ASHI REPORTER 12/14

1 December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org 1

ReporterASH

I DECEMBER 2014

Inspection News & Views from the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.

WOMEN GROWING IN BUSINESS … ASSUMING MANAGEMENT POSITIONS p10

Winter Roof Inspections | 12Air Barriers Versus Vapor Barriers | 14

Herspective: What's it Like Being the FBI? | 17Advertising Opportunities | 18

Top 16 Things I Learned | 23

Details on Page 7

Features 7 | InspectionWorld® Register Online! Michele George, Director of Education and Events 9 | Home Inspectors Look at a House for What it Truly is ... By the ASHI School Staff

10 | Women Growing in Business ... Assuming Management Positions Sally Chapralis

12 | Winter Roof Inspections ... Without Going on the Roof Sally Chapralis

14 | Air Barriers Versus Vapor Barriers Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd.

18 | Advertising Opportunities Alan Carson, ACI, Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd.

20 | Message to ASHI Chapters Howard Snyder, E.D., Ohio ASHI

23 | Top 16 Things I Learned in the Last 10 years Rick Hartman

Departments 6 | My, How Time Flies! Frank Lesh, Executive Director

17 | Herspective From the Women of ASHI What's it Like Being the FBI (Female Building Inspector)? 22 | You Tell Us Letters From Readers 27 | Test Your Knowledge Response Engaging our Readers

28 | ASHI Community New Inspector Status, ASHI Staff, Chapters

32 | Your ASHI Membership News & More

34 | Postcards From the Field It’s Wacky Out There

38 | On My Mind InspectionWorld® — Premier Event in our Field Bill Loden, ASHI President

December 2014 Vol. 31, #12

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http://www.emsl.com

5 December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org 5ASHI Reporter | December 20144

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© 2014, 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]

Eric Barker 2012-2014

Barrington, IL, [email protected]

Tim Buell 2012-2014

Hilliard, OH, [email protected]

Larry Cerro 2014-2016

Tallahassee, FL, [email protected]

Shannon E. Cory 2013-2015 Fayetteville, GA, 770-461-3408 shannon@rainbowhome inspections.com

C. Blaine Illingworth III 2012-2014 Harleysville, PA, 610-565-4181 [email protected]

Mark Londner 2014-2016

Purcellville, VA, [email protected]

Scott Patterson 2013-2015

Spring Hill, TN, 615-302-1113 [email protected]

Robert Peterson 2013-2015

Carmel, IN, 317-581-0774 [email protected]

Bob Sisson 2012-2014 Boyds, MD, 301-208-8289 [email protected]

Bill Sutton 2012-2014 Milton, MA, 617-698-0945 [email protected]

Mike Wagner 2014-2016

Westfield, IN, [email protected]

Robert Walstead 2013-2015

Colorado Springs, CO 719-495-2652, [email protected]

Kevin Westendorf 2014-2016

Mt. Pleasant, SC, [email protected]

Speaker, Council of Representatives: Tony Smith 2013-2014

Cedar Rapids, IA, 319-533-4565 [email protected]

Bill Loden, PresidentMadison, AL, [email protected]

Alden Gibson, President-ElectBreslau, ON, [email protected]

Randy Sipe, Vice PresidentSpring Hill, KS, [email protected]

Michael Stephens, TreasurerFairfax Station, VA, [email protected]

Howard Pegelow, SecretaryMilwaukee, WI, [email protected]

Bill Jacques, Immediate Past-PresidentRavenel, SC, [email protected]

Officers

Directors

THANKS TO ALAN CARSON FOR THE GOOD INFO ON HRVS.

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Executive DirectorFrank Lesh, Executive Director, 847-954-3182, [email protected]

Virginia Baker, Executive Assistant, 847-954-3177 [email protected]

Kimberly McGraw, Executive Assistant, 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]

Bonnie Bruno, Membership Administrator, 847-954-3175 [email protected]

Accounting, Human ResourcesBelienda Schultz, Accounting Manager, 847-954-3190 [email protected]

Beverly Canham, Financial Assistant, 847-954-3184, [email protected]

Website, Information Systems, DatabaseMike Rostescu, Director IT & Internet Communications, 847-954-3189 [email protected]

Publications, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations Dave Kogan, Manager of Marketing & Business Development 847-954-3187, [email protected]

Arlene Zapata, Communications Design Manager, 847-954-3186 [email protected]

The ASHI School Jack McGraw, Managing Director, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3178 [email protected]

Steve Reilly, Senior Sales Representative, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3181, [email protected]

Kendra Eiermann, Administrative Assistant, 847-954-3198 [email protected]

ASHI Staff

Main Phone: 847-759-2820, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri., CST

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Register Online! Early-Bird Pricing Extended to December 20!

InspectionWorld® • January 6-9, 2015 • Philadelphia • Marriott Downtown Hotel

Attend the largest gathering of professional home inspectors at ASHI’s annual educational conference and expo, offering a packed schedule of education and training, networking events and good times.

Bonus: Instantly connect with your peers and exhibitors, make appointments, get the latest news, give feedback on your educational sessions, take real-time polls, post to social media and more – all from ASHI’s InspectionWorld App!

Schedule of Events and session details at www.inspectionworld.org

Pre-Conference & Post-Conference Courses – Arrive Early, Stay LaterAdditional training opportunities • RESNET HERS Rater Training Certification Course• BPI Building Analyst Training Certification Course• RESNET Home Energy Survey Professional (HESP) Certification Course• RESNET Energy Smart Contractor Certification Training Course• BPI Building Science Principles Certificate• NADRA – Deck Inspection Certification Course• FEMA Disaster Inspection Course presented by VANGUARD• Inspecting Radon Mitigation Systems Course, approved by NRPP• Post-Conference 3-day Commercial Building Inspection Course

Excellent Educational Sessions • Select from 45 classes taught by industry experts• 5 concurrent education tracks: Inspection Essentials, Advanced Learning, Building Science &

Technical Issues, Specialty/Diversification, and Business Management• Fulfill 20 ASHI CE credits and credits towards state and other industry organizations’ continuing

education requirements

Expo Hall & Networking Events• Welcome to ASHI Event (for new ASHI members and first time attendees)• North America's largest home inspection expo• Lunch'N Learns • Daily prize drawings & raffles• Opening Night Expo Reception - Kick off the Conference in style • Annual Meeting & Awards Breakfast• Taste of Philly Wednesday evening in Expo Hall• Gala Dinner & Dancing (optional)• InspectPAC Cocktail Reception (tickets may be purchased onsite)

Spouse Tours Planned • Visit the historic landmarks. Spend time in the birthplace of the United States.

Inspect ionWorld ®Revolutionize Your Business

Being FrankFrom ASHI’s Executive Director

My, How Time Flies!

Frank Lesh, Executive Director American Society of Home Inspectors

Direct: 847-954-3182 [email protected] • www.ashi.org

IT IS AMAZING HOW FAST the year went and how much we covered in the Reporter.

January: We started the year with the swan song of our Immediate Past-President, Bill Jacques, who gave a tribute to some of those who helped him succeed in his goals as ASHI’s 2013 President. Here are the topics we covered: • Radon (Kurt Saloman) • Aluminum Wiring

(Bruce Barker)• Handling Complaints

(Alan Carson)• Chapters in Compliance with

the IRS? (Mike Stephens)

February: President Bill Loden’s first column, “You Want to be a Home Inspector?”• Lessons in Risk Management

(Michael Casey and David Madariaga, Esq.)

• Asphalt Shingled Roofing (Bruce Barker)

• Gas Fireplaces (Alan Carson) • Radon Part Two

(Kurt Saloman)

March: Jack McGraw gave a report about the ASHI School. • Non-Traditional Gas Appli-

ance Venting (Bruce Barker) and the new ASHI SoP (Bruce Barker again)

• Service Philosophy (Alan Carson)

• The 10 Most Common Home Inspection Issues (Tim Buell)

April: National Home Inspec-tion Month (Sally Chapralis) • Vent Connectors

(Carson Dunlop)

• Siding ABCs (Bruce Barker)• Budgeting for Success

(Belienda Schultz)• Success by Association

(Tony Smith)

May: National Building Safety Month (Sally Chapralis)• New departments: Herspec-

tive (Annie-Laurie Hunter) and War Stories (Dave Grudz-inski)

• Siding Part 2 (Bruce Barker)• Risk Management

(Mike Casey)• Why Volunteer (Bill Sutton)• Budgeting (Belienda Schultz)

June: Home Inspection Soft-ware History (Carl Fowler)• Herspective (Molly Grady)• Siding Part 3 (Bruce Barker)• Pricing Your Services

(Alan Carson)• Budgeting Part 2

(Belienda Schultz)• Inspection Photos

(Jay Hensleigh)• Deck Inspections

(Sally Chapralis)

July: Independent Home Inspectors (Sally Chapalis)• Herspective

(Cynthia Tracman)• Branching Out

(Jim Nemastil)• InspectionWorld®

(Michele George)• Siding Part 4 (Bruce Barker)• Pricing Your Services (Alan

Carson)• Water Cooled Condensers

(Carson Dunlop)• Chapters (Sally Chapalis)

August: Lower Your Risk (Joe Ferry)• Herspective

(Tammy Nicholas)• Heat Recovery Ventilators

(Alan Carson)• Habitat for Humanity

(Sally Chapalis)• Marketing Concepts

(Alan Carson)• National Healthy Housing

SoP (Sally Chapalis)

September: Mold (Jeff May)• Herspective (Nancy Janosz)• Networking (Alan Carson)• Building Your Business (Bob

Peterson, Tony Smith, Shawn Price)

• Chimneys (Alden Gibson)• Leadership Training

Conference (LTC)

October: New Learning Pro-grams (Sally Chapralis)• Herspective

(Mary Anne Tonini)• CSST Gas Piping (Bruce

Barker)• Call Centers (Paul Zak)• Marketing (Mike Crow)• High Strength Concrete

(Portland Cement Association)

• Business Networking (Alan Carson)

November: VeteransTraining with the GI Bill (TAS)• Vietnam (Howard Pegelow)• Herspective (Lore Hemsell)• Electric Radiant Heating

(Alan Carson)• Advertising (Alan Carson)• Ben Franklin at IW

(Michele George)

Of course, Postcards from the Field and the President’s monthly column, On My Mind are favorites.

December: InspectionWord This month we give special recognition to IW, the inspec-tion industry’s largest and most productive conference. Presi-dent Bill Loden’s On My Mind, article hits the nail squarely on the head. IW is the Super Bowl of inspection conferences. I can attest to Bill’s assertion that all of us remember our first IW. I can attest that if it weren’t for ASHI’s annual conference, held during a frigid January in Chicago, I would not be where I am today.

If you missed any of these topics, or you question why you should bother reading the Reporter, I ask that you take another look. The ASHI Reporter is truly an asset for home inspectors.

®

ASHI Reporter | December 20148 9 December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org 9

Home Inspectors Look at a House for What it Truly is … BY THE ASHI SCHOOL STAFF

Home Inspectors Look at a House for What it Truly is …

ASHI Suggestion BoxDo you have a great idea for the

ASHI organization or Reporter

magazine? All suggestions are

welcomed. Please e-mail:

[email protected].

AS AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME Inspectors (ASHI) graduates progress in their home inspection careers, each inspec-tion they perform offers areas of concern that may require closer review.

A news article from MSN Real Estate dis-cusses the story of a Chicago couple who, as homebuyers sometimes do, opted to pass on a home inspection. The article explains how the home had been listed with “many upgrades” and that the buyers felt these upgrades were professionally done. So, what really could go wrong?

Not much later, the couple experienced recurring problems with their furnace, which was listed as one of the “upgrades.” The cost of a repairman was considered; however, they finally decided to call a home inspector. The inspector was able to identify the problem with the furnace, which finally helped the couple solve their problem.

The real moral of this story is for home-owners and inspectors alike. Both par-ties should be aware that no assumptions should be made when inspecting any property because even recent upgrades can have problems.

“Home inspectors see a home the way no one else does. They don't care how the kitchen will feel for entertaining or whether the bathroom tiles will impress guests. Their judgment is not clouded by emotion.”

They evaluate a house in order to make it a home.

The ASHI School trains a student in the nine components of inspection.

1. Roofing, flashings, and chimneys2. Exterior3. Structure4. Electrical5. Heating6. Cooling and heat pumps7. Insulation8. Plumbing9. Interior and appliances

With school registration increasing annu-ally, we do believe that home inspection is more commonplace now than in the past. Homeowners are becoming more educated about who they choose to do their inspec-tions. Over 70% of homes bought or sold are now being inspected according to the realtors.

Graduating from The ASHI School and becoming a member of ASHI will enhance an inspector’s career. It can give confidence to the homebuyer when selecting him or her to do their inspection.

If you are a past graduate of the school, you may not know that you can sit in on any class for a refresher at no cost. Whether you

are interested in the entire two weeks or just to review a few components, please give the school a call and let us know. The ASHI School wants to make sure that all our students remain confident in their home inspection career.

THE ASHI SCHOOL REUNION – INSPECTIONWORLD® 2015

Please plan to attend The ASHI School’s annual reunion at Inspec-tionWorld® (IW) 2015. This is for all students who have graduated from The ASHI School and all instructors presently working for the school.

We will gather Tuesday, January 6, 2015, from 7PM–8PM. Meet up with fellow graduates and school instructors.

Please RSVP to the school at [email protected] if you are planning to attend.

If you have not received an email detailing a special discount to IW for all students, please call 847-954-3198 or email [email protected] for details.

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Women Growing in Business …Assuming Management Positions BY SALLY CHAPRALIS

Women Growing in Business … Assuming Management Positions 444 Women Growing in Business … Assuming Management Positions

MORE WOMEN ARE BECOMING HOME inspectors, establishing their own busi-nesses or working for inspection companies. They’re enthusiastic and appreciate recep-tive consumers and supportive colleagues.

Other women have been promoted to ex-ecutive management positions for organi-zations in the field. Their experiences have been challenging and rewarding. Carolyn Allen, Carol Case and Dorothy Pirovano discuss their interests and progress in the field, and they stress the importance of a positive attitude, teamwork, persistence, dedication and potential.

> Carolyn Allen, President, AccuStar Labs

“Since I first learned about the health risks and effects of indoor radon 20 years ago, my curiosity and commitment have remained compelling,” says Carolyn Allen, President, AccuStar Labs, with sites in Medway, MA, and Lebanon, PA. “Ad-dressing radon’s public health and safety challenges is an opportunity to educate the public, save lives and know that our busi-ness is growing for important reasons.”

Carolyn Allen first learned about radon as an indoor health concern when she was working for a property management company in the 1980s. “Interest rates had dropped, and the company needed to re-finance several mortgages. We discovered that radon had been added to a bank’s checklist of required documentation, and we had to provide evidence including radon test results. So while I knew what radon was, we had a lot more to learn: how to test and to fix any properties if concen-

trations were elevated. In just a few min-utes, everything changed. Environmental problems became more than polluted rivers or lakes. Now they included the air we breathe in our homes.”

During her next position, as sales man-ager for a radon equipment manufacturer, Carolyn met other professionals in the field and in government agencies in the United States and in Europe who were addressing radon’s health challenges and testing. After eight years in that position, she joined RadonAway, the leading manu-facturer of radon fans, as Director of Sales in 2000. The company continued to grow and acquired radon test laboratories. Caro-lyn became president of AccuStar Labs, a position she has held since 2005. Labora-tory operations include radon test device manufacturing, sales, analysis, reporting and quality assurance. AccuStar Labs also provides the RadStar line of continuous radon monitors.

“Many women work in the radon field in diverse roles. For example, AccuStar’s laboratory managers are women. I’m fortunate to work with a company that wants to hire the right person for the position. We are all serious about this issue, given the fact that you could get lung cancer just by living in your own home with radon.”

“It is,” Carolyn Allen explains, “all about persistence, a positive attitude, appreciat-ing the value of teamwork, and the will-ingness to work hard. I’m grateful to my employer and especially to those who work for me … they are my biggest inspira-tion. At our company, women are not just a category in the workplace. Each is an individual with skills and potential. I am passionate about reducing lung cancer risk from radon and it’s wonderful to be a part of a team that is trying to solve the problem.”

> Carol Case, Executive Director, ASHI Great Lakes Chapter

ASHI’s Great Lakes Chapter offers a va-riety of resources and opportunities that respond to member interests and keep the chapter thriving and dynamic. “And, most importantly, we’re personally there for each other,” explains Carol Case, Executive Director, of ASHI’s largest chapter, estab-lished in 1982.

One of the opportunities is the chapter’s monthly events covering different sub-jects. Great Lakes members appreciate the program’s learning experience as well as the camaraderie. “They get to know each

other, personally welcome new members and, when the occasion arises, help an-other member, reinforcing the chapter’s support system. “For example, one time I received a phone call from an inspector who was in the middle of an inspection and confronting a hot water tank problem that he had trouble addressing,” Carol says. “I suggested that he continue with the in-spection, and I would try to contact other inspectors who might have the answer. I sent an email out, and in the space of a few minutes, five chapter members responded to help him resolve the issue then and there.”

The Great Lakes Chapter also holds three-day weekend conferences several times each year, which it can do because of its large membership. “A conference includes a Peer Review of a home currently for sale, a Field Review involving 10 inspectors, speaker presentations, vendor exhibits, and great food.” Sometimes unexpected PR opportunities emerge. “One of our mem-bers was volunteering for our exhibit when a radio station covering the conference saw our chapter’s display banner. The DJ interviewed him, offering great PR for the chapter and for the home inspector.”

“Members, even those who have moved to other states, also appreciate the chapter’s interactive website, which keeps search engine ratings high and produces lots of referrals. They like the quarterly members-only newsletter, the chapter banners they can use for their own marketing and PR purposes, and our active support system. “Our chapter is more like a family because we’re there for each other … not competitive. When

members have been very ill and could not work, other members responded … so heart-warming.”

Carol Case was introduced to the home inspection industry in the mid-1990s. She always had an interest in home construc-tion and real estate and “then met ASHI member Melvin Jacobs, who had become so busy he was looking for help with marketing, bookkeeping and other activi-ties, that he hired me.” The Great Lakes Chapter was growing and also needed help. Carol was hired by the chapter in a secretarial position, which led, in 2009, to her promotion to Executive Director. “It was such an honor, when, in 2013, I was approached by some of the longtime ASHI members to sit on their “Panel of Experts” at the ASHI Leadership Training Confer-ence (LTC). Plan to attend LTC again this year and look forward to interacting with other chapters, ASHI staff, and longtime members to bring fresh, innovative, ideas back to the Great Lakes Chapter.”

> Dorothy Pirovano, CEO, Public Communications Inc.

“I loved being a partner in our firm but never envisioned myself as the CEO where ‘the buck stops here.’ It’s been very reward-ing to see the firm prosper and grow since I moved into the top spot, but it has only happened because of the terrific team we have here – from interns to owners,” explains Dorothy Pirovano, CEO, Public Communications Inc. (PCI), the public relations firm that works with ASHI. While Dorothy is retiring after 33 years at PCI, she will stay on as a Senior Counselor.

Established in 1962, PCI is a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise and is one of the largest women-owned communica-tions firms in the United States. However, “we want to be hired as a best choice, not because we are women owned.”

“My goal is to be perceived as someone you would want to work with,” Dorothy says. “Once you gain confidence through experience and capability, you can ’own the room’ and feel in control. While this is true for both men and women, leader-ship qualities are particularly important for women when you’re working in what has traditionally been a man’s field, such as home inspection.”

In its work with ASHI, PCI’s job is to make sure the public knows why home inspections are so important. “Both home-buyers and home sellers should understand the inspection process, its goals and how beneficial it is to everyone. Many sellers may fear an inspection because flaws will be discovered. But in public relations and as a home seller, you have to think like your audience in this case, the homebuyer. The buyer might feel better if you had a pre-purchase inspection and could show that you cared enough to find out what might be wrong and fixed it before putting it on the market.”

It’s true that women in business have overcome many barriers and continue to make progress. The key, Dorothy says, is to “do more listening than talking. Find something in common. You want to become interested in a client beyond the transaction. It’s enlightening and rewarding for everyone.”


Winter Roof Inspections … Without Going on the Roof 444 Winter Roof Inspections … Without Going on the Roof

IF YOU’RE NOT COMFORTABLE CLIMBING A

ladder to check the roof during a home inspection – when facing winter weather or other challenges – then you might appreciate two options that let you inspect from the ground level: a video mounting system or a “flying camera” (drone). While neither can see through snow covering a roof, they’re on top of it in cold weather.

Meet home inspector Mark Hendley, who developed the Eye-Stick Video-Mounting System, and home inspector Jory Lannes, who is inspecting roofs with his drone …and ladders when needed.

> Mark Hendley and Eye-Stick Video- Mounting System

“I always used a 32-foot ladder to check the roof during a home inspection, but with increasing risks of climbing ladders, I went looking for another option,” explains Mark Hendley, CEO and founder of Eye-Stick, Inc., which provides industrial video mounting systems.

Mark, a member of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI), has been a certified home inspector since 1997. His home inspection company, Hendley Building Consultants, is based in Russell, Ontario, as is Eye-Stick, Inc., which he established in 2008. Mark’s credentials include education and experience as an architec-tural technician.

“I was concerned about climbing and standing on a ladder during severe weather

conditions, and actually all year long, as well as issues such as exposure to mold or asbestos. When I started looking for a safe, cost-effective option to replace the ladder, there didn’t seem to be anything available. So I thought about tying a camera to the top of the ladder or the top of a pole. That’s where it all began,” Mark says.

Eye-Stick for Roof InspectionsThrough research and experimentation, Mark Hendley developed Eye-Stick, a video-mounting system, which extends up to 25 feet and weighs only 10 pounds. “You stand on the ground, using your smart phone, which communicates with the camera at the top of the pole via a personal, hot spot wi-fi connection.”

The Eye-Stick also addresses other chal-lenges and issues faced by home inspectors. For example, “When using ladders, you could be exposed to legal liability if there’s damage to property or injury to individu-als,” Hendley adds. “Eye-Stick allows in-spectors, engineers or claim adjusters to view, record, save and evaluate roofs, gut-ters or attics from a safe distance and have photographed proof for their reports.”

Are there any problems with the Eye-Stick during cold weather? “Winter cold is not a problem. In fact, an ASHI member working in Alaska uses the Eye-Stick year- round. As with any electronics, however, the device shouldn’t be exposed to con-stant moisture.”

Eye-Stick’s marketing efforts are also at-tracting companies in other fields, includ-ing sports equipment manufacturers and stadium sites, airport security firms, manu-facturing production lines and even Walt Disney World. “We always have an exhibit at CAHPI’s annual trade show, and we’re looking forward to InspectionWorld 2015 in Philadelphia.”

> Jory Lannes and “flying camera” drones

“About four years ago, I read an article about drones. The subject caught my eye because I prefer not walking on a roof during an inspection. As a retired non-commercial licensed pilot, the notion of a ‘flying camera’ or ‘quadcopter’ sounded like a great solution for me,” enthuses Jory Lannes, President, Lannes Home Inspec-tions, Evanston, IL

Jory became a home inspector after retir-ing from his career as a CPA, owning his own firm. He had worked with many real estate management, inspection and construction companies. Recovering from a back injury, he decided it was time for a career change. Because he had worked with and in the construction industry for many years, Jory decided to become a home inspector. Upon getting licensed, Jory called a seasoned inspector to ask for ride-alongs and mentoring.

“During a two-year period, I immersed myself in the field. I joined ASHI as well as the Northern Illinois and Great Lakes Chapters, and established my own firm in

2005. Becoming a home inspector is the best career move I could have made. I love every minute of it. In fact, I teach at The ASHI School.”

Ready for a DroneJory bought his first drone three years ago in 2012. “It’s a good thing that I’m a tactile learner, willing to learn on my own, because that was my only option then. Today, there’s YouTube, but that still doesn’t replace formal learning or an instructor.” Jory’s first drone had a flight time of about 8 minutes, and “through the magic of technology, you just turn it on, and it seeks out satellites and almost flies itself. It was very stable, weighed 3 pounds, and was 12 x 12 inches in size. Today’s quadcopter has a built-in camera that connects with your smart phone or tablet. Flight time has increased to about 25 minutes. Drones have a range of about one-third of a mile and can fly up to 25 miles per hour. It’s very responsive. The

Winter Roof Inspections …Without Going on the Roof

BY SALLY CHAPRALIS

biggest challenges are wind bursts, not cold weather. You can even control how often it takes photos.”

Jory is now on his third flying camera and explains that the technology has improved. “New software helps you lay out a course or approach to the roof inspection. You can pre-program via the auto-pilot and do a roof inspection “hands free.” The quad-copter is a tool I use 70% of time. I still bring ladders along during inspections.”

Jory’s Reflections about Flying Cameras “Technocrats interested in using leading-edge technology will appreciate this expe-rience. Once the technology has proven itself, it will be a more productive way of doing our jobs – just five minutes on the roof. However, a drone is not for the casual user, and you can’t just take it out of the box and be proficient. You’re always learning to stay on top of it. A quadcop-

ter is great in winter. The colder the air, the better it flies. But snow is a challenge because the drone is an electric device running on a battery. It’s fun, can offer a return on your investment and attracts attention to your business. A quadcopter makes you unique. Before using a quad-copter, check with your municipality about restrictions and regulations for using drones. These issues are overseen by the FAA. There’s no replacement for walking a roof. But, a good percent of the time, the quadcopter is a tool that could work for you. Prices are dropping, and the improv-ing technology means there’s a growing potential for the flying camera as a viable alternative for roof and exterior chimney inspections.” 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.

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Air Barriers Versus Vapor BarriersBY CARSON, DUNLOP & ASSOCIATES LTD.

Air Barriers Versus Vapor Barriers444 Air Barriers Versus Vapor Barriers

WHILE WE OFTEN USE THE SAME MATERIAL to act as both an air barrier and a vapor barrier, the functions are different.

Function Of Air BarriersAir barriers are designed to stop air move-ment through the building walls and roof. There are two reasons this is important:• Air carries heat. We want to minimize the flow of building heat to the outdoors.• Air carries moisture. This moisture may be deposited in the building structure as it cools and condenses. This can cause damage to the building.

Function Of Vapor Barriers A vapor barrier, vapor retarder or vapor dif-fusion retarder (VDR) is designed to protect the building from moisture damage. A VDR minimizes (but does not completely stop) the diffusion of vapor from inside the house to the wall or roof cavity. Remember that no air movement is necessary for vapor diffusion to take place. We also said that air leakage is roughly one hundred times more important than vapor diffusion with respect to moisture damage to buildings.

As you can see, a vapor diffusion retarder has fewer functions and is less critical than an air barrier. Let’s look at air barriers first.

Qualities of a Good Air BarrierThese are qualities of a good air barrier:• Stops air movement.

• Durable, ideally lasting the life of the building.

• Strong and either rigid or well enough supported to stay in place.

• Continuous. A bucket that is missing one percent of its bottom cannot do its job. Similarly, an air barrier that is 99 percent intact cannot do its job.

• Inexpensive.• Resistant to moisture, rot and chemicals.

Common materialsCommon air barrier materials include poly-ethylene film and housewraps. We’ll look at those first, and then look at several other materials that act as part of the air barrier system in a house, sometimes by accident.

Polyethylene - Polyethylene sheets have traditionally been provided on the inside face of wall studs and on the underside of ceilings, immediately behind the plaster or drywall. Polyethylene film is light and inexpensive to work with. It is also a vapor barrier.

Housewraps - Housewraps are typically spun-bonded polyolefin or polypropylene fabrics. These are good air barriers, but are not vapor barriers. You can think of them as a windbreaker. They will allow vapor diffusion readily, but will not allow wind to blow through them.

Foam insulation boards - Most of the foam insulation boards, including polysty-

rene, polyurethane, isocyanurate and phe-nolic board, are good air barriers as long as their seams are sealed with tape, caulking or gaskets. These are typically installed on the outside of a building.

Drywall, plaster and wood paneling - Most interior wall and ceiling finishes are effective air barriers, but there are many gaps at the edges and penetrations through the finishes. Conventional wisdom has suggested we cannot rely on these systems as air barriers.

Sheathing - We’ve talked about plywood and OSB sheathings. We’ve explained how they are usually not effective air barriers because of the intentional gaps at the joints. Lumber sheathing is not an effective air or vapor barrier because of the large number of unsealed joints.

Building paper - Building paper does not perform well as an air barrier because of the many loose joints in a typical building-paper application. Other common air barrier materials include:• Sill gaskets• Gaskets for electrical boxes and plastic

enclosures around electrical boxes• Backer Rods• Caulking and Weatherstripping• Polyurethane foams• Duct Tape and Duct Mastic

Vapor BarriersVapor barriers, vapor retarders or vapor diffusion retarders (VDRs) have a differ-ent function than air barriers, although the same materials are sometimes used for both. Let’s look at the properties of a good vapor barrier:• Vapor-diffusion-resistant• Durable• Moisture-and rot-resistant• Chemically inert• Inexpensive

Vapor Barrier Defined How do we know if a material is a vapor barrier? Vapor barriers are described by their permeance. The unit of permeance is the perm. The lower the perms, the more effec-tive the vapor barrier. Unfortunately, there are metric and imperial perms. An imperial perm is the number of grains of water that will move through one square foot of material in one hour, under a pressure difference of one inch of mercury. One grain is 0.002285 ounces.

Must be on the Warm SideVapor barriers must be on the warm side of the wall to perform their function. We said that air barriers could be on the warm side, in the middle or on the cool side of a wall assembly. A vapor retarder must be on the warm side. If the water molecules are allowed to move into a cool space, they are likely to condense. A vapor retarder on the outside will not protect the wall from mois-ture damage due to vapor diffusion.

Common Vapor Barrier MaterialsLet’s look at some of the materials that are commonly used as vapor barriers.

Polyethylene film (visqueen) - This is probably the most common material used as a vapor barrier. As we discussed, it’s typi-cally also used as an air barrier, immediately behind the drywall in wall and ceiling assemblies.

Kraft paper - Old fiberglass and mineral wool insulation batts were often faced with brown kraft paper, which is a vapor barrier.

Aluminum foil - This vapor barrier may also be used as a radiant barrier to reflect heat.

Oil-based paints and vapor-retardant paints - Many paints act as vapor barriers. Latex paints generally do not unless they are specially formulated to act this way. Var-nishes and shellacs also act as vapor barriers.Although building paper can be used as an air barrier, it is often ineffective because of loose joints

December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org 17ASHI Reporter | December 201416

444 Air Barriers Versus Vapor Barriers Herspective From the Women of ASHI

Herspective– Janni Juhasz

What’s it like being the FBI (Female Building Inspector)?

I STARTED IN THIS BUSINESS in 2000. I have always held a job in nontraditional roles for women. Being a groundbreaker for other women wasn’t easy. Just prior to becoming a home inspector I was, as my husband would say, a termite man. As a “termite man,” I spent my days crawling around under houses inspecting for termites, carpen-ter ants, and powder post bee-tles as well as treating for them. I also worked with several home inspectors performing pest in-spections. All the other extermi-nating companies in town kind of laughed at him for having a woman for a termite man.

My husband (prior to us know-ing each other) started his own “bug business” in 1996. He hired me as a secretary in late 1997. Pretty soon I couldn’t take

sitting behind a desk all day, not understanding what I was attempting to convey to the customer on the other end of the phone. I asked to be sent to training about bugs and that’s how it all started.

Little did the local PCO’s (pest control operators) know, I was his secret weapon! I sold and performed a lot of bug work. Eventually, the bug guys accepted me and I became the president of TPCA (Toledo Pest Control Association). In 1999, I suggested to my husband that he get into home inspec-tions. I thought it would be a perfect add-on to his business. I told him he could be a “one-stop shop.” His reply to me was, “Absolutely not! I’m a bug killer. I kill bugs!” So I started talking to the home inspectors I knew about getting into the business. One of them told me “Janni, if you’re going to do it, HomeTech Seminars is the only school in the country to go to.” “HomeTech Seminars” is long gone, but yes, it was an excel-lent school. So, in May of 2000, I went to school and my dream became a reality.

Initially (the first couple of years), I took a lot of flack being a woman. My first summer, I was inspecting the exterior of a home when the buyer’s agent arrived. She asked me if I was the inspector. When I told her yes, she responded, “You have no business doing this job. This is a man’s job.” To quote the late James Brown, “This is a man’s, man’s, man’s world, but it would be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.”

The local inspectors were divided regarding me getting into the business. A couple of them mentored me, while some of them hated the idea of a woman in their business.

Early on in my career, I took an appointment for an inspection. When I arrived at the inspec-tion, three men were waiting for their inspector. Little did they know that their inspector was a woman. Attitude was hanging out all over the place and two of the men left. About halfway through the inspection, the one who stayed said to me, “You’re pretty good at this. When you pulled in the drive, my partners’ said, ‘I thought you hired an inspector’?”

Honestly, I didn’t take my business very seriously in the beginning. I was still a full-time “termite man.” Until the end of 2003, I was only perform-ing 25-30 inspections a year. In 2004, I performed nearly 100 inspections! Unfortunately, the more inspections I performed, the more tense the atmosphere became with some of the local inspectors.

It came to my attention in the spring of 2005 that a hand-

ful of home inspectors were having regular meetings and one of their topics of discus-sion was how to get me out of the business. That really didn’t bother me, though, because I figured I must be doing some-thing right. However, when a potential client informed me that one these inspectors told him I didn’t carry insurance, I was very upset because it wasn’t true. Being the outspoken girl that I am, I decided to give him a call. One thing led to another in the conversation and I finally said to him, “I don’t under-stand. You are the one who told me what school to go to. You took me out and mentored me on inspections and told me I could hang my home inspector’s hat on your door anytime. Now you act like you have a problem with me in the business.” His response was, “I didn’t think you would make it.”

That was the BEST MEDI-CINE anyone could have ever given me. I am so grateful for that conversation because it was the wake-up call that motivated me to get where I am today. That’s when I decided I wanted to be a full-time home inspec-tor. I had brochures made and started knocking on real estate agency doors. With a lot of hard work and perseverance, at the end of 2006, I was able to quit my job as a “termite man” and become a full-time home inspector.

During the crash, I was fortu-nate as my business continu-ally picked up year after year. Over time, the idea of a woman doing your home inspection has caught on in Northwest Ohio

Insulations - Some insulation materials act as vapor barriers. This includes polyethylene and polyisocyanurate boards. Expanded and extruded polystyrene boards can also act as vapor barriers if they are thick enough. The same is true of foamed-in-place polyure-thane and isocyanates.

Vinyl wallpaper - Vinyl wallpapers make quite good vapor barriers. This is unfortu-nate for people in hot climates who don’t want vapor barriers on the interior of their wall assemblies.

Plywood and OSB sheathings - While these materials may or may not be quite vapor barriers in the true sense of the word, they do have fairly low perm ratings. They are almost vapor barriers.

Damaged polyethylene film such as this is an ineffective vapor barrier, and an even more ineffective air barrier.

SummaryWe have introduced the difference between air barriers and vapor barriers, and outlined some of the common materials used. A more detailed explanation involving conditions, implications and strategies for inspection can be found in the ASHI@HOME training program

Continued on Page 27

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ASHI Reporter | December 2014 19 December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org 18 19

444 Advertising Opportunities

In our last article, we looked at advertising methods that tap into your existing marketing tools. You can apply these methods in any ads. In this section, we’ll look at some advertising opportunities that may not be as straightforward as they first seem. A Real Estate Agent's Newsletter

Beware Real Estate Agent Newsletter Some real estate agents write their own newsletters to send to previous clients and prospects. As a way to defray the costs, some agents sell advertising spots to suppliers like home inspectors.

In terms of an advertising opportunity, this is clearly focused on the real estate agent even though the ad is directed at the home-buyer. The opportunity to reach homebuyers is not great for a home inspector, but that may not be the point. If a real estate agent refers 20 or 30 clients per year, it’s hard to say that you don’t want to spend $100 every quarter to advertise in his or her newsletter. The money you spend is not really for advertising at all; it’s for maintaining a relationship. We are often told that if we don’t take the opportunity, another home inspector will.

If you have 50 agents who refer business to you, and all of them write a newsletter and tap you for advertising money, you may be in trouble. You will probably have to be selective if you do this kind of advertising.

You have some options for dealing with this kind of advertising: You may choose to stay out of it altogether, negotiate the deal or ask for more benefits or opportunity. You may offer to submit a column that will make the newsletter even better. The same column, or series of columns, can be used for any agent. You don’t

have to write a custom column just for this agent. And the column doesn’t have to be long. The agent would rather have your advertis-ing dollars, but your article may be attractive as well. The article has the added benefit of putting you in the role of an expert rather than an advertiser. The column can also be used on your Website and in your information packages.

Ask for Something in Return You may want to try to get more out of it for your money. Following are some things you can ask for:

• Ask for an exclusive. That means no other home inspectors will get their business card in the newsletter. Tell the real estate agent that it’s not worth $100 if other inspectors buy ad space next to yours. In many cases, this is easy to get. It may even be offered at the outset as an inducement.

• Ask the agent to refer you exclusively to their clients.

• Ask for an endorsement. Maybe just above your business-card-sized ad, the real estate agent can write an endorsement of your services or tell a testimonial story.

• Ask the agent to help you set up a presentation at his or her office. Clear the way through to the office manager or the broker.

• Ask for an introduction to other successful agents.

• Ask for a testimonial you can use in your other advertising.

• Ask for a link from the agent’s Website to yours.

Beware Real Estate Agent’s Business CardSome real estate agents have a laminated business card. They may have advertising on the back to cover the cost, and they may come to you for advertising on that space. Once again, this may not be good advertising for you, but you may want to maintain a relation-ship. Remember to ask for something more.

Direct Mail

Direct Your Efforts to the End-User

The official term for advertising to the end user is direct marketing. But because most direct marketing campaigns involve direct mail, especially in the home inspection business, we’ll refer to this strategy as direct mail. Direct mail may be addressed to real estate agents or to consumers, but there would usually be a different piece for each group.

Direct mail looks for a response directly from the customer, but it has specific applications. For instance, contacting your past clients directly by mail is effective for offering an ancillary service. On the other hand, direct mail to the general public offering a home inspection may not make sense. To decide if a direct mail campaign is worth considering, it should have at least a few of the features discussed below.

Identify a Target Market An example from the world of home inspection is to mail to people who have a home for sale. There is a good chance they will be buying another home in the community and need your services.

Know the Time Sensitivity For home inspectors, the critical time to reach prospective home-buyers is right when they need your services, but the chances of your mailer reaching them within that narrow time frame are slim to none. Pre-purchase home inspections are time sensitive, whereas indoor air-quality inspections for homeowners can be done any-time. Sending a mailer for indoor air-quality inspections to past clients might give the homeowner a sense of urgency about hiring you (because they are concerned about their health), but you are not under the gun to deliver the mailer at a critical time.

Make It Easy to Explain/Measure Response/Track and Test A direct mailer has to offer something people can grasp in a few lines. Easy-to-measure response. Measurement is critical in this kind of campaign. When you are dealing with large numbers, you have a good opportunity to experiment. For example, you could

do a mailer with a particular offer, then do another mailer to a similar area with a slightly different offer and compare the response rate. You may find that reducing your fee from $325 to $299 increases your response rate by five times. If that were the case, it would make sense to reduce your fee. We will talk more about testing later.

Here are two areas in the home inspection profession that respond well to direct marketing:

1. Inspection of new homes

2. Ancillary inspection services targeted to past clients

The main reasons for the successful response is that these two markets are easy to target and there is some time flexibility. They also meet the other criteria we have outlined above. You may come up with other things you can offer using direct mail.

This article completes our discussion on discretionary advertising. In a future article, we will discuss other advertising opportunities.

Advertising Opportunities

Advertising Opportunities BY ALAN CARSON – CARSON, DUNLOP & ASSOCIATES LTD.


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ONE OF THE POINTS OF INTEREST DISCUSSED AT LTC FOR SUCCESSFUL leadership was CORE VALUES. Your CORE VALUES will identify the personality of your leadership, and they form and inform the kind of leader you are. Take time to sit down and identify, discuss and evaluate those core values. Core values of the leader-ship determine how members will perceive not only you, their leader, but the chapter as a whole, and ultimately cultivate your chapter's CULTURE. Some chapter values and ideas we took away from LTC were:

W – Winners! Everyone wants to be part of and align themselves with a winning team.

E – Energized. Your drive and enthusiasm will determine the reflection of your chapter. People can tell when they walk into a meeting if it is energized or another so-so get together.

A – Attitude. A positive attitude will serve your chapter well. Always approach issues as the glass is half-full instead of half empty.

R – Recognize. Often and in Public. Anniversaries, accomplishments, gaining ACI status, all are achievements of the members and should be recognized in front of the membership.

E – Engaged. Enlist the membership for tasks in running the chapter or chapter events. Developing, coordinating, administering and communicating chapter events takes time and people. The more members engaged, the greater the pool becomes for future growth.

A – Awareness. Members need technical advice, however, they also need a steady diet of business awareness and marketing to keep them in business.

S – Support. Mentoring is a form of development that ALL newbies can use. New members are the future leaders of the chapter—embrace them, nurture and grow them.

H – HAVE FUN. A lot of mentoring and socializing is done after hours. Social network-ing in a relaxed environment develops good camaraderie and THAT retains membership.

I – Influence. Successful leadership is all about a positive influence. Ensure members feel welcome at events, make them feel appreciated and make them feel a part of the chapter.

Together, the above helps our chapters project and support ASHI, The GOLD STANDARD!

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Top 16 Things I Learned (the hard way) in the Last ten years

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I'M GETTING OLDER AND BECOMING a little wiser each day, albeit slowly. I guess one day I'll be one of those guys on the message board. You know, the one who has been posting on the various inspector message boards since 1994, of-fering up very sage advice to the 'newbies,' who sometimes scoff and challenge his writings. I used to be one of those newbies – learning the hard way the things I could have avoided if I just heeded the advice of that guy. What the heck do you mean, “don't turn on the water supply valve” How am I supposed to fill the tub if there's no water?” Activate a breaker? Big deal ... do it all the time at home. Here's a list of the Top 16 things I learned in the last 10 years … most of them the hard way. Am I turning into that guy?

16. Real Estate Agents are not your friends. They may bat their eyes at you, bring you Starbucks and be your Facebook friends, but all you are is a necessary evil that is standing in the way of their com-mission check. One or two deals that you blew for them and you'll be out on your butt. Yes, I know ... there are many of us who do not need agent referrals and do not solicit agents for business. But, many of us do. There's nothing wrong with that as long as you remember to keep them at arm's length and remember the first sen-tence of this paragraph.

15. The worst defects are the farthest from the attic and crawlspace accesses. I got this from the late, great Jerry McCar-

thy. This was one of the first things I remember reading when I first started in this business. This was also one of the first things I scoffed at. How wrong I was! On a side note, when in attics and crawlspaces, bring your phone.

14. Don't get complacent in a nice home with few defects. That's when something will bite you. Complacency kills. This seri-ously affected my wallet a few years ago while inspecting a six year old home in a retirement community. Everything was well maintained and absolutely no evi-dence of any homeowner modifications or other shenanigans. What I failed to do was to thoroughly look at the interior of the microwave, not to mention operate it. That little error cost me $2,400. Too bad the microwave was part of a microwave/oven combination.

13. Don't be a hero. No one wants to know how much you know. Report and verbalize your findings in a simple and precise manner. Don't expound on the history of baluster spacing widths and when GFCIs were required at particular locations. No one cares.

12. Don't activate breakers, turn water supply valves or use a wrench for anything. All too often, something will go wrong. In the last 10 years, I have flooded bathrooms and garages, melted wiring and wiped egg off my face more than once. Not worth it. Document what was OFF and collect your fee to come back and inspect when the utilities are restored. Occasionally, you

will be challenged by someone to turn on the water, gas or power. I enjoy pointing to the valve/breaker and telling them to do it. They never do.

11. Never leave a filling hydrotherapy tub (or any other sink/tub). I did this once or twice. The last time, and the one I will never forget, was when I was speaking with the client in the garage in a two story home. A drop of water landed on the cli-ent's head and I thought, crap ... the tub! I ran upstairs and found the tub overflow-ing. Needless to say, 30 minutes later and after wringing out my towels 28 times, I had most of it sopped up. I never did get the “there's mold in my home now” phone call. Lucky! Perhaps I should carry a wet/dry vac?

10. Don't ever talk about politics, reli-gion or any discussions that don't pertain to the task at hand. I recently made the mistake of getting into a discussion about fluoride in the water with a seemingly lovely young lady. That escalated into a diatribe about how the government is poisoning the people and what can be done about it. That ruined a half hour of my life, which I will never get back. She wasn't so lovely after all. I still get an occasional propaganda email from her.

9. Don't ever guess about client relationships. Don't assume that the woman standing next to the man is his wife. Don't assume the two guys at the inspection are brothers, if they have the same last name. Don't assume that the younger girl with

You Tell UsLetters From Readers

Inspecting MonstersOur goal as inspectors is to help customers feel comfortable with their new home purchase. This week, I had an experience I wanted to share. I received an email from my client for the after-noon inspection. He stated that their daughter had a nightmare about monsters being in the home they were buying. She did not want to buy that house. He asked if I could help put her at ease.

During the inspection, the little girl would not go upstairs without her parents. She and Mom en-tertained themselves in the living room while Dad and I did the inspection. When I had completed

my normal inspection, I said, “There is one more thing we need to look at.” I got out my TIF and explained to the girl that this was a Monster Tester. I then

explained that if a monster was present, the unit would make a loud noise. If there had ever been a monster, it would make a quieter noise. Finally, if no monsters were ever present, the unit would just go ‘chirp chirp’.

We went through the house and “inspected” every nook, cranny, closet, fireplaces and any other potential monster hiding places. We found none. After the inspection was complete, she ran down the stairs, yelling, “Mommy, Mommy, there are no monsters in this house!” I assumed this put all fears to rest.

How many jobs are there that can help a small child overcome a major fear? I felt as good about that inspection as most I have done. One little girl was comfortable with her new home. You know, I really do love my job!

Steve Willis, ACI Colorado Springs, CO

Check Your State RequirementsWe need to correct some information supplied by Mike Crow and presented as a "suggestion" in his short article on page 18 of the October Reporter.

Mike writes, in brochure advice, "Company Address — Not Needed."

New Jersey, where I do most of my inspecting, requires in its regulations that all advertising and promotional materials for inspection firms include the physical address of the company or corpora-tion (P.O. Box numbers not acceptable), as well as other information. So, we NJ guys can't even hand out promotional pens without having our physical address and license number on it. Other states with licensing and regulations may have similar requirements.

My problem with Mike's advice is that a well-meaning inspector who hasn't read our rule book thoroughly could spend hundreds of hard-earned dollars on a brochure that he may then be required to withdraw and replace at considerable

trouble and expense.

Best Regards,Glenn Woertz, ACINY Metro Chapter

BY RICK HARTMANN, HOME INSPECTION PLUS, INC. - LINCOLN, CA

Top 16 Things I Learned (the hard way) in the Last 10 Years


444 Top 16 Things I Learned (the hard way) in the Last ten years

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the older man is his daughter (Jerry McCarthy). See #3.

8. Always write the report as if you are preparing a legal document. Don't get com-placent because the client is a contractor and told you he is tearing down the house anyway, so “it really doesn't matter what you write in the report.”

7. Carry toilet paper. (Thanks Kurt Mitenbuler.) You never know when your body will want to discharge some waste. If you're lucky enough to find a toilet in a timely manner and you have some privacy, don't ruin that beautiful moment by being unprepared. I keep a supply of Starbucks napkins in my rig. A pack of matches is also helpful.

6. Look up! (Thanks, James Katen.) Ever conducted a home inspection, then finished with the client review and they ask, "What's up with that moisture stain in the bedroom ceiling?" and your heart skips a beat?

5. Don't ever ask the woman when she is due. (Thanks, Ken Goewey.) Don't ask clients about the meaning of tattoos. Don't ask if that tongue piercing hurt. Don't ask what's under that 4x4 bandage on their head.

Ohio Chapter’s Peer ReviewEleven Ohio Chapter members attended the chapter's Peer Review October 11 in Delaware, OH. The 11 included one with no inspections under his belt and another with 20 years of inspection experience. Seven of them were reviewed by their peers. "The review focused on an original house that is 120 years old, and all of us learned something from this joining of forces," says David Argabright, ACI, and Vice President, Ohio Chapter.

Peer Reviews result in four MRCs (Membership Renewal Credits). "The cost to attend was and will be free, and we hold several reviews every year. The location changes so that everyone has the opportunity to attend one close to their area

of the state."

Silicon Valley ASHI/CREIA Chapter walks for Alzheimer's

The team from SV ASHI/CREIA walked in the San Jose Alzheimer's walk October 11. We raised almost $1,200, including $500 from the chapter.

Pictured: Skip & Machelle Walker, Ken Collins and Steve Fishman.

4. Don't have a big, spicy lunch before your afternoon inspection. (Thanks, Don Woodring.) Refer to #7.

3. Don't assume. (Thanks, Eric Barker.) Don't assume the client is dumb. Don't assume your physician client knows noth-ing of home construction. Don't assume your electrical engineer client knows more than you. Don't assume that the swollen baseboard was caused by a loose toilet next to it. Don't assume anything because when you do, the client will remember what you told them (assumptions) and not what is written in the report (facts).

2. Always secure your ladder to the roof. (Thanks, Welmoed Sisson.) I had this happen to me once. Went up on the lower story of the roof, then dragged the ladder up to access the second story. Atop the second story, the ladder went crashing to the ground in front of real estate agent and buyer. They weren't strong enough to get my ladder back up to me. Luckily, I had my phone and an inspector buddy who was nearby, came to my aid. That was embarrassing!

1. You don't know what you don't know. If you don’t learn something new each day, you’re not doing it right.

.......................................................................................................

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Home Ins Full Ad 10/9/14 1:17 PM Page 1

and Southeast Michigan. Single women fear a man talking down to them or treat-ing them like they are stupid. Most of the men now have a positive reaction as well. Women in general have a reputation for being picky and detail-oriented.

Women buyers want to know everything. They want to know how long that Oswi-gin’s Day list is. What is Oswigin’s Day, you ask? Oswigin’s Day is that day that never comes. We as women want to know how big that list of stuff (aka the honey-do list) is that your husband promises to fix, but he never gets done. That’s what Oswigin’s Day is.

I accept the fact that I get treated differently being a woman vs. a man. Clients often “worry” about me getting into the crawl-space. Often they will ask, “Are you really going in there?” Many times I have been offered a hat because they are so worried about me getting cobwebs in my hair.

I typically wrap up my inspections by telling my clients, “Once you receive the report, if you have any questions, call me. If you buy the house and live here a couple of years and have a problem, call me any-time. If I don’t know the answer to your question, because I’m NOT a man, and therefore don’t know everything, I will find the resource and get you the answer.” The women always laugh and nod, knowingly, while most, but not all men will groan. Some men will even admit, “Hey, I don’t know everything!”

I absolutely love my job and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I love help-ing people pick their perfect home, being honest with them, NOT scaring them and most of all, getting dirty.

Janni Juhasz ACI, CCA, Licensed PCO Owner/Operator, Janni’s HOMTEC

This is a heated topic for sure1. The flue connector pipe as it approaches the

chimney is reduced in size: not permitted!

2. The connector pipe from the water heater must enter the chimney above the larger furnace connector pipe. It cannot be co-joined (T'd) with the furnace connector pipe!

3. The ball valve appears to be installed in the hot water side of this heater (although it¹s hard to tell which is the front elevation of the heater).

4. The masonry seal for the connector pipe at the chimney appears to have voids at the connector pipe perimeter that should be properly sealed.

5. I hope that the hanging metal flex pipe isn't for the dryer on the floor above.

6. We can't tell whether a TPR and extension pipe are present.

HAVE MORE TIME FOR THE THINGS THAT MATTER

3D INSPECTION SYSTEMS WILL CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULE

CONTACT US 800-745-6126 WWW.3DINSPECTION.COM

WITH THE BEST HOME INSPECTION SOFT WARE

Herspective Continued from Page 27

Test Your KnowledgeEngaging Our Readers

This Test Your Knowledge photo appeared in the October 2014 issue.

Thank you to Fred Freer for sending us his response.

7. While the picture lacks some detail, it does not appear that the furnace connector pipe sections are mechanically joined with screws.

8. The pitch of the furnace connector pipe is much greater than a two percent slope.

Otherwise, it is a picture-perfect installation.

With best regards, Fred Freer

Four Square Restorations, Inc., Four Square Home Inspections and Four Square Infrared Mayfield Village, OH

http://www.inspectorinsurance.com

http://www.3dinspection.com

ASHI Reporter | December 2014 December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org 28 29

ASHI CommunityNew Inspector Status, ASHI Chapters, Council News

New ASHI Associates As of October 1, 2014.

H Denotes graduate of The ASHI School

Christopher CarlsonWillow, AK

Todd DillardLittle Rock AR

Bretton, AustinLegacy Home InspectionsFlagstaff, AZ

David WaeschleCactus Coastie Home InspectionsChandler, AZ

H Michael WertzFairfield, CA

H Matthew DeMartiniDeMartini ConstructionMillbrae, CA

H Omar FazliLos Angeles, CA

H Josue OrellanaPasadena CA

Randolph Treur San LuisObispo, CA

H Jeffrey BunaAloha Home InspectionsLakewood, CO

H Kenneth WetzelColorado Springs, CO

H Tim TynerThorton, CO

H Kenneth ClarkCastle Rock, CO

H Don BallAdvocate Home InspectionsThornton, CO

Kurt BenedictAurora, CO

Wade WilliamsonAxium InspectionsBroomfield, CO

H Nick CosentinoNorth Franklin, CT

Anne KendallKasznay's Building Inspection Service, LLCHarwinton, CT

Robert GustafsonDavinci Partners, LLCSun City Center, FL

H Charles BrooksJAB Holdings, Inc.Palatka, FL

H Jason MeadowsJasper, GA

H Zhuo "George" ChenDecatur, GA

Jeffrey RoerdinkPillar to Post Professional Home InspectionLaFayette, GA

Sidney CarterThe Cornerstone Inspection GroupMarietta, GA

Rob ConleyProtech Home & Property Inspections, Inc.Braselton, GA

Manny MurilloProtech Home & Property Inspections, Inc.Braselton, GA

Elbert HayesBuyers Protection GroupRiverdale, GA

James HobbsKennesaw, GA

H Oscar LibedHonolulu, HI

Terry BollmanPREIEwa Beach, HI

H Allan Schuster Jr. Nevada, IA

Don BassettOlympia Inspection, LLCNampa, ID

Chris BrownInspection Chicago Inc. Chicago, IL

H Massimo UzzardiElk Grove, IL

H Edward KilwienBuffalo Grove, IL

H Peter BrownsonWillowbrook, IL

Richard DriberWind River ConsultantsOswego, IL

H Tim DarlingPalatine, IL

Jared WilsonHomeSpec CorpDecatur, IL

Chris MasiewiczWilmette, IL

H Michael PappasCrown Point, IN

H Kevin DavidsonFive Star Building Inspections, LLCGuilford, IN

H Jimmie RichardsonIndianapolis, IN

Patrick SmithMcKinney Home InspectionLawrence, KS

H Cody BrownSedgwick, KS

H Zhao HuangNewton, MA

H Kerry, PlourdeWestfield, MA

Max PolsakCorbly Gulch Home InspectionsLivingson, MA

Robbin JonesSpringfield Neighborhood Housing Services, IncSpringfield, MA

Jose Roberto MontielMetropolitan Residential InspectionSilver Spring, MD

George LeoneA Comprehensive Home Inspection Service, LLCNorth East, MD

G-Michael LentzNorth Bethesda, MD

Matt LaForgeMBE Home, Inc.Brunswick, ME

Gregory MoosWiscasset, ME

Randal GelderloosGold Star Real Estate Inspections, LLCGrandville, MI

Joseph SkeltonAccurate InspectionsNashville, MI

Michael WalshWalsh Consulting Services, LLCSt. Louis, MO

H Aaron Hasheider St.Louis, MO

H Mark HasheiderCape Girardeau, MO

H Shawn WellsPoplar Bluff, MO

New ASHI Certified Home Inspectors As of October 1, 2014.

New ASHI Inspectors As of October 1, 2014.

INSPECTOR

Marshall MayerPillar to PostDenver, CO

Donny Williams Amerispec Inspection ServicesWoodstock, GA

Britt BakerInspect-All ServicesConyers, GA

Sean PuckettPerformance Home InspectionsTaneytown, MD

ASHI Chapter Education

North Central & Ohio ASHI, Ohio NAHI Winter SeminarWhen: December 6, 2014

Where: Holiday Inn

7007 North High Street

Worthington, OH

CEUs: 4 ASHI CE hours

Contact: thompsonbk@king

home-inspection.com

The Third Annual Hampton Roads ASHI Holiday Season Tech-TalkWhen: December 6, 2014

Where: Chesapeake, Virginia

Alan Carson and Kenny

Hart, Speakers

Prizes: Thousands $$$ in

Door Prizes

CEUs: 7 CEUs

Contact: conta.cc/1qDAyOX

Phone: 800-643-6683

Mark HillAllview Home Inspections, LLCMarietta, GA

Rusty GearTop Gear Home Inspections, LLCMulvane, KS

Nathan ShoretteCandid Home Inspection ServiceArnold, MO

Ian McNaughtExcel Home Inspections, LLCSterling, VA

John Van DijkBelfair, WA

The MAC-ASHI ChapterWinter SeminarWhen: January 24, 2015

Where: Rockville, MD, in the

Rockville Senior Center

What: Mike Casey will offer

an update on electri-

cal systems. JD Grewell

will present a session on

defect recognition with

effective report writing

and then a comparison

of the ASHI SoP and the

Maryland SoP.

CEUs: Proposed to allow for

8 CEUs

Watch for future email

announcements, visit Mid-

Atlantic Chapter: American

Society of Home Inspectors

or contact David Goldberg at

[email protected]

for further information.

To have your chapter seminar listed here: Email all information about your chapter seminar to [email protected]. Information also will be picked up from CE applications.

To share details of a chapter event and photos of events that have already occurred, please send your information to [email protected].

Deadlines are the 1st of the month prior to the issue in which you would like your infor-mation to appear.

H Jedidiah CookNiangua, MO

H Daniel AustinSt. Peters, MO

Mark MillerPillar to PostSt. Louis, MO

Nancy DedmonOzarks Home Inspections LLCHartville, MO

Michael DedmonOzarks Home Inspections LLCHartville, MO

Mark GoodmanBrewer Inspection ServicesArnold, MO

Michael JeudeBPG Buyers Protection GroupFestus, MO

H David MasseyCompass Inspectors, LLCOxford, MS

Jeff KramerSutko Real Estate Services (DBA - Amerispec - NE)Omaha, NE

Phil HaakeSutko Real Estate Services (DBA - Amerispec - NE)Omaha, NE

Mitch LawrenceSutko Real Estate Services (DBA - Amerispec - NE)Omaha, NE

John YoumansEXCEL Home Inspections, LLCHowell, NJ

Patrick DennehyInspections by Dennehy Nogal, NM

Scott WallinMich-Lor, Inc., DBA Pillar to PostMoriarty, NM

H Jim LowreyIdeal Home Inspections Albuquerque, NM

Debbie ChapmanCloser Look Home Inspections Inc. Baldwinsville, NY

Bryan TaylorIron Dog Silver Lake, OH

H Carl ChasteenTotal Peace of Mind Home InspectionFairfield, OH

H Jared SchmidlinMaumee, OH

H Kevin RuffnerCincinnati, OH

Shawn MartensSeagate Inspections, Inc.Holland, OH

Brenda, JulianFull Service Property Inspection, LLCClinton, OH

Justin AndlerYour Whole House, Inc. Amelia, OH

Julie RadloffErie Inspection Service, Inc.Believue, OH

Jordan RadloffErie Inspection Service, Inc.Bellevue, OH

Brooke SimonErie Inspection Service, Inc.- Bellevue, OH

Ted AucremanLancaster, OH

H Kirk RogersCamp Hill, PA

William BarrettLifeHouse Home InspectionsMercersburg, PA

Jarrod LapeMomongahlea, PA

Robert AshtonACSCHatfield, PA

Jay PauldingMunhall, PA

Aaron CunninghamPillar to PostGlen Mills, PA

Sarah JamesonShamokin, PA

H Raymond Hardwick Jr.

Charleston, SC

North Central Ohio & Ohio ASHI ChaptersInspector ExpoWhen: February 27, 28 and

March 1, 2015

Where: Holiday inn,

Worthington, OH

CEUs: 17 ASHI CEs

Contact: thompsonbk@king-

home-inspection.com

Derek HodginConstruction Science and Engineering, Inc.Westminster, SC

Steve PilkintonSteve Pilkinton Home InspectionsLawrenceburg, TN

Frank WhiteNational Property InspectionsSan Antonio, TX

H Garritt ParsonsFairfax, VA

H Haichen RenManassas, VA

H David JenkinsOakton, VA

H Anthony GriffinWoodbridge, VA

H Jeremy SpicerAldie, VA

Gregory AllenU.S. Inspect, LLCChantilly, VA

Curtis MidkiffU.S. Inspect, LLC Chantilly, VA

Richard RockwoodU.S. Inspect, LLC Chantilly, VA

James ClaytonU.S. Inspect, LLCChantilly, VA

H Christopher Chang

U.S. Inspect, LLC Chantilly, VA

Michael Mallott Leesburg, VA

H John FieldsCJR Property InspectionsFredericksburg, VA

James HallJames Hall and Associates Inc.Camano Island, WA

Brad ThompsonBuildingMaster Inspections Edmonds, WA

Vince HarrelsonHarrelson Home Inspection Seattle, WA

H Aaron Nemitz Palmyra, WI

Todd Woelfel Racine, WI

Gregory TruesdellHome Inspection by P.R.O.S.Livonia, MI

Richard AltonAlton Inspection LLCPennellville, NY

Kim ChristensenLubbock InspectionsLubbock, TX


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)First Tuesday, 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, 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, FairfaxDave Rushton, 540-636-6200 [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]

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.

Southwest Floridawww.swashi.comSecond Wednesday, 6 pm Holiday Inn, Lakewood Ranch6321 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota Michael Meesit, [email protected]

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 237 W. St. Charles Street Villa Nova Restaurant, Villa ParkSteve 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 The Butcher Shop Steakhouse, 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]


Your ASHIYour Link to Membership News and Information

Current ASHI MembershipASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,426

Inspectors/Logo: 95

Associates: 2,065

Retired Members: 116

Affiliates: 65

TOTAL: 5,767 as of November 11, 2014

ASHI Event Calendar December 10-11, 2014

AEI Board Meeting ASHI Headquarters Des Plaines, IL

January 6-9, 2015 InspectionWorld and ASHI Board Meeting Philadelphia, PA

ASHI-ENDORSED MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT PROGRAMS

ASHI’s E&O Insurance Program: Business Risk Partners (BRP)www.inspectorinsurance.com 866-268-1327

ASHI Personal Lines Insurance Program: Liberty Mutualwww.libertymutual.com/ashi

ASHI Service ProgramBuildFaxSusan Ward, 855-237-8711http://land.buildfax.com/buildfax-special- pricing-for-ashi-members/[email protected]

ASHI Customer Appreciation Program: Moverthankyou.comBrent Skidmore, [email protected]

HomeAdvisor.comBrett Symes, 913-529-2683www.homeadvisor.com [email protected]

LegalShieldJoan Buckner, 505-821-3971buckner.legalshieldassociate.comthenowbenefit@comcast.net

InspectionContracts.comDave Goldstein, 800-882-6242www.inspectioncontracts.comdavid@inspectoreducation.com

OneSource Solutions877-274-8632http://www.osconnects.com/ashi/

Porch.comEliab Sisay, [email protected]

444 Your ASHI

Speaker: Tony Smith 319-533-4565inspecthathouse@ netscape.net

Alternate Speaker: Jim Funkhouser 571-214-4039 [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 LeadersMotion

Motion was made and seconded that the ASHI President shall appoint a task force to select from the Past-Presidents a list of those Past-Presidents who have no conflict of interest and are willing to serve on the Executive Director Whistle-Blower Committee. They shall also recommend policy and procedures to establish and maintain this committee. The Task force will report back to the board at the January 2015 ASHI Board Meeting. PASSED

MotionTo create a Task Force to explore and report back to the Board at the January 2015 Board Meeting what will be needed to develop certificate program(s) which would include inspection guidelines/standards for the inspection of and reporting on systems such as Sealed Crawlspaces and Radon Mitigation Systems in residential construction. The goal of such programs would be to provide them in a cost-effective manner for our member so that all members could participate.

The Task Force will be comprised of current board members to be named by the Chairman of the Task Force, as well as the ASHI Certification Committee Chair, ASHI Staff Liaison for ACC and other knowledgeable individuals in the respective fields as deemed necessary for the completion of this task. PASSED

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

Thirty-five YearsLarry Wasson

Twenty-five YearsWilliam Hargadon

Twenty Years John MyskowskiM. Douglas MyersJeffery Fielder-BeyRobert JeffriesGerry AubreyDrew HowardTimothy Rooney

Fifteen YearsJoseph CaweinJon C. BoltonBradford KershnerLarry ThiseMuhammad NasirPaul M. GaudetteC C Motes Randy BarnhartSteve HadduckAldo MarcozziRichard HallLarry Stumph

Ten YearsLeonard RuckerMichael DuganCharles LambertDennis HoffmanForrest TaylorScott TernaskyNorman HalladayRobert ShoenfeltKirk JuneauDonald BissexRobert HahnDon LariviereJohn MeaseWilliam GuthrieGeorge Gould

Five YearsJ. Steven HubbardRobert KulakowskiJames SiverioRick JohnsonMark WardJohn DirksWilliam BlakeTerrence LewisStephen Higgins

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

Report Out from the October18, 2014, ASHI Board of Directors Meeting

April 23-25, 2015 Finance Committee, AEI and ASHI Board Meetings Des Plaines, IL

July 23-25 Finance Committee, AEI and ASHI Board Meetings Des Plaines, IL

October 22-24 LTC and ASHI Board Meetings Des Plaines, IL

Gary HinkleRobert VierraLinas DapkusDave KlutchSteven BrownNormand ReneDan ShewellMichael BalesAlex DankovichMyron TannenbaumJoe MooreTheodore (Ted) RabenbergRobert GibsonRichard ParrishDavid RocheRobert BowenHarlan GlebeFred TonteJoseph SchoenMatthew MuehlingDavid Neves

Arlene, Can you make sure we include Russell Allen in the January reporter as long time ASHI member? His name was missed in the last reporter. He has been a member since 6/14/1979 - 35 years.


Uh oh! Your client tripped on your ladder during the inspection.Now what!?!

Contact Lisa Belz: 860-899-1870 [email protected]

Visit our Web site for details or an application:www.target-capital.com

T M

For Target’s clients, no worries! The General Liability coverage included in our Errors & Omissions Insurance Program is designed to cover home inspectors for 3rd party trips and falls just like this one. It also covers many other bodily injury and property damage mishaps associated with inspections.

Target Insurance Services has been serving home inspectors across the country for over a decade. Our underwriters know their stuff and can quickly and easily build an insurance plan that meets the specific needs of your business. We can even cover your tools and all your great gadgets! What’s more, as an ASHI member, you’ll receive a full 15% premium discount.

No current coverage? No problem! Whether you’re a seasoned home inspector or just getting started in the business, we can help. In fact, we now offer lower limits ($100,000 / $100,000) that may be ideal for new or smaller firms.

© 2014 Target Insurance Services is a division of and operates under the licenses of CRC Insurance Services, Inc. CA Lic No 778135. No claim to any government works or material copyrighted by third parties. Nothing in this communication constitutes an offer, inducement, or contract of insurance. Financial strength and size ratings can change and should be reevaluated before coverage is bound. This material is intended for licensed insurance agency use only. This is not intended for business owner or insured use. If you are not a licensed agent please disregard this communication. Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran.

Target ASHI Ad 8-4-14.pdf 1 8/4/14 12:59 PM

444 Preparing for an IRS Audit

NEW POSTCARDS E-MAIL!! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: [email protected]

There's a Hole in the Bucket, Dear Liza

There is a reason why you inspect the outside FIRST! Homeowner still uses this deck for BBQs & couldn't understand my concerns!

Jim Foss, Best Inspection, Inc., Anchorage, AK

Deck of Thrills

http://youtu.be/IpLC6taAdNw

... could steer you in the wrong direction. Brother-in-law, auto mechanic, disposal installation.

James Brock Boston Home Inspectors, Inc.South Boston, MA

The electrician doesn't know how to spell "electric."

Learning how to become an electrician doesn't include a spelling test, apparently.

Matthew Steger WIN Home Inspection Elizabethtown, PA

While digging for the septic, I found worms and tossed a few to the onlookers. They chased after me the rest of the time.

David GrudzinskiAdvantage Home InspectionsCranston, RI

Washable HVAC filter being used as a gable vent. Should help to filter any dust that might want to enter or leave the attic; won't help with ventilation, though.

Jeremy ProvanPro Vantage Home InspectionsColumbia, MD

Early Bird Gets the WormVent or Filter?

Beware, Auto Mechanics and Plumbing ...Elitric Spelling Test

Randy SipeFamily Home Inspection Services, Inc.Spring Hill, KS

http://www.target-capital.com

http://www.americascallcenter.com


444 Preparing for an IRS Audit 444 Tribute to the Vietnam Veteran . . .

NEW POSTCARDS E-MAIL!! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: [email protected]

You Light up my Life!James Brock Boston Home Inspectors, Inc.South Boston, MA

For the Electric Toothbrush?


Did you really have to remove the ceiling panels?




Not to worry. Self-cooling system in place.


Balancing ActOverheated Receptacle?

Hey, Inspector!Multi Purpose Product-Plumbing Vent Stack, Ashtray, Glass Recycling bin

THINK

We are Buyers Protection Group – the largest employee-based home inspection company in the nation. We are powered by local teams of inspectors, engineers, and service professionals, and fueled by the support personnel and tools of a nationally-recognized brand. We vow to go above and beyond to provide our inspectors with what they need to succeed.

Contact the Inspector Hiring & Acquisition Department770-777-8640 | [email protected]

New Inspector Mentoring and Training Program

Inspectors will be teamed with a top producer as a personal mentor who will teach them the profession from the ground up. In addition, Fast Track inspectors receive special marketing tools and incentives to help them grow their business quickly.

Are you ready to be apart of our January 2015 class of Fast Track Inspectors?

BPG’s Fast Track Program is a mentoring program for inspectors who want to gain practical knowledge – quickly. The Fast Track Program develops the entire inspector from a technical, as well as a business and interpersonal perspective.

Our Fast Track program produces results - alumni are producing 200+ inspections in their 2nd year with BPG. Contact us today to learn how you can become a part of our January 2015 class of Fast Track Inspectors.

We are always hiring inspectors at all levels. In addition, acquisition and earn out dollars are available for multi-inspector �rms. Contact us today or go to thinkBPG.com/ASHI.

http://www.bpgwi.com

ASHI Reporter | December 2014 39 December 2014 | www.ASHIReporter.org 38 39

On My Mind By ASHI President Bill Loden

InspectionWorld® – Premier Event in Our Field

EVERY SPORT HAS ITS BIG SEASON-ENDING EVENT. Baseball has the World Series, football has the Super Bowl and hockey has the Stanley Cup. The biggest sporting event is the Olympics. It is the premier sporting event in the world.

In the home inspection profession in North America, there is an annual event that, like the Olympics, is unparalleled in size and quality. That event is the American Society of Home Inspectors' InspectionWorld®! InspectionWorld® eclipses all other conferences and inspection events in all categories:

Number of attendees: Number OneNumber of vendors: Number OneNumber of education sessions: Number OneQuality of education: Number OneQuality of presentations: Number OneEntertainment: Number OneSpouse activities: Number One

Most everyone who has been to InspectionWorld® remembers the first one they attended. And that brings up a point that anyone who has never attended this event should consider. Inspectors who go once almost always go back again. Why? Because of what they see happening to their bottom line in their businesses.

InspectionWorld® provides world class educa-tion by experts in any field important to the professional home inspector. A home inspection business is built on a foundation of knowledge and competence and both of those foundational elements are strengthened by the education you will receive at InspectionWorld®.

Another important element of InspectionWorld® is the massive vendor hall. You won’t find more service providers for the home inspection profession in one place at any other conference. The vendors are there because they have developed products or provide services that are designed to help you grow your business and increase your bottom line.

I still remember my first InspectionWorld® in New Orleans in the late 1990s. I did not know a soul, but I was there to learn. I even made my wife go along and I signed her up for classes so, while I was in the technical sessions, she could go to the business and marketing presentations. It was like trying to drink out of a fire hose and I was trying to get every drop.

That first InspectionWorld® for me was the key to my success in the inspection profession. Over the years, the education has been incredible, but the real value is from the friendships I’ve developed all across North America. Fellow home inspectors from New York to California have offered their wisdom and knowledge, and our vendors keep pushing the envelope on the products and services they provide to help make us profitable.

Now, about 15 years later I’ve attended most of the InspectionWorld®s since that first one and things are a little different. I know a lot more of the faces I see at the conferences. On a personal note, as President of our association, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know the incredible staff at ASHI headquar-ters, all of whom are committed to our success. I have seen how hard the staff works to make this the most amazing event in the industry. No detail is overlooked and if something unexpected arises, they are right there with a solution. My hat is off to the great folks in Des Plaines.

As I stated earlier, people who attend one In-spectionWorld® usually go back again and again. If you’ve never been, you should be ask-ing yourself why home inspectors, maybe your competition, continue to go to this one event? The question is not whether you can afford to go to InspectionWorld®. The real question you should ask yourself is can you afford not to go the InspectionWorld®?I hope to see all of you in Philadelphia.

http://www.sunradon.com

http://www.homegauge.com

ASHI REPORTER 12/14

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