Think Magazine Vol 1 Issue 4

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

VANESSA C. GUZMAN

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nick Gromicko

Chad Hett

Greg Johns Kenton Shepard

Kate Tarasenko

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

Lisa Verdeza 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

THINKMAGAZINE.US

RIVIAN

With an R1T, just bring everything you think you might need. Since there’s no fuel tank, the sleeping bags, sleeping pads, fishing poles and waders can go in the Gear Tunnel, behind the rear seats. Since it doesn’t have an engine, your food fits in the front trunk, on top of the Off-Road Recovery Kit. There’s plenty of room for the cargo that turns trips into memories.

The motors, brakes, suspension, chassis, battery systems—all the vital components

that make an R1T go are contained within our electric vehicle platform. Fitting all that engineering into such a compact structure meant that we could give the R1T capabilities you won’t find in most other pickups.

“We didn’t have to have all the components of a traditional truck,” says Luke Mack, Senior Exterior Designer. “We could take advantage of the packaging and design something that was totally different.” rom early on in its development, we would often design the vehicle around storage. For the front trunk, we set and held to a

best-in-class volume, so we could be sure that customers had a comfortable place for groceries, with flexible space for travel and adventure gear.

It was a vehicle-wide philosophy. “In the Gear Tunnel,” says Jonathan Szczupak, Senior Manager of Exterior Design, “we designed every millimeter, maximizing its storage volume.” Even the doors that fold down to access the Gear Tunnel have usable space. “At the time, we didn’t even know what we wanted to put in there,” he says.

“But we knew that people would find ways

R1T

to use it.” Today, one door holds the first aid kit, and the other holds hoses for the built-in air compressor.

In the cabin, the Rivian platform eliminates the center hump for the transmission tunnel you see inside most trucks. Since the R1T’s floor is nearly flat, Senior Interior Designer Roman Mistiuk and his team could build a center console optimized for convenience and capacity.

It starts next to the driver’s feet, with a tray that’s ideal for bags or other items you want within reach but need to stay put. Above

that, just below the armrests, there’s a non-slip shelf with wireless charging, a groove for small items and a button that opens two cupholders. At the top, the armrests swing up to reveal the deep, rubber- and fabric-lined main compartment. “You store things, you charge your phone,” Roman says. “It’s like your service station.”

Front Trunk

Use the cargo shelf to separate the lower level (a spare charging cable, Rivian’s Off-Road Recovery Kit) from the upper (a long camping trip’s worth of food and water). If the inside

gets dirty, pull the drain plug and rinse it out.

Truck Bed

Besides transporting gravel or securing dirt bikes using the four cargo tie-downs, the bed is useful for large, loose items such as coolers and external frame backpacks thanks to the retractable locking cover. Loop our Gear Guard security cables through your belongings for extra security while a dedicated camera keeps watch. R1Ts without the optional full-size spare can use the spare tire compartment, which is weatherproof and has an integrated drain plug for cleaning and tailgating.

RIVIAN.COM

AFCI Testers

By NICK GROMICKO, CMI® AND KENTON SHERPARD

What are AFCIs?

Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are special types of electrical receptacles (or outlets) and circuit breakers designed to detect and respond to potentially dangerous electrical arcs in home branch wiring.

What are AFCI testers or indicators?

AFCI tester indicators (sometimes called AFCI testers) are portable devices designed to test AFCI functionality. They create waveform patterns similar to those produced by actual arc faults, thereby causing working AFCIs to trip. AFCI indicators are considerably larger and more

expensive (by several hundred dollars) than ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) indicators and are of questionable effectiveness. For these reasons, they are not used as widely as GFCI indicators.

Why are AFCI indicators important?

While an AFCI circuit breaker comes with a test button that performs a role similar to a portable AFCI indicator, this button cannot test for arc faults within individual portions of the branch circuit. An AFCI indicator, however, can test any individual receptacle within the branch. InterNACHI inspectors should use AFCI

indicators to inspect receptacles observed and deemed to be AFCI-protected.

How do they work?

AFCI indicators should be inserted directly into the receptacle. Some AFCI indicators, such as the popular #61-165 model produced by Ideal™, offer several testing options. This indicator creates eight to 12 pulses of 106–141-amp charges in less than a second which should be recognized by the AFCI as a dangerous arc and cause it to open the circuit that it serves. The indicator can also test for nuisance tripping, the annoying tendency of an AFCI to open

its circuit when it detects a safe, shared neutral connection. For this test, it produces a 300mA arc that should not cause the AFCI to trip. Some AFCI indicators conveniently incorporate a GFCI indicator into their design.

AFCI indicators are somewhat larger than GFCI indicators, but they are operated in the same way. An inspector simply inserts one into a receptacle and navigates the menu in order to produce the desired electric current. The user will know that the circuit in question has been tripped if the AFCI device loses power. If this occurs following an AFCI test, the AFCI is functioning properly. The user should then go to the electrical panel to reset the AFCI breaker. If the test results in the failure of an AFCI breaker to open the circuit, then a qualified electrician should be contacted.

How effective are they?

It is important to understand the distinction between an AFCI indicator and

the test button on an AFCI device. The latter produces an actual arc fault and can be relied upon to assess the functionality of the AFCI. An indicator, by contrast, creates waveforms that are not true arcs but are characteristic of them and are thus not a completely reliable measure of an AFCI’s functionality. As a result of this distinction, an indicator might not cause a perfectly functional AFCI to trip. Although commonly called testers, it is more appropriate to refer to them as indicators, despite terminology that often appears in AFCI “tester” user guides.

Underwriters Laboratories, a producttesting organization that develops product standards, requires AFCI indicators to include the following information detailing this limitation in their product manuals: CAUTION: AFCIs recognize characteristics unique to arcing, and AFCI indicators produce characteristics that mimic some forms of arcing. Because of this, the indicator may give a false indication that the AFCI is not functioning properly. If this occurs,

recheck the operation of the AFCI using the test and reset buttons. The AFCI button test function will demonstrate proper operation. This caution implies that an AFCI is working properly if the indicator causes it to trip, but the reverse is not necessarily true. An AFCI that does not trip as a result of an indicator may actually be perfectly fine. The test button on the circuit interrupter can be used to confirm its malfunction in the event that the indicator does not cause it to trip. Manufacturers claim that their AFCI indicators provide a universal method to test AFCIs that are produced by different companies.

In summary, AFCI indicators help ensure that AFCIs are properly monitoring the circuits that they serve for dangerous arc faults. These devices create electrical waveforms characteristic of those produced by an actual arc. As their effectiveness has been debated, they should be viewed as a complement to the test button on an AFCI, rather than a substitute.

By Greg Johns Owner and Inspector cookeville.wini.com

Home Inspecting & Bedrooms

For the longest time we used to write “master” in our reports for the main/ primary bedroom and bathroom.

Remember when our cultural conscience caught up and we realized “master” might carry some displeasing baggage as an adjective for bedrooms? If you are reading this, and you still use “master” in your reporting, you aren’t alone – I’ve seen many an inspector’s report in my

region still utilizing this archaic term for orienting bedrooms and bathrooms. I also still hear clients, agents, and builders using the term.

Recently, I listened to a Freakonomics Radio podcast (episode 540 – “Swearing Is More Important Than You Think” [Audio podcast] by Dubner, Stephen J., whereby one of the interviewees – Melissa Mohr, an author – was talking about the evolution of swearing and linked a pivotal transition

in the history of swearing to the evolution of the home, in particular the bedroom.

Mohr explained, in this podcast interview, that homes were largely communal at one point in time with an open room, fire pit, and everybody sharing space for eating, communing, going the bathroom, and naked time. But, once the fireplace (yes, that drafty, unhealthy dastardly ne’er do-well by home performance standards) arrived

(crazy to think of a fireplace as “technology”), there was opportunity to begin changing the communal room. People with appropriate resources (top percenters, per usual) began adding these things called bedrooms, which began granting privacy.

In context of that portion of the podcast, the arc of Mohr’s information was to show how swear words that were once acceptable started to become taboo when privacy started to be

an option and shared experiences became private. All of this from adding a room for a bed. That’s pretty neat.

That’s right, bedrooms have not always existed. And, when we think about it, we have several examples of places we use as shelter lacking bedrooms – a family tent, yurts, cabins, sharecropper and enslaved quarters, itinerant worker camps – bedrooms really are taken for granted by most of us now. But, isn’t it wild to think about how important the function of a bedroom has been for family life, social life, and shared cultural understandings?

We home inspectors spend an awful lot of time, probably too much time, inspecting

and documenting a structure’s conditions for our clients. I have no problem saying that 12 years in, with very few vacations or breaks, I’m thousands of inspections toward homes blurring together, rooms blurring together, and just generally unimpressed with home layouts anymore. To the contrary, I really enjoy finding deficiency because it allows me to ask, “Why would someone put this together this way?!?” It sort of “pops” me awake from the norm.

Bedrooms were an advancement. Bedrooms changed how we viewed personal and public spaces. Bedrooms became the place where explicit conversation and topics were kept. Bedrooms are where you

go to “get away from people” and rest in private. Bedrooms partially shape the expectation for a portion of the American Dream via home ownership. Crazy. Even more absurd is to consider how much time we, as a culture, now spend in said bedrooms. The pendulum hath swung.

Where once we communed in living spaces, now we largely commune digitally in bedrooms, or stream video games… in bedrooms. We sleep, on average, 7-9 hours. If you split that difference and say 8 hrs., then that’s roughly 25 years in a bedroom IF you live to be 75 years old. Now, add in the time spent in the digital realm (does anyone read in bedrooms anymore?) while not sleeping, but

still in the bedroom. Meanwhile, our living rooms and family rooms can be found asking Alexa to play Eric Carmen’s song “All By Myself.”

Coming back to “master” as an adjective, it makes more sense why using this nomenclature no longer fits in our country –bedrooms are not for the ruling few, but are ubiquitous and democratically doled out to all within an abode. Also, most of us are in relationships where all parties work and contribute just to help keep us in said homes; there really is no head of household for many of us. In a lovely little twist of fate, we now all must commune together in work in order to afford for the privacy of individual bedrooms.

ROCKWOOL FOR INSULATION

By NICK GROMICKO, CMI®

Rockwool refers to a type of thermal insulation made from actual rocks and minerals. A wide range of products can be made from this material because of its superior ability to block heat and sound. Rockwool insulation is commonly used in building construction, industrial plants, and in automotive applications. The term “rockwool” is sometimes used interchangeably with “mineral wool,” although the latter term is, in fact, a larger category of thermal insulators that includes rockwool, slag wool, and fiberglass.

Production

Rockwool is produced naturally during volcanic eruptions when high winds flow upon lava streams of basalt or diabase. This was the case when, in the early 1900s, Hawaiian volcanologists found an unusual, wool-like rock fiber hanging from trees near Mount Kilauea, and it wasn’t long before the fiber’s exceptional qualities were discovered.

Today, this process is replicated in commercial furnaces where minerals and other raw materials are heated to roughly 2,910° F (1,600° C) and subjected to a current of steam or air. Oil is also added during production to decrease the formation of dust. More advanced techniques require rotating the molten rock at high speeds in a spinning wheel, resembling the way that cotton candy is made.

Finished rockwool is a mass of fine intertwined fibers that are bound together with starch and used as loose fill or assembled into blankets (batts and rolls). The main producers of rockwool in the U.S. are located in North Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Indiana.

Rockwool’s Performance as an Insulator

The individual fibers that compose rockwool

insulation are good conductors of heat on their own, but sheets and rolls of this insulation are efficient at blocking the transfer of heat. They are often used to prevent the spread of fire in buildings, considering their extremely high melting point of 1,800° F to 2,000° F. With an R-value of 3.10 to 4.0, rockwool can play a significant role in reducing energy consumption in homes and businesses.

Problems sometimes arise because rockwool can retain a large amount of water, although gravity will allow it to drain, as long as it has a path to escape.

Common Applications

• In loose-fill form, it can be used for insulating equipment, tanks, pipelines, ovens and furnaces.

• It is used in the manufacture of acoustical ceiling tiles.

• It is used as for residential, commercial and industrial insulation. Rockwool is very effective for use as insulation behind and around electrical boxes, wires and pipes. It can fill most wall cavities, leaving virtually no voids.

• It is also used as spray-on fireproofing material.

Safety

While many man-made mineral fibers are considered dangerous to humans, the danger is limited mostly to biopersistant materials, such as special-purpose glass wools and refractory ceramic fibers. The more common types of rockwool used as insulation are considered by the International Agency for Research on Cancer to be “not classifiable as carcinogenic in humans.” Rockwool can cause skin irritation, although this condition is a temporary mechanical irritation, rather than a more serious chemical irritation. Regardless, it is always good practice for homeowners, inspectors and contractors to wear quality gloves and other personal protective equipment while handling rockwool, or any other insulation.

In summary, rockwool is a type of thermal insulation made from heated, naturally occurring minerals. It is generally considered to be safe and effective.

Greenhouse Inspection

Agreenhouse is a transparent structure used to grow plants within. The primary purpose of a greenhouse is to trap light and heat, which allows plants to survive and thrive in climates where they would otherwise die. Greenhouses encourage the germination of new seedlings, extend the growing season for mature plants, and allow tropical plant species to grow in temperate climate zones.

By NICK GROMICKO, CMI® AND KATE TARASENKO

Commercial agricultural operations and hobbyist gardeners alike take advantage of greenhouse technology. The use of greenhouses for growing vegetables dates back to the Romans. Italians used the first modern greenhouses to propagate tropical species of plants that were brought back by early explorers.

Greenhouses vary in strength and durability and are usually constructed with glass or polycarbonate walls and roofs.

Here are some basic types:

Cold-frame greenhouses are those that do not supply supplementary heating or cooling systems.

Lean-to designs are “halfgreenhouses” that stand up against and are attached to the side of an existing building. They require less space than a free-standing unit and may be assembled and disassembled seasonally.

Free-standing greenhouses may come as a kit or may be

assembled in a do-it-yourself manner. Most units have a base, a wooden or metal frame, and glass or polycarbonate panels. A hoop-shaped design is preferred for many beginning users.

How do greenhouses work?

The walls and roofs of greenhouses are transparent and allow light from the sun to penetrate into the structure. Plants and soil on the inside absorb the solar radiation and re-radiate it, trapping it inside.

Some heat is lost but, overall, more is gained and, consequently, the indoor temperature is higher than the outdoor temperature in colder climates. Greenhouse structures heat up slowly and tend to maintain their warm temperatures for longer periods than the outside air. Some greenhouses are very basic and offer little in terms of environmental controls. Others utilize high-tech, automated gauges, timers and computers to maintain proper conditions.

Maintaining the proper temperature is important in encouraging seed germination and plant survival. Dark-colored barrels of water may sit on the greenhouse floor. These drums absorb daytime solar heat and release it slowly at night. Electrical space heaters may also be used if sufficient heating is not attained through this method. Different temperature zones may be created to encourage a range of plant varieties. Soil-warming trays are another electrical heating option, especially when heating the greenhouse air is not necessary. A shade cloth may be draped over the structure in times of excessive heat.

A venting system may circulate new air into the greenhouse and will also regulate temperature. This may simply be comprised of two fans: one for bringing in new air, and the other for circulation. People may water plants by hand, or they may install mechanical timers and dispensers, such as overhead spouts or booms.

Greenhouses also trap moisture. A hygrometer monitors humidity levels, and misters spray water as needed. Bees may enter the greenhouse to pollinate plant species that require it. In other instances, people may fertilize plants by hand. Plants may be transferred outdoors once colder weather warms sufficiently to suit them. Species that are not acclimatized to a particular locale may remain growing in the greenhouse indefinitely.

Advantages of Greenhouses

Greenhouses maintain a relatively stable interior climate, safe from harsh fluctuations in outdoor temperatures. Careful regulation of all environmental factors may be accomplished within a greenhouse, as opposed to the unpredictable nature of the outdoors. Greenhouses make it possible to grow vegetation in climates where it would otherwise be impossible, sometimes throughout the entire year. Animals that might pose a hazard to vegetation are kept at bay. Greenhouses shield plants from excess precipitation and wind. Soil-warming trays minimize the cost of supplemental heating, since they deliver the necessary warmth to

receive large amounts of snow. Greenhouses may attract unwanted insects and rodents. Irrigation must be provided, since plants do not receive any rainfall. Soil may need to be rejuvenated more regularly than in outdoor plants.

Safety and Inspection

Greenhouses should be built in an area of land that receives the most possible sunlight. They shouldn’t be constructed near trees, for instance, to avoid shading and falling branches. Ventilation systems should always be installed and function properly. Stagnant, humid air may lead to the growth of hazardous fungi. Excessively high

the plants without requiring that the entire greenhouse be heated. Building a greenhouse can be relatively simple and inexpensive, especially in the case of homemade hoop designs.

Disadvantages of Greenhouses

Supplemental heating and lighting systems in colder climates cause increased use of energy and associated costs. Structures must be maintained, and materials replaced as needed. Greenhouses that require glass panels are often prohibitively expensive for small-scale gardeners. Replacing them if they crack or break can also be expensive. Polycarbonate panels are less durable than glass panels and may blow down in strong wind. They are usually not designed to withstand heavy weight, which may pose a major problem in areas that

temperatures can kill plants. Leaks should be promptly sealed. Holes that are unattended to may attract insects, excess moisture, fungi, pathogens, and excessively cold air.

Operators should regularly inspect plants for insects. In cases where pests are present, action should be taken immediately to eradicate them. Extra caution should be taken when handling greywater for irrigation. Make sure that electric heaters are designed specifically for the greenhouse setting and do not pose a fire hazard. Structures should be as large as possible to capture a maximum of the sun’s rays. Soil should maintain the proper balance of nutrients, depending on the plants’ needs. Plants should be grouped together according to their temperature needs in greenhouses that utilize different

temperature zones. Areas should be sterilized and free from visitors (including pets) who might cause inadvertent contamination. Pools of water should be swiftly dried up to avoid excess evaporation and interior humidity. Containers should be placed at the bottom of walls to collect dripping water for later use. Mold should be immediately cleaned off from all surfaces. Safe handling practices should always be followed when using harsh chemical pesticides. Greenhouse walls should be sufficiently thick, especially in colder climates. If not using concrete, crushed stone or grass, make sure that the floor of the greenhouse has a dry, anti-fungal, non-skid surface. Greenhouses that are lean-to styles or which use the home’s structure as one of its walls should be regularly checked for moisture buildup, errant plant growth, and other potential biological concerns that can encroach on the living area or threaten the home’s structure. Greenhouses attached to homes should also be inspected for pests that may migrate from plants and soil to the home’s interior. Make sure that any electrical devices in the greenhouse use the proper type of outdoor electrical receptacles, and that these have covers, which will prevent an electrical hazard caused by water. Unplug and safely stow any electrical devices in the greenhouse that are not in use. If children are present in the home, use a childproof latch or lock on the greenhouse door to prevent them from entering the greenhouse unattended, where electrical, chemical and water dangers lurk. Check with local building ordinances or your HOA to find out how large and what type of structures are permitted in your area.

In summary, greenhouses are an excellent technology for gardeners looking to regulate the climatic growing conditions of their plants and seedlings. Safe practices should be followed to get the most out of them.

Reconnect with nature and go camping! Here are a few exciting high-tech items that will bring more convenience to the outside world. Whether you are seeking quiet time while stargazing or want to go off the grid with friends and family, surely you’ll enjoy these items on your next camping trip!

By VANESSA C. GUZMAN

Anti-Scald Valves

Facts and Figures

Scalds account for 20% of all burns. More than 2,000 American children are scalded each year, mostly in the bathroom and kitchen. Scalding and other types of burns require costly and expensive hospital stays, often involving skin grafts and plastic surgery. Scalding may lead to additional injuries, such as falls and heart attacks, especially among the elderly. Water that is 160º F can cause scalding in 0.5 seconds.

By NICK GROMICKO, CMI®

Unwanted temperature fluctuations are an annoyance and a safety hazard. When a toilet is flushed, for instance, cold water flows into the toilet’s tank and lowers the pressure in the cold-water pipes. If someone is taking a shower, they will suddenly feel the water become hotter as less cold water is available to the shower valve. By the same principle, the shower water will become colder when someone in the house uses the hot-water faucet. This condition is exacerbated

by plumbing that’s clogged, narrow, or installed in showers equipped with lowflow or multiple showerheads. A sudden burst of hot water can cause serious burns, particularly in young children, who have thinner skin than adults. Also, a startling thermal shock – hot or cold –may cause a person to fall in the shower as he or she scrambles on the slippery surface to adjust the water temperature. The elderly and physically challenged are at particular risk.

Anti-scald valves, also known as tempering valves and mixing valves, mix cold water in with outgoing hot water so that the hot water that leaves a fixture is not hot enough to scald a person.

Anti-scald valves mitigate this danger by maintaining water temperature at a safe level, even as pressures fluctuate in water supply lines. They look similar to ordinary shower and tub valves and are equipped with a special diaphragm or piston mechanism that immediately balances the pressure of the hot and cold-water inputs, limiting one or the other to keep the temperature within a range of several degrees. As a side effect, the use of an anti-scald valve increases the amount of available hot water, as it is drawn more slowly from the water heater. Inspectors and homeowners may want to check with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to see if these safety measures are required in new construction in their area.

INSTALLATION OF ANTI-SCALD VALVES IS TYPICALLY SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE. MOST MODELS ARE INSTALLED IN THE HOT-WATER LINE AND REQUIRE A COLD-WATER FEED. THEY ALSO REQUIRE A SWING CHECK VALVE ON THE COLD-WATER FEED LINE TO PREVENT HOT WATER FROM ENTERING THE COLD-WATER SYSTEM. THEY MAY BE INSTALLED AT THE WATER HEATER TO SAFEGUARD THE PLUMBING FOR THE WHOLE BUILDING, OR ONLY AT SPECIFIC FIXTURES.

The actual temperature of the water that comes out of the fixture may be somewhat different than the target temperature set on the anti-scald valve. Such irregularities may be due to long, uninsulated plumbing lines or defects in the valve itself. Users may fine-tune the valve with a rotating mechanism that will allow the water to become hotter or colder, depending on which way it’s turned. Homeowners may contact an InterNACHI inspector or a qualified plumber if they have further questions or concerns.

In summary, anti-scald valves are used to reduce water temperature fluctuations that may otherwise inconvenience or harm unsuspecting building occupants.

CHAD HETT

Entrepreneur & True Pioneer of the Home Inspection Industry

Elite Group Inspection Professionals and Chad Hett are synonymous with excellence in the inspection industry. For those of you who have ever purchased or sold real estate in California, chances are you’ve benefited from the higher standard of inspection founded by the Elite Group Inspection Professionals.

In 1994, Chad Hett and his business partners, Tim Maher and Allen Hett, founded Elite Group Inspection Professionals. The level of professionalism, grit, and accuracy with which they transformed the business was trendsetting. They took a 3-person company that looked pretty similar to others in the industry and leveled up in a powerful way. Chad credits perseverance during those early years to hard work, innovation, and game-changing partnerships. A key ingredient for their success seems to be staying true to the family foundation with unwavering values, such as Elite Group inspecting homes with a commitment as if they were living or working in the properties they inspect. Elite Group has been able to maintain a family closeness, whether it’s through the cakes co-owner Tim bakes for each employee or the way Chad gives back to the real estate and

inspection industries, or through sharing ways to win through the vision of quality customer value. Chad comes from humble beginnings; he grew up in Maui, Hawaii, and Southern California and has a knack for matching the right investment with the right team members at the perfect time to create value for customers. Chad graduated with a business economics degree from San Diego State University. Chad has a keen understanding of business, what it takes to get the job done, and who he wants on his team to provide the best service to his customers. Chad is a dynamic entrepreneur and a true pioneer of the inspection industry. The beginning chapters of building Elite Group Inspection Professionals through real estate’s ups and downs developed a resilience unmatched in a CEO. He seems to recognize it as an awesome triumph as well as a great responsibility to be the #1 inspection company in the United States. The road paved by

Chad, Tim, and other Elite Group team members has not been easy, but it has been and is well worth it.

Chad said it best when I interviewed him recently: “We’ve been through a lot of adversity to arrive where we are, but we have achieved all that we have because the whole team has stuck together, in a true blue type of fashion. I truly want our employees to feel proud to be part of Elite as we keep paving the way forward and changing lives.”

Chad lives in Newport Beach and is heavily involved in the everyday operations of Elite Group as its CEO. He still co-owns Elite Group with his longtime partner and trusted friend, Tim Maher. Chad is a true servant and is the first to volunteer to help this industry; he has a passion for bringing a level of professionalism and camaraderie to everything he does. He

recognizes the changed lives that his fleet of up to 100 inspectors and employees make every day for new home buyers and commercial investors. As Elite Group surpassed the unprecedented 600,000 inspection mark, Chad is expanding his vision to include the national inspection community he has learned so much from over the last twenty-plus years. As a co-founder of InspectionGo, Chad has developed an arsenal of many great ideas and tough lessons learned into a masterfully planned playbook showing what it takes for the Elite Group Inspection Professionals to become a $50 million inspection company. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it, but when Chad enters a room filled with agents or inspectors, the respect he’s held in is tangible.

Chad also serves as a co-founder and chief evangelist for InspectionGo with the dynamic and visionary CEO, John Russell. Chad met John Russell in 2016 and was immediately impressed by his prior successes. Their partnership helped drive success for Elite Group Inspection Professionals and became one of the key building

blocks for the creation of iGo. Together with the top influencers and pioneers of inspection, they are building a new future that is changing the landscape of real estate by modernizing home inspections. Chad sees this as the next iteration of leading the inspection community with the 10X lessons after many years of leading the Elite Group Inspection Professionals team. The Elite Group Team is a force in that they are loyal, committed to excellence, and truly for one another. The inspectors know their purpose and work toward it every day by proudly wearing the Elite Group Inspection Professionals' logo. Their jobs are important and life-changing, and each true-blue Elite Group team member knows the power of the Elite Group Inspection Professionals legacy and brand. This doesn’t just happen; it comes from fearless leadership, compassion in the wings, and determination to always give more value than you. Elite’s commitment to sales and marketing is also a key differentiating factor. Josh Niehaus leads these efforts and brings the same fire in his belly and passion as displayed by the owners. Elite did and

continues to define the industry by elevating the standard of experience.

Another interest that Chad actively pursues is competing in bodybuilding competitions. The discipline and dedication required for this sport align perfectly with Chad's relentless pursuit of excellence. Through bodybuilding, he challenges himself physically and mentally, pushing his limits and striving for continuous self-improvement. Chad's commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle extends beyond the competition stage, as he believes that taking care of his own well-being sets an example for his team and the industry as a whole. He lives by the motto,

Elite has made a mark over the last thirty plus years and proves time and time again that they are ahead of the game by placing their actions where their commitment is: with their clients, partners, and employees. When it comes to Elite Group, there is just no second in experience. With over half a million homes inspected and over 10,000 five-star reviews on Yelp and Google, they know exactly where to look for defects in a home. Elite’s goal is to be diligently thorough and educate our clients on the defects found in a property. As the largest independently owned home inspection agency in California, The Elite Group is dedicated to providing quality services in line with their motto, “Inspecting to a higher standard since 1984.” Their passion for excellence has made them the inspection agency of choice for many of the top brokers and real estate agents in Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach, Riverside County,

San Bernardino County, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose, Clovis, Fresno, and surrounding California areas.

Chad's passion nowadays is to pay it forward and help all the other inspection company owners across the nation succeed and grow their businesses, changing their lives and their families' lives with the enormous magnitude of knowledge and experience that he’s acquired from running the largest company in Northern America. He is extremely grateful to be able to give back and hold the position he does within his two companies. Chad's dedication to paying it forward is evident in his involvement with InspectionGo and the Elite Group Inspection Professionals. He is actively sharing his expertise and insights with home inspection business owners across the nation, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their own success. Chad's

“In order to work at the highest level, you must train hard and be 100% committed.”

dynamic entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering approach have made him one of the most respected figures in the inspection industry, and he continues to inspire and motivate others through his leadership.

When he's not busy leading Elite Group Inspection Professionals and mentoring others, Chad enjoys pursuing various hobbies that bring him joy and fulfillment. Whether it's catching waves while surfing or pushing his physical limits in bodybuilding competitions, Chad finds

balance in his life by engaging in activities that challenge and inspire him. He also cherishes spending quality time with his son Hunter, traveling to different cities to watch games, experiencing other cultures, and creating lasting memories together.

In conclusion, Chad Hett's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful CEO and industry leader is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and helping others succeed.

Through Elite Group Inspection Professionals, Chad has created a legacy of providing topnotch inspection services and raising the industry standard. His passion for paying it forward and sharing his knowledge and experience with others is a true reflection of his character and dedication to making a positive impact. As he continues to lead and inspire, Chad Hett remains a driving force in the inspection industry, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and empowerment.

eliteinspections.com

LIGHTNING: FACTS & DANGERS

Lightning is the “visible discharge of static electricity within a cloud, between clouds or between the earth and a cloud,” as defined by Underwriters Laboratories. Lightning is unpredictable and a serious threat to buildings and their occupants virtually everywhere.

By NICK GROMICKO, CMI®

Facts and Figures

Benjamin Franklin invented the first lightning rod in 1752 — a kite outfitted with a metal key — while waiting impatiently for the completion of a church on top of which he would mount a lightning rod.

Lightning comes up from the earth — as well as down from the cloud — from high vertical features such as chimneys and trees. A typical lightning bolt carries 50,000 amps, tens of millions of volts,

and can reach 50,000° F. “Superbolts,” may be 100 times more powerful than typical bolts, and travel much farther, too; one such superbolt went from Waco to Dallas, Texas, after having traveled about 118 miles. According to the National Weather Service, of the 34 people killed by lightning in the United States in 2009, all were outside when they were struck. Thus, homes provide a great deal of safety against lightning strikes. Interestingly, the same report indicates that 82% of

lightning casualties were male. Permanent injuries caused by lightning strikes are predominantly neurological and can include sleep disorders, attention deficits, numbness, dizziness, irritability, fatigue, depression, and an inability to sit for long periods of time. Between 2002 and 2005, lightning caused an annual average of $213 million in property damage.

Types of dangers from lightning to houses and occupants:

• damaged appliances from power surges.

• electrocution risk for occupants.

• fire risk to the building and occupants.

• damage to the structure from water used to douse the fire by the fire department; and

• damage to the structure and endangered health from mold colonies if the building was not dried quickly following fire suppression.

Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST)

CSST is a relatively new type of gas tubing that has been widely installed in houses and in commercial applications in recent years. Its small diameter makes it flexible and relatively easy to install when compared with traditional, rigid, heavy-walled pipes, although this same quality is believed to make it susceptible to fire due to lightning strikes. Lightning that travels down the CSST can burn holes in the tubing and allow gas leakage and fire. In the worst cases, gas leaks have led to disastrous gas explosions. CSST has been found to be susceptible to damage from direct and even nearby lightning strikes.

These claims have led to a class-action lawsuit against manufacturers of CCST (Titeflex, Ward, OmegaFlex and Parker Hannifin) installed in homes as of September 5, 2006. Plaintiffs claim that the CSST tubing is not thick enough to prevent becoming damaged in the event of a lightning strike, and that CSST manufacturers failed to warn consumers about such dangers. The defendants claim that CSST is safe if properly

installed, in accordance with local codes and the manufacturers’ instructions. According to the Lightning Protection Institute, dangerous CSST has been installed in more than a million homes in the United States.

Identification of CSST

Typically, these products may be visible in attic spaces, along floor joists, above basements, or connected to exposed appliances, such as water heaters. The piping can be identified by its manufacturer’s mark, each of which are listed below:

• OmegaFlex’s CSST is stamped with the marks “TRACPIPE” or “COUNTERSTRIKE.”

• Parker Hannifin’s CSST is stamped with the mark “PARFLEX.”

• Titeflex’s CSST is stamped with the mark “GASTITE.”

• Ward’s CSST is stamped with the mark “WARDFLEX.”

Additional bonding to ground is recommended for houses with CSST.

Safety tips for clients during thunderstorms: Unplug sensitive appliances, such as computers and telephones, from electrical outlets and phone lines. Surge protectors are helpful, but they should not be relied upon during a storm. Stay off corded phones, computers, and other electronic equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity. If you are unable to unplug them, turn them off. Lightning may strike nearby electric or

phone lines and enter your home.   Unplug other appliances, such as air conditioners. Stay away from windows. Avoid washing your hands, bathing, doing laundry, and washing dishes -- activities that put you in direct contact with running water.

Lightning Protection Systems

Lightning protection systems are devices intended to divert lightning into lowresistance paths to or from the earth and away from non-conducting parts of a structure. For specific inspection instructions regarding these systems, see the National Fire Protection Agency’s NFPA-780.

Lightning Rods

Metal rods are fastened to the building to intercept electric discharges that might otherwise strike a building component itself, such as a chimney or metal roof. Electrical discharges striking the air terminal are directed through metal conductors to a grounding system and thence into the earth. Controversy has existed for centuries concerning whether lightning rods should have blunt or sharp tips. Recent studies have found that moderately blunt metal rods are better lightning-strike receptors than sharper rods or very blunt rods.

In summary, lightning can be very dangerous to homes and occupants, although devices and measures exist to limit this danger.

Rollercoaster Ride Hawaiian

As you land on the tropical paradise, make your way towards your luxurious hotel to drop off your bags before your first adventure. The Royal Hawaiian Resort is right on the beach of Wakiki, the most renowned on the island. The resort has a quiet and intimate pool, as well as The Helumoa Playground, which has a pool, a water slide, two whirlpool areas, an interactive fountain area, water chaise lounges, and a pool hut. The hotel also has a resort shop, The Abhasa Spa, and four restaurants, including the upscale eatery, Azure. royal-hawaiian.com

Considering your hotel’s convenient location, your first outing should be to Wakiki Beach. The honey colored sand and the tall blue waves make this area a striking sight! Lay out a towel and catch some rays, or sign up for snorkeling at your hotel to observe some marine life like sea turtles and vibrant fish. After taking your time to relax, get your adrenaline pumping at the nearby Diamond Head State Monument, or as the locals call it, Le’ahi. The monument is a huge crater that first came to be about 300,000 years ago. A volcanic eruption caused ash to spray up into the air, and it was so powerful, that the crater was formed. It’s a hiking adventure that you won’t regret, but isn’t for the faint of heart, as it is a 760-foot hike! If you do make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of the deep blue Pacific Ocean. dlnr.hawaii.gov

For a different type of hiking experience, opt for the scenic Manoa Falls, about 5 miles from downtown Honolulu. To get to the wondrous 100-foot-tall waterfall, you first have to trek through the rainforest on a trail. It’s a captivating and exciting hike, and you will be able to see plenty of wildlife and vegetation as you make your way through. Clips from Jurassic Park were actually filmed in this rainforest, try to spot any locations from scenes you may remember! hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov

Switch up the theme of your first day a bit by taking a break from nature. It’s true, the island is most known for its stunning natural landscapes, but at this next attraction you’ll be able to experience them in a different way. At the Honolulu Museum of Art, check out paintings of Hawaii’s intricate landscapes by many artists, including Georgia O’Keeffe. Masterpieces by Van Gogh, Gaugin, and Picasso are also adorning the walls, adjacent to an impressive Asian art collection, which is regarded as one of America’s best. honolulumuseum.org

Next, pay your respects and learn more about U.S. history at the USS Arizona, the Pearl Harbor monument. On December 7th, 1941, a tragic day arose for America as the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, killing almost 2,000 people, sinking 12 ships, and launching our country into WWII. It’s forever engrained in our minds and history books, and here you can visit the official memorial. A boat takes you

ALOHA AND WELCOME TO THE GORGEOUS LAND OF HAWAII. HERE IT DOESN’T GET BETTER THAN THE ISLAND OF O’AHU, THE MOST POPULAR AND TRAVELLED TO, WHICH IS HOME TO COUNTLESS ATTRACTIONS AND BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS, INCLUDING THE CAPITAL OF THE STATE, HONOLULU. AS YOU EMBARK ON THIS ROLLERCOASTER RIDE OF A TRIP YOU’LL EXPERIENCE A LUAU, A VOLCANO’S ERUPTION, AND A HISTORICAL PALACE, TO NAME A FEW! PACK YOUR SURFBOARD AND GET READY TO RIDE THE WAVE TO HAWAII!

Hanauma Bay on O’ahu

to the museum, which is floating in Pearl Harbor, directly above the sunken wreckage of the battleship. From the Assembly Room in the building, you can view the sunken ship from an observatory deck, and then in another area, you can read the names of those lost, as well as watch a documentary on the ship. Once you take a boat back to land, the visitor center offers a bookstore and several other exhibits for viewing. nps.gov

At this point, you should head back to the hotel to change into your classiest outfit. Tonight you will be dining at La Mer, the only restaurant in Hawaii to receive a five-star designation by Forbes Travel Guide. Their menu blends local and tropical flavors with tastes from the south of France. Make sure to try their mouthwatering Duck Foie Gras, Kahlua and Coconut Gelée Raisin Bailey Mousseline, and pair it with one of their superb wines on their award-winning wine list. halekulani.com

The wine was just the beginning of a boozy night in lovely Hawaii! Make your way over to a hidden bar to get your night really started. At Bar Leather Apron, located in a downtown office building, settle down in a dim-lit, sleek environment to sip on out-of-this-world craft cocktails. Order the Mai Tai for an incredible sight as it comes in a smoking tiki statue, perfect to show off on Instagram! barleatherapron.com

Once you’ve started off your night with a calm option, head to the party of the century at Addiction, a nightclub inside the Modern Hotel. 40,000 bright and vibrant lights flash all night as party goers dance to different DJs sets, and you might even see a celebrity or two! Addiction is known to attract A-listers, so be on the lookout as you feel the music! addictionnightclub.com

Hanauma Bay and Diamond Head

Manoa Falls

On your second day on the sunny island, rise early to begin your jam packed itinerary! Today, you will visit ‘Iolani Palace for a royal experience! This 10-room historic house was built in 1882 and formerly housed King Kalakaua and his sister, Queen Liliuokalani, the last two monarchs of the island. It’s also the only official state royal residence found in the United States. As you walk throughout the palace, a guide will catch you up on the historical struggle between the royals and the U.S., and how they were finally overthrown to make way to Hawaii becoming a state. iolanipalace.org

Following the exploration of the grand palace, visit another luxurious site at Shangri La, near the Diamond Head State Monument. This is where the American tobacco heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke used to spend her winters, where she filled the home with unique art and furniture from Egypt, India, Morocco, Spain, Syria and Turkey, building up quite the collection. Over 2,500 intriguing objects from the countries are in the home, which is now a museum that art lovers and curious cats alike can walk around. shangrilahawaii.org

After checking out some enthralling art, bask yourself in history and culture by stopping by the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. Over 24 million historical, cultural, and natural artifacts relating to Hawaii and the Pacific reside here, as well as plenty of interactive exhibits, a café, and a planetarium. A three-story hall covers the island’s history, key events, and religion, and the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame highlights important achievements and sports stars from the island. Make sure you also pay a visit to the Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center, where you can watch a lava demonstration and learn more about the volcanoes! bishopmuseum.org

Quit the browsing and get some action going! Today you will head back out to Wakiki Beach for some surfing lessons! With Ohana Surf Project, you’ll be able to learn the ins and outs of the

‘Iolani Palace Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum

Doris Duke’s O’ahu residence, Shangri La

waves as your instructor covers surfing etiquette, water safety, body positioning, board handling, and more. Once you’ve got the hang of things, hang ten as you show off your new tricks! Group lessons, as well as private, family, and professional are all offered to cater to your preferred experience. Cowabunga! ohanasurfproject.com

Get a second look at the island’s unbelievable nature by going on a journey through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There are five volcanoes in the park, but the main one is Kīlauea, the youngest of the five and the most active, continuously erupting since 1983. Despite being the youngest, it is between 300,000 to 600,000 years old, and rose above sea level about 100,000 years ago. At the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum on site, you can get the best view of the Halema’uma’u crater, which lies at the top of Kīlauea. Luckily for you, you arrived at nighttime, so you will be able to catch a live eruption show! Park rangers will accompany you to the crater, where you will witness lava fireworks and red lava pouring into the surrounding ocean. In addition to the fantastic display, you can also spot plenty of local species at the park like Nēnē (Hawaiian goose), Honu’Ea (Hawaiian Hawksbill Turtles), and ‘Ua‘u (Hawaiian petrels). nps.gov

There’s one more activity you must partake in before leaving the glorious island. At the Polynesian Cultural Center, watch and participate in a traditional Hawaiian celebration at their Ali’i Luau and dinner. As you feast upon Kalua Pork, Poi (A dish made from the underground plant stem of the taro plant), Lomilomi Salmon, Haupia with Toasted Coconut, and more, you’ll be able to savor the delicacies that the local people enjoy every day. The chefs slow cook the foods using ancient methods, and try to stick as closely to custom as possible when designing the menus. As for the luau, well, you’re in for a treat! Dress up in a Hawaiian shirt or a floral dress, throw on a fresh lei, and slide on some sandals to blend in with the

crowd in luau wear, and get ready for the show! Hawaiian music will fill the air as girls in grass skirts and leis complete traditional dances and movements, and games will also be a part of the fun like ‘Ulu Maika, which is similar to lawn bowling. Sashay your hips and get in on the festivities for an unforgettable experience! polynesia.com

After you’re back in your luxe hotel and you’ve packed to head back home, recount the memories you’ve made on this trip! Surely you’ll be back to the magical island, but until then, you’ll have the relaxed, peaceful Hawaiian spirit and attitude to accompany you back to FL! A hui hou!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Polynesian Cultural Center

USS Arizona Memorial

Bug Zappers

A bug zapper is a popular exterior appliance installed by a homeowner or food handler to attempt localized control of flying insect populations. Its name comes from the characteristic “zap” sound produced when an insect is electrocuted. Around homes, they are primarily used to kill biting (female) mosquitoes, which create itchy bumps and can transmit the West Nile Virus or encephalitis, malaria and yellow fever. While Popular Mechanics produced a sketch of a bug zapper as early as 1911, it wasn’t until 1934 that parasitology professor Dr. W.B. Herms introduced the electronic insect killer that became the model for all future bug zappers.

By NICK GROMICKO, CMI®

How They Work

Bug zappers typically consist of the following components:

• the housing, which is a plastic or grounded metal exterior casing that contains the zapper’s parts. It may be shaped liked a lantern, a cylinder or a rectangular cube. A grid design may be incorporated to prevent children and animals from touching the electrified grids inside the device;

• a light source, which is usually fluorescent-type, such as mercury, neon or ultraviolet light;

• wire grids or screens, which are electrified layers of wire mesh that surround the light source. These grids are separated by a tiny gap roughly the size of a typical insect (several millimeters); and • the transformer, which is the device that electrifies the wire mesh, changing the 120-

volt, electrical-line voltage to 2,000 volts or more.

Bug zappers work by luring flying insects with fluorescent (typically ultraviolet) light into a deadly electrical current. Because the flower patterns that attract insects are better revealed in ultraviolet light, many flying insects that feed on flowers will be drawn to the bug zapper. Before they reach the light, however, they

will come into contact with the wire mesh, completing the electrical circuit and disintegrating.

Bug zappers can kill many thousands of flying insects nightly. Some models incorporate a tray designed to collect scattered insect parts, although many models allow the debris to fall to the ground below. Effective

Despite their widespread use, numerous studies have called into question the effectiveness and safety of bug zappers. Two of the more pressing issues are the following:

• Female (biting) mosquitoes and other biting insects are more attracted to the carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor in the breath of animals than to ultraviolet light. As a consequence, standard bug zappers typically kill large numbers of harmless and beneficial insects, such as beetles and fireflies, and ultimately fail to reduce the number of the types of insects that prompt the purchase

prey nearby. Some newer bug zappers address this issue by incorporating a CO2 container at the bottom of the lamp. Other designs attract mosquitoes into a netting device on the outside of the bug zapper that traps the mosquito, and eventually the insect dies of dehydration.

• The electrocuted insects are blasted into a fine mist that contains insect parts as well as unkilled bacteria and viruses up to 7 feet (2.1 m) from the device. The air surrounding the zapper may become contaminated with campylobacter jejuni, staphylococci, serratia marcescens, enterococci, and

Bug zappers do not present more of a fire hazard than other electrical devices. Most units have been UL-tested, but, as with any outdoor electrical appliance, care must be taken to ensure that electrical cords do not become frayed or wet.  They should also be connected to GFCI-protected receptacles.

Inspectors may pass on the following mosquito-control techniques to concerned homeowners:

• Do not allow water to accumulate anywhere in your yard for more than a few days. Eliminate sources of standing

the accumulation of bug parts on the wire mesh, which will decrease the effectiveness of the unit, and may lead to illness if the bug parts contaminate foods, drink or items used by people or pets.

• Keep grass cut short and any shrubbery well-trimmed, as adult mosquitoes use these places to rest and hide.

• Encourage the presence of bats by installing a bat house. These winged mammals pose little danger to humans, and a single brown bat can consume up to 600 mosquitoes per hour.

of a bug zapper in the first place. In fact, one study found that just 0.22% of the insects killed by bug zappers were biting insects, while nearly half of those killed were harmless, non-biting aquatic insects from nearby rivers and streams. The study even found “the probability of being bitten by mosquitoes increases in the vicinity of these traps,” perhaps because the biting insects are actually lured by the ultraviolet light but become distracted by the far more attractive human

other potentially dangerous organisms commonly carried by flies. For this reason, a bug zapper should never be placed over a food preparation area or in a hospital or any other sterile environment to prevent the potential spread of disease. Children should not be allowed to play beneath an operating bug zapper. Models that contain a tray to catch insect debris are less of a health risk.

Tips for Homeowners

water, especially old tires, flowerpots, clogged gutters, tin cans or buckets. Fill in or drain ruts, puddles and other low places in the yard. Even holes in trees from rot and hollow stumps can collect water that can harbor mosquitoes. Cover trash containers to keep rainwater out, and drill holes in the bottom of trash containers to allow any water to drain. Repair leaky pipes and outdoor faucets.

• Bug zappers should be cleaned out at least annually to prevent

• Install a fan. Mosquitoes and other flying insects will avoid moving air.

• Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants. The pesticide permethrin may be applied to clothing to protect against mosquitoes and ticks. Beware that while permethrin is relatively safe for people and dogs, it is toxic to cats.

In summary, bug zappers are a common yet controversial means of controlling biting insect populations around the home, and caution should be taken in their selection and use.

piñacolada... if you like

As the weather gets hotter, try this refreshing piña colada: a blend of pineapple juice, ice, and coconut cream with a gentle warmth from the rum. It’ll make you feel like you’re on an island, giving you a tropical feel!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1¾ fl. oz. Don Q Gold rum

• ½ fl. oz. Don Q 151° rum

• 1 fl. oz. Pineapple juice

• 1 fl. oz. Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut

• 1 dash Angostura bitters

• 1 Maraschino cherry for garnish

• 1 Slice of Pineapple (optional)

• 1 Cocktail umbrella (optional)

PREPARATION:

First, blend Don Q Gold Rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, bitters, and a half scoop of cubed ice until light and frothy. Aerated, not thick. Then, pour into a tulip glass. Float with the Don Q 151° rum. Lastly, garnish with a Maraschino cherry and a cocktail umbrella. Enjoy!

2023 IGO

SPRING CONFERENCE & PLATINUM MEETINGS

During the conference, attendees also enjoyed food, classroom content and all speakers to optimize their business opportunities that will power their business through any market, making 2023 the best year yet!

Event goers had an amazing time connecting with industry leaders, and underscoring IGo’s belief that, “Together We Win.” This year’s keynote speaker was Jeff Lobb, who presented a high energy session designed to provide each attendee with the most effective sales and marketing strategies.

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.

CAN YOUR HOME INSPECTION BROCHURE PASS THE BMW TEST?

Wow is your marketing working for you? You may be tired of hearing about this essential component of running your own business because you’re booked solid, so why bother? Or, you may still be putting off dealing with it because you don’t know where to start. Or, you may have taken shortcuts to save a few bucks. Did you let your nephew design your logo? Did you let your spouse write all the copy? Did you poach the text from another inspector’s brochure or website and add your own spin to it? Did you – consciously or passively –decide that a DIY approach to your company’s marketing is all you can afford?

At InterNACHI®, we like to say that you can be the best inspector in your service area, but if your marketing materials don’t reflect the top quality of your services, you might as well be the worst inspector around. And the worst inspector in your service area can have the best-looking marketing materials and get the phone call that should have been answered by you. How’s that for fair?

Can’t tell if your marketing is up to snuff? I recommend that every inspector do the BMW Test. Take your home inspection brochure to your local Mercedes or BMW dealership. Go into the lobby and find the brochure display. Put your home inspection brochure next to the car brochures,

and then ask yourself, “Does my home inspection brochure hold its own next to Mercedes and BMW?” Then, ask yourself this: “Can I imagine that they all could have been designed by the same marketing team?” If you answered, “No” to either question, it’s no exaggeration to say that you’re putting your livelihood at risk. Can you afford that?

As a member of InterNACHI®, one of your most valuable benefits is free marketing design for your home inspection business done by professional designers and marketing specialists. They know exactly what it takes to sell your services through the power of engaging text, original designs, and polished images, all laid out in a way that anticipates the needs of your prospects, and – most importantly – converts them into clients.

Why leave one of the most important aspects of your business in the hands of amateurs, or— worse—up to yourself? Just as you’ve trained to be the best home inspector you can be, InterNACHI® has invested your annual dues in the best-trained staff that works hard every day to help your business succeed. All you must do is place a print order and you’ll receive fully customized marketing that will sell your services so you can concentrate on performing them. Still need convincing? Here are some basic rules:

1. You are not a marketing designer – you’re a

home inspector. This is no time for DIY.

2. Good marketing requires good design. You can’t effectively promote your business with weak marketing.

3. A good design equals perceived quality of service. (Remember the lousy inspector with the gorgeous brochures?)

4. The direction of your design is determined by your market, not by your personal preferences.

5. Your market consists (mostly) of home buyers, and we’re going to help them find you.

6. Your marketing will be built to last.

7. And if you’ve already invested money in marketing that isn’t paying off for you, we’ll help you course-correct so you can start seeing dividends.

Just as you get only one chance to make a good first impression, your marketing materials may be the first and only chance you’ll get to reach a prospective client. Don’t you want your brochures to inspire trust, confidence, respectability, and quality? You’ve made the investment in your training; now, make the investment in your marketing. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Questions: If you have a question for Nick Gromicko on or about home inspections, please email us at editorial@thinkmagazine.us.