Think Magazine Vol 1 Issue 5

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

VANESSA C. GUZMAN

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Steve L. Adams

Stirling Cox

Nick Gromicko

Greg Johns

Selene Rivera

RESEARCH

Nestor Mann Editorial Research

Stuart Mills Project Manager

PHOTOGRAPHY / VISUALS

James Acquaroli Photographer

Nelson Randall Senior Photo Editor

WEB

Amber Rose Website Development

Karlina Watson Digital Production Manager

Sharon Saban Production Coordinator

SOCIAL MEDIA

Carolina G. Garcia Social Media Manager

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING

Ben Fontan Marketing Director

BUSINESS

Matthew Adams Chief Financial Officer

Leah Castello Vice President of Operations

Lina Salazar Controller

Susannah Sookoo Administrative Assistant

TECHNOLOGY

Philip J. Augustyne Director of Technology

PRODUCTION

Naomi Callaghan Special Events Manager

Ernie Clair Production Assistant

DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION

Daniel Marr Distributing Manager

Jose Avrett Circulation Manager

Your Secret Weapon

SOPHISTICATED UTILITY VEHICLE: ALL-NEW 2024 LEXUS GX REDEFINES SUV

Elevating the adventure-ready SUV segment is not a task taken lightly, but the all-new 2024 Lexus GX is up to the challenge with an unparalleled combination of elegant features, offroad capability, and the luxurious quality for which Lexus is known. Redesigned from the ground up, the GX builds on its 20 years in the Sport Utility Segment… making the case for the GX to be defined as a “Sophisticated Utility Vehicle.”

Today, a new legend is born as Lexus unveils the all-new, completely redesigned

2024 GX. The first-generation GX entered the North American market in 2002 as a force to be reckoned with in the mid-luxury SUV market. Lexus enthusiasts have praised its legendary off-road capability and its ability to tackle rough terrains, taking customers comfortably from errands to remote spaces.“For more than two decades, the GX has bridged the gap between legendary off-road capability and luxurious everyday driving,” said Dejuan Ross, group vice president and general manager, Lexus division.

“The GX is a critical piece in the evolution

of the Next Chapter for Lexus, and with new powertrains, an impressive host of premium features, and the all-new Overtrail grade, the 2024 GX has something for everyone.”

The age-old saying is true: it’s about the journey; not the destination. The all-new GX was designed to inspire customers to pursue their urge to travel, take an unpaved path, immerse themselves in nature and revel in the joy of driving. As part of that journey, GX blazes the trail as the first vehicle to bring the global Lexus “Overtrail Project” to life. The 2024 GX builds upon the strong

foundation created by the outgoing generation, and brings the intuitive technology, thoughtful interior touches, and continued off-road prowess that Lexus guests have come to expect.

The all-new GX presents an unmistakably aggressive exterior design that exudes the tough, rugged persona that it has earned time and time again. Lexus designers were intent on expressing the off-road functionality of a true body-on-frame SUV. Their guiding light was envisioning GX customers enjoying refined outdoor experiences, and, as such, they were determined to design a GX that exemplifies the juxtaposition of a tough exterior with a calming, lux, and modern interior space.The 2024 GX will be offered in six grades: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and all-new for Lexus, Overtrail and Overtrail+.

The 2024 GX introduces a noticeable change from the previous generation with a square-body profile with a horizontal de-

sign motif. From the front, the all-new GX continues the Lexus spindle body concept with an all-new bold, resolute design that also aids in off-roading functionality. To achieve the grounded, stable stance, designers created a taut body with a wide track and fender flares, pulling the front pillar base to the rear. The overall width increases by 3.74 inches (Overtrail by 4.52 inches) compared to the previous-generation GX.

The Premium Triple Beam LED headlamps and grille opening have been raised to help avoid potential road impact. LED fog and cornering lamps are available for increased visibility. The front overhang has been decreased by 0.78 inches for improved clearance. The powerful front presence is led by the seamless grille and headlamp integration.

FIND OUT MORE AT LEXUS.COM

The 2024 GX will be assembled at the Tahara plant in Japan and is expected to go on sale in early 2024.

The Evolution of Support:

Why Home Inspectors Need Backup Call Centers Now More Than Ever

The U.S. real estate market has always been a dynamic beast, continuously evolving to adapt to changing economic realities and consumer behaviors. The ongoing inventory shortage and the climbing interest rates have brought forth a new set of challenges that professionals in the field must navigate. Today’s real estate environment has cast an intensified spotlight on the role of home inspectors, whose duties and pressures have greatly shifted. Amidst these transformations, a growing trend is redefining the home inspection industry: the utilization of backup call centers.

By STIRLING COX, MANAGING DIRECTOR | INSPECTOR CALL CENTER | INSPECTORCALLCENTER.COM

When clients are fewer, and each interaction carries a heavier weight, the importance of customer service skyrockets. In this era, the evening calls and weekend inquiries are not only commonplace but expected. Realtors and clients demand that their calls be addressed promptly, irrespective of when they call.

Backup call centers have emerged as a strategic response to these changing

patterns. They provide home inspectors with a safety net, ensuring that no call goes unanswered. Moreover, by handling administrative tasks like appointment scheduling, these call centers allow inspectors to focus on their essential duties—delivering high-quality inspection services.

The question, however, remains: how do home inspectors choose the right backup call center? This decision, while seemingly simple, can profoundly impact their business

and needs thoughtful consideration. Combining local operations with a remote model is a win-win strategy. Opting for a call center located within the U.S. offers familiarity to clients and realtors alike, building trust through cultural understanding and language proficiency. Moreover, by adopting a work-from-home model, these centers can tap into a broader talent pool. This dual strategy promotes consistent, high-quality service, leading to increased client satisfaction.

Another crucial element to consider is the adoption of technology. Automated call reporting, for instance, provides home inspectors with real-time oversight of their operations. They can track call volume, duration, response times, and conversion rates, which in turn helps them make datadriven decisions to enhance their service.

This level of control and transparency is vital in an industry where customer satisfaction directly influences success.

Finally, a 100% commission-based

pay structure aligns the goals of call center agents with those of home inspectors. By incentivizing agents to convert each call into a scheduled inspection, this model creates a symbiotic relationship, contributing to increased business success.

The current real estate landscape presents both a challenge and an opportunity. For home inspectors, this means it’s time to broaden their horizons beyond traditional working hours and explore innovative solutions to meet escalating client expectations. In this

context, backup call centers emerge as more than just an option—they are an imperative. Choosing the right center could be the gamechanger that helps home inspectors navigate the tumultuous tides of today’s real estate market and steer their businesses towards success. In the end, the guiding principle remains the same: be there for your clients, whenever they need you, and deliver an unparalleled level of service. It’s a demanding era, indeed, but one ripe with opportunities for those willing to adapt.

By Greg Johns Owner and Inspector cookeville.wini.com

PROTECTION

IS KEY

Ihad climbed up the pulldown stair into the attic of a sprawling 1970s ranch residential structure.

This was the type of attic that had board flooring and clearly had been used for storage and coat hanging (so glad we don’t do this anymore… mostly). I had crouch-walked to one gable end, turned around, and was crouch-walking back. You know, doing my inspection thing.

Along one side of the attic access was a large masonry

chimney. Along the other side was an old gas furnace that was still in use. As I was making my way between the chimney and gas furnace toward the other gable wall, I had to step over the attic pull-down opening/frame. Mindful of the opening, I took a larger step to clear the frame and transition onto a section of board platform. Unfortunately, that section turned out to be unsecured.

Losing my balance, I fell out from the attic, landing upside down on one shoulder 2/3 down

the pull-down stairs. My left forearm “caught” several tread edges and helped slow my free fall, leaving me with a deep scrape that would become a scar. My pants caught on a spring and tore from ankle-to-arse. My left shoulder was all jacked up. It took me more than two years to get my shoulder back to a point where I could fully lift it overhead and put weight on it (I’m an avid CrossFitter, so this is a vitally important position for performing snatches, let alone putting on a sweater). I never

went to the hospital. My wife had to bring me a new pair of pants. I was very hurt, scared, and scarred. Oh, and the owner (it was a prelisting inspection) was home, so I was quite embarrassed, too. Our industry is dangerous. We all know the environments in which we place ourselves, many without full or proper protection. Most of us can’t afford insurance and so we hope our partner/family can somehow support us. If you are like me, that isn’t the case. And

yet, clients, real estate agents, and builders expect us via price shopping to perform our trade at nominal cost—because $300 for 3 hours of work will pay for lung disease, lock jaw (seriously, stay up on your tetanus shots folks), broken heels (I have an acquaintance who fell off his ladder, landed on his heel, and shattered it), infections, and possibly pest bites.

According to the most recent data published by the United States Census Bureau, private health insurance accounted for roughly 66 percent of the market in 2021, but direct purchase coverage accounted only for 10.2 percent of that. Most of us, as small business owners (there are some larger entities out there that don’t fall into this category), fall under direct purchase coverage. Astoundingly, full-time workers were more

likely to be uninsured in 2021— again, this encompasses a pretty large percentage of our industry professionals.

My family pays for a highdeductible plan because it’s the best we can do. As a business owner, the numbers almost immediately disclude my household from governmental subsidies that would make decent insurance coverage sustainable. I pay more out-of-pocket directly to physicians than through insurance—the rate for cash payment often is better than running it through the highdeductible insurance policy that still leaves my household on the hook for the negotiated rate between physician and insurer.

So, why is it that an industry predicated on service, with sometimes eerily high liabilities, and drowning in a market motivated by vendor sales for

ancillary service equipment, we haven’t managed to find a way to offer decent health insurance plans within our industry? We have two main associations with numbers large enough that proper discounts ought to be leverageable—yet there really is nothing out there of great enough substance.

My advice to all—cover your skin when you are outside, and within attics and crawlspaces. Protect your eyes when you are performing electrical panel reviews (arc flashes = melting skin and eyes), as well as when you are in attics and crawlspaces. And don’t forget your lungs.

A N95-type mask does NOT cut it. Think of it like this—add up all the minutes over one year in which you find yourself in attic spaces. Now, quantify that in liters of air inhaled (an assumed average is 7 to 8 liters of air per

minute—possibly more when we’re huffing and puffing through a limited-clearance attic). Same thing for crawlspaces and basements in poor conditions.

Also, add in general air quality of some of the homes (VOCs, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, and radon). Do you know how much poor air quality and air pollutants we as inspectors introduce into our bodies each year?

Currently, we have nowhere to turn at our career’s end when we develop adverse health conditions—no one we can sue, no one who wants to help us financially. I think our industry needs to constantly be having a conversation pertaining to our health and longevity—is your most profitable year worth your life?

SMOKEALARM INSPECTION

By NICK GROMICKO, CMI®

Facts and Figures

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

• Based on the CPSC staff estimates from 2016 through 2018, there were about 360,000 home fires.

• CPSC staff recommends testing your smoke alarms once a month and installing a smoke alarm on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms, and following the manufactures’ installation instructions.

• In 23% of home fire deaths, smoke alarms were present but did not sound. Sixty percent of these failures were

caused by the power supplies having been deliberately removed due to false alarms.

• Every year in the United States, about 3,000 people lose their lives in residential fires. Most of these deaths are caused by smoke inhalation, rather than as a result of burns.

Smoke Alarm Types

Ionization and photoelectric are the two main designs of smoke detectors. Both types must pass the same tests to be certified to the voluntary standard for smoke alarms, but they perform

differently in different types of fires. Detectors may be equipped with one or both types of sensors—known as dualsensor smoke alarms—and possibly a heat detector, as well. These sensors are described as follows:

• Ionization smoke sensors are the most common and economical design, and are available at most hardware stores. They house a chamber sided by small metal plates that irradiate the air so that it conducts electricity. When smoke enters the chamber, the current flow becomes interrupted, which triggers an alarm to sound. These sensors will

A smoke alarm, also known as a smoke detector, is a device that detects smoke and issues an audible sound and/or a visual signal to alert residents to a potential fire.

quickly detect flaming-type fires but may be slower to react to smoldering fires.

• Photoelectric smoke sensors use a lightsensitive photocell to detect smoke inside the detector. They shine a beam of light that will be reflected by smoke toward the photocell, triggering the alarm. These sensor types work best on smoldering fires but react more slowly to flaming fires. They often must be hard-wired into the house’s electrical system, so some models can be installed only in particular locations.

While heat detectors are not technically classified as smoke detectors, they are useful in certain situations where smoke alarms are likely to sound false alarms. Dirty, dusty industrial environments, as well as the area surrounding cooking appliances, are a few places where false alarms are more likely and where heat detectors may be more useful.

Location

Individual authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) may have their own requirements for smokealarm placement, so inspectors and homeowners can check with their local building codes if they need specific instructions. The following guidelines, however, can be helpful.

Smoke alarms should be installed in the following locations:

• on the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the vicinity of bedrooms;

• in each bedroom, as most fires occur during sleeping hours;

• in the basement, preferably on the ceiling near the basement stairs;

• in the garage, due to all the combustible materials commonly stored there;

• on the ceiling or on the wall with the top of the detector between 6 to 12 inches from the ceiling; and/or

• in each story within a building, including basements and cellars, but not crawlspaces or uninhabited attics.

Smoke alarms should not be installed in the following locations:

• near heating or air-conditioning supply and return vents;

• near a kitchen appliance; near windows, ceiling fans or bathrooms equipped with a shower or tub;

• where ambient conditions, including humidity and temperature, are outside the limits specified by the manufacturer’s instructions;

• within unfinished attics or garages, or in other spaces where temperatures can rise or fall beyond the limits set by the manufacturer;

• where the mounting surface could become considerably warmer or cooler than the

installed almost anywhere. Older buildings might be restricted to battery-powered designs, while newer homes generally offer more options for power sources. If possible, homeowners should install smoke alarms that are hard-wired with a battery backup, especially during a renovation or remodeling project.

Smoke alarms may also be interconnected so that if one becomes triggered, they all sound in unison. Interconnected smoke alarms are typically connected with a wire, but new technology allows them to be interconnected wirelessly. The National Fire Protection Agency requires that smoke alarms be AFCI-protected.

Inspectors can pass the following additional tips on to their clients:

• Parents should stage periodic night-time fire drills to assess whether their children will awaken from the alarm and respond appropriately.

• Never disable a smoke alarm. Use the alarm’s silencing feature to stop nuisance or false alarms triggered by cooking smoke or fireplaces.

• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace their batteries at least twice per year. Change the batteries when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time.  Most models emit a chirping noise when the batteries are low to alert the homeowner that they need replacement.

rest of the room, such as an inadequately insulated ceiling below an unfinished attic; or

• in dead-air spots, such as the top of a peaked roof or a ceiling-to-wall corner.

Power and Interconnection

Power for the smoke alarms may be hard-wired directly into the building’s electrical system, or it may come from just a battery. Hard-wired smoke detectors are more reliable because the power source cannot be removed or drained, although they will not function in a power outage.

Battery-operated units often fail because the battery can be easily removed, dislodged or drained, although these units can be

• Smoke alarms should be replaced when they fail to respond to testing, or every 10 years, whichever is sooner. The radioactive element in ionization smoke alarms will decay beyond usability within 10 years.

• If you have any questions or concerns related to smoke alarms or fire dangers in the home, consult with an inspector during your next scheduled inspection.

• Smoke detectors should be replaced if they become damaged or wet, are accidentally painted over, are exposed to fire or grease, or are triggered without apparent cause. Note the sound of the alarm. It should be distinct from other sounds in the house, such as the telephone, doorbell and pool alarm.

POOL WATER PATHOGENS

By NICK GROMICKO, CMI®

Germs from other swimmers and unsafe water supplies can easily contaminate pool water, especially if it isn’t properly disinfected. Contaminated recreational water can cause a variety of ailments and diseases, such as diarrhea, and skin, ear, and upper respiratory infections, particularly if the swimmer’s head is submerged. Inspectors should be familiar with the problems caused by contaminated pool and spa water, and how to prevent them.

Viruses, bacteria, and protozoa are the culprits in most swimming pool-related sickness outbreaks. The mucus, saliva, blood, and skin of infected swimmers can directly contaminate pool and spa water with sufficient pathogens to cause infections in other swimmers who encounter it. Feces are a particular danger in pools, as the pathogens they contain are typically present in enormous numbers, approaching a million per gram of feces. A single fecal

release in a pool could contaminate millions of gallons of water, according to the University of Arizona’s College of Public Health. Large outbreaks of disease are uncommon, and they don’t typically happen in residential settings, but they should alert homeowners to just how contagious pathogens are when they’re waterborne.

Consider the following such cases:

• In 1998, in Georgia, 26 people were sickened after swimming in a pool with a child who had E. coli. Seven people were hospitalized, and one was killed by the outbreak. The pool’s chlorine level had not been adequately maintained.

• In New Mexico in 2008, a competitive swimmer who ignored symptoms of diarrhea caused 92 swimmers, including other competitive swimmers, coaches, and lifeguards, to contract the illness.

• In 2001, in an Illinois water park, 358 people contracted diarrhea, despite adequate chlorine and pH levels. Swimmers can add up to several pounds of feces per day in a typical water park.

Inspectors can benefit from learning the basic pathogens that are commonly found in swimming pools:

Bacteria, such as E. coli, shigella (which causes dysentery), campylobacter and salmonella. Bacteria are generally killed quickly by chlorine disinfectant in properly maintained swimming pools at a concentration of 1 part per million. E. coli, for instance, will be inactivated in less than one minute if exposed to typical disinfectant concentrations.

Protozoa, such as cryptosporidium (which causes diarrhea), and giardia, also known for its severe gastrointestinal effects. Some of these pathogens are highly resistant to chlorine and can survive for days in typical chlorine concentrations, and hepatitis A and noroviruses.

Pool disinfectants can kill most germs in less than an hour, but for others it can take longer. Cryptosporidium, for instance, can survive for up to 10 days in a properly chlorinated pool, and other pathogens are completely resistant to chlorine. In addition, the unique circulation patterns found in pools may allow poor water circulation in some areas, making it unlikely that all pathogen activity can be fully

prevented. The unfortunate truth is that chlorinated swimming pools can and do transmit disease.

Swimmers should not rely solely on the pool’s chemical treatments, and should heed the following precautions:

• Don’t ever swallow pool water. Children sometimes jokingly spit pool water back into the pool or at their friends, but this is dangerous, as some of it may be swallowed.

• Shower with soap and water before and after swimming.

• Wash your hands with soap and water after using a toilet or changing diapers.

• Remove small children from pools for bathroom breaks and check diapers often.

• Change diapers in a bathroom, not beside the pool.

• Wash children, especially their rear ends, thoroughly with soap and water before they enter a pool.

• Don’t swim when you have diarrhea. Diarrhea can be transmitted in pool water weeks after symptoms cease.

In summary, pathogens can easily permeate an entire pool. Some are resistant to chlorination. Inspectors should advise their clients that chemical treatments for pools and spas are best supplemented with good hygiene.

TRANSFORM YOUR SLEEP 3 KEY STEPS TO

By Steve L. Adams, CEO | Tiger Performance Institute | tigerpi.com

SOMETIMES WE MAY LOSE OUT ON SLEEP DUE TO STRESS, INSOMNIA, OR OTHER FACTORS. READ ON TO FIND OUT HOW TO CHANGE THIS TO GET ALL OF THE SLEEP YOU NEED!

there’s one thing guaranteed to massively boost your performance. It’s so easy, you can do it with your eyes closed: Sleep. Improving sleep can be an elusive pipe dream for many people suffering from insomnia, racing thoughts, or chronic stress. However, when you break it down and make it simple, like any other habit, success in transforming your sleep can be attained.

Here are 3 key steps to transform your sleep:

BE CONSISTENT

Your body and brain crave consistency. Whether it’s stretching, eating habits, or sleep, giving the body and brain consistent feedback will often yield consistent results. Setting a lifestyle pattern of going to bed and waking up at the same time each day gives

your body and brain the consistent feedback it needs to know what to do at night. If you want to transform your sleep, go to bed and wake up at the same time, seven days a week.

REGULATE YOUR STRESS LEVELS

Stress is cumulative, meaning, it adds up. The smallest events happening throughout the day cause your stress response to activate. This could be a sales meeting, exercising, eating a large meal, or even a lingering thought about a past or future event. It is important to learn to oscillate between stress and recovery throughout the day so that, when it comes time to catch some Z’s, your brain has been primed to rest. Oscillation can come from a breathing practice, walking in nature, talking with a loved one, or really anything that you find joy in doing. If you

want to transform your sleep, take time every day for recovery.

PLAN THE TIMING OF YOUR LAST MEAL

Eating too close to bedtime causes the body to be more focused on the process of digestion, rather than restoration. During restful sleep, your body’s systems work hard at a micro-level to heal, repair, and cleanse the body for the next day. If you eat too late at night, this process gets put off until digestion is complete. If you want to transform your sleep, avoid eating 2-3 hours prior to going to bed.

Remember, to attain restful sleep you must follow all three steps and practice them to perfection.

The number one hazard for children is falls, which are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in the U.S. for this age group. About 8,000 youngsters wind up in emergency rooms every day for injuries related to falling, adding up to almost 2.8 million per year. With those statistics in mind, it is worth looking at what can be done to prevent such injuries in the home.

In trying to fathom how so many children can be injured on a daily basis from something as simple as slipping and falling, we need to consider an important factor, which is height. Oftentimes, when observing small children at play, we are amazed at

Child-Proofing Windows & Stairs

By NICK GROMICKO, CMI®

their dexterity and ability to take what looks like a fairly serious tumble and hop right back up, unfazed. Likewise, a slip or fall for most adults, more often than not, leads to little more than a poorly chosen expletive being uttered. However, imagine a small child falling a distance equivalent to the average height of an adult, and we begin to see where the danger lies. With this to consider, let’s closer look at two of the most important areas to childproof in a home: windows and staircases.

STAIRCASES

The first thing that probably comes to mind when examining child safety in relation to stairways and staircases is

a safety gate, and with good reason: falling down the stairs can be a serious hazard for an infant or toddler who is just learning to navigate his or her surroundings. When properly installed, high-quality safety gates can help eliminate this possibility.

SAFETY GATES

A safety gate is a gate that is temporarily installed in a door or stairway. It allows adults to unlock and pass, but small children will be unable to open it. There are two basic types of gates which differ in the way they are installed. The first type is a pressuremounted gate. These safety gates are fixed in place by pressure against walls

or a doorway. They can be used in doorways between rooms, such as for keeping crawling babies out of a kitchen during cooking, but they are not suitable for keeping kids out of other areas, such as the top of a stairway, where falling could be a risk.

The other type of safety gate, which is recommended specifically for stairways, is hardware mounted. These gates will mount solidly in place with screws but are still easily removable for times when they are unnecessary. A hardware-mounted safety gate will prevent small children from entering stairways where accidents could occur.

When choosing a safety gate, you can refer to established ASTM standards for these products, and some manufacturers also participate in a certification program administered by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Any gate you choose should meet the ASTM standards, which will ensure that the gate itself poses no hazard to the child. Products that comply with these standards will have a sticker on the packaging or on the unit itself.

RAILINGS

For parents of children who have outgrown the need for safety gates but are still small and curious, especially those prone to climbing on things, baluster spacing on the handrail becomes a concern. A home inspector knows that a stairway with four or more risers should have a continuous handrail not lower than 34 inches or taller than 38 inches on at least one side, with

balustrades less than three and a half inches apart from each other. If you have spaces between vertical rails or risers that will allow an object larger than four inches to pass between them, they should be reported during an inspection as in need of repair because they pose a risk to a child who tries to climb on the rail or gets stuck between them.

WINDOWS

If the dangers associated with falling are compounded by the height of the fall, then windows can present an even greater concern than stairways. It is estimated that more than 4,000 children are treated every year in emergency rooms for injuries sustained by falling from windows. Risk of injury from window-related accidents in the home can be minimized by addressing several common issues.

The first thing and simplest thing to do is to ensure that there is no furniture situated in areas that would make it easy for a child to reach and open or close a window. Any furniture a child could potentially climb on should be moved away from windows.

LATCHES, STOPS AND GUARDS

As children begin to grow to heights where they may be able to access windows from a standing position, it is important to install secure, child-proof latches. There are many types of window latches that, similar to safety gates, will allow an adult to easily open and close windows, but will prevent kids from doing the same.

Also available are window stops, which will not allow the window to be opened wider than a pre-determined width. The recommended opening for balustrade and railing spacing, should be less than three and a half inches. This eliminates the possibility of a child or one of his limbs to pass through. These stops are easily removable by an adult whenever necessary.

An additional option to consider is a window guard. A window guard can be vertical or horizontal. It attaches to a frame and can be removed by an adult but will deter a child. Guards have some form of bars or beams across them, which should be no more than four inches apart. Window guards maintain the functionality of the window while ensuring a child’s safety while the window is open. However, even with a guard installed, kids should not be allowed to play around windows, whether they are open or closed. Try to open windows only from the top, if possible. And never rely on window screens to keep a child from falling, as that is not the function they are designed for.

With some foresight, a few clever and fairly inexpensive products, and proper adherence to building codes, the risk of injury from falling can be successfully minimized. Your inspector can assess the safety issues in your home and advise you on the most effective childproofing measures to keep your family safe.

A NEW ERA FOR HOME INSPECTORS:

Uncovering the Success of INSPECTOR CALL CENTER

By STIRLING COX | MANAGING DIRECTOR | INSPECTORCALLCENTER.COM

Origin Story: A Confluence of Expertise and Vision

At the heart of Inspector Call Center (ICC) are two dynamic entrepreneurs, Mike Podrazhansky, and Stirling Cox, who have embarked on a mission to revolutionize an industry in need of innovative disruption—call centers for home inspectors. Their union was born out of mutual interests, shared vision, and complementary skill sets.

Mike, with a rich background in software development, is the founder of Global Management Technologies (GMT), a trailblazer in providing scheduling solutions for some of the largest call centers in the country. His technical acumen coupled with a deep understanding of call center operations put him in an ideal position to instigate industry change.

Then there's Stirling, a powerhouse of corporate experience and entrepreneurial spirit. Following a stint at JPMorgan and Harvard Business School, he was instrumental in the growth of AlphaSights, a budding market

research firm. Under his guidance, AlphaSights bloomed from a small enterprise to a team of over 150 in just half a decade.

The fusion of Mike's technical prowess and Stirling's business savvy led them to an industry ripe for innovation—the call center sector. They identified the home inspection industry as an underserved area within this sector. Here, they saw not only potential for improvement, but a chance to enact real change.

Their journey began with the acquisition of a 15-year-old call center based in Atlanta, Georgia. The center had humble beginnings, started by the wife of a home inspector who began by assisting her husband and his peers, before identifying the broader need for an industry-specific call center.

Despite its strong foundational knowledge of the home inspection industry and robust training systems, the call center was not without its flaws. It suffered from a lack of strategic talent development, minimal technological

adoption, and an absence of investment in innovation and growth. However, where others saw challenges, Mike and Stirling saw opportunity. They envisaged a future where they could leverage their collective experience to transform this call center into a game-changing model for the home inspection industry.

As the alliance of these visionary entrepreneurs solidified, the stage was set for an industry-wide revolution. The traditional call center in Atlanta, once an overlooked facet of the home inspection industry, was poised to become a catalyst for transformation, setting a new standard for service and innovation in the field.

Awakening: Revolutionizing Call Centers with People and Tech

Mike and Stirling envisioned a future where talent from across the country would feel encouraged to participate in the home inspection industry's growth. The latent

potential of over 300 million people in the U.S. formed a vast, untapped reservoir, ready to be channeled in the right direction.

When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, it compelled businesses to re-evaluate their working models. While some saw the shift to work-from-home as a challenge, Mike and Stirling embraced it as an opportunity. They leveraged the latest advancements in technology to launch Inspector Call Center as a fully virtual service. Their vision transcended geographical boundaries, tapping into the enormous American workforce spread across the nation, regardless of location.

The core of their model was meritocracy. Tenure took a backseat while performance and potential took the front row. The virtual model was further bolstered by the design of advanced training programs, bridging any potential communication gaps. By fostering connections virtually, they created a robust culture that transcended the confines of physical office spaces.

Transition and Innovation: A Paradigm Shift

The industry-standard model of hourly remuneration was born from the logic of linear time and task correlation—the longer you work, the more you earn. However, Mike and Stirling realized this didn't necessarily translate into increased productivity, nor did it align with the actual goals of the home inspection companies they were partnering with.

Thus, they decided to flip the conventional wage system on its head, opting for a bold, merit-based structure that emphasized output over hours. Driven by the adage "Whatever you incentivize, you will get," they implemented a commission-based incentive structure.

In the new system, the remuneration of the call center staff was intrinsically linked to the desired objectives of their clients—expanding agent usage, augmenting referrals, and amplifying bookings. It wasn't just about paying for time anymore—it was about compensating for results.

The decision had an incredible impact on productivity and customer satisfaction. It fostered a sense of ownership among the staff,

motivated by the direct correlation between their efforts and earnings. The payoff was immediate, with a remarkable 45% uptick in conversion ratios and a dramatic 62% reduction in hold times.

Recognizing the importance of data in driving strategic decisions, they also introduced automated reporting technology, creating an information goldmine for their clients.

This technology empowered clients with actionable business insights, enabling them to monitor their operations, identify growth opportunities, and make data-driven decisions. It illuminated areas for pricing optimization, provided a clearer picture of marketing effectiveness, and allowed the identification of industry trends, marking a significant leap forward from the traditional call center practices.

Our Unique Value: Redefining the Home Inspection Experience

At the core of Mike and Stirling’s vision lies a singular, potent belief: Every home inspection company deserves better. Before the inception

of Inspector Call Center, home inspectors were bogged down with high-stress workloads, limited visibility into their operations, revenue leaks, and constantly simmering agent dissatisfaction.

Home inspection companies relying on traditional call centers, often grappled with inadequate reporting and uninspired, hourlypaid staff whose motivation did not align with the company’s goals. Long wait times and a general lack of expertise led to poor service, often resulting in upset agents and buyers.

Home inspection companies choosing to handle calls in-house, often found themselves missing calls while juggling myriad responsibilities. Agents and buyers were aware that immediate assistance wasn't always available, which significantly affected their perception of service quality.

Enter Inspector Call Center, a revolutionary solution designed to transform the home inspection experience. With our services, companies found themselves on the fast track to growth, armed with increased visibility, enhanced controls, and, most importantly, a better brand reputation.

We ensured agents received a gold-star experience, knowing that they would always be catered to by a knowledgeable and dedicated team that understood the specific needs and nuances of the home inspection industry. Buyers, too, understood that they weren't just engaging with another company—they were partnering with a trusted ally that had their back at every stage of the home buying process.

This fresh approach to call center operations didn't just optimize profits for home inspection companies; it also engendered increased agent interest. Companies could finally escape the ceaseless cycle of damage control and channel their energies into building a recognizable brand.

Success Stories: Evidence of Transformation

The unique value proposition of Inspector Call Center has not only remained a compelling theory but has been brought to life by a series of success stories that underscore the transformative power of our innovation.

Upon acquiring a franchise in Indiana, a new home inspector couple decide to engage with Inspector Call Center. This strategic decision paid off, enabling their small venture to grow into a bustling operation with 11 professional home inspectors.

Another inspection group that utilized our advanced reporting features. Armed with the insights from our detailed reports, they reconnected with agents they had previously lost touch with, generating over $19,000 of additional revenue. This case study highlights how our data-centric approach can directly influence profitability.

A Texas based group that migrated to Inspector Call Center from another service, witnessed their bookings triple within just 12 months—a clear signal of how our bespoke approach to call center operations in the home inspection industry can drive results.

Lastly, consider a single inspector with big

ambitions, who, upon collaborating with ICC, was catapulted into a team of three inspectors, handling a remarkable 1,100 inspections within just 18 months.

The Team Behind the Scenes: Empowering Exceptional Talent

The team at Inspector Call Center is the beating heart of our operations, an exceptional ensemble of diverse individuals united by a common goal: to redefine the home inspection experience.

Our talent pool spans the spectrum of the American workforce. From recent college graduates eager to make their mark, to stay-athome mothers seeking to leverage their skills in a flexible work environment. We are also home to former realtors who bring invaluable industry experience and individuals seeking a fulfilling work-from-home career. Our comprehensive recruiting system and a robust online brand presence allows us to tap into this diverse talent, cherry-picking those with the potential and drive to grow with us.

At the nexus of our team are our core values: Hustle, Drive, Ownership, Transparency, and Care. We don't just view these as mere buzzwords but as the guiding principles that inform every decision we make. Our compensation structure, centered around incentives, attracts those with a commercial mindset, individuals who understand the significance of maximizing revenue, upselling services, and keeping realtors engaged.

Our emphasis on state-of-the-art training ensures that our team members are equipped to handle complex inquiries, price inspections accurately, and schedule them efficiently. When agents or buyers speak with our team, they feel as if they are talking to local staff, familiar with the ins and outs of their specific needs.

Continually investing in our company culture, we offer an environment that encourages personal and professional growth. From offering competitive compensation and promoting a fun work environment to providing opportunities for rapid career advancement and continuous education, we ensure that our staff is motivated to invest their energy and skills in our clients.

Community and Philanthropy: Making a Difference Where It Matters

Despite its crucial role in the homebuying process, the home inspection industry often remains under-represented and underappreciated. Through our operations, we aim to shine a light on the industry's significance, one that underscores the immense financial commitment that families undertake when

purchasing a home.

We are not just on a mission to revolutionize the home inspection call center experience; we are also deeply committed to contributing positively to the wider community that we serve. Our position as a key intermediary between home inspectors, realtors, and home buyers gives us a unique perspective on the dynamics of the industry. Being on the phones all day with realtors and buyers provides us with a real-time pulse on shifting behaviors, emerging trends, and unmet needs.

In our quest to uplift the entire industry, we share these valuable findings with the broader home inspection community. By providing such information, we foster a deeper understanding of market dynamics, enabling all stakeholders to make more informed decisions and ultimately elevating the entire industry.

Vision for the Future: Empowering Growth, Ensuring Success

We envision a future where the home inspection industry fulfills its enormous potential, providing unparalleled service and value to families embarking on the largest

financial commitment of their live—home ownership.

Our mission is two-fold: to ensure home buyers understand what they are undertaking with their purchase, and to help realtors become trusted partners who can fulfill these home buyers' dreams. We understand the monumental role of home inspectors in this journey, and we aspire to be their most trusted ally. Our goal is to be the trusted partner of the home inspection industry by providing access to professionals who are not just employees, but individuals passionately dedicated to representing home inspectors.

We also aspire to empower the industry to reach new heights, constantly innovating, evolving, and raising the bar. We are driven by the belief that the home inspection industry holds a vital role in the financial futures of families. By fostering growth and excellence in this industry, we believe we can contribute to making those futures brighter and more secure.

Discover why inspectors nationwide are investing in our team to achieve outstanding agent referrals, improve their services, and boost their revenue.

Earthquake Preparedness Inspection

By NICK GROMICKO, CMI®

Inspecting for earthquake preparedness is not within the scope of InterNACHI’s Standards of Practice; however, an inspector may want to be aware of and look out for common weaknesses in a home in regions prone to even minor seismic activity. Homeowners significantly decrease the probability that their homes will be adversely affected by a seismic event if these weak spots have been identified and addressed before an earthquake strikes.

Facts and Figures

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 45 states and territories in the United States are at moderate to very high risk for earthquakes.

A new report by the U.S. Geological Survey and FEMA estimates that earthquake

damage costs the United States $14.7 billion annually—a 140 percent increase over the previous estimate of $6.1 billion per year from 2017. Earthquakes haven’t gotten more dangerous since 2017.

Shaking ground accounts for 99% of earthquake-related damage to residences. Other earthquake-related events, such as fault ruptures, liquefaction of soil, dam failure, lateral spreading, landslide, and tsunami account for the remaining 1% of damage.

Potential Hazards

Natural gas connections may rupture or break during an earthquake, which, if ignited by an errant spark or other catalyst, results in gas leaks, fire and/or explosion. Full water heaters typically weigh approximately 450 pounds. Unbraced water heaters may

Earthquakes are a serious threat to life and property not just in California, but in many parts of the United States. Areas of the country that are less prone to seismic activity typically have less stringent building codes that govern earthquake preparedness. Catastrophic earthquakes are rare, but even minor ones can cause substantial damage to homes that are not sufficiently reinforced.

fall over during an earthquake and rupture water, gas and/or electrical connections, resulting in an electrical or fire hazard. Homes that are not properly secured to their foundations or that do not have sturdy foundations may break loose and cause gas connections to rupture and a subsequent fire hazard. Older concrete foundations are at a higher risk because the concrete may have already started to crumble and weaken over time. Homes built on unreinforced concrete, brick or stone masonry foundations are also at a higher risk. Stud walls holding up a home’s crawlspace that are not properly braced for horizontal movement may fail, causing a home to fall. Homes that are built on steep slopes may collapse if the posts that support them are not properly braced. Walls that are constructed out of unreinforced clay, concrete, stone, adobe, or brick masonry

may fail in an earthquake because the mortar that binds them together is typically not strong enough to sustain seismic activity. Rooms that are built over garages may collapse during an earthquake because the strength of the walls in the vicinity of the opening of the garage door is reduced. Unreinforced masonry chimneys may collapse during an earthquake. The section above the roofline is particularly at risk, and bricks may fall into the home. Heavy furniture, shelving and appliances that are not anchored may become dislodged during an earthquake and can cause damage or injury or can block an emergency exit for occupants trying to escape. Windows may shatter during an earthquake and can cause injury. Toxic substances that are stored in breakable containers may spill during an earthquake and cause a hazard to occupants.

Inspection

InterNACHI inspectors may want to check for the following:

• Any appliances in the home that run on natural gas should be securely anchored to the floor or walls.

• Water and gas pipes should be flexible to prevent ruptures and leaks.

• If no automatic gas shutoff valve is installed, the manual gas shutoff valve should be in a location that is accessible to occupants in the event that they need to shut it off quickly.

• Shutoff valves should be tagged/labeled.

• Cement foundations should not be seriously cracked or crumbling.

• Homes should be securely bolted to the foundation.

• Wood stud walls supporting the first floor should be braced with plywood panels nailed to the studs or diagonal wood sheathing.

• Freestanding water heaters should be braced with steel plumber’s tape or with metal straps attached to wall studs.

• Braces or plywood panels should surround and reinforce garage doors that are not in line with the rest of the house.

• Masonry foundations and walls should be strengthened with steel reinforcement.

• Columns and walls that support homes on hillsides should be adequately braced.

• There should be sheet metal straps and angle bracing installed to hold the unreinforced masonry chimney to the house. Plywood panels should be present at the ceiling or roof to prevent bricks from falling into the home.

• Children’s’ play areas should be located away from the chimney.

• Large appliances and furniture inside the home should be secured to the walls or floor with flexible cable, braided wire, or metal strapping.

• Heavy objects or mirrors should be installed away from beds.

• Cabinets that contain heavy or breakable objects should be secured with sliding bolts or childproof latches on the doors.

• Hazardous materials should be kept in non-breakable containers and stored securely away from heat sources and appliances.

In summary, the extent of damage caused by an earthquake is typically more substantial if a home has not been prepared for an earthquake before it strikes.  Homeowners can take appropriate measures by having their homes inspected annually by an inspector.

VIEWS FROM THE 6 | TORONTO, CANADA

Toronto is one of Canada’s best-known cities, loved for its arts, culture, and its spectacular outdoor sights. It was further put on the map by several artists who are from this beloved city, including rapper Drake. Although travel is difficult due to the ongoing pandemic, enjoy this story and keep it in mind when travel opens up again!

By SELENE RIVERA

One of the first things you’ll want to do in Toronto is visit the CN Tower, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. It was featured on the cover of Drake’s album Views in 2016. Towering above the downtown, this Canadian icon can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. You can either appreciate the building from the ground or take a trip up to one of the observation areas or restaurants for fabulous views of the city and Lake Ontario. cntower.ca

Next, make sure to catch up on some magnificent art at Art Gallery of Ontario. Established in 1900, this wonderful art gallery has more than 90,000 items in its encyclopedic collection, which spans the last 2,000 years. Of particular note are its collections of Canadian and Indigenous art, though it also has notable works by European masters like Rembrandt, Auguste Rodin, and Pablo Picasso. ago.ca

You can also check out a different type of museum at Royal Ontario Museum, which covers not only art but also natural history and culture. It features collections from all over the globe and is one of Toronto’s most recognizable buildings. rom.on.ca

If you want to experience some entertainment in the city look no further than the Entertainment District. Often compared to New York’s Broadway, the district is where you can see major theater productions, the latest shows and musicals, concerts, and other performing arts. You’ll also find plenty of dining options and places for socializing, as well as hotels. If you’re looking for a bite to eat you’ll want to check out one of the area’s best-known restaurants, Kōst. It’s located on the 44th floor of the Bisha hotel where you can catch views of the aforementioned CN Tower. Inspired by the Baja Peninsula, Kōst offers an escape to the California coastline, with al fresco dining and an infinity pool. Featuring seasonal menus with

modern cuisine and refreshing cocktails, the eatery serves up breakfast, lunch, midday snacks, and dinner! kosttoronto.com

A similar lively area in Toronto that’s a must-visit is Kensington Market. Here you can get a true taste of Toronto’s multiculturalism with fresh food stores, used clothing shops, discount surplus stores, and hip cafés. Popular tourist spots in the area also include the landmark Number 8 Fire Station and the lovely Bellevue Square Park.

To shop until you drop zoom over to Yonge-Dunda Square which could be compared to a smaller version of Times Square in NYC. The square has flashy billboards and advertisements, subway stations, wide crosswalks, and plenty of restaurants and stores to flock to. Nearby you’ll find CF Toronto Eaton Centre, a huge shopping mall with 250+ retailers, restaurants, and services. cfshops.com

Two things you might not expect to find in Toronto are islands and castles, but on the contrary they are actually two well-known tourist destinations that you must experience! The castle, Casa Loma, is a Gothic Revival Castle that is one of the most unique examples of architecture in the city. The castle was built in 1914 by wealthy financier Sir Henry Pellatt, where he lived with his wife for many years. It took three years and $3.5 million to build, but as Pellatt kept expanding the property, he fell further and further into debt and eventually had to abandon the property. The castle once functioned as a hotel in the late 1920’s but failed to take off, causing the City of Toronto to

Royal Ontario Museum

Casa Loma

purchase it and operate it as a tourist attraction, which is still how it’s preserved today. casaloma.ca

There are 13 islands in Lake Ontario that are spread out across 820 acres. They go by the name the Toronto Islands and the most popular, Centre Island, features a massive park with picnic areas, a beach, magnificent gardens, and even an amusement park called Centreville. At Centreville there’s plenty to enjoy with bumper cars, rollercoasters, log flumes, Ferris wheels, and more. centreisland.ca

Now that you’ve walked a good portion of the city, take a break from the urban landscape by indulging in some nature and beauty. High Park, located in downtown Toronto, is the perfect spot to get a breath of fresh air and relax a bit. It’s the largest recreational and natural park in the downtown area and features cultural facilities, sporting facilities, educational facilities, playgrounds, hiking trails, and gardens. It even has a zoo, an outdoor public wading pool, an ice rink, a restaurant, and in the summer, Shakespearean plays are hosted here. highparktoronto.com

For another great park that’s not embedded in the city, take a trek to Rouge National Urban Park. This park is home to one of the region’s largest marshes, as well as beautiful beaches, the city’s only campground, and tons of scenic hiking trails. The park offers guided walks, children’s programs, fishing, watersports, bird watching, and other activities. pc.gc.ca

CN Tower

High Park

What’s a trip to Canada without seeing the great Niagara Falls? While it’s true that you can view this beauty from within the United States in New York, the other side of Niagara Falls is something you’ll want to see. It’s quite the boast, offering a different perspective to visitors who have only seen the American side of it. It’s about a 90-minute drive out of Toronto, requiring you to drive around Lake Ontario, but it’s well worth it! To soak in the full experience, you can view the falls multiple ways: Enter the splash zone on a Hornblower cruise or zoom up the Skylon Tower on a yellow bug escalator for an aerial vista. You can also plunge 150 feet through the tunnels of the “Journey Behind the Falls” attraction to feel the thunder of the roaring waters up close! niagarafallstourism.com

One more exciting natural sight you’ll want to check out is Bluffer’s Park and Beach. Located in Scarborough, it’s about a 40-minute drive from the city center, and it’s a little paradise! You can relax by the beach, hike up to one of the lookouts, or sit down for a picnic, all next to sparkly blue water and gorgeous cliffs! It’s considered the most beautiful beach in Toronto, so when visiting during the summer months, make sure to pack a swimsuit and towel! toronto.ca

Toronto definitely has much more to explore, warranting several trips back and more notes to be added to your Canada bucket list. But for now, you were able to explore beaches, national parks, malls, numerous cultural-filled neighborhoods, landmarks, and more. Now you can see why Drake and so many other proud Canadians are happy to rep Toronto (or T-Dot) with vigor!

Eaton Centre

Dust Mite Inspection

Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that thrive indoors in warm, moist places, such as the insides of pillows and mattresses. They feed on dead skin that is regularly shed by humans and their pets. The harm posed to building occupants by dust mites is slight compared to other minuscule bed-dwellers, such as bed bugs. Yet, unlike those blood-sucking parasites, dust mites live in virtually every home and in large numbers. Due to their small size, access to copious quantities of food, and an insatiable desire to breed, dust mites can number 100,000 in just one square yard of carpet. They are a known allergen and can create allergic reactions in prone individuals, so it’s important to learn dust-mite detection and populationmanagement strategies.

By NICK GROMICKO, CMI®

Size and Identification

At just 0.42mm in length and 0.25mm to 0.32mm in width, typical dust mites are barely visible against a dark background in normal light, and a microscope is required to clearly see their features. Creamy blue in color and rectangular-shaped, they have eight hairy legs, and no eyes or antennae. While their presence can be confirmed microscopically, testing is an

unnecessary expense because they virtually always show up in tests.

Allergies

Dust mites are medically significant because their feces contain a protein that can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. The following are some of the more common allergy symptoms experienced by sufferers: asthma and difficulty

breathing; in a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose; hay fever; runny nose; itchy, red or watery eyes; nasal congestion; itchy nose, roof of mouth and/or throat; postnasal drip; facial pressure and pain; cough; and swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes.

While there exists a genetic predisposition to allergic reactions, they can also develop over time,

especially from childhood exposure. Eighteen to 30% of Americans are allergic to dust mites’ feces, and almost half of all American homes have dust mite allergen levels that are high enough to create sensitivity in people who were not previously allergic. A doctor can confirm a dust mite allergy using skin or blood tests.

Eradication and Management

Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate powder is used to eradicate house dust mites. Non-chemical measures, such as limiting the availability of food, adjusting living conditions, and removing or killing the critters themselves can also be effective. Specifically, homeowners can practice the following management practices: Reduce humidity levels. Studies have shown that the use of an air conditioner or electric blanket can dehumidify sufficiently to reduce the number of dust mites found in the home. Dust. Before you vacuum, dust surfaces with a damp cloth, and be careful not to scatter the dust. Vacuum. The vacuum is the most important tool in the homeowner’s dust mite arsenal. Thorough, regular vacuuming of carpets,

furniture, textiles, and other home furnishings will keep dust mite populations in check. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to avoid re-dispersal of dust into the home. The person with the allergy should not be the one performing the cleaning. Use air purifiers. A HEPA filter air purifier will reduce the level of airborne dust mites. The effectiveness of these products is limited, however, as dust mites are generally not airborne. Isolate pets. Pets create large amounts of dander, which is a food source for dust mites.

Locate these pets’ sleeping quarters far from your own and in an area that can be cleaned easily, such as on washable hardwood or vinyl floors. If possible, avoid the adoption of excessively furry pets, and groom them regularly

The vacuum is the most important tool in the homeowner’s dust mite arsenal. Thorough, regular vacuuming of carpets, furniture, textiles, and other home furnishings will keep dust mite populations in check.

outdoors. Isolate fabrics. Move all upholstered furniture, clothes, draperies, carpets and rugs away from the allergic individual’s sleeping quarters. Reduce air infiltration. Open doors and windows can allow the entry of pollen, which serves as food for dust mites and is itself an allergen. Damp summer air can also flow indoors and increase humidity levels, which encourages the spread of dust mites. Launder bedding. Research has shown that laundering with any detergent in warm water (77° F) removes nearly all dust mites from bedding. Ten minutes in a household clothes dryer at high temperatures will kill all dust mites in bedding.

Exaggeration and fearmongering have spurred an

entire industry of detergents, air filters and other products that purportedly protect building occupants against dust mites, which are harmless to those who are not allergic. These products often don’t work as advertised and are rarely as effective as the simple measures described. Do your research before buying into clever marketing and be sure to hire an IAC2 certified InterNACHI inspector if you have any worries about household pests or air quality.

In summary, dust mites are small, house-dwelling critters that can create allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Their numbers can be managed through relatively simple strategies.

last c concho

This drink’s sunset coloring gives a nostalgic touch, while its combination of Ron Barceló Añejo, Triple sec, citrus pineapple mix, and grenadine gives it a sweet and sour zing for a symbolic finish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1.5 fl. oz Ron Barceló Añejo

• 0.5 fl. oz Triple sec

• 2.0 fl. oz. Citrus pineapple mix

• Garnish: Touch of Grenadine

PREPARATION:

First, combine all ingredients into a shaker and shake vigorously. Then, pour into a small coupe glass over crushed ice. Garnish with a touch of grenadine. Enjoy!

IEB UNITE 2023

With IEB, it’s all about culture, connection, and content! The inspection industry came together to have real conversations about what it means to run a home inspection company as a thriving, profitable business. This successful event had more than 200 attendees representing over 100 home inspection companies across North America. Nationally renowned speakers from both inside and outside the home inspection industry spoke on a wide variety of topics. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, dinner, parties, and time building relationships with the most professional and fastest growing inspection companies in the nation. Some of the top sponsors for this event were Spectora, Good Bull Content Co., PRO-LAB®, Rocket Station, InterNACHI, ISN, WolfPack Advising, Inspector Call Center and more!

DEAR NICK

NICK IS THE FOUNDER OF INTERNACHI®, THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED HOME INSPECTORS, BASED IN BOULDER, COLORADO. INTERNACHI® IS THE WORLD’S LARGEST ASSOCIATION OF PROPERTY INSPECTORS — WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST WEBSITES ON THE INTERNET AT WWW.NACHI.ORG — OFFERING EDUCATION, TRAINING, BENEFITS AND SUPPORT TO ITS MEMBERS TO HELP THEM SUCCEED IN THE HOME INSPECTION INDUSTRY.

IT’S TIME YOU REFRAME THE SITUATION

A.We’ve all broken something during an inspection. We’re not talking about accidentally knocking over a vase or putting a gouge in a doorframe with your toolbox. We’re talking about snapping the handle off a hose bibb or putting your foot through the roof of the garage, and similar mishaps. If this has ever happened to you and your first instinct is to calculate a discount on your service fees while offering profuse apologies, it’s time you reframed the situation. Your client shouldn’t be upset with you; they should be thanking you!

According to InterNACHI’s Standards of Practice for Performing a General Home Inspection (and any other state-mandated SOP you’re required to follow), you’re performing a non-invasive, visual examination of

the home’s systems and components that is designed to identify defects. When you perform any type of testing to verify functionality, you’re using normal operating controls under normal conditions, and assuming regular maintenance.

So, when the photo-electric eyes on the garage door become stuck in the “on” position and the door or motorized components overheat, become disabled, or simply break, you’ve just identified a major defect and serious safety hazard. Your client should be grateful that it was a trained inspector who discovered the defect, rather than the family’s inexperienced teenage driver who may panic and try to hide the problem from mom and dad.

Likewise, although roofs aren’t made to be regularly walked on the way stairs and sidewalks are, they’re

constructed to support multiple roof layers, as well as snow loads, and even workers repairing or replacing them. So, if you manage to put your foot through the roof, you’ve discovered a severely weakened area that was likely going to give the next time heavy weather hits, or when dad tries to install a satellite dish, clean the gutters, or mount a lighted holiday display. You haven’t caused damage; you’ve actually spared your client from disaster.

The same logic applies to other components that the homeowner may rarely or never touch, such as the various switches and shutoff valves you inspect. If by merely operating it under normal conditions, the switch or valve or component breaks off, malfunctions, or just falls apart in your hands, you’ve just identified a serious defect and alerted your client

to an immediate repair issue. It’s truly impossible to calculate the expense and grief you’ve saved your clients by encountering such a problem before they do.

Use this simple test: If it would break during normal use for your clients on the day they moved into the house, could you imagine that your clients (rightly or wrongly) might call you and complain, even if it wasn’t your job to check it? If your answer is “yes,” then it would not be your fault that it broke at the inspection during normal operation if you did happen to check it—and certainly not your responsibility to have it repaired.

Remember to reframe the situation the next time you think you’ve caused damage during an inspection: It’s not your responsibility to repair things; it’s your responsibility to break them!

Q. NICK, I WAS TESTING A GARAGE DOOR AND THE ENTIRE DOOR COLLAPSED ON ME. IS THIS MY FAULT?