information on taking the exam and locations, please call 800-733-9267 or visit http://www.homeinspectionexam.org/ registration.php. This is a proctored exam.
For the NHIE study guide, please click on http://www.home inspectionexam.org/documents/2011contentoverview.pdf.
3. Please send in a list of 75 fee-paid inspections that include name, address and date of the inspection to Janet George at [email protected] or Jen Gallegos at [email protected] or fax to 847-759-1620 or mail to the ASHI office at 932 Lee St., Ste. 101, Des Plaines IL 60016. From the submitted list, we will choose five inspections and request copies of those complete home inspection reports. This is called the verification-of-re-port process. The process will take up to three weeks to com-plete. After the process is completed, you will be notified of the results. There is a $25 fee to move up to the Certified level.
4. To obtain Inspector status, you need to complete steps 1-3.
5. To obtain ASHI Certified Inspector status, you need to com-plete steps 1-3 and have completed 250 fee-paid inspections. There is a $25 fee to move up to the Certified level.
6. Lastly, based on the number of inspections you have com-pleted, please contact either [email protected] or [email protected] and they will provide you with an affidavit of completion of 75-249 inspections or an affidavit of completion for 250 or more inspections. You will need to get the affidavit notarized and send it back to ASHI by email, mail or fax. We do not need the original affidavit.
We wish you much success in moving up in the ASHI organization.
"BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD" - Mahatma Gandhi
Have you thought about getting involved with your chapter, on a committee, or the Board of Directors in ASHI? Now's a great time to get involved. We're always on the lookout for members of ASHI want-ing to get more involved with the association. Just click on the link below, fill out the form and start on your path to becoming more involved in shaping our (and your) future.
http://www.homeinspector.org/membersonly/docs/ Call_for_volunteers.pdf
ASHI Reporter | March 201534 35March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 35
PRESIDENT'S REPORTBY BILL J. LODEN IMMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENT
ASHI HAD A GREAT 2014. We made tremendous progress in so many areas. Looking back on my year as President of ASHI, I find that it passed so quickly. After a great InspectionWorld® in Nashville, the ASHI staff and volunteer leadership went back to work energized and ready to move the association forward.
Inspection World®InspectionWorld® 2015 in Philadelphia was so incredibly successful that it eclipsed any other IW in my memory. More than 800 inspectors were present for the opening of the exhibit hall on the first evening of the conference. Total attendance included over 1,000 members, spouses and vendors. ASHI staff actually sold more booths than planned, and we had to shrink the ASHI booth area to make room for more vendors. The entire ASHI staff deserves our thanks for a job well done.
InspectionWorld® 2016 is now less than a year away. In mid-February 2014, members of the Conference Planning Committee and staff, along with our consultant from Helms Briscoe, traveled to Phoenix, San Diego and Palm Springs to evaluate three potential conference sites. After visiting the properties and evaluating the proposals of each, the committee recommended the Town and Country Resort and Confer-ence Center in San Diego, California, to ASHI’s Board of Directors. You will hear more about this from ASHI in the coming months.
Public RelationsPublic relations is important to the success of ASHI and its members. ASHI must continually make consumers aware of the benefits and services our members offer, creating a better understanding of the tremendous value of home inspections and
important services ASHI members pro-vide. ASHI 's public relations firm, Public Communications, Inc. (PCI), is charged with taking the ASHI message to the public.
PCI is using its experience in both tradi-tional and digital media to get the ASHI message to millions of potential clients in a cost-effective way. Within hours of being sworn in as ASHI President, I was doing phone interviews with national publica-tions from my hotel room in Nashville. These interviews with print and radio media continued throughout the year.
In February, I was in Chicago shooting videos for distribution on social media. In April, PCI facilitated face-to-face interviews with major print publications in New York City. I met with editors at This Old House (circulation 966,817), HGTV Magazine (circulation 350,000), Popular Mechanics (circulation 1,234,691) and Dr. Oz’s The Good Life Magazine (circulation 800,000).
All of our PR efforts build on ASHI’s positive image, which starts with the hard work of our members working in the field every day to protect their clients. The result of all our contacts with the public is that ASHI is the most trusted and respected professional association in America.
FinancialOn the financial front, we continued to build on the success of 2013 when we finished in the black for the first time in more than five years. In 2014, with the help of a rigorous budgeting process put in place by Treasurer Michael Stephens and the ASHI staff who worked diligently to cut operational costs, we were able to show excess revenue above expenses of almost $300,000. This allowed the ASHI Board of Directors to allocate $250,000 to a reserve account to strengthen ASHI’s financial future.
The ASHI School continued to show ex-ceptional growth, and in 2014 contributed
significantly to ASHI by adding 241 ASHI school graduates as members and over $100,000 in additional dues revenue to ASHI. ASHI Education Inc. (AEI) also showed a profit on the year of almost $100,000.
Governance Over five years ago the ASHI Board proposed some sweeping changes to the ASHI Governance structure. Though some of the changes might have been beneficial and needed, the effort failed because the change was too complex, radically changing the way we govern ASHI.
Recognizing that a small change can have a tremendously beneficial impact on an organization, I spoke to the ASHI Council of Representatives (CoR) Speaker in early February and asked the CoR to consider a small reduction in the size of the ASHI Board. This change is needed because our board is much larger than needed. A recently published study shows that the average board size for a national nonprofit association is 14 members. ASHI’s board currently has 21 members.
The CoR considered this proposal and at their annual meeting at IW, CoR then approved and sent a motion to the Bylaws committee to reduce the size of the board by three members over three years. The Bylaws committee will report the motion to the Board at the April meeting, and the motion will be presented to the member-ship for a vote soon thereafter. I strongly encourage all voting members to vote for this change. It will save ASHI money on overhead expenses and help the board function more effectively.
Inside the BeltwayOne of the important roles ASHI performs is providing the home inspection industry a voice in Washington, D.C. Our partici-pation in addressing the legislative and regulatory issues that affect our profession is formulated and coordinated by Capitol Hill Advocates, Inc., and President Randy Pence. Randy has turned what began as an
adversarial relationship with HUD into a productive partnership. HUD now relies on ASHI as THE voice of the inspection profession and invites our input on issues related to housing and home inspections.
Because of Randy’s work on our behalf in Washington, D.C, ASHI was asked to attend the National Healthy Homes Conference sponsored by HUD and held in Nashville, TN, in June. We were able to meet with several potential partners, which ultimately could result in relationships that will mean new business opportunities for ASHI members in the future.
In another major initiative, Randy has been representing ASHI in our partnership with other industry organizations in the Coalition for Patent Fairness. This is an umbrella group consisting of business and professional not-for-profit associations and for profit companies supporting legislation to protect businesses from unfair practices associated with patent abuses. This will be important for our members who perform thermal imaging in their businesses.
I want to thank the directors and officers of ASHI for their hard work and support during my term as ASHI President in 2014. I believe we have moved ASHI for-ward, continuing the good work of ASHI’s volunteer leaders for the past 39 years. I would like to give special thanks to 2013 President Bill Jacques for his mentorship over the years, and his advice and counsel during my term as President. I leave the office with the knowledge that ASHI’s direction in 2015 is in the capable hands of President Alden Gibson. I look forward to many more great things for ASHI and its members.
TREASURER’S REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2014MICHAEL J. STEPHENS, ASHI TREASURER
ASHI Finances are in Good OrderThe audited statements provided at the annual Business Meeting reflect the
responsible approach that the Board of Directors and staff have taken these past few years. The CPA firm issued an “un-modified” opinion, which is the highest opinion that can be issued. ASHI showed a gain in revenues over expenses, which is re-quired by the Bylaws, for a second straight year. The ASHI School has also grown and was very profitable as well.
As we emerged from the housing slow-down a few years back, ASHI is strong and prudently replenishing its rainy-day fund so that it will always be ready to serve you in the future. Our strategic plan has always been to maintain ASHI as the Gold Standard in the industry.
I am pleased with the increases we have seen in membership and the attendance at the past few InspectionWorlds. The indus-try is coming back strong and ASHI is attracting very good candidates for
membership. Our chapters are providing these members with valuable training, mentoring and camaraderie.
The Council of Representatives, under very good leadership these past two years, has been very busy providing support for members and chapters.
As ASHI goes into its 40th year, I see great things being done for the membership. I must acknowledge our staff for being our greatest asset. How nice it was to meet, know and work with such dedicated folks these past two years.
In closing, I have retired from the business and my tenure is up as your Treasurer. I have been honored to have been elected by you, the Members, and to serve as your Treasurer these past two years.
Thank you. Michael J. Stephens
2014 Annual Report
ASHI Reporter | March 201536 37March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 37
444 Preparing for an IRS Audit
NEW POSTCARDS E-MAIL!! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: [email protected]
Nine-A-Pus
I wrote this up because it's the only entrance to the basement. The realtor won't refer me anymore because "I'm too particular."Aaron MayerHouse Warming Home InspectionsSt. Louis, MO
HEADING WINNER: Larry CeroBuilding & Home Inspections By L. CerroTallahassee, FL
Poor Tommy was Standing Right There When my Neighbor's Cannon Went off
Supply-side ductwork for an oil-fired fur-nace ... ’nuff said!
David WingenbachChampia Home Inspection Services, LLCWinchester, VA
HEADING WINNER: Paul AndreassenAndreassen Associates, LLCMaiden-on-Husson, NY
200 amps in the new shower room with poor drainage.
Steve Hier Miller-Hier Enterprises Inc.Chicago, IL
HEADING WINNER: Andy LingTop Home InspectionHaymarket, VA
Does anyone have an idea how to park the car in the garage?
Raj BansalA to Z Home InspectionBelleville, NJ
HEADING WINNER: Dan HagerTyler Home InspectionSyracuse, NY
Van wrapped in aluminum foil?
James BrockBoston Home Inspectors, Inc. South Boston, MA
HEADING WINNER: Larry CeroBuilding & Home Inspections By L. CerroTallahassee, FL
Turn me on, Baby!If not for That one Little Tear, my Stealth Camper Would be Invisible
Hovercraft Parking OnlyElectric Shower Massage Stall
Look closely. There are seven! Joshua Creeps, Creeps Nome Inspection, Elizabethtown, KY
HEADING WINNER: Donald Masters, Master Building Inspections, Rockville, MD
Test Your KnowledgeEngaging Our Readers
BEST ANSWER FOR PHOTO ON THE TOP RIGHT• Obsolete wiring, knob & tube • Obsolete light receptacle• NM cable used as a power cord• Overloaded outlet• Multiple extension cords used as
permanent wiring.
Answer submitted by:Don Norman, Byers Protection Group St. Louis, MO
Photo submitted by:Dave Grudzinski, ACI, Advantage Home Inspections Cranston, RI
Participants of the 10th ASHI-NE Chapter 2-day Conference, taken at Strawberry Banke Museum in Portsmouth, NH
InspectionWorld® attendees discussing the postcards contest images. See page on the left.
Contest Contest
BEST ANSWER FOR PHOTO ON THE BOTTOM RIGHT• Wood in direct contact with the chimney • Use of chimney as a chase for the pipe or wire • Improper transition from B-vent to single-wall at chimney • Insufficient clearance between vertical pipe and wood at chimney and insulation above • Use of black 90 with hot water piping • Effloresence at chimney suggests moisture issues.
Answer submitted by: Larry Cerro, Building & Home Inspections By L. Cerro, Tallahassee, FL Photo submitted by: Lamar Rase, Complete Home Inspections Inc., Missoula, MT
39 March 2015 | www.ASHIReporter.org 39ASHI Reporter | March 201538
On My Mind By ASHI President Alden Gibson
April – National Home Inspection Month
IT IS TIME TO GEAR UP FOR NATIONAL HOME INSPECTION Month. Take this opportunity to promote yourself and your ASHI home inspection business using the ASHI name and logo all across North America. April, May and June are the top months for real estate sales. During these rewarding sales months, take the time to help build awareness with consumers, informing them that the home inspection is one of the most critical parts of a real estate transaction when performed by a qualified ASHI in-spector. Emphasize that part of the role of ASHI home inspectors is to educate purchasers on the biggest financial transaction in their lives. Potential homebuyers depend on the home inspector to put home/building criteria into proper perspective so that an informed decision can be made.
There are a variety of home inspections, not just pre-punch home inspections. Here’s a list of some types of inspections. Names may vary, depending on the area of your business.
Types of Home Inspections:> Pre-purchase inspection: inspection prior to home purchase. > Pre-listing inspection: inspection before listing a home for sale;
also considered full disclosure for the vendor.
> Framing inspection: inspection during construction of a new home, usually initiated and conducted by the purchaser to ensure agreed-upon contract elements are in place and correct. If the builder allows, the home inspector may be included in the inspection process to assist the purchaser with the inspection.
> P.D.I./Pre-Delivery inspection: inspection performed on a new house before the purchaser takes possession of the house.
> 30-day inspection: inspection performed before the end of the 30-day period of a new home for warranty purposes.
> One-year inspection: inspection performed for warranty purposes before the end of one year.
> Two-year inspection: inspection covers any code defects on a
new home before the end of year two.
> Maintenance inspection: a regular tune-up inspection of the house with a full report.
> Divorce inspection: same as a standard inspection. However, it discloses deficiencies in the house to both parties and includes the related costs to remedy the deficiencies.
> Renovation inspection: inspection performed before, during
and after the renovation.
> Rental inspection: inspection performed for the tenant and the landlord. Protects the tenant, ensuring the property is in the same condition as it was when they moved in, with regular wear and tear excepted. Protects the landlord by confirming any unreasonable damage done by the tenant.
Hopefully, this list provides additional opportunities for promoting and marketing a variety of inspection types. Seek out additional information to perform these inspec-tions if they are unfamiliar to you. Promote these ASHI inspections to the media and public at large through local papers, radio and television, your website, at the bottom of your emails – wherever you can.
Additional information can be found on the ASHI website in the Member area. ASHI will be issuing a press release to promote National Home Inspection Month. ASHI will also make a prepared press release available for your use in your local papers and on television stations. It is critical that the public be aware of the different types of home inspections. Once informed, they can utilize ASHI’s services to their full extent and protect their investments.
