ASHI
10.18
REPORTER
INSPECTION NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME INSPECTORS, INC.
THE UNKNOWN UNDERGROUND The Zero–Dig Solution to Failing Sewer Laterals By Morgan Trouard PG16
TECHNICAL FOCUS CONDENSING APPLIANCES PRESENT AN ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION FOR HOME INSPECTORS
By Mike Bernasconi, Neutrasafe Corporation PG 8
SETTING UP AN ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM
By Alan Carson PG 22
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FHA/VA Water Test Kit Basic+2Day TAT Prepaid
$110 USD #FHAB+2DPPCOMKIT
www.emsl.com
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ASHI Reporter • October 2018
Radon Gas Test kit Call For Pricing!
ASHI
10.18
REPORTER
October 2018
6
FEATURES 6 M ANAGING RISK
Claim 2: Roof Damage
By InspectorPro Insurance
Vol. 35, #10
8 TECHNICAL FOCUS
Condensing Appliances Present an Additional Consideration for Home Inspectors
By Mike Bernasconi, Neutrasafe Corporation
12 HOME ENERGY SCORE Assessors in Action: Gordon Glidden By ASHI Staff
14 Attic Ventilation by the Numbers By Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc. HowToOperateYourHome.com
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16 The Unknown Underground The Zero–Dig Solution to Failing Sewer Laterals
By Morgan Trouard, Perma-Liner™ Industries, LLC
22 M ARKETING FOCUS
Setting Up an Online Booking System By Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop www.carsondunlop.com, 800-268-7070
28 Can an Inspector Do Inspections That Are Paid for
by Real Estate Agents?
By Jamison Brown, ASHI Ethics Committee Chair
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A way to Increase Your Home Inspection Income: Assessing Homes for Livability By Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D.
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National Chimney Safety Week: Promoting Chimney and Venting Safety By Zach Zagar, The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)
DEPARTMENTS
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26 ASHI Community By ASHI Staff
36 Your ASHI Dressing for the Job By Jen Gallegos
40 Postcards From the Field
It’s Wacky Out There
46 In Memoriam: Milton Goldstein American Home Inspector Pioneer 1915-2018 By Marvin Goldstein
October 2018 • www.ASHIReporter.org
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ASHI National Officers and Board of Directors Educated. Tested. Verified. Certified.
A S H I M I S SIO N STATEM EN T To 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.
OFFICERS Tim Buell, President Marysville, OH, 614-746-7485 tim.buell@gmail.com
Bruce Barker, Treasurer Cary, NC, 919-322-4491 bruce@dreamhomeconsultants.com
Scott Patterson, President-Elect Spring Hill, TN, 615-302-1113 scott@traceinspections.com
Michael Conley, Secretary Anna Maria, FL, 941-778-2385 FLinspector@outlook.com
Mike Wagner, Vice President Westfield, IN, 317-867-7688 mwagner@ralis.com
Howard Pegelow, Immediate Past-President Gilbert, AZ, 414-379-4186 hpegelow@yahoo.com
DIRECTORS Bronson Anderson 2018-2020 Waynesboro, VA, 540-932-7557 2inspect4u@gmail.com
Darrell Hay 2018-2019 Snohomish, WA, 206-226-3205 darrell@safesoundhome.com
Eric Barker 2018-2020 Lake Barrington, IL, 847-408-7238 ebarker@morainewoods.com
Reuben Saltzman 2017-2019 Maple Grove, MN, 952-915-6466 reuben@structuretech1.com
Bob Sisson 2018-2020 Shannon Cory 2018-2020 Boyds MD, 301-208-8289 Fayetteville, GA, 770-461-3408 shannon@rainbowhomeinspections.com Office@inspectionsbybob.com James J. Funkhouser 2017-2019 Manassas Park, VA, 571-214-4039 jfunkhousr@aol.com
Blaine Swan 2016-2018 Columbus, OH, 614-506-0647 goodeyeinspections@gmail.com
Bryck Guibor 2017-2019 Tucson, AZ, 520-795-5300 bryck@msn.com
John Wessling 2016-2018 St. Louis, MO, 314-520-1103 john@wesslinginspections.com
Richard Hart 2016-2018 Conyers, GA, 770-827-2200 Ashi1@comcast.net
Speaker, Council of Representatives Hollis Brown, 2017-2018 Manassas, VA, 703-754-8872 Inspectors@ThoroSpec.com
Skip Walker 2018-2019 San Bruno, CA, 650-873-4224 homeinspection@sanbrunocable.com
Publisher: James Thomas Editor: Carol Dikelsky Art Director: Kate Laurent Assistant Art Director: George Ilavsky American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. 932 Lee Street, Suite 101 Des Plaines, IL 60016
847-954-3179 Reporter calls only 847-299-2505 (fax) Reporter only Email: jamest@ashi.org Advertising: Dave Kogan Phone: 847-954-3187, Email: davek@ashi.org
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© 2018, 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.
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ASHI Reporter • October 2018
ASHI STAFF Main Phone: 847-759-2820, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Mon. - Fri., CST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James Thomas, Executive Director, 847-954-3182, jamest@ashi.org Bonnie Bruno-Castaneda, Executive Assistant, Human Resources & Project Coordinator, 847-954-3177, bonnieb@ashi.org EDUCATION, CE APPROVAL, ASHI ONLINE LEARNING CENTER, INSPECTIONWORLD, CHAPTER RELATIONS Michele George, Director of Education, Events and Chapter Relations, 847-954-3188, micheleg@ashi.org MEMBERSHIP & PRODUCT ORDERS Jen Gallegos, Manager of Membership Services & U.S. DOE Home Energy Score Assessor Coordinator, 847-954-3185, jeng@ashi.org Janet George, Membership Services Project Coordinator 847-954-3180, janetg@ashi.org George Herrera, Membership Services Coordinator 847-954-3196, georgeh@ashi.org Michael Krauszowski, Membership Services Administrator 847-954-3175, Michaelk@ashi.org Gaby Nava, Membership Services Administrator 847-954-3176, Gabyn@ashi.org ACCOUNTING Toni Fanizza, Accounting, Purchasing & Human Resources Manager 847-954-3190, tonif@ashi.org Beverly Canham, Financial Assistant, 847-954-3184 beverlyc@ashi.org WEBSITE, INFORMATION SYSTEMS, DATABASE Mike Rostescu, Assistant Executive Director & Director of IT 847-954-3189, miker@ashi.org COMMUNICATIONS Dave Kogan, Director of Marketing & Business Development Advertising, Marketing, IW Expo Hall, Public Relations 847-954-3187, davek@ashi.org Kate Laurent, Design & Digital Strategy Manager, “ASHI Reporter” Art Director, 847-954-3179, katel@ashi.org Chris Karczewski, Social Media & Digital Strategist 847-954-3183 chrisk@ashi.org George Ilavsky, Graphic Designer & Free Logos, “ASHI Reporter” Assistant Art Director, georgei@ashi.org THE ASHI SCHOOL Michele Cohen, Director, 847-954-3178 MicheleC@theashischool.com Michelle Santiago, Education Manager, 847-954-3198 Michelle@theashischool.com Janna Grosso, Education Coordinator, 847-954-3181 jgrosso@theashischool.com Rhonda Robinett, Marketing and Communications Specialist (847) 954-3194 Rhonda@theashischool.com
October 2018 • www.ASHIReporter.org
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Managing Risk
Managing Risk
Claim 2: Roof Damage By InspectorPro Insurance
Note: The Managing Risk column reviews the most common allegations in the industry and provides tips to make inspectors better equipped to prevent claims.
S
econd only to general water damage claims, roof damage claims—especially claims alleging roof leaks—are one of the most common claims against home inspectors.
WHY IS ROOF DAMAGE COMMON?
Depending on its material, a typical roof lasts from 20 to 30 years before it needs to be replaced. However, it’s common for roofs to require regular maintenance due to normal wear and particularly after harsh weather.
From wind and rain to ice and debris, weather can lead to moisture penetrating the roof ’s layers, which can cause leaks, mold and wood rot. Faulty roof or flashing installation leaves the roof system more vulnerable to moisture damage because there’s an increased risk of punctures and pooling. Some professionals recommend having a roof inspection once every two years to look for signs of needed maintenance. However, many homeowners aren’t so proactive and they repair their roofs only after a problem, such as a leak, manifests.
WHERE IS ROOF DAMAGE COMMON?
Finding where roof damage may occur or where it already exists begins with knowing where to look. Here are a few common problem areas: Roof penetrations and flashing: Although flashing details vary according to the type of penetration and the roofing material, it is essential to have proper flashing to keep water out of the roof and the home.
Some common ways that roof inspections and flashing issues that are conducive to water intrusion manifest during an inspection include the following:
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ASHI Reporter • October 2018
• • • •
unsealed toe board holes incorrectly installed counter-flashing gaps beneath the flashing cracked sealant
• continuous, one-piece flashing • sealant where sidewall flashing is missing
Flat roofs: According to an article (https://www.securerestoration. com/common-causes-of-water-damage/) by Secure Restoration (https://www.securerestoration.com/), because flat roofs lack slopes that encourage water to run off the surface, water pooling and subsequent damage can occur. Debris buildup can cause the roof to collapse inward, exacerbating a water pooling issue. Cold weather, too, can cause ice dams that trap moisture in place. Such circumstances may lead to water damage or leaks, both on the exterior roof and on the internal ceiling. Gutters: Secure Restoration also suggests that gutters can suffer from debris or ice buildup that can lead to water damage. When gutters clog, water can’t navigate down and out as it should, leading the water to escape over the gutters’ edges and down the side of the house. Wet walls and buildup at the home’s base can lead to water intrusion, basement leaks and mold.
WHAT CAN INSPECTORS DO?
As with all claims prevention, it’s important to have a thorough pre-inspection agreement (https://www.inspectorproinsurance. com/risk_management/why-pre-inspection-agreement/?utm_ source=ASHI%20Reporter&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=Claim%201) and inspection report (with pictures).
FROM WIND AND RAIN TO ICE AND DEBRIS, WEATHER CAN LEAD TO MOISTURE PENETRATING THE ROOF’S LAYERS, WHICH CAN CAUSE LEAKS, MOLD AND WOOD ROT. Inspection methods: Here are some inspection methods that fellow home inspectors recommend:
• Look for worn, broken or missing shingles. Try to spot loose nails and poorly sealed roof flashing. • Wetness along the framing members in the attic will help you find where leaks may be entering the house. Attics can also reveal signs of a roof leak faster than the exterior of the house. • Note any areas on the ceiling or roof that look discolored, stained, swollen or moist. • Be sure to note the condition of the roof on the day of inspection and how that condition may change with weather.
In addition, you may want to consider using technology, such as an infrared camera, a moisture meter or a drone, to augment your ability to spot a roof leak. Just be sure that you have the proper general liability insurance coverage in place to operate a drone before you start. Claims protection: After establishing that there’s roof damage, it’s important to clearly communicate your findings to the client. Inspectors recommend emphasizing the limitations of an inspection and explaining your findings in terms the client can understand.
HOWEVER, MANY HOMEOWNERS AREN’T SO PROACTIVE AND THEY REPAIR THEIR ROOFS ONLY AFTER A PROBLEM, SUCH AS A LEAK, MANIFESTS.
Even if you do everything right, you can still get a roof damage claim. That’s why it’s essential to carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance for defense and payout help. Contact your InspectorPro broker or submit an application (https://www.inspectorproinsurance.com/ application/?utm_source=ASHI%20Reporter&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=Claim%201) with us to receive a quote at no obligation.
Up next month: Foundation claims InspectorPro Insurance is ASHI’s one and only Premier Insurance Partnership. Through risk management education, pre-claims assistance and straightforward coverage, InspectorPro gives you peace of mind and unparalleled protection. Learn more and apply for a quote at inspectorproinsurance.com.
7October 2018
• www.ASHIReporter.org
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Technical Focus
TECHNICAL FOCUS
CONDENSING APPLIANCES PRESENT AN ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION FOR HOME INSPECTORS By Mike Bernasconi, Neutrasafe Corporation
T
he use of high-efficiency appliances—specifically gas- or liquid petroleum (LP) gas-fired boilers, furnaces and water heaters—is on the rise in North American homes and the trend will continue to accelerate in the years to come.
These appliances create some special considerations for home inspectors beyond that which conventional equipment requires, due to the fact that they produce caustic condensate as a byproduct of combustion. The terms “high-efficiency” and “condensing” have become interchangeable when referring to home heating or domestic hot water appliances. The following three major factors contribute to the increased use of condensing equipment:
• Growing natural gas infrastructure throughout much of the United States, especially in the Northeast region, provides a fuel source alternative to oil or electric.
• Technological advancement also plays a role. Condensing boilers, furnaces and water heaters have been available for several decades, but their reliability, availability and cost have improved significantly in recent years. One example that applies nationwide (that is, not only in regions that have long, harsh winters) is the increased use of wall-hung, gas-fired, on-demand, “tankless” water heaters. Companies like Navien and Rinnai are leaders in the tankless water heater market, providing an alternative to the traditional, tank-style water heater. • State and national efficiency mandates, and a variety of incentive programs continue to drive the appliance market, affecting everything from refrigerators and hydronic circulators to light bulbs and water heaters. This trend is sure to continue.
WHAT IS CONDENSATE?
Condensate from a gas-fired appliance and condensate from an air conditioner or cooling appliance are very different things. Air conditioners simply produce water. Gas-fired appliances, on the other hand, produce corrosive condensate.
As mentioned, condensation occurs when the heat exchanger of a gasfired appliance is efficient enough to strip about 90 percent of the heat contained in the flue gas and transfer it to the air (furnace) or water (boiler or water heater). At this point, flue gas temperatures reach or drop below 130 to 135 degrees F. As the flue gas cools, condensate forms within the heat exchanger. This condensate is acidic and corrosive, typically between 3.2 and 4.0 pH.
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ASHI Reporter • October 2018
Flue gas condensate has the potential to destroy almost any material other than plastic. This is why polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and polypropylene are used to vent nearly all condensing appliances. Cast-iron, concrete and, eventually, most stainless steel products will erode.
In rough numbers, condensate is produced at 0.75 gallons per hour per 100,000 BTUs of gas-fired capacity. Depending on the size of the equipment, this can total several thousands of gallons per year. It goes without saying that if condensate is not dealt with properly, components and surfaces in the mechanical space are in jeopardy, but so are the less visible elements and infrastructure. Anything downstream of the mechanical room can be damaged, including sewer lines, water treatment plants and on-site septic systems.
Technical Focus
“In the Houston-Galveston area, we don’t have basements,” said veteran home inspector Ed Fryday, owner of Space City Inspections, LLC. A 10-year member of ASHI, Fryday said, “Consequently, many of the water heaters and furnaces in this region are in the attic and drain lines typically are buried under the slab—both of which are potential situations for disaster if condensate isn’t dealt with properly.”
Unfortunately, there are portions of the country in which people lack knowledge on the hazards of condensate from high-efficiency appliances and southern Texas is one of those areas. Fryday says that in the region in which he lives and works, installers and city inspectors alike seem to be unaware of the issue. The topic is covered vaguely in many codes. So, the question to contractors and code enforcement officials is this: Should the disposal of acidic condensate in quantities of hundreds or thousands of gallons be dumped into the building drain system, which flows into a sewer treatment system or a septic system, without treatment? Obviously not. Adhering to code should not be the only reason to install condensate neutralizers. Protecting the environment, property and public infrastructure should be considered by all contractors and code enforcement officials.
IT’S A MISTAKE TO THINK THAT SIMPLY BECAUSE A HOME HAS CONDENSING EQUIPMENT THAT IT ALSO WILL HAVE AN OPERATIONAL NEUTRALIZER. Neutralizers are not complex, do not require power (unless a condensate pump is included) and are serviceable by replacing the neutralization media, at regular intervals. They are designed to let condensate trickle in, provide a space for the fluid to collect and make contact with the media and then flow out directly to a drain. Ultimately, the goal of a condensate neutralizer and associated piping is to bring condensate pH to 5.0 or higher and dispose of it correctly. Most plumbing codes require the installation of condensate neutralizers in conjunction with high-efficiency equipment. The issue is that some plumbing and home inspectors aren’t aware of or don’t understand the equipment. It’s a mistake to think that simply because a home has condensing equipment that it also will have an operational neutralizer.
To an untrained installer, properly dealing with condensate is too often an afterthought. It usually gets accomplished with little thought regarding the “how” and the “why” of the task. As a result, it’s not uncommon to find condensate neutralizers that don’t work or don’t work as well as they should. Worse yet, they may not be present at all. The Neutra-Safe® brand of condensate neutralizers has been available since 2011. Neutrasafe Corporation produces condensate neutralizers, neutralizing condensate pumps and hydronic system feeders. Today, Neutrasafe makes nine different condensate neutralizers ranging in capacity from 220,000 BTUs per hour to 6 million BTUs per hour.
WHAT INSPECTORS SHOULD LOOK FOR
“I first learned about the need for condensate neutralization at a continuing education course three years ago,” said Fryday. “The next time I met with my local inspectors’ group, I was the only one among 22 inspectors who was aware of it. Luckily, the solution isn’t complicated, once the awareness spreads.”
NEUTRALIZER 101
The answer to the condensate riddle is pretty simple: proper installation of a condensate neutralizer. These devices come in a variety of shapes and are sized according to the condensing unit’s firing capacity. Neutralizers are plastic vessels—typically, a tub or a tube—filled with sacrificial (alkaline) media that reacts with the condensate when the two come into contact. Three common neutralization media materials are calcite (calcium carbonate), magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide.
“Here in Houston, our heating season is short,” said Fryday. “Boilers are almost nonexistent, but we do have central heating (mostly gas) in all homes. One in about 100 homes will have a high-efficiency gas heater or condensing tankless water heater. The popularity of these appliances, especially in new construction, is definitely on the rise.”
“Virtually every time I inspect a property with a condensing appliance, it lacks a condensate neutralizer,” he continued. “Condensate is simply dumped down the drain or into a galvanized drain pan. So, the first step is making installers aware of the need and the second step is learning to identify condensing appliances.”
The unit itself may or may not be marked. Some will have a sticker that states its efficiency rating on the front or the side of the unit. If the rating is above 90 percent, a neutralizer is required. In the event that no sticker with an efficiency rating is present, or the installation and operation manual isn’t available, there are other ways to tell if a unit is a condensing model or not. October 2018 • www.ASHIReporter.org
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Technical Focus
NEUTRALIZERS ARE SIMPLE, ESSENTIAL PIECES OF EQUIPMENT. THEY SHOULD BE A CONSIDERATION IN ANY STANDARD HOME INSPECTION THAT INCLUDES A CONDENSING APPLIANCE.
Plastic venting, for example, is a telltale sign of a high-efficiency unit because units that operate under 90 percent efficiency typically will melt or deform polymer venting. Although condensing boilers and water heaters often are mounted to the floor, in general, a condensing model will be mounted to a wall. By opening the unit’s cabinet, you’ll find the heat exchanger. Condensing models typically feature stainless steel heat exchangers, but on rare occasions, they will be made of aluminum or copper. If the unit has a condensate drain, the line should be outfitted with a neutralizer. These lines are typically made of small-diameter PVC and the lines should terminate in a drain or sump.
There are many different variables, from the type of equipment and the neutralizer used, to the application itself.
PROPER INSTALLATION
From an installation perspective, condensate neutralizers are pretty straightforward. The piping before and after the unit is of little consequence, given that it drains properly. The most frequent problem is improper mounting.
Unless a neutralizer is specifically labeled for vertical installation, it may not be mounted vertically. Most units are designed for horizontal installation and mounting them vertically won’t provide enough time or contact with media to fully neutralize the acidity of condensate. If the unit is installed vertically, check that it’s labeled as such.
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ASHI Reporter • October 2018
Also, when mounting horizontal neutralizers, it’s important not to install them at too great an angle. We suggest a pitch of no more than ¼ inch per foot.
Determining whether or not a neutralizer is working as intended may be a bit complicated as it involves checking for damage at the condensate line’s termination, and looking for line obstructions and media levels. At the least, be sure that there is a neutralizer in place, that it’s properly installed and that it is being serviced annually. The neutralizer should be tagged with the date of last service. “The potential for damage is real,” said Fryday. “Condensate will destroy concrete and all metal pipe, and it can kill the bacteria in a septic system. When a metal drain is buried under the slab of a home, condensate will eat the drain pipe and possibly erode the concrete slab. If condensate is collected in a metal drain pan in an attic, as is often the case in my area, it will ruin the pan and begin to soak through the ceiling.”
Neutralizers are simple, essential pieces of equipment. They should be a consideration in any standard home inspection that includes a condensing appliance.
“Make yourself aware of this issue,” continued Fryday. “Tell others in your ASHI chapter about it and inform those who are in your local inspector groups. Everyone should be talking about this. It’s a big problem with a simple solution.” Mike Bernasconi is a co-founder and Vice President of Technical Operations, Neutrasafe Corporation, Stoughton, MA. Mike is a Master Plumber with 40 years of experience in the trades. Contact him at mike@neutrasafe.com or visit www.neutrasafe.com.
READY TO MAKE THE LEAP?
As a home inspector, you'll reach several milestones throughout your career. One of those milestones is making the leap to engage the help of an integrated customer service and call handling solutions business. For some of the most successful inspection businesses in our industry today, making the decision to work with ACC was the first step toward truly accelerating their business growth. But don't take our word for it. Here are just a few of the inspectors who chose to ACCelerate their growth with the help of ACC.
Visit us on the Web at: AmericasCallCenter.com/ashibusyseason 11October • www.ASHIReporter.org Or2018call us at 888.462.6153 11
HOME ENERGY SCORE
ASSESSORS IN ACTION: GORDON GLIDDEN By ASHI Staff
If the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) had an allstar team of home inspectors, Gordon Glidden would be an early selection for the starting lineup. ASHI members will remember Gordon from the InspectionWorld® awards ceremony in Orlando in January 2018—Gordon was the soft-spoken man with the “I-got-in-here-for-free” smile. He won the first annual “Home Energy Score Chapter Challenge” contest, which covered his registration fee as well as other perks.
MY CLIENTS AREN’T GOING TO GET THIS INFORMATION ANYWHERE ELSE AND THE POINT OF SALE IS WHEN THEY NEED IT THE MOST. WORKING IT INTO OPERATIONS AND MARKETING
In the year that led up to that event and every day since, Gordon has been using the Home Energy Score to produce happier customers, and a better bottom line for Inland Lakes Inspection Services in the Metro Detroit and mid-Michigan areas, where he’s been inspecting homes for 20 years. We caught up with Gordon recently to talk about the inspection industry from a veteran’s perspective and the role that the Home Energy Score is playing in the continued success of his business.
Like many inspectors who have made the Score an integral part of their business, Gordon has become very efficient at providing energy–efficiency information to his customers. “It takes me about 15 minutes extra,” he says, “and it will be even less when the iPhone app rolls out.” Gordon credits his use of a laser tape measure to streamline the measurement data needed by the DOE and he cites the top-notch ID Energy scoring tool as another contributing factor behind his speedy delivery.
Gordon’s path to proprietorship began as a 15-year employee for a major national inspection firm, so he’s earned the freedom to craft a special suite of services that has garnered a solid reputation for top-shelf expertise and professionalism for Inland Lakes. Any inspector who’s entering their third decade in the trade is going to have a pretty good sense of what homebuyers expect out of an inspection (hidden, expensive repair projects, and health and safety items are a given), but what sets Gordon apart is a willingness to move beyond what’s expected into a type of service that delivers what buyers truly need, even when they don’t know to ask for it. That’s definitely the category that the Home Energy Score falls into for Glidden’s thriving business and we’ll cover the basics of how he puts that into action below.
Gordon doesn’t bother trying to upsell the service, either; instead, he opts to bump up his base rate slightly and build in a Score with every inspection, although he does exclude the Score for homes built since 2000. As for marketing, he’s now developing a dedicated page for the Score on his website to maximize the co-branding benefit of being certified by the U.S. DOE. Also, he’s mindful of how he communicates the implications of the Score to his clients. He says, “I tip them off to expect a low number when I know that’s the case and I’m careful to frame the information the Score provides as opportunities for real improvement rather than inherent problems with the home.”
WHY THE HOME ENERGY SCORE?
Gordon estimates that three-quarters of his leads come directly from his real estate agent network and he keeps agents fully aware of his range of services, including the Home Energy Score. When asked if agents are inclined to lump the Score into the dreaded “deal-killer” category, Gordon is characteristically candid. He says, “The good ones get it, no doubt, and the simple fact is that no buyer has ever run for the hills when they heard about sub-standard attic insulation.”
As the first-ever Certified Home Energy Score Assessor in Michigan, Gordon is not afraid to stick his neck out when a new service holds promise for his clients. He says, “I like to keep up on new technology, and if you look at what’s happening around the country—from Portland to Denver—people are getting it.” He’s not banking on any imminent policy mandates to justify his embrace of the Score, however, because he sees so much value in what the Score delivers to his homebuyers even without incentives. For example, because Michigan has yet to update some of its building energy codes and utility energy–efficiency programs, Gordon uses the Score to help compensate.
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ASHI Reporter • October 2018
GAUGING REAL ESTATE AGENTS’ RESPONSES
Gordon leverages his status as the only Certified Home Energy Score Assessor in his market to generate material for presentations to agents, as well as to members of networking and charitable groups that he’s involved with locally. He uses it as another opportunity to showcase his dedication to transparency and open communication. He says, “The agent gets copied on every Score I deliver. I can’t guarantee that they’re becoming energy geeks, but they do seem to recognize that it’s to their ultimate benefit when I’m giving their buyers the best possible information about the home.”
Home Energy Score Update
MAKING PROS LOOK PROFESSIONAL
A LEADING INDUSTRY ALLY BRINGS NEW ENERGY TO THE DOE The Home Energy Score Team has been busy the last couple years making the Score’s name well-known within the home inspection industry. First, they developed an accessible and affordable means, known as the “remote solution,” for inspectors to take part in the program. Then they committed to solid partnerships with established industry players like ASHI, Home Inspector Pro and especially ID Energy to make the Score as easy as possible to incorporate into any inspector’s business model. Now, the U.S. DOE is taking things a step further by joining forces with one of the most recognized business-building firms in the industry—America’s Call Center (ACC).
TIME IS ON THEIR SIDE Paul Zak, ACC’s CEO for 20 years, is one of the industry’s most recognized providers of business-enhancing solutions for home inspectors. Many hundreds of inspectors across the country have adopted his full line of services and have reaped rewards in the form of more inspections (ACC tracks an average conversion rate for booked jobs that would be envied in any industry). They also receive more revenue per inspection, owing to ACC’s core strategy: Enlist teams of communication experts with a mission to devote time (that most–limited of inspector resources) to fully educate homebuyers as to what particular qualities make an inspector the right choice for the job. Top-tier inspectors like those in ACC’s network have developed skills and services that help differentiate themselves from their competition, and ACC’s teams are dedicated to spending whatever time it takes to make sure those differentiators are fully appreciated by prospective clients.
THE ENERGY TO EDUCATE When it comes right down to it, the Home Energy Score can be presented as an “ancillary service” in much the same way as radon, wood-destroying organism (WDO) or sewer scope services. Despite the value that it represents to inspectors in terms of effort required versus revenue and business-growth potential, the Score doesn’t yet have the same level of awareness among homebuyers as the other services, which have been mainstays in our industry for years. It’s exactly this educational challenge for which the DOE sees tremendous promise in working with ACC. Paul pointed to this potential when we asked him how ACC is able to achieve such impressive performance with sales conversions. He said, “We’re educators first and foremost. There’s no high-pressure sales tactics necessary, because we’re able to take the time to know our inspectors closely and to patiently explain to homebuyers what makes them unique.” For a service like the Home Energy Score that demands a bit of careful “messaging” for its full benefit to be understood, this kind of low-key and informative sales approach makes for an encouraging opportunity for inspectors to take full advantage of what the Score offers. Asked to sum up the envisioned impact of the DOE tie-in for his customers, Paul explains, “As a strategic partner and a true extension of our inspectors’ businesses, ACC books more jobs for our inspectors, and returns valuable time to them so they can better operate their businesses and can more readily take on new high-value services like the Home Energy Score. And at that point, we’re very effective at up–selling those same new services to generate higher average job rates, so there’s a great compound effect.”
ASHI Home Energy Score Assessors regularly tell us that the co-branding benefit of being a DOE-certified professional is one of the major drivers for taking part in the program. In an industry in which some inspectors’ websites boast more logos than a NASCAR race, there’s something that stands out about being associated with a federal agency like the U.S. DOE, especially when the agency assures the quality of the energy information that’s being provided. ACC recognizes a common cause with this critical part of marketing a business, as reflected in their emphasis on “boosting your brand’s reputation” as a key deliverable for their inspectors. Just as being a Certified Home Energy Score Assessor attests to earned expertise and credibility, ACC-affiliated inspectors enjoy not just the appearance, but the lived reality of a fully operational professional business team behind them. Paul said, “Co-branding with the DOE is naturally consistent with the image that we help our inspectors uphold—conscientious, well-rounded, highly trained— it’s a great fit that way.”
COMMUNICATION ACROSS THE ENTIRE TRANSACTION —THAT’S A GOOD CALL! One common concern that can hold inspectors back from taking part in the Home Energy Score program is the suspicion that agents will respond negatively, seeing it as merely another means of finding fault with a home. Although that fear is generally unfounded (note Gordon Glidden’s experience, for example), ACC’s suite of services gives inspectors one less excuse for not joining up. Although many inspectors seize every opportunity to leverage their status as a Certified Assessor to get in front of their agent networks and explain a great new service (one that study results have shown will help them sell a home more quickly), others like to use the Score for its proven customer benefits. They just want to be sure that it’s not going to ruffle any feathers with their agents. Paul explained to us that it’s the latter scenario for which his team can again put on the educator hat because their work as a supporting team isn’t complete once the job is booked. He says, “Our teams work hand in hand with the real estate agent and any other people who have an impact on the homebuyer’s experience throughout the entire inspection process. Just like with homebuyers, we’re able to remind the agent on a regular basis why they’re making the right choice in working with our inspector. If it requires follow-up conversations to fully explain why the Score is a good thing for the homebuyer and for them, too, our people have the knowledge and the wherewithal to make sure that message gets across.” Inspectors can reach Paul and his team at Americascallcenter.com to learn how to take their businesses to the next level of professionalism and profitability.
GET STARTED NOW!
Jen Gallegos at ASHI HQ (jeng@ashi.org) is always on hand to answer questions and to give encouragement to inspectors looking to get started using the Score. Or head right to ID Energy and get signed up at energyscoreusa.com/sign_up.php.
13October 2018
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SMART INSPECTOR SCIENCE
ATTIC VENTILATION BY THE NUMBERS
W
hy do we inspect attic ventilation? Because it’s designed to protect a home. Ventilation keeps the attic cooler in the summer, which protects roof shingles and the home’s basic structure, and it limits heat movement into the living space. During the winter, attic ventilation keeps the attic drier, which limits condensation and helps remove winter heat from the attic, preventing ice dams and leaks.
Condensation stains on the roof deck.
VENTILATION OPENINGS, HIGH AND LOW Whenever possible, attics should have ventilation openings high on the roof and low on the roof. Rising warm air moves from the soffits to the ridge. Wind pushing against a home also creates areas of higher pressure (soffit) and lower pressure (ridge).
TOO OFTEN, EXPLANATIONS OF ATTIC VENTILATION GET COMPLICATED WITH TOO MUCH DETAIL ON GABLE END VENTS, TURBINE VENTS AND POWER ATTIC VENTILATORS —so let’s forget about those issues for now. BASIC REQUIREMENTS Building codes and generally accepted data suggest that an attic should have 1 square foot of ventilation for every 150 sq. ft. of attic space (1/150). If there is a low-perm vapor barrier, the ventilation requirement is reduced to 1/300 because we assume that less vapor (moisture) will move into the attic from the heated space. 14
ASHI Reporter • October 2018
HOW PROFESSIONALS CALCULATE ATTIC VENTILATION Simple math allows you to calculate the need for attic ventilation. Determine the square footage of the attic and check whether there is a vapor barrier. Divide the square footage by 150 or 300 and you have the required net free area (NFA) for venting. Of this venting, 50% should be at the ridge and 50% at the soffit. Next, you need to identify the type of vents. They will all be NFArated. For a typical can vent, the screen and cover limit the actual NFA area of the vent opening by 50%. Ridge vents and continuous soffit vents are rated by manufacturers for NFA per lineal foot. You can find details at the manufacturers’ websites.
Tom Feiza has been a professional home inspector since 1992 and has a degree in engineering. Through HowToOperateYourHome.com, he provides high-quality marketing materials that help professional home inspectors educate their customers. Copyright © 2018 by Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc. Reproduced with permission.
By Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, Inc. HowToOperateYourHome.com
WHAT ELSE TO LOOK FOR During your inspection of the attic, always note excessive stains, organic growth, improper bath and kitchen fan venting, delaminating plywood, excessive rust and improper attic venting. Look for blocked vents, restricted openings below ridge vents and an inadequate number of vents. You don’t need to determine how to fix these shortcomings; just recommend further evaluation. Basically, whenever you see signs of poor ventilation, recognize that you should report this as a problem.
To learn more, attend Tom’s technical presentations at educational sessions for ASHI chapters. Tom will be presenting “Describe That Defect” and “The Practical Science Behind Great Home Inspection” at InspectionWorld® 2019 in San Diego. Tom can also provide his knowledge for your educational event; contact him at Tom@HTOYH.com. Rusty nails, delamination and stains.
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Marketing products that help your customers... and boost your business! 15October 2018
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The Unknown Underground
THE UNKNOWN The Zero–Dig Solution to Failing Sewer Laterals
By Morgan Trouard, Perma-Liner™ Industries, LLC
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ASHI Reporter • October 2018
Purchasing a home is a major milestone in a person’s life. Two key people play significant roles during the homebuying process: the real estate agent and the inspector. Agents will do everything in their power to make the process seamless, including working with a home inspector to check all the boxes and ensure that the house is in working order so they can close the deal. Many people don’t think about requesting a sewer line inspection to check the home’s sewer lateral lines; however, sewer line issues can wreak havoc on the homebuying process and on achieving a dream home.
The Unknown Underground
UNDERGROUND A BRIEF HISTORY OF SEWER LINES Before we get into the nitty-gritty of describing the importance of an underground inspection, let’s take a look at some alarming information about household sewer lines, and address the costs and construction related to replacing these lines. Infrastructure across the United States differs vastly, but one thing is certain: As the population grows, more pressure is being placed on aging infrastructure systems. As an example, when a home’s infrastructure is cracked or broken, sewage from that home can leak into areas where it’s not supposed to be such as the groundwater aquifer. It is imperative, as both a public health and an environmental issue, to remove and treat wastewater. It is also important for homeowners to know that wastewater from homes can enter water treatment systems through public sewer lines. Dealing with this critical issue is a high priority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the EPA, approximately 240 million people (approximately 76 percent of the population) rely on the United States’ 14,748 treatment plants for wastewater sanitation. By the year 2032, 56 million more people (a 23 percent increase from the current number) will live in places that will connect to centralized treatment plants rather than private septic systems. In the United States, more than 500,000 miles of private lateral sewers connect private property, including homes, to public sewer lines.
October 2018 • www.ASHIReporter.org
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The Unknown Underground
WATER TREATMENT PLANTS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SEWER INSPECTION Imagine what can happen if there is no sewer line inspection before purchasing a home, and the pipe is cracked or on the verge of collapsing. The EPA estimates that at least 23,000 to 75,000 sanitary sewer overflows occur each year. To manage increasing flow, new treatment facilities will be needed; the EPA estimates that 532 new systems will be constructed by 2032. Currently, in most states, the EPA has mandated that sewer lateral line inspections be part of the home inspection process. As city populations continue to grow, as new housing developments are constructed and as rural households are switching from septic systems to public sewers, the pressure on existing centralized systems and treatment plant infrastructure will require billions of dollars in new investment to meet federal regulatory requirements. Seventy-five percent of these funds will go toward treatment plant improvements, conveyance system repairs, new conveyance systems and recycled water distribution; 18 percent will be needed for combined sewer overflow (CSO) corrections; and approximately seven percent will be needed for stormwater management.
SEPTIC TANKS Homeowners who have septic tanks—about 20 percent of the U.S. population—do not have to deal with their public sewer lines. With a septic tank, solid and liquid wastes are separated as the primary treatment, then bacteria break down contaminants through a secondary treatment. Next, a chlorine treatment kills the remaining bacteria.
In some communities, special treatment technologies remove contaminants such as phosphorus that are of special concern. If everything goes well, the treated waste meets regulatory standards and is released into a nearby body of water. If it doesn’t go well, untreated waste may reach surface water, potentially causing illness and disease. The release of this septic waste will become more problematic as treatment plants age and the population continues to grow—the combination of which could cause major surface water issues. 18
ASHI Reporter • October 2018
Water treatment plants serve the 80 percent of people whose homes don’t have septic tanks. Combined sewer systems, which is a common type of sewer treatment system in municipalities, can cause major health issues. The EPA has called overflows from combined sewer systems “the largest category of our nation’s wastewater infrastructure that still need[s] to be addressed.” This issue affects homeowners in 32 states and Washington, D.C.
Combined sewer systems collect human waste, industrial waste and stormwater runoff into a single pipe for treatment and disposal. When a sewer system functions correctly, you can generally trust that when you flush, the contents of the toilet bowl will end up where they’re supposed to; however, when it rains, the system can change. In communities served by combined sewer systems, rain can be a huge issue. A combined sewer system must handle surges of stormwater and rain greatly increases the volume of waste that the system is capable of handling, making this type of sewage system likely to overflow into surface water.
In the United States, combined sewers are found primarily in older and often larger cities, and affect a combined population of about 40 million people. The EPA calls combined sewers “remnants of the country’s early infrastructure.” Invented long before toilets existed, the first sewers weren’t designed to handle the extreme amounts of waste that we see today. Sewer pipes were created to solve problems in cities that flooded during storms. When working toilets became common, sewer pipes were connected with the already existing sewer lines, and this combination created a large volume of water that the pipes had not previously handled.
What about sewer systems in newer cities? City planners started from scratch to create systems that could handle stormwater separately from human waste. But in cities that had sewer systems that were already combined, the systems continued to treat both stormwater and human waste together. For many years, dealing with combined sewer systems has been a priority of the EPA and the numbers of these systems are starting to move in the right direction.
The Unknown Underground
In Perma-Liner’s early years, the company was the first relining company approved by NSF International, Standard 14. Because of this status, Perma-Liner pioneered the specification for CIPP to be used on the consumer side for plumbing code approvals. As the market continues to grow, one of the challenges Perma-Liner faces is raising public awareness about what CIPP technology can do for them. It’s important to educate the public by giving live demonstrations and making them aware that this technology exists. The numerous benefits of CIPP technology can save people time, money and headaches, especially during the homebuying process.
Real estate agents are seeing more issues related to neglected failing infrastructures. Many homeowners don’t know that they’re responsible for the sewer lines below their home, which are called private sewer laterals. Private sewer laterals are the portion of the sewer network that connects private properties to the public sewer system.
PERMA-LINER OFFERS A SOLUTION TO SEWER ISSUES With this background information about sewer pipe issues and how they are involved in underground infrastructure, the next question is this: How can home inspectors, homebuyers, real estate agents and Perma-Liner™ Industries, LLC, come together to find solutions?
Many agencies are now required to include sewer lines in the home inspection and problems that arise in the inspection can cause major issues at closing for the real estate agent, the potential buyer and the seller. Perma-Liner can educate and help those who need it. Having CIPP technology accepted as an approved technology is something that Perma-Liner believes has made a huge difference in how the technology is perceived, including when it is referenced at home inspections.
Founded in 1999 by Jerry D’Hulster, Perma-Liner is the leading manufacturer and supplier of trenchless pipeline rehabilitation equipment and materials in North America. Throughout the years, Perma-Liner has installed millions of feet of its lateral pipe liner in the ground across the United States. D’Hulster, a former pipelining contractor, saw a need in the trenchless industry, where small–diameter lateral lining was largely ignored. “No one has really taken responsibility for the laterals. Cities are fixing their mains, and they have fixed their manholes, but they still have infiltration,” states D’Hulster. The cause of this infiltration is the laterals. While Perma-Liner is well-known for rehabilitating small–diameter pipes, Perma–Liner’s equipment and technology are capable of rehabilitating the entire underground infrastructure system from private sewer laterals, city utility mains and the connections between the two, as well as much more. Perma-Liner’s experience in designing, patenting and manufacturing Cured-In-Place-Pipe (CIPP) equipment and materials continues to rise above the competition to produce products that are cost-effective solutions to repairing, without requiring excavation or causing major disruption to existing sewer systems.
D’Hulster saw the potential in a market that few had yet to touch and he set about creating a market where there was not one before. The lining system he began to develop addressed the negatives of the at-the-time current lining methods by inverting the materials, using air pressure instead of water. The systems today continue to work by inverting a resin-impregnated liner tube and pressing it tightly against the host pipe until it is cured—most within less than three hours. These products and the technology are what set Perma-Liner apart from other companies. 19October 2018
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The Unknown Underground
HOME INSPECTORS CAN HELP RAISE AWARENESS FOR CIPP TECHNOLOGY
WHAT HOMEOWNERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SEWER PIPES
It’s common to hear that homeowners don’t know the state of their pipes, or the property damage and the expensive repairs that can occur as a result of sewer backups. It’s important to understand that this damage generally is not covered by a homeowners’ insurance policy. Another type of damage to sewer lines that is not typically covered by homeowner’s insurance is when tree roots invade the sewer line. It’s extremely important for homeowners to check the insurance policy so they are prepared if this type of damage occurs.
When considering sewer pipes connected to a home, homeowners need to know the difference between the upper lateral and the lower lateral, and for what the homeowner is responsible. • The upper lateral is the part of the home’s sewer line that runs from the structure to the property line, which is commonly the curb or sidewalk. • The lower lateral is the section of the home’s sewer line that runs from the property line to the city main sewer line in the street. • The homeowner is responsible for repairs to the upper lateral, as well as repairs to the lower lateral that connects to the main sewer in the street. Buyers and agents sometimes assume that any problems past the property line will be repaired by the city. That’s not always the case with the lower lateral—there are differences across the country regarding whether the homeowner or the municipality is responsible for repairs. Be sure to check your local municipality’s regulations to ensure which party is responsible for repairs. Some properties are more prone to broken sewer lines, including older properties; homes that have slow drains; homes with settlement issues; homes with trees that have deep, aggressive roots; homes where there is already a history of sewer issues; homes with clay tile or cast-iron sewer lines; and homes that have trees over or near the sewer lines. If you want to buy or already own a house that falls into one of these categories, it’s important to have a home inspection that includes a sewer line inspection.
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ASHI Reporter • October 2018
As a home inspector, if you find an issue during the home inspection process that requires repair, what do you recommend for rehabilitation of the sewer line? Trenchless technology may be the most beneficial solution for both the buyer and seller. Trenchless, or CIPP, technology involves a resin-saturated felt tube made of polyester, woven fiberglass cloth or a number of other materials suitable for resin impregnation that is inverted or pulled into a damaged host pipe. Little to no digging is involved in this trenchless process, leading toward a more cost-effective and less disruptive method than traditional “dig and replace” pipe repair methods. Most applications cure in less than three hours and guarantee a 10-year material warranty with a minimum life expectancy of 50 years per ASTM F1216. Aging infrastructure causes many problems that homeowners, buyers and real estate agents need to understand. Many of today’s sewer lines are well older than their expected life span of 50 years and are made of materials that are not suitable to withstand the nation’s growing population.
Buying a home is an exciting time and you don’t want that perfect home transaction to fall through because due diligence wasn’t done to include a sewer line inspection. Often, underground infrastructure is neglected by real estate agents because many people aren’t aware of what the homeowner is responsible for. We believe that this needs to change. Your clients should know that if a sewer line inspection is not included in the home inspection, they should consider contacting a licensed professional to have an inspection done. Even if the home does not have any visible issues or problems, there could be something lying underneath that could wreak havoc sooner or later.
Sources Consulted 2017 Infrastructure Report Card. (https://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/ wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Wastewater-Final.pdf). United States Environmental Protection Agency website (https://www.epa.gov/). Sherman, C. Six home shopping red flags even an inspector could miss. (https:// www.zillow.com/blog/6-problems-home-inspector-may-miss-159039/) Zillow Porchlight. May 29, 2018. Evans, M.A. Flushing the toilet has never been riskier. (https://www.theatlantic. com/technology/archive/2015/09/americas-sewage-crisis-public-health/405541/). The Atlantic. September 17, 2015. Morgan Trouard is Director of Marketing, Perma-Liner™ Industries, LLC. Contact her at morgan@perma-liner.com.
Inspecting Old Houses
21October 2018
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Marketing Focus
SETTING UP AN ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM By Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, www.carsondunlop.com, 800-268-7070
Online booking systems make great sense. In this article, we will look at the “why” and the “how.”
WHY? THERE ARE SEVERAL BENEFITS TO ALLOWING CLIENTS TO BOOK ONLINE:
• Your website looks more professional. Many homebuyers do extensive internet research and some will select their home inspector on the basis of how their website looks or is set up. • Your web visitors can book their inspection instantly. The experience is satisfying and clients get a booking confirmation right away. • If your online booking system is set up well, it is fast and easy to use for both clients and agents. This is particularly important for agents who do not want to spend time on the phone transferring information. • The best online booking systems are tied into your inspection scheduling system, so the times available reflect your availability and the booking can be immediately confirmed. • Your business is accessible 24/7, 365 days a year. The convenience is significant, especially for real estate professionals who work with you regularly. • If you are unavailable to answer the phone and that is the only way clients can reach you, you risk the potential for clients to contact the next home inspection company on their list. In fact, many homebuyers will not pick up the phone and speak to someone, even for something as important as a home inspection.
HOW? PREREQUISITES
The major prerequisite is a company website. A secondary, although not essential, item is inspection software that includes a scheduling component. This is a significant asset, especially if it is set up to accommodate online booking, so that booking can be done in real time, respecting the actual inspection schedule.
DIFFERENT LEVELS
On some websites, online booking is simply a Contact us form that people fill out and submit. The client or agent must then wait for communication from the home inspection company. A more advanced system includes an interactive online booking tool that references the inspection company’s schedule and communicates availability automatically with the client or agent. Excellent 22
ASHI Reporter • October 2018
inspection software will allow you to set up your online booking in several different ways.
TIME SAVINGS
An online booking system saves you administrative time. It saves your clients and agents time as well. Overall, it cuts down on the number of phone calls and emails to answer and return.
CALL TO ACTION
Online booking systems typically start with a button. Specifically, there should be a Book My Inspection button visible on all pages of your website. We recommend having the button near the top and bottom of each page; ideally, it will be visible no matter where you are on any page. In general, a best practice for website design is to give people what they’re looking for as quickly as possible. It’s great if clicking a button will open a new page or frame on the website, taking visitors straight to the booking interface.
LET PEOPLE KNOW
You can point people to your online booking system in brochures, flyers, business cards, presentations, emails, on-hold messages on your phone and any other promotional content you offer.
DON’T FORGET MOBILE DEVICES!
Many clients and agents will use phones and other small–screen devices to look at websites and book online. Your online booking system should be mobile-friendly.
THE BOOKING EXPERIENCE
We simplify our booking experience. We do not want people to drop off because they are frustrated by providing information on several screens or on a long form. After the initial online booking, the home inspection company should follow up with a call to build a relationship with the client or agent, fill in any gaps and offer any additional services as appropriate. Some companies opt to have a longer initial booking process so they can provide and gather as much data as possible. Although this can take more time and effort on the part of the client or agent, providing more opportunities for clients to explain their concerns and specific requirements upfront can be reassuring.
TEST, MEASURE AND REVISE
From a marketing perspective, you should not have to guess which booking approach is best for your market. You can try using both a short form and a long form to see which works better for you. Track how many people who started to fill out the form completed it. The goal is to have 100% completion, of course. Some software automatically tracks how many people complete their bookings and how many drop off—and where they drop off—in the process.
REMOVE UNCERTAINTY Whether you take the long or the
short approach, you do not want to frustrate users. Every time someone stops and wonders what to do next, you risk losing the sale. When people are not sure how to answer a question, they may give up and go away. We recommend that you keep things straightforward. A few short, simple screens are more comfortable for many users than a single, long form.
ITEMS TO INCLUDE
• Inspection types: Many systems allow you to offer several inspection types and your ancillary services. Visitors should be able to select more than one item. • Selected inspector: Multi-inspector firms may be able to provide a list of inspectors so that the client or agent can choose the inspector they want. This is particularly useful for agents who may already be comfortable with a particular inspector. • Date and time: Visitors should be able to select the date and time of their inspection. You can do this without displaying your entire calendar. • Client information: At a minimum, you want to capture the client’s name, phone number and email. • Inspection address: This should include at least the street and the municipality. Some systems show a map to help the visitor enter the correct address. • Property description: You can choose whether to ask for additional information about the home. • Notes: We suggest providing an area where people can add a note, a specific request or a piece of additional information they think is important. • Inspection fee: Most systems will allow you to decide whether to include the inspection fee. Whether you want to provide this information upfront is your decision. • Inspection agreement: Some systems give the choice of asking the client to complete the inspection agreement as part of this process. This is another business decision you can make.
Marketing Focus
• A summary and reassuring conclusion: The process should end with clarity for the client. They should understand what has been done and what will happen next. We like systems that include a confirmation email to the visitor to show that the process has been successful.
PROVIDE A LIFELINE
We suggest you provide a phone number on each screen so people can call you if necessary.
THE ABILITY TO GO BACK AND CHANGE
Throughout the process, it is reassuring for clients to be able to go back and see what they have done or make a change along the way. This is all part of keeping visitors comfortable.
WHAT IF THE TIMELINE IS TOO SHORT?
Even if your schedule shows that you have an opening in two hours, booking on short notice may not work for you. Most systems allow you to set a minimum time frame between the current time and the availability you want to display. We typically set up 24 hours.
A TWIST: AGENT-SPECIFIC APPS!
Some software allows you to set up individual apps for specific agents. It’s the ultimate fast and easy tool because the app recognizes the agent so they don’t have to put in their information. Agents simply choose a date and time to reserve the spot. They receive a confirmation email and the inspection company follows up to get the rest of the details. The agent can add a note if they like, but we find most will keep it short and sweet.
Agent-specific apps are extremely useful for agents who sell a home on a Saturday at midnight and need to know whether they can get an inspection done on Monday before the buyer leaves town. As always, speed and convenience are key elements to great customer service.
BOTTOM LINE? MAKE SETTING UP AN ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM A PRIORITY FOR YOUR BUSINESS!
An online booking system can enhance your professionalism, improve your efficiency, and provide a positive experience for clients and agents. It is an indispensable tool for building and expanding your business. Alan Carson, an ASHI member and Past–President, is the author of the ASHI@HOME program and Horizon Inspection Software. Learn more at carsondunlop.com/horizon. Carson Dunlop - Consulting engineering firm devoted to home inspection since 1978. ASHI@HOME Training Program, www.carsondunlop.com, Carson@carsondunlop.com.
23October 2018
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ASHI Chapters and Council News
NORTH CENTRAL ASHI Central PA
www.ashicentralpa.com Second Monday, 6 pm, except Jan. & July, Hoss’s Steakhouse 1151 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle, PA Kevin Kenny, 717-226-3066 info@midpennhomeinspections.com
Keystone (PA)
www.keystoneashi.org First Monday, 5:30 pm Double Tree, 10 N. 5th Street Reading, PA 19601 Robert H. Conner, 610-375-9675 rhconnerbcs@yahoo.com
Ohio
www.ohioashi.com Ken Harrington, 614-507-1061 ohioashi@yahoo.com
North Central Ohio
www.ncohioashi.com Paul Wancata, 216-571-1074 inspectionsunlimited@cox.net
OHIO SOUTH ASHI Meeting: Third Tues. every month, 6:30pm @ Kriemer’s Bier Haus, OH-128, Cleves, OH 4500 P.O. Box 532197 Cincinnati, OH 45252 Chris Green, 513-939-4036 Email president@ohsoashi.com
Pocono-Lehigh (PA)
www.pocono-lehighashi.org Third Tuesday, Tannersville Inn Tannersville Ronald Crescente, 570-646-7546 amerispec@pa.metrocast.net
Heartland (IA, MN, ND, SD, WI) www.ashiheartland.org Reuben Saltzman, 612-205-5600 reuben@ashiheartland.org
Indiana ASHI
www.inashi.com Quarterly Danny Maynard, 317-319-7209 danny@inspectinc.net
Iowa ASHI
www.iowaashichapter.org Fourth Tuesday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm Iowa City Area Assoc. of Realtors Education Center 847 Quary Road, Coralville, IA Craig Chmelicek, 319-389-7379 elitehomeandradon@gmail.com
Kentuckiana (IN, KY)
www.ashikentuckiana.org Allan Davis, 502-648-9294 elitehomeinspections@ insightbb.com
Mid-Missouri
www.midmoashi.com Second Thursday, 12:00 pm, even months of the year; Columbia Board of Realtors office: 2309 I-70 Drive NW, Columbia, MO Mark Kelsey, 573-356-5305 mark@inspectcolumbia.com
Northern Illinois
www.nicashi.com Second Wednesday (except Dec.) 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm Allegra Banquets, 237 W St. Charles Rd. Villa Park, IL 60181 Joe Konopacki, 630-283-2248 joe@insightpsinc.com
PRO-ASHI (PA)
www.proashi.com Second Wednesday of Jan., March., May, Sept. & Nov. Ray Fonos, 412-461-8273 southpittsburgh@hometeam.com
Arkansas
Tri-State (DE, NJ, PA)
Great Plains (KS, MO)
www.tristateashi.org Second Tuesday except April, Aug. & Dec., Dave & Buster’s Plymouth Meeting, PA Jules Falcone, julesfalcone@me.com
SOUTH MIDWEST
Great Lakes (IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI) For monthly meetings: www.greatinspectors.com/ schedule-of-events/ Carol Case, 734-284-4501 carol@greatinspectors.com
Greater Omaha (NE)
www.ashiomaha.com Jon Vacha, 402-660-6935 jon@hsinspections.com
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ASHI Reporter • October 2018
Arizona
www.azashi.org Bryck Guibor, 520-419-1313 bryck@msn.com Quarterly education on azashi.org
New Mexico
www.ashinm.org Bi-monthly meetings are held on the second Saturday of the month at Drury Hotel (Jan., March, May, July, Sept.) located at I-25 and Jefferson in Albuquerque. Meeting starts at 8:30 am. Lance Ellis, 505-977-3915 lellis@amerispec.net
Northern Rockies (ID, MT) Steve Jenicek, 406-949-6461 Steve@taskmasterinspections.com Secretary: Kelly Campeau 877-749-2225 Kelly@inspectormt.com
Rocky Mountain Fourth Tuesday, 6:30 pm Bob Kadera, 303-588-2502 bob@360degreeinspections.com
Southern Colorado
www.ashi-southerncolorado.org Second Thursday each month, 6:30 pm Valley Hi Golf Club, 610 S. Chelton Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80910 Aaron Hunt, 719-334-5455 aaron@huntproperty inspections.com
Utah
www.ashiutah.com First Tuesday, 7 pm Marie Callender’s, Midvale Fred Larsen, 801-201-9583 Fred.larsen@pillartopost.com
Lonnie Moore, 479-530-5792 mhinsp@cox.net www.ashikc.org Second Wednesday of even months The Great Wolf Lodge, Kansas City Doug Hord, 816-215-2329 doug@firstchoice.com
Midwest PRO ASHI (KS)
MIDWEST
MOUNTAIN
David Mason 316-393-2152, david@allprohomeinspec.com
St. Louis (MO)
www.stlashi.org Second Tuesday, 5 pm Creve Coeur Government Center Multi-Purpose Meeting Room 300 N. New Ballas Creve Coeur, MO 63141 Mark Goodman, 636-391-0091 mark@homeinpectstl.com
PACIFIC Alaska Meeting dates: Jan. 1, March 1, Aug. 1, Nov. 1 Location varies each meeting David Mortensen, 907-243-4476 dave@discoveryinspect.com
ASHI Hawaii
www.ashihawaii.com Alex Woodbury, 808-322-5174 Woodburya001@hawaii.rr.com
California Randy Pierson, 310-265-0833 randy@southbayinspector.com
Central Valley CREIA-ASHI Peter Boyd, 530-673-5800 Boyd.p@comcast.net
Golden Gate (CA)
www.ggashi.com John Fryer, 510-682-4908 johnfryer@gmail.com
Inland Northwest (ID, WA) Vince Vargas, 208-290-2472 vince@vargasinspections.com
Orange County CREIA-ASHI (CA) www.creia.org/orangecounty-chapter Third Monday, 5:30 pm Hometown Buffet 2321 S. Bristol, Santa Ana Bill Bryan, 949-565-5904 bill@rsminspections.com
Oregon
www.oahi.org Fourth Tuesday, 6:30 pm 4534 SE McLoughlin Blvd. Portland Jon Nichols, 503-324-2000 housedetective@hotmail.com
San Diego CREIA-ASHI First Tuesday each month Elijah’s Restaurant 7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard San Diego, CA 92111 Ray (Cliff ) Sims Jr., 619-334-1138 cliffsims@cox.net
San Joaquin Valley (CA) Third Thursday, 6 pm 1736 Union Avenue, Bakersfield, CA Raymond Beasley, 661-805-5947 rbinspector@aol.com Mail: 3305 Colony Oak St. Bakersfield, CA 93311
Silicon Valley ASHI-CREIA (CA) www.siliconvalleyinspector.com Tammy Nicholas, 408-771-4939 tnicholas490@gmail.com
Southwestern Idaho Second Monday David Reish, 208-941-5760 dave@antheminspections.com
Los Angeles-Ventura County ASHI-CREIA Third Wednesday, 5 pm Holiday Inn, Woodland Hills Bob Guyer, 805-501-0733 guyerinspections@roadrunner.com
South Bay (CA) Webinar meetings Randy Pierson, 310-265-0833 randy@southbayinspector.com
Western Washington
www.ashiww.com Chapter Meetings held at chapter seminars in March and Sept. Karl Nueffer karl@G4inspections.com
NEW ENGLAND Coastal Connecticut
www.coastalctashi.org Third Thursday, 6 pm, Westport VFW Lodge, 465 Riverside Avenue, Westport John Hamlin, 203-912-1917 john.hamlin@pillartopost.com
New England (ME, MA, NH, RI, VT) Third Thursday (usually), 5 pm Hilton Garden Inn, Waltham, MA Michael Atwell, 617-630-5629 mike@jmhi.com
Northern New England (NNEC) (ME, MA, NH, VT) www. ashi-nnec.org Third Thursday of Jan., April, June and Sept. Tim Rooney, 603-770-0444 homeviewnh@comcast.net nnec.ashi.2016@gmail.com
Hudson Valley (NY)
www.novaashi.com Fourth Tuesday, Associate hour 6-7 pm, Membership meeting 7-9 pm, Northern Virginia Resources Center, Fairfax Tony Toth, 703-926-6213 tony_toth@msn.com
Long Island (NY)
Piedmont ASHI (VA)
www.liashi.com Third Monday, 6 pm, Domenico’s Restaurant, Levittown John Weiburg 516-603-5770 john@greenlinkhi.com
New York Metro
www.nyashi.com Last Thursday, 5pm Travelers Rest 25 Saw Mill River Road Ossining, NY 10562 Chris Long, 914-260-8571 pres@nyashi.com
Southern New Jersey (NJ)
NEW YORK/JERSEY/ DELAWARE Capitol Region (NY)
www.goashi.com Richard W. Askew, 518-383-4804 rondack1@gmail.com
Central New York
www.cnyashi.com Third Wednesday each month, 6 pm Tony’s Family Restaurant, Syracuse Richard Alton, 315-415-4847 dick@altoninspect.com
First State (DE)
www.firststateashi.org Third Wednesday, 7 pm The Buzz Ware Center 2121 The Highway, Arden Mark Desmond, 302-494-1294 mark@delvalleyhome.com
Garden State (NJ)
www.gardenstateashi.com Second Thursday The Westwood, Garwood Ernie Borsellino, 973 761 0050 gsashipresident@gmail.com
Greater Rochester (NY)
www.ashirochester.com Second Tuesday, 6 pm Jeremiah’s Tavern, 2200 Buffalo Rd. Gates, NY 14624 Jim Brennan, 585-520-5575 jbrennan@independentinspectionservice.com
NOVA-ASHI (MD, VA)
Second Tuesday, 6 pm Daddy O’s Restaurant 3 Turner Street Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 Michael Skok, 845-592-1442 ashistatewide@yahoo.com
www.southernnjashi.com Third Wednesday, 6:30 pm Ramada Inn, Bordentown Rick Lobley, 609-208-9798 rick@doublecheckhi.com
Western New York Second Thursday, 6:30 pm Tony Rome’s, West Seneca Andy Utnik, 716-636-9676 esimail@aol.com
MID-ATLANTIC Central Virginia
www.cvashi.org Second Tuesday, 6:30 pm Independence Golf Course 600 Founders Bridge Blvd. Midlothian, VA 23113 John Cranor, President 804-873-8537 cranorinspectionservices @gmail.com
Hampton Roads (VA) Second Thursday, 7 pm, Cypress Point Country Club, Virginia Beach Gregory Murphy, 757-535-4355 gmurphy@coastalinspect.com
MAC-ASHI (MD, VA)
www.mac-ashi.com Second Wednesday, Rockville, 6 pm Senior Center, Rockville Mark Mostrom, 301-536-0096 pivotalinspections@comcast.net
Robert Huntley, 540-354-2135 rwhuntley@cox.net
SOUTH ATLANTIC ASHI Georgia
www.ashigeorgia.com Shannon Cory, 404-316-4876 shannon1943@comcast.net
East Tennessee
www.etashi.org Third Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. and Nov. Paul Perry, 866-522-7708 cio@frontiernet.net
Mid-Tennessee Ray Baird, 615-371-5888 bairdr@comcast.net
Mid-South (TN) Steven Campbell, 901-734-0555 steve@memphisinspections.com
North Carolina
www.ncashi.com Meeting TBA Bruce Barker, 919-322-4491 bruce@dreamhomeconsultants.com
South Carolina First Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. & Nov., 8 am Roger Herdt, 843-669-3757 herdtworks@msn.com
GULF
Louisiana Quarterly Meetings Michael Burroughs 318-324-0661 Mburroughs2@comcast.net
Suncoast (FL)
www.ashisuncoast.com First Tuesday, 6:30 pm; Please see our website for meeting locations. Steve Acker, 727-712-3089 buyersally@gmail.com
Southwest Florida
www.swashi.com Serving Manatee, Sarasota & Charlotte Second Wednesday, 6 pm Holiday Inn, Lakewood Ranch 6321 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota Michael Conley, 941-778-2385 FLinspector@outlookcom
CANADA CAHPI Atlantic
www.cahpi-alt.com Lawrence Englehart 902-403-2460 inspections@eastlink.ca
CAHPI Ontario
www.oahi.com Rob Cornish, 613-858-5000 robc@homexam.ca
Alberta Professional Home Inspectors (APHIS) www.aphis.ca Meetings held 3 times a year Alan Fisher, 403-248-6893 admin@aphis.com
Quebec AIBQ
www.aibq.qc.ca Pascal Baudaux, 450-629-2038 info@almoinspection.ca
ASHI South (AL)
www.ashisouth.org Quarterly, Homewood Library Homewood John Knudsen, 334-221-0876 jgknudsen111@gmail.com
Florida Wiregrass
www.ashiwiregrass.org Second Wednesday, 6:30 pm Sleep Inn Hotel, Wesley Chapel Nancy Janosz, 813-546-6090 ProTeamInsp@aol.com
Gulfcoast (FL) First Thursday, 7 pm, The Forest Country Club, Fort Myers Len Gluckstal, 239-432-0178 goldenrulehi@comcast.net
Lone Star (TX)
www.ashitexas.org Bud Rozell, 214-215-4961 goodhomeinspection@att.net October 2018 • www.ASHIReporter.org
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Request for Interpretation: Ethics for Home Inspectors In this column, ASHI’s Ethics Committee addresses dilemmas faced by home inspectors.
Can an Inspector Do Inspections That Are Paid for by Real Estate Agents? By Jamison Brown, ASHI Ethics Committee Chair
Jamison Brown is the owner of Home Inspections by Jamison & Company, Poquoson, VA. Before becoming an ASHI member in 1988, Jamison was a project manager, and supervised the construction and remodeling of more than 10,000 housing units for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Jamison is a former member of the Carpenters and Joiners of America and a former licensed plumber in the state of Virginia. He is a member of the International Code Council, International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) and a certified member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). He has been a member of ASHI’s Technical and Membership Committees and was chair of the CEPP Committee. Currently, he chairs the ASHI Code of Ethics Committee. Jamison has personally inspected more than 18,000 residential and commercial properties. Contact him at jamison.brown@gmail.com.
QUESTIONS I s a program set up by a real estate company that offers free home inspections (paid for by the real estate company) in conflict with the ASHI Code of Ethics, Section 1.E?
Also, is it a conflict if the real estate company or another entity pays for the inspection only if the deal goes through (meaning that, if the deal doesn’t go through, the buyer pays)?
To add more context, let’s say that the application to participate in the program directs the inspector to give discounted fees based on the number of referrals the inspector receives.
INTERPRETATIONS BY THE ASHI CODE OF ETHICS COMMITTEE A program such as this does not necessarily conflict with the ASHI Code of Ethics, Section 1.E (www.homeinspector. org/Code-of-Ethics), as long as the real estate company reimburses the client after the client pays the inspector or if the inspector’s client is the real estate company. Under the latter arrangement, the inspector would typically be responsible to the real estate company as the client (as opposed to another party, such as the buyer) and the inspector should be mindful of the second paragraph of the Code of Ethics (which cites integrity, honesty and objectivity as fundamental principles of the Code), as well as Section 1.A, to avoid slanted reporting. However, if the real estate company is not the client and the real estate company is dealing with the inspector’s client, then accepting payment from the real estate company would conflict with Section 1.E. In addition, discounting fees paid by a real estate company based on referrals would conflict with Section 1.B because such discounts would be de facto payments for referrals to clients (other than the real estate company). 28
ASHI Reporter • October 2018
Such de facto payments are a deception of consumers, who would expect referrals to be based on competence, not on a hidden benefit to the real estate company. However, if the real estate company is always the client and pays the fees, then such discounts would not conflict with Section 1.B. It is not a conflict if the buyer is the client and the buyer pays the inspector, regardless of whether or not the real estate company reimburses the buyer. Similarly, it is not a conflict if the real estate company is the client and pays the inspector, regardless of whether or not the buyer reimburses the real estate company. However, it is a conflict with Section 1.E if the buyer is the client and the real estate company pays the inspector, or if the real estate company is the client and the buyer pays the inspector. Finally, having any inspector compensation that is directly or indirectly contingent on the inspection results, such as whether or not “the deal goes through,” is contrary to the second paragraph of the Code of Ethics to avoid conflicts of interest and contrary to Section 1.A against slanted reporting.
INTRODUCING THE 3D MOBILE INSPECTOR
for iPhone and iPad!
COMPENSATION FOR CULTIVATION BY BOLSTERING OUR ASHI MEMBERSHIP, YOU WILL EARN
$50 Learn more on our website at 3dinspection.com І 800-745-6126
Also available for Android. Easier than ever image management. Easily duplicate headings and subheadings. Free to install on as many devices as you’d like...and much more!
IN GIFT CARDS WITH EACH NEW MEMBER TO REFER A MEMBER: Download the Membership Application form, have the new member fill it out (including his/her member number in the referral field). SCAN AND EMAIL IT TO:
MEMBERSHIP@ASHI.ORG OR FAX TO 847-759-1620.
Questions? Contact Jen Gallegos, jeng@ashi.org.
29October 2018
• www.ASHIReporter.org
29
ASHI Chapters and Council News
ASHI Great Lakes Chapter Fall Conference
When: October 5-6, 2018 Where: Holiday Inn, 8555 Stansted Road, Indianapolis, IN 46241 Topic: 10/5 - Peer Review/Education Review & Hospitality Suite 10/6 - Chimney Safety Institute Tour, Phone Skills & Handling Complaints, Protecting Your Business & Increasing Revenue CEUs: earn up to 16 CEs Contact: Carol Case, 773-284-4501, www.greatinspectors.com To have your chapter seminar listed here, email all information about your chapter seminar to: micheleg@ashi.org.
Keystone ASHI Educational Event
Mid MO ASHI Anual Meeting
When: October 5, 2018 8am-5pm Where: Boone Electric Cooperative North side of building in community room is located at 1413 Rangeline Street Columbia, MO 65201 Registration from 7:30-8:00 (coffee and donuts) or pre-register online at midmoashi.com Topic: Heating and A/C EIFS and Synthetic Stone, Roofing and Siding Speakers: Jason Brozen Master Electrician National ASHI Speaker Contact: Keith R. Proctor, 573-289-7077
IMPORTANT REPORTER DEADLINES: • DEC 2018 ISSUE - 10/7/18 • JAN 2019 ISSUE - 11/7/18 • FEB 2019 ISSUE - 12/7/18 • MAR 2019 ISSUE - 1/7/19 The Reporter is produced 6-8 weeks ahead of the week it arrives in your mailbox.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS— HELP SHAPE ASHI’S FUTURE
ASHI’S CAMPAIGNING POLICIES
Your affiliation with ASHI means you are recognized as a leader in your profession. As a volunteer leader, you are a key to ASHI’s success.
15.14 Campaigning 1. Candidates and others may make positive statements about candidates. Negative campaigning shall not be permitted.
As an ASHI volunteer, what’s in it for me?
• Opportunities to give back to your profession • A chance to contribute to ASHI’s mission and vision • Networking with your peers to form business and personal relationships • Recognition for your involvement and support • Opportunities to enhance your leadership skills • Business-building ideas from other inspectors • Interactions with ASHI leaders to share your ideas and expertise
What’s expected of me when I serve as an ASHI volunteer? • A willingness to learn from others and to welcome diverse viewpoints • An ability to receive and consistently respond to email communications
Take the first step now to become a volunteer! 1. Visit the ASHI website at www.ashi.org 2. Select “Members-Only” 3. Click on “Downloads and Forms” 4. Fill out the Call for Volunteers form 5. Email the completed form to Bonnie Bruno at bonnieb@ashi.org 30
When: October 12 & 13, 2018 Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 701 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601 CEUs: 16 ASHI CE hours Contact: amanda@brsinspect.com
ASHI Reporter • October 2018
2. ASHI funds and resources shall not be used for campaigning, except as allowed in this policy. 3. ASHI staff, ONC members, ASHI Legal Counsel and Election Committee Members shall not participate in campaigning.
4. ASHI staff shall not provide or sell the ASHI membership list or the ASHI mailing list to candidates. Cross–reference: Operations, Section 2. 5. ASHI staff shall, upon request by a candidate, send a statement from the candidate to the membership by electronic communication not more than twice during the campaign. The statement shall not be more than two hundred (200) words. The ASHI President and the ASHI Secretary shall review and approve or reject the statement. 6. The ASHI Reporter shall publish election and campaigning policies in the September, October and November issues.
HONOR YOUR PEERS!
NOMINATE AN INSPECTOR WHO’S EARNED YOUR RESPECT NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN FOR ASH’S T WO ANNUAL AWARDS. Submission forms can be found on the ASHI website (www.homeinspector.org) under the tab Members-Only/Documents and Forms. Submit completed forms to Michele George at micheleg@ashi.org by December 3, 2018.
Recipients of the Philip C. Monahon Award and the John E. Cox Award will be announced during InspectionWorld® in January in San Diego.
Submissions received after this deadline will not be accepted.
PHILIP C. MONAHON AWARD
JOHN E. COX MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD
All members are encouraged to nominate an ASHI member who is dedicated to the goals and ideals of ASHI, and who has rendered outstanding contributions to ASHI for a minimum of five years. Contributions can consist of time, talent or expertise, which has been beneficial to the Society, its members and the general public that ASHI ultimately serves.
Each chapter may submit the name and biography of one individual for the John E. Cox Award. The nomination should include how the individual has contributed to the chapter’s development, as well as other vital information as to why the individual should be considered for the award.
Nominees are evaluated by the PHILIP C. MONAHON AWARD COMMITTEE, which consists of three previous recipients of the award.
Nominees will be submitted to ASHI’S COUNCIL OF REPRESENTATIVES for a vote by secret ballot.
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866.268.1327 | Scott Burns www.PropertyInspectorInsurance.com
31October 2018
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Assessing Homes For Livability
A WAY TO INCREASE YOUR HOME INSPECTION INCOME: ASSESSING HOMES FOR LIVABILITY By Rosemarie Rossetti, PhD
A
trained eye knows what to look for in a home to keep the people who live there safe, less likely to fall or sustain an injury. Home inspectors are known for pointing out flaws, defects and features that can be improved in homes. As home inspectors structure the focus of their business, they could specialize in accessibility by inspecting homes for factors related to aging in place. Older adults, as well as their grown children, are interested in hiring professionals who can evaluate their existing homes as well as homes they are considering for purchase. This trend can enhance business opportunities by expanding the market and providing income at times of the year when home inspection demand from real estate agents is low.
AGING IN PLACE
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines “aging in place” as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level” (https://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/terminology.htm). A home must be built or remodeled to ensure that every facet of life is considered. Oversights can lead to accidents and falls, with resultant injuries, sickness and potentially avoidable fatalities.
People want to stay in their homes for a long time. According to an AARP study, 90 percent of people age 65 and older would prefer to stay in their own homes as they get age—and not go to a nursing home or an assisted living facility (https://www.aarp.org/money/ budgeting-saving/info-2017/costs-of-aging-in-place.html). People expect “home” to provide independence, accessibility, safety and peace of mind—regardless of disabilities, limitations or health challenges.
HEALTH ISSUES REQUIRING HOME MODIFICATIONS
This movement isn’t restricted to people who are aging. It applies also to patients with sudden health changes, due to accidents, stroke or spinal cord injury, for example, as well as to people with degenerative conditions such as arthritis, amyotrophic laterals sclerosis (ALS), dementia, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
Making simple modifications to a home is not surrendering to the aging process. Home modifications can prevent a fall that could lead to serious health consequences. Prevention of falls should be a top consideration when designing a home and evaluating an existing home. When assessing a home, inspectors could note potential trouble spots. Also, it could be helpful to take note of how steady the people who do or will live in the home are on their feet. Inspectors could note areas that might be difficult for them to navigate or could pose obstacles to 32
ASHI Reporter • October 2018
daily living. Falls can lead to a serious injury that can change a person’s life in an instant. I know from personal experience.
A FIRSTHAND UNDERSTANDING
On June 13, 1998, my husband, Mark, and I went for a bicycle ride on a rural wooded trail in Granville, Ohio. After riding for a few minutes, Mark thought he heard a gunshot and slowed down to investigate. As he scanned the scene, he saw a large tree falling. He shouted to me, “Stop!” But the warning was too late. I was crushed by a 7,000-pound tree and paralyzed from the waist down.
Coming home from the hospital in a manual wheelchair after my spinal cord injury, I realized how the design of my two-story home intensified my disability. Mark and I knew that we had to sell our home and find something more suitable. In September 2004, we hired an architect to draw up plans for our new home in Columbus, Ohio. We faced a steep learning curve as we prepared to build our home. We assembled a team of interior designers and more than 200 corporate contributors to assist us. Serving as the general contractors, my husband and I spent 32 months building our home. This home, named the “Universal Design Living Laboratory,” is the top-rated universal design home in North America. It has earned three national universal design certifications (view our home at www. UDLL.com).
Assessing Homes For Livability
UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Since the 1980s, architects, interior designers, and other design and building professionals have embraced the concept of universal design, which is a framework for creating living and working spaces and products to benefit the widest range of people in the widest range of situations without special or separate design. Universal design is human-centered, accommodating people of all sizes, ages and abilities. Living in the Universal Design Living Laboratory for the past six years has given me a unique perspective. As a person who uses a wheelchair, I have learned the importance of space planning, and that small differences in the width of a door, the height of a threshold or the slope of a ramp can impact a person’s independence. I have experienced the joy of rolling on hardwood and tile flooring. No longer do I have sore shoulders, as I did when I had to roll on the carpet in my previous home. Safety features like grab bars in the toileting area and shower have kept me from falling, and they make transfers easier.
INSPECTION TIPS—DOORS AND GRAB BARS
Life is easier when a home includes universal design features and products. Here are some guidelines about universal design that could help you educate your clients during home inspections.
DOORS
Subtle home features related to doors can make a difference. Consider these examples: • the width of a door • the height of a threshold • design of the door handle hardware • the direction the door swings into or out of a room • whether the door stays in place when it is open rather than drifting closed
AS A PERSON WHO USES A WHEELCHAIR, I HAVE LEARNED THE IMPORTANCE OF SPACE PLANNING, AND THAT SMALL DIFFERENCES IN THE WIDTH OF A DOOR, THE HEIGHT OF A THRESHOLD OR THE SLOPE OF A RAMP CAN IMPACT A PERSON’S INDEPENDENCE. A whack on the head due to walking into a door hurts. This can lead to a stumble, a fall, a trip to the hospital, broken bones and a lack of consciousness.
A sobering example is of a man who was inside a small bathroom when he had a stroke and passed out on the floor next to the closed door. When the paramedics arrived, they couldn’t get inside to save him because the bathroom door swung inside the bathroom and the man was blocking the door. Bathroom doors need to swing out from the room.
Lever door hardware is easier to use than door knobs. When a person has paralysis, weakness or pain in the hands due to arthritis, a lever door handle may be more comfortable for the person to operate. Lever handles also allow people to use their elbow to open a door. To enable access for people who use wheelchairs and walkers, all exterior and interior doors should be at least 36 inches wide. Depending on the width of the mobility device that the occupant of the home uses, doors may need to be wider than this guideline.
Narrow doorways can be a real handicap for someone who uses a wheelchair or a walker. If the door is narrow, a set of swing–away or swing–clear offset door hinges could be installed to replace existing 1½-inch x 3½-inch hinges. These special hinges are designed to swing the door clear of the opening, which adds about 2 inches of clearance for wheelchairs and walkers.
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Assessing Homes For Livability
Pocket doors take up less square footage in a room. Those with the proper track hardware will operate smoothly with little effort. The door’s hardware should be easy to access and to grab.
Door thresholds should be no higher than ½ inch. This allows people who use wheelchairs and walkers to have an easier roll, and is less likely to be a tripping hazard for those who are walking.
Front–door peepholes should be at various heights to be more convenient for all people to use them. An alternative is to have a glass sidelight panel next to the front door.
GRAB BARS
It is recommended that grab bars be installed in bathing, showering and toileting areas. If grab bars already are installed, inspectors could note how they might function to hold a person who needs support. The bar should be attached firmly with supports in the wall, attached to wood blocking behind the wall or both. Inspectors can help educate homeowners that they may want to consider replacing a towel bar that was not designed to be a grab bar. The placement of grab bars is often a personal choice, associated with the height of the person who needs to use the bar.
SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE WITH UNIVERSAL DESIGN FEATURES
As people plan to remodel, move or build a new home, independence, accessibility, safety, convenience and usability features need to be a top priority of the design phase. The following suggested guidelines, features and products can help create homes that make life easier, especially for those who use a wheelchair.
THROUGHOUT THE HOME
• Door thresholds should be ½ inch or less, and exterior and interior doors should be 36 inches wide. • Elevators or stair lifts may be necessary for multiple-story homes. • Hardwood, tile, composite materials and linoleum are easier to traverse when using wheelchairs or walkers. • Abundant natural and artificial lighting increases safety for all. • Electrical outlets and light switches should be located where a seated person can reach them.
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ASHI Reporter • October 2018
IN THE KITCHEN
Universal design features in the kitchen include the overall design of the circulation pattern, cabinet design, countertop height and appliance selection. • A minimum 5-foot turning radius throughout the kitchen allows a person who uses a wheelchair the ability to do a 360degree turnaround. Power wheelchairs and scooters may need additional space. • Side-hinged ovens are preferable to those hinged at the bottom, installed at a height that is easy to reach from a wheelchair. • Cooktop controls and ventilation control panel at the front and at waist height make them accessible by all. • Multiple countertop heights, such as 40, 34 and 30 inches, accommodate a diverse population. A 30inch countertop with knee space underneath works well for someone who remains seated during meal preparation. • At least half of the storage space should be accessible from a seated position, including drawers and cabinet shelves. • Cooktops and sinks with knee space beneath make for user-friendly work areas. This space can be hidden by removable or retractable doors. • A dishwasher raised 16 inches off the floor eliminates the need to bend down low.
Assessing Homes For Livability
• Side-by-side refrigerator-freezers provide easier access from a seated position.
IN THE BATHROOM
Accessible bathrooms meet needs for convenience, safety, privacy and independence. • Curbless showers with channel drains are a must-have feature. • Showers must be large enough to transfer a person and allow for an assistant when needed. • Shower chairs or benches can be mounted on the wall or used in the portable form. • Handheld shower nozzles and an adjustable height vertical bar make showering easier. • Grab bars need to be accessible to toilets and showers. • Toilets seats should be 17 inches off the floor.
WHERE TO GET ADDITIONAL TRAINING
Certified Living In Place ProfessionalTM (CLIPP TM) Training is a two-day professional course that is approved for 16 ASHI® continuing education units. It is offered in locations throughout the United States, as well as by taking a live, interactive virtual class in which participants can sit in the comfort of their office or home and attend the class by viewing sessions on their computer. This course is focused on making all homes accessible, comfortable and safe for everyone, regardless of their age or needs.
CLIPP Training graduates have subscription-based access to the “Home Accessibility and Safety Assessment Checklist.” This electronic checklist creates a report, complete with photos, notes and recommendations for improving accessibility, comfort and safety in every home. CLIPP certification is offered through the Living In Place™ Institute (http:// livinginplaceinstitute.org).
Age Safe America offers an online, self-paced course that takes approximately six hours to complete. Participants can take breaks as needed between the 17 modules. This course is approved for four ASHI® continuing education units. It empowers professionals with actionable ways to better help educate clients, older adults and their family members on the serious issues of home safety, fall prevention, financial exploitation and personal safety. Upon successful completion, the participant will be certified as a Senior Home Safety Specialist™. (For more information, visit https://agesafeamerica.com/)
IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE BEYOND INDEPENDENCE
IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM
• Space to accommodate a 5-foot turning radius makes navigation easier. • Front-loading washers and dryers on pedestal drawers position these appliances to be accessible for a standing or a seated person. • A sink with knee space underneath allows all users to wash clothes by hand.
A home that incorporates universal design guidelines provides an improved quality of life for all occupants, not only those with disabilities. In addition to occupants having more freedom in a home with universal design concepts, they also may have improved convenience and safety, restored human dignity and peace of mind. Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D., is a speaker, consultant and author (RosemarieSpeaks. com). She earned her doctorate, master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Ohio State University. Rossetti’s newest resource, Universal Design Toolkit: Time-saving Ideas, Resources, Solutions, and Guidance for Making Homes Accessible, is an illustrated 200-page book with online videos and webinars. Visit w w w. udll.com for a free chapter, ordering information and virtual tours, videos and articles about the Universal Design Living Laboratory. Rosemarie can be contacted via Rosemarie@RosemarieSpeaks.com or 614-471-6100.
35October 2018
• www.ASHIReporter.org
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Your ASHI
DRESSING FOR THE JOB By Jen Gallegos
If you are new to the profession or need some help, here are some tips on what to wear:
M
arketing is a very important part of your business. Having a solid marketing strategy can be what sets you apart from others and what ultimately sells your service. Many inspectors focus on their business cards, websites, brochures and the list goes on. These marketing tools are certainly important; however, don’t forget that a client’s first impression of your business may begin with your appearance. How you look can give or take away business from you. Your appearance matters! As ASHI Past–President John Heyn stated, “When I started, I always wore a tie because I wanted to show the real estate agents that a home inspector is a professional, just like they are. I started the business not as a tradesman, but as a professional, on the same level as the real estate agents, and I built some respect for that.”
How we dress and look gives others a perception of how serious we take ourselves and our business. In March 2013, Forbes magazine published an article titled “You Are Judged by Your Appearance,” about the importance of appearance in society and business. Ty Kiisel, the author of the article, shed light on how “we are under the microscope every day” and that we are judged by how we are dressed and groomed. (Read the whole article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ tykiisel/2013/03/20/you-are-judged-by-your-appearance/#3f881b76d50c.)
For a home inspector, it’s obvious that a suit or dress would be uncomfortable to wear on the job, but a collared shirt, tucked in, with a pair of tailored pants and polished boots can do the trick. At IW in January 2018, I had the pleasure of meeting a member who is very successful in his business. He has mentored home inspectors and whenever anyone joined his company, he made one thing clear: You need to be well groomed and dress well. He expects every person who works for his company to see themselves as a representative of the company and to dress the part…as a home inspector who belongs to a successful, professional company. You can even use your clothing as a way to market your business, by adding your company logo to your shirts or jackets. The ASHI Store offers a great variety of shirts, jackets and hats that can be customized with the ASHI logo and your company logo. Visit the ASHI Store for more information on pricing and sizes: www.ashistore.com If you have suggestions for great work wear or would like to comment on this topic, please contact me at jeng@ashi.org. 36
ASHI Reporter • October 2018
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Carhartt Men’s Fort Lightweight Button Front Relaxed Fit, Black Chambray Sold by: Amazon.com Services, Inc. $34.99 This shirt comes in four different colors and is made with durable 100% cotton. Staying comfortable while keeping a professional look.
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Men’s DuluthFlex Fire Hose Cargo Work Pants, Brown Sold by: Duluth Trading Company $74.50 These pants are made with cotton canvas and have 3% spandex to provide flexibility when you climb or bend. Bonus feature: The pants have a built–in kneepad pocket that allows you to insert kneepads.
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Cougar Paws Men’s Estimator Roofing Boot 10 Brown Sold by: Cross Country Distributing, Inc. $144.00 These boots are worth the splurge! They keep your feet in place while you’re walking on sloped roofs. To read a review written by one of our members, visit www.StructureTech1.com
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Carhartt Women’s Force Ridgefield Shirt, Deep Wine Sold by: Amazon.com Services, Inc. $49.99 This shirt has a mesh-lined vent at the center back, which allows flow-through ventilation. Designed to keep you cool on inspections.
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Women’s Flextra Tough Slim Leg Work Pants, Marsh Green Sold by: Duluth Trading Company $59.99 These pants are abrasion-resistant and have reinforced double–layer knees for extra durability. They are UPF 40, which helps block harmful rays while you work outside, and are super comfortable.
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Embroidered Accesory Sold by: Vendor of your choice Adding an embroidered accent such as your company name or the ASHI logo will give you an added professional touch!
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The ASHI Reporter Staff would like to apologize for the misprint in our August 2018 issue that did not contain the proper list for the August Anniversairies. Please see the corrected list below. Thank you!
Octo Anni ber versa ries Aug Anni ust versa ries
Forty Years Wayne J. Falcone
Twenty–five Years Forty Years
Fifteen Years
Joseph Cummins Michael P. Skok Robert Zenorini
Michael A. Biechler Bruce Blackwell Rich Knight Jeffrey Leighton Ronald Lottig Jack MacCord Kevin Martin Mark Paris John S. Schimel Javier Serrano Daniel Sladek Gary W. Smith Eric J. Syren Mary Anne Tonini Steve Vacha Glenn Welch Paul Wilson
Thirty–five Years Joseph A. Cerniglia
Thirty Years Steve Balshin
Twenty–five Years Stephen James Miki Mertz
Twenty Years Michael Bronner Daniel Delahanty Kenny Hart Bill McGuff Scot W. McLean Steve McNamee Dallas Pruit John Sacchini John Staz Timothy Stewart
Ten Years Wesley W. Haworth Rael Levin Chris Matteson William (Bill) Root Paul Ermides Jerry Pfeuffer Sam Sain Mark J. Bonvissuto Dick Thiele
Gregory A. Wojton Dale S. Macko Stephen E. Shelton Tom Kartheiser Matthew Smith
Five Years Peter Anspach Stephen Bayly Gerald Cleland Tamella F. Nicholas Gary W. Teague Bob Waysack Michael Conrad II Patrick Fitch Kenneth M. Horkey Richard C. Saylor Carl Wilson Trenton Thomas Paul T. Gaskin Marc Gazaille Peter Anderson Scott C. Frederick Donald G. Porter Daniel Shields Thomas Toner Dave Lambert Scott Randolph Gavin W. Kostelecky
David Booth Ron Bruno Francis Gamache William Georgopoulos Stuart Hall Rod Harrison Raj Hayden Douglas P. Manzella Rodney I. Newman Steve Porter Clayton Ridings
Twenty Years Gale Colvin John Cranor Fred Howe Richard Jackson Russell Kowalik Michael Leban Michael Leiden Woody Livingston David McCabe Thomas W. McKay Michael McLendon Hale Newman Arthur Phillips Tom Rinicker Gary Rose Kevin Wade
Fifteen Years
FREE ASHI Member access to past IW sessions. 1. Go to www.ASHI.org 2. U nder Education & Training 3. C lick on:
ASHI ONLINE LEARNING CENTER 38
ASHI Reporter • October 2018
CURRENT ASHI MEMBERSHIP ASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,558 Inspectors: 240 Associates: 4,498 Retired Members: 130 Affiliates: 54 Total: 8,480 Members as of 8/9/2018
Doug Barker Robert J. Beisbier Steven Booth Stephen Brink John Cheney Jack Harper II Terry Haynie Joseph M. Holland Jeffrey Jonas Greg Mangum Mark Pepin Curtis Pohlman Kenneth Rowe L.D. Saunders
Steven C. Schlicker
Ten Years Paul Barraza Leo Birdsall Michael R. Chambers Patrick Dickinson Byron Duerksen Vincent Gorgone Yevgeny Govshievich David Heintzelman Jeff Kirkpatrick Andy Kolar Karl Ledig Michael MacQuarrie Jerry Marshall Richard Mobley Lonnie D. Moore Mark Wahl Steven West
Five Years Ron Bartlett Luis E. Bigit Richard Brooks Douglas J. Burgasser Gregory R. Cox Buddy DeLozier Keith Enos Terry B. Finney Martin Garcia Andrew J. Gardner Hilary B. Goss Bart Hamilton J. Mark Hershberger Keith Medley Donald J. Pires J. David Riddle David L. Smith Robert Tami Gregory Robert Truesdell Philip Weshnevski Daren J.Wright Thomas D. Wurzer Marvin Yee
Inspect Our New Home NEW WEBSITE. NEW TOOLS FOR YOUR TRADE. • NHIE Study Curriculum • NHIE Exam Registration Information • Professional Inspectors Database • Communications & Marketing Toolkit
HomeInspectionExam.org 39October 2018
• www.ASHIReporter.org
39
Postcards from the Field
NEW POSTCARDS EMAIL!! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: postcards@ashi.org Note: By sending in your postcard(s), you are expressly granting ASHI the right to use the postcard and your name with it in the ASHI REPORTER and in other publications ASHI may select.
Where did Fluffy go? Chimney ‘Swag’
Curtis Niles Sr. Armored Home Inspections, LLC Pottstown, PA
Stephen Tyler RTD Home & Building Inspections Crooksville, OH
Shock Therapy Great Clearance.
Darryl E. Chandler Focused Property Inspections Gorham, ME
3 inches = 3 feet
James Brock Boston Home Inspectors Boston, MA
Yes...coffee can.
Jeremy Prevan Pro Vantage Home Inspections Columbia, MD
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ASHI Reporter • October 2018
Matthew Steger WIN Home Inspection Lancaster, PA
3
October 2018 • www.ASHIReporter.org
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Postcards from the Field Whats the Password?
Scott Loignon WIN Home Inspection Barrington, NH
Round & Round
NEW POSTCARDS EMAIL!! Please send your name, city, state, photos, headings & captions to: postcards@ashi.org Note: By sending in your postcard(s), you are expressly granting ASHI the right to use the postcard and your name with it in the ASHI REPORTER and in other publications ASHI may select.
Lending a helping hoof
Correc tion Opps, w e g ave the w r ong cr edit l as t tim e .
Alex Steinberg JBS Home Inspections, Inc. Cambridge, MA
More elbow room, please.
Stephen Comer C’Ville Home Inspection Charlottesville, VA Stephen Tyler STAT Home Inspections Garnerville, NY
Blast from the past Blast from the past Part 2
Stephen Tyler STAT Home Inspections Garnerville, NY 42
ASHI Reporter • October 2018
Stephen Tyler STAT Home Inspections Garnerville, NY
• Drone Roof Inspections - NEW!
• Sewer Line Inspections - NEW!
October 2018 • www.ASHIReporter.org
43
ON MY MIND
TIME TO STEP UP TO LDC By ASHI President, Tim Buell
JOIN US FOR FUN AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT On the evening of Wednesday, October 24, there will be a special visit from two Chicago icons. I can’t yet reveal who these icons are, but this quote should give you a hint: “There are 106 miles to Chicago. We have a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, its dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses.”
In the August issue of the Reporter, I described plans for ASHI’s upcoming Leadership Development Conference (LDC), to be held October 25-26 in Des Plaines, IL. LDC is the most important seminar for the development of current and future ASHI chapter and national leadership. This year, LDC offers opportunities for attendees to:
• learn strategies to develop and fine-tune leadership skills, • help their chapters implement successful strategies for growth, • participate in interactive discussions led by your peers in ASHI • learn from an outstanding motivational speaker.
“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” — Ralph Nader
I want to thank Forrest Lines, Chapter Relations Committee Chair; Jim Funkhouser, Board Liaison; Michele George, Staff Liaison; and committee members Ken Harrington, BK Thompson, Marlon Page, Sean Torxell, Chuck Kleindienst, Janni Juhasz and Bryck Guibor for taking the lead and “thinking out of the box” to prepare this year’s LDC. DON’T MISS THESE HOT TOPICS AND GREAT PRESENTERS AT LDC • Best practices for websites and social media (Bryck Guibor and Reuben Saltzman) • Online meeting groups using webcasting (Jim Funkhouser, Reuben Saltzman and Mike Rostescu) • Chapter peer review sessions • Strategies for chapter success (leaders from ASHI’s Arizona, Ohio, Mid-Missouri and Heartland chapters) • Shifting trends, with a focus on younger members (discussion panel, including Sean Torxell, Bronson Anderson, Michael Conrad, BK Thompson and Mike Rostescu) • Planning a successful chapter educational event (BK Thompson) • Leadership and board responsibilities • The mechanics of running a meeting (Scott Patterson and Harry Rosenthal) 44
ASHI Reporter • October 2018
On Friday, October 26, the day will begin with LDC’s main event—a presentation by Kevin McCarthy. This outstanding motivational speaker will have you on the edge of your seats and he will give away copies of his book Blind Spot; Why Good People Make Bad Choices, which I believe is a must-read for all home inspectors. I guarantee that once you start reading the book, you won’t put it down. REGISTER FOR LDC TODAY If you want to be a better leader now or if you aspire to be a leader in the future, LDC is for you. It’s not too late to sign up and registration is easy. Just visit this link: www.homeinspector.org/Education-Training/ Leadership-Development-Conference-RSVP. SOME QUOTES TO INSPIRE US ALL
As you know by now, I’m a big fan of sharing inspirational quotes from great leaders. Here are a few of my favorites:
“People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader leads, and the boss drives.” — Theodore Roosevelt “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army or in an office.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” — Peter Drucker
AND MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE…
“Right always prevails.” — Forrest Lines
National Chimney Safety Week
NATIONAL CHIMNEY SAFETY WEEK:
PROMOTING CHIMNEY AND VENTING SAFETY By Zach Zagar, Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)
T
he Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recently commemorated its annual awareness week. Positioned each year the week before National Fire Prevention Week, National Chimney Safety Week features reminders to homeowners about the importance of having an annual chimney inspection by a Certified Chimney Sweep® and the dangers of residential chimney fires. CSIA thanks ASHI members and all home inspectors who helped recognize this year’s awareness week, which ran September 30 through October 6.
NOTABLE FACTS AND FIGURES
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there are more than 22,000 residential fireplace or chimney fires annually (https:// www.cpsc.gov/). According to figures published in Hearth and Home Magazine (2013), there are approximately 43 million chimneys in the country. CSIA has certified nearly 2,000 active Certified Chimney Sweeps®. Although not every one of the 43 million chimneys are active and several of them could easily be in the same home, venting a fireplace or a heating appliance or water heater, that is still a lot of chimneys for the certified technicians in the industry to cover.
Another tip we feature during National Chimney Safety Week that’s relevant to home inspectors is how to hire a chimney technician. Check out our website for more details. Homeowners would be wise to follow these tips when hiring any service person for the home.
WORKING TOGETHER
Recently, CSIA hosted ASHI staff members at our Technology Center in Plainfield, Indiana. During the visit, Russ Dimmitt, Director of Education for CSIA and the National Chimney Sweep Guild, took some time to make a video explaining the levels of chimney inspections and how chimney inspections relate to home inspectors as they perform their incredibly important job in the field. I encourage you to view the video on either our digital channels or through ASHI.
CHIMNEY INSPECTIONS
The main takeaway that CSIA hopes to impart to homeowners through the awareness campaign is to get your chimney inspected annually. Our campaign includes national newswire press releases, a new homeowner video, grassroots efforts in the industry and partnerships like the one we have with ASHI.
Naturally, when you begin to drill down to more specific questions like a direct-vent gas fireplace, a sealed fireplace or even a chimney in a home without an actual fireplace, there is some nuance. Again, CSIA keeps its message simple: Get an inspection and recommended maintenance by a Certified Chimney Sweep®. CSIA continues to be a resource for chimney and venting questions and will happily answer them, as will the credentialed technicians across the country.
In short, chimney inspections prevent chimney fires and venting issues. Certified Chimney Sweeps® identify problems that need to be rectified to prevent loss of property and life. Most homeowners would be glad to know about these issues before they attempt to sell their home and have the issues pointed out before an offer is on the table. The information homeowners learn also helps them safely operate their heating appliances and exhaust (chimney).
Behind the scenes of the video collaboration between CSIA and ASHI.
You can watch the full video on ASHI’s YouTube channel: https:// youtu.be/jEC_MunNe_Q
We look forward to hosting events for the Great Lakes Chapter of ASHI during its annual conference later this fall, as well as meeting and talking with home inspectors from across the country at InspectionWorld® in January 2019 in San Diego.
Thank you again for your support of our industry and more importantly, for improving chimney and venting safety in the United States. Zach Zagar is the director of marketing and communications for the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
45October 2018
• www.ASHIReporter.org
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IN MEMORIAM:
MILTON GOLDSTEIN
AMERICAN HOME INSPECTOR PIONEER 1915-2018 By Marvin Goldstein, ACI, ASHI #32, ASHI Past–President (2012), mgoldstein@inspectpro.com
On July 28, 1915—103 years ago—Milton Goldstein, the founder of the American home inspection profession, was born. He died July 9, 2018. Milton Goldstein was a hard-working, intelligent and modest man. He was also my father and I’d like to share some highlights from his life with you, my fellow home inspectors. He was born to uneducated immigrants and sold newspapers during the Depression to earn money so he could attend college. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s engineering school in 1937. Many homebuyers asked him to look at the houses they were buying, so in 1938, he founded Building Inspection Service, the first home inspection company on record in the United States. In 1962, he took me on my first home inspection and in 1970, he convinced me and trained me to do inspections full time. I did more than 50 inspections with him before I did one on my own. When he was 98 years old, I asked him to fully retire. His answer was classic: “What are you trying to do? Kill me?!” And just a few days before he died, he asked me if I had any inspection work for him.
Among my father’s last words were, “Life is good. Enjoy.” My dad didn’t care about notoriety. He did care about improving the world in which he lived and the lives of as many people as he could. Thank you for allowing me to share a little background about the contributions of a modest man, my dad, who sought no notoriety, but who was the founder of the first American home inspection company. His goal was to help people to the very end of his life, and he set a good example for me and for all professional home inspectors. In 1945, he found a row house in Philadelphia with peeling wallpaper and paint. When he inspected it, he found it to be in good condition, so he bought it. My mother cried when she saw it, but we fixed it up and lived there until I was 13 years old. This was the first of more than 50 single and duplex houses that my father inspected, bought and fixed up.
In 1968, he convinced FHA—which was the primary lender for home purchases at the time and which was requiring plumbers, electricians, roofers and termite inspectors to issue five separate certifications from four different people—to accept all five certificates from one trained professional inspector such as himself for each house. 46
ASHI Reporter • October 2018