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Contents DEPARTMENTS
12 ENVIRONMENTAL: IMPORTANCE OF MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE 16 PRO-TIPS: RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS 30 IN THE FIELD: TRADING UP 32 IN THE DETAILS: HYUNDAI MOTOR SANTA FE SUV 36 ESCAPES: HOUSTON IS OUT OF THIS WORLD 40 HEALTH: THE BEST AIR-PURIFYING INDOOR PLANTS 42 INSPECTIONS: SAFE GUARD YOUR HOME: ANT INSPECTION 44 SIPS: HOLIDAY CRANBERRY COCKTAIL 52 EVENTS: INTERNACHI’S PROFESSIONAL INSPECTORS CONVENTION
FEATURES
18 INDUSTRY INTERNACHI’S FIRST 25 YEARS
24 SUCCESS PRO-LAB® CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
46 SPOTLIGHT KENTON SHEPARD
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR VANESSA C. GUZMAN
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carlos Martin Castro Nick Gromicko Greg Johns Selene Rivera Kenton Shepard Kate Tarasenko
ADVERTISING AND MARKETING
RESEARCH Nestor Mann Editorial Research
Amber Rose Controller
Gabriel Veloso Web Developer Vinicius Veloso Marketing Director BUSINESS Matthew Adams Chief Financial Officer Leah Castello Vice President of Operations Susannah Sookoo Administrative Assistant
Stuart Mills Project Manager TECHNOLOGY PHOTOGRAPHY / VISUALS
Philip J. Augustyne Director of Technology
James Acquaroli Photographer Nelson Randall Senior Photo Editor WEB Karlina Watson Digital Production Manager Sharon Saban Production Coordinator
PRODUCTION Naomi Callaghan Special Events Manager Ernie Clair Production Assistant DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION
SOCIAL MEDIA
Daniel Marr Distributing Manager
Sebastian Rivera-Hidalgo Social Media Manager
Jose Avrett Circulation Manager
THINKMAGAZINE.US © 2023 THINK Magazine. All contents are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. The advertiser is solely responsible for ad content and holds publisher harmless from any errors and/or any trademark or copyright infringement.
: ENVIRONMENTAL
By Carlos Martin Castro Specialist in Health, Safety & Environment
IMPORTANCE OF
MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE (MOC) IN HOME INSPECTIONS
M
anaging changes related to health, safety, and environment (HSE) is so important due to several reasons: • Adaptation to Regulatory Requirements: The HSE landscape is continuously evolving, with new laws, regulations, and standards being introduced regularly. Organizations must manage these changes effectively to ensure compliance and mitigate legal and financial risks. • Enhancing Safety Culture: Safety culture is essential for creating a safe and healthy work environment. Managing change in HSE allows for the implementation of new safety practices, procedures, and technologies. • Improving Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: Effective management of change ensures that new risks are identified and adequately assessed, enabling appropriate controls
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THI NKM AGAZI NE. U S
and preventive measures to be implemented. • Preventing Incidents and Injuries: Effective management of change in HSE ensures that potential hazards are identified and addressed before incidents occur. By analyzing and managing changes proactively, organizations can reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses. • Minimizing Environmental Impact: Managing change in HSE also includes considering environmental aspects. Organizations must assess how changes in processes, materials, or technologies may impact the environment and take appropriate measures to minimize environmental harm. • Continuous Improvement: Management of change provides an opportunity for organizational growth and improvement. By reviewing and analyzing HSE-related changes, organizations can identify areas for improvement, implement best practices, and enhance
overall HSE performance. When it comes to home inspections, MOC refers to the process of assessing and managing any changes or modifications that may occur in a property before or after the inspection. 1. Safety: Home inspections aim to identify any potential hazards or safety concerns in a property. However, if there are any changes made to the property after the inspection, such as modifications to electrical systems, plumbing, or structural elements, it can affect the safety of the home. By implementing an MOC process, homeowners and inspectors can ensure that any changes made are assessed and approved for safety compliance. 2. Accuracy of the inspection report: Home inspections provide a detailed report of the condition of a property. If there have been any changes made to the property without following the proper procedures, it can lead to discrepancies between
the inspection report and the actual condition of the property. 3. Risk management: MOC is a crucial part of risk management during home inspections. It helps identify any potential risks associated with changes made to the property and allows homeowners or inspectors to take appropriate measures to mitigate those risks. 4. Compliance with regulations and standards: In some cases, certain modifications or changes made to a property may require compliance with specific regulations or building codes. An MOC process ensures that all necessary permits or approvals are obtained, and any regulatory requirements are met. By implementing an MOC process in home inspections, it ensures that any changes made to a property are properly assessed, documented, and managed. This helps in maintaining safety, accuracy, and compliance for both homeowners and inspectors.
• • • • • • •
: PRO TIPS
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
RADIANT
HEATING SYSTEMS BY NICK GROMICKO, CMI®
RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS DIRECTLY HEAT THE FLOOR OR PANELS IN THE WALL OR CEILING OF A HOUSE, RATHER THAN HEATING THE AIR, AS DO FORCED-AIR HEATING SYSTEMS. THE TECHNIQUE CAN BE LIKENED TO STANDING IN FULL SUN ON A CHILLY DAY, OR FEELING THE WARMTH OF A DISTANT BONFIRE EVEN THOUGH THE AIR IS COLD. DESPITE THEIR NAME, RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS ALSO DEPEND ON CONVECTION—THE NATURAL CIRCULATION OF HEAT WITHIN A ROOM—CAUSED BY HEAT RISING FROM THE FLOOR.
R
adiant heat has been used since ancient times, perhaps as far back as 4000 BC in Mongolia. The ancient Romans, too, made use of a type of radiant heating known as a hypocaust to heat their houses and public baths. Recent decades have seen more mainstream use of radiant heating in Europe, although it is finally gaining popularity in the United States, especially in new-home construction, where installation is more economical.
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While European inspectors have far more experience with these systems, American and Canadian inspectors should be prepared to encounter them with increasing frequency. Radiant heating systems use one of two heating mediums, each of which is described below: Water (hydronic) radiant heat: This system uses hot water carried by tubing, arranged in a grid, to heat the home. Electric radiant floors: This system uses electricity carried by cables or floor mats to heat the home.
An installation of a radiant floor heating systems is either wet or dry (not to be confused with the aforementioned distinctions), and the decision to use one or the other is largely based on whether the system will be installed in new or existing construction. These two methods are briefly summarized as follows: In a wet installation, the heating panels are installed on the floor, and a thin layer of concrete or gypsum is spread over the installation, sandwiching the cables or tubing
between two layers of flooring or concrete. This installation is ideal in new-home construction, where a concrete slab, which has high thermal mass, is used to build the ground floor. Radiant floor dry installations are relatively new strategies in which the cables or tubing run in an air space beneath the floor. Tubing is often sandwiched between layers of plywood or beneath the subfloor. Dry heating is more common in retrofits and when the floors in new homes are not poured concrete.
Advantages of Radiant Heating Efficiency. Radiant heating systems use less energy than convective heating systems where the same fuel is being used. This is due to a number of reasons: The thermostat can be set to a lower temperature and still afford the same comfort. Rooms heated by radiance are typically heated uniformly from floor and ceiling, in contrast with forced-air systems, which leave the floors cold. Studies conducted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) indicate that people can be as comfortable at temperatures 6 to 8 degrees lower with radiant heating than with convective heating that uses air as the primary heat-transfer medium. They require no ducts or pipes, which account for heat losses in other systems. There is less heat loss through windows because air is not being blown. Radiant heaters can be zoned so that energy is only used to heat individual rooms. You can thus more easily direct heat to areas that are more trafficked or chillier, while directing heat away from rooms that see little use. Radiant heating systems, unlike forcedair systems, pose little threat of spreading dust, pollen, and germs. Flexible fuel choices. Hydronic systems can be heated with a wide variety of energy sources, such as solar water heaters or gas, wood, or oil-fired boilers. Unobtrusive. Radiant heating systems are not visible in the occupied space, which saves floor space and allows for more decorative freedom. Quiet and clean. Radiant heating systems are quiet, clean and require little or no maintenance. An oil-fired heating boiler, on the other hand, requires
annual maintenance. Radiant heaters take a long time to cool. This can be beneficial in several ways: The heater can be run at night during off-peak hours when electricity rates are cheaper. It can then be turned off, yet still radiate heat, during peak hours. As it takes a long time for radiant heaters to cool down, they will continue to provide heat for hours into a blackout. Disadvantages of Radiant Heating Additional under-slab insulation is required for radiant heating systems mounted on the ceiling. Limited choice of floor covering. Carpet, due to its properties as a thermal insulator, reduces efficiency of in-floor systems. Wood, too, may not be a good choice because of its tendency to crack or shrink when heated. If wood must be used, it is best to use wood with a low moisture level to avoid shrinking and gaps. Potentially high utility costs. In some areas, electricity is the most expensive way to provide heat. High up-front cost. Due to their complex installation, up-front costs can be prohibitive. Long warm-up period. Electric systems heat up faster than liquid systems, although both take longer than conventional forced-air systems. They can only be used to heat. Separate systems are required to provide cooling, air cleaning and ventilation. A forced-air system, by contrast, can do all of these things. Maintenance and repair of pipes may be difficult due to their lack of accessibility. In summary, radiant heating is an attractive alternative to conventional heating systems, although neither system is perfect. T HIN KMAGAZINE.US
17
: INDUSTRY
INTERNACHI’S
FIRST 25 YEARS
Y
our favorite rock band probably started out playing in a garage, and after grinding away, decade after decade, it’s still going strong in the service of its diehard fans. The same can be said of InterNACHI®, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. After 25 years of growing their educational offerings and benefits, and expanding their membership reach throughout North America and beyond, it has exploded into the largest home inspector association in the world. And founder Nick Gromicko has been its frontman and guiding force since its humble beginnings. “I wanted to create a central place where home inspectors—arguably one of the three main players in a real estate transaction—could come together to find support and get the skilled training they need to do
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By: Kate Tarasenko their job well and build a thriving career. That was the main goal and, after 25 years, I’d say we’ve achieved it,” says Gromicko. The Boulder, Colorado-based nonprofit organization indeed occupied a cavernous garage once upon a time, with a staff of a halfdozen people who did it all. Today, it employs 30 people in a half-dozen departments with distinct roles and responsibilities. You can find InterNACHI® online at nachi.org, where it offers more than 65 different home inspector certifications, most of them approved by various state regulatory agencies around the country and several governmental entities outside the United States. In 2018, its wide-ranging curriculum received accreditation by the U.S. Department of Education—a first for the industry—making InterNACHI® the only legitimate home inspector college in existence.
With more than 26,000 members, many of whom gather online on its multi-thread forum—arguably the largest on the internet—InterNACHI’s expansion throughout the years has been nothing short of phenomenal.
“Our only real competition was another longtime home inspector association that was failing its dwindling membership year after year, and I knew we could do so much better,” says Gromicko, whose founding employees include his brother and fellow home inspector, Ben Gromicko, and Chris Morrell, an IT prodigy, who now serves as InterNACHI’s COO and CEO, respectively. Starting with a handful of online courses that introduced
InterNACHI’s groundbreaking proprietary content management system designed for self-paced learning and testing, the Education Team has grown from two people to ten. This full-time staff is responsible for researching and writing new courses, as well as securing Continuing Education approvals from various state agencies, which particularly help licensed inspectors meet their annual CE requirements. As new construction methods emerge and building codes evolve due to technological advances and climate change, this critical work proceeds full steam ahead. Not satisfied with providing only home inspector training, Gromicko has always looked for ways to enhance his members’ success. To that end, InterNACHI® also employs a team of professional designers, copywriter, and editor who are responsible for creating marketing materials
for its members. Fulfilling this need was a no-brainer. We want home inspectors to concentrate on securing jobs and performing them, not wasting a morning at Kinko’s making copies of their DIY brochure. The marketing team has hand-designed literally thousands of unique logos for members, as well as all kinds of signage and promotional handouts that give their home inspection business a polished and professional look.
“Whatever we can do to help our members gain the competitive edge, that’s what we do. As new interests and trends are identified, we’re on the case,” says Gromicko. In the early days, Gromicko also managed Inspector Outlet, an online shop housed in InterNACHI’s Boulder headquarters, which sells all manner of inspection tools and gear, branded apparel, and various leave-behinds, as well as a library of textbooks based on its online courses. The reins have since been
handed to Gromicko’s eldest son Nikolai Gromicko, who manages IO’s day-to-day operations, along with a staff who take care of inventory and shipping. Delegating was not always Gromicko’s strong suit, but as our membership kept growing, we kept expanding, and I realized I couldn’t do it all on my own, nor did I want to. Many internal and adjacent operations of InterNACHI® have become a family affair, as brother Ben, who oversees the Education Department and heads up the USDE-accredited InterNACHI® School, has emerged as the association’s webinar and podcaster star, churning out new content for viewers and listeners on a weekly basis, with the assistance of a full-time videographer. Ben, with his wife Alicia, produce a twice-monthly newsletter, which celebrated 15 years of publication this past summer. Alicia also runs Inspector Website Builder, fulfilling a longstanding need for home inspectors to have an online presence with a professional business website. Nick’s son Erik co-founded Inspector Media, which manages social media for
home inspectors who accept the necessity of engaging prospective clients on various social platforms but lack the time, interest and/ or internet savvy to do so on their own. And, of course, InterNACHI® has its own accounts on Facebook, X/formerly known as Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and other social platforms, with Nick posting regularly, along with staffers who design informational graphics about upcoming classes and events. Expanding the limits for home inspectors, Gromicko founded the Master Inspector Certification Board, which vets and processes applications for its trademarked Certified Master Inspector® designation, the highest achievement in the inspection industry. “Not everyone can qualify to become a CMI®,” says Gromicko, “but we recognized that some inspectors are so accomplished that we wanted to create a designation that sets them far above their competition.” While Certified Professional Inspectors® obtain their credentials from InterNACHI®, CMIs® get theirs from the MICB, although many
CMIs® start out as CPIs. Gromicko answered yet another call of the inspection industry by establishing CCPIA, the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association. This organization has its foundation in the International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP), the comprehensive gold standard that Gromicko co-wrote at the beginning of his inspection career. Along with relying on the ComSOP, commercial property inspectors now have a hub where they can learn not just how to inspect a commercial property, but how to research properties, market the commercial side of their inspection business, bid jobs and create proposals, and, most importantly, manage a crew of specialist inspectors. CCPIA has carved out wide niche in this significant portion of real estate transactions, catapulting many inspectors into a very rewarding revenue stream. “Again, another nobrainer,” says Gromicko. Arguably his crowning achievement to date, Gromicko contracted with longtime InterNACHI® member and Certified Master Inspector®, Kenton Shepard, to build the House of Horrors®, a full-size house with a thousand defects purposely built in, specifically designed to train home inspectors. Displaying multiple types of heating, plumbing, and mechanical systems, along with various roof and building materials and components, and even a working garage and full-size crawlspace, the HOH has been a revelation for the industry and a welcome hit with home inspectors.
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: INDUSTRY
“We’ve talked about something like this since the very beginning,” says Gromicko. “It’s one thing to take online courses, which is a completely viable way to learn about a home’s inner workings and potential defects, but the HOH offers a nonintimidating way for inspectors to get hands-on training before they get out in the field.” InterNACHI® holds regular in-person day-long and week-long training classes, for approved Continuing Education credit, for both novice and veteran home inspectors, and even real estate professionals and others who want to gain a better understanding of the home inspection process. While the original HOH is housed inside InterNACHI’s Boulder headquarters, a second HOH is located inside
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the PRO-LAB® facility in Weston, Florida, and a third now operates in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Hot off its latest annual convention, held this year in Atlantic City, Gromicko is pleased with the larger-than-expected turnout.
“We missed only one in-person convention in all our history, and that was due to the pandemic.” For one all-inclusive price, the three-day gathering offered members and non-members alike several state-approved educational tracks and workshops taught by industry experts, a chance to visit with more than 80 vendors, and participation in games and raffle drawings, along with
food and fun, including a tour of the HOH using a virtual reality headset.
“It’s really important for inspectors to get offline and connect in person every once in a while, and our annual convention is the perfect way to do that.” In the intervening periods, inspectors also hold their own monthly InterNACHI ® Chapter meetings. An all-women’s chapter is now up and running, bolstered by two women’s roundtable discussions held at the recent convention. “We want to meet the needs of all of our members, and a women’s chapter addresses the fact that many more
women are joining our largely maledominated profession every year. We like to see those kinds of changes because it means we’re growing,” says Gromicko. Gromicko and company are busy continually building up InterNACHI’s library of inspection articles (many of which he authored or co-authored), legal documents and agreements, fine-tuning the self-assessment tool BizVelop, and creating concrete benefits for inspectors and their clients, such as the unique “We’ll Buy Your Home” Guarantee, along with insurance and legal advice from an in-house team of industry experts. His energy seems boundless as he comes up with new ways to help home inspectors enhance their careers, while dominating the industry as the
leader of the powerhouse that InterNACHI® has become. On top of all this, he’s even found time to author three books to help inspectors achieve their maximum earning potential, which he offers to readers free of charge. But it’s not all work for the father of five. Gromicko founded Cozy Coats for Kids®, a nonprofit organization that is near and dear to his heart. Gromicko stated, “Back when we first started out, I wanted to give back to the community, so I asked inspectors on our message board whether they knew of any kids who needed warm coats for the winter. Of course, they did. So, each year, I’d go to Target and other stores with some staff members, and we’d clear the racks and fill up shopping carts with coats for kids that I paid for out of my own pocket.” As word spread and interest grew, Gromicko decided to let others in on the enterprise, and
CCFK was born. Now, home inspectors from around the country donate funds each year, allowing CCFK to partner with nonprofits all over the U.S. who identify specific children in need. CCFK then purchases coats for them in their size and favorite color and ships them to their partner affiliates for distribution. Not only do the children get a warm coat for the winter, but “they also feel seen and valued,” says CCFK Executive Director Maggie Aey, who takes no salary for her role. Gromicko and his wife Olena, who live with their three children on a farm outside of Boulder, gave $100,000 to Cozy Coats last year—the single largest donation the nonprofit has ever received. Gromicko continues to spread the wealth of his experience with his own program on YouTube called “Inspector Talk,” while relying on his large and loyal staff of talented employees to manage InterNACHI’s daily operations
and hone its policies and procedures to adapt to changes in technology and the inspection industry at large. As new needs are revealed, new goals are developed to meet them.
“My original objective was always to create an association for home inspectors where they could get the training they need to become the best in the industry,” says Gromicko, “and also to provide a genuine community where they could learn, share, and prosper. I’m proud to have had a hand in that.” So, what’s next? Gromicko says, “What I hope for us for the next 25 years is to help more people achieve more. One of his favorite quotes is, ‘A rising tide lifts all boats.’ Gromicko stated, “I want InterNACHI® to continue to be that rising tide.” T HIN KMAGAZINE.US
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SUPERIOR SERVICE
: SUCCESS
The
Home Inspector’s Choice for Environmental Testing
CELEBRATING
YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
I
n the dynamic world
drinking water analysis. It is a
with a mission that would
built upon the pillars of precision,
of home inspection,
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reliability, and unparalleled
where safety and well-
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customer service—a foundation
being are paramount,
that has redefined the home
In an era where the dangers of
that continues to shape its
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indoor pollutants were often
identity today.
a beacon of excellence
has shone for a remarkable 25
24
underestimated, PRO-LAB® set
years. PRO-LAB®, a pioneer in
Genesis of Excellence:
out to empower homeowners,
Unveiling Unseen Threats:
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Birth of a Visionary
inspectors, and real estate
Mold, Radon, Lead, Asbestos,
celebrates its quarter-century
Founded in 1998 by James
professionals with crucial
and Drinking Water Analysis
journey as a trailblazer in mold,
McDonnell IV, PRO-LAB®
insights about their living spaces.
PRO-LAB® entered the arena
radon, lead, asbestos, and
emerged onto the scene
The company’s foundation was
at a time when the perils of
THI NKM AGAZI NE. U S
CHAMPIONING E XC E L L E N C E FOR A QUARTER C E N T U RY:
PRO-LAB’S 25-YEAR JOURNEY IN REVOLUTIONIZING HOME INSPECTION WITH ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership in Mold, Radon, Lead, Asbestos, and Drinking Water Analysis
“
“As we look back on our journey from the very beginning, our vision has always been to provide the best service with the most competitive pricing matched with the most accurate results. This unwavering commitment has been the driving force behind our success, propelling us to where we stand today. Our continued dedication to this vision remains the cornerstone of our achievements.” -James McDonnell IV
indoor pollutants were largely
Customer-Centric Focus:
ignored. Silent hazards like mold
Empowering Industry
infestations, radon intrusion, lead
Professionals
exposure, asbestos presence,
Integral to PRO-LAB’s success
and water contamination posed
is its unwavering focus on
significant risks to inhabitants,
its customers. Whether it’s a
their health concealed from
homeowner seeking safer living
plain view. PRO-LAB’s innovative
conditions or an inspector striving
testing services revolutionized
for excellence, PRO-LAB® provides
the industry by arming
unwavering support, education,
homeowners with knowledge
and guidance. Seminars,
and equipping inspectors to
webinars, and resource materials
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became vehicles for empowering
into the indoor environment.
industry professionals with knowledge, raising the collective
The Pursuit of Unrivaled
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Excellence As the home inspection industry
The Evolution of a Titan:
evolved, PRO-LAB® remained
Pioneering Achievements
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Throughout its illustrious journey,
The company’s laboratories,
PRO-LAB® has achieved numerous
outfitted with cutting-edge
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technology, became centers of
the American Industrial Hygiene
meticulous analysis. A dedication
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to rigorous quality control,
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excellence has set it apart. T HIN KMAGAZINE.US
25
: SUCCESS
A Vision for a Safer Tomorrow
fees and was also the first to provide free FedEx
titan and a trusted resource for home inspectors
As PRO-LAB® embarks on its next chapter, its
envelopes for shipping samples. The introduction
worldwide.
dedication to innovation and customer-centric
of same-day mold analysis without extra charges,
values stands unwavering. In an era where
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Conclusion: A Resplendent Legacy
environmental health has assumed unprecedented
for inspectors to log in samples virtually further
As the curtain rises on PRO-LAB’s 25th-anniversary
importance, PRO-LAB’s role as a guardian of homes,
cement PRO-LAB’s reputation as an industry
celebrations, their journey transcends mere
families, and communities persists, furthering its
maverick.
corporate success—it embodies a legacy. A legacy
mission to create a safer, healthier world.
that emphasizes the pivotal role of environmental A Testament to Excellence:
testing in fostering healthier living environments.
Innovation: A Legacy Carved in Firsts
The Official Laboratory of InterNACHI®
A legacy that resonates with the precision and
As PRO-LAB® commemorates its 25th anniversary,
Due to its dedication to the home inspection
commitment to pushing industry boundaries. A
its legacy of innovation deserves special mention.
industry, its commitment to excellence, accuracy,
legacy that epitomizes pioneering excellence in
PRO-LAB® was the first to introduce a pre-paid lab
and reliability, PRO-LAB® was chosen as the official
the realm of home inspection. Through PRO-
fee system, relieving home inspectors of monthly
laboratory of InterNACHI®, the world’s largest home
LAB’s story, we don’t just witness 25 years of
accounting complexities. It pioneered offering
inspection association. This partnership has further
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free lab supplies with the purchase of pre-paid lab
solidified PRO-LAB’s reputation as an industry
healthier future.
26
T H I NKM AGAZI NE. U S
: IN THE FIELD
TRADING UP
O
ver the course of 4,000 home inspections and counting (I applaud those who are well beyond this count of self-inspected homes), I have evolved my understandings of our industry, our services, our clients, and our business models. All of those are ripe for written exploration and some I have written on in various iterations. However, one topic I have not much touched on relates to our
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industry/profession and how we align with the constructionbased trades. The industry of home inspecting has, historically, been discluded from “the trades.” When most people talk of “the trades,” inspectors of all types usually are not intended to be grouped within the same ranks. I feel this may have sewn discord within “the trades” in relation to home inspectors and what we do as professionals. Now, home inspecting (and everything home inspecting
may entail which is quite a long list of services and functions nowadays) is not construction. But, we have a plethora of professionals who readily advertise in an attempt to differentiate from their brethren competitors “experience within the trades.” I’ve always found this dichotomy interesting. Search for any inspector on social media, myself included, and you’ll find ample examples of deficiencies related to “the trades” execution. We, as inspectors, use these as
illustrations for why we are good at what we do, as well as to attempt to show others that we know a thing or two. When an inspector advertises trades experience and touts it as to why they are better than another inspector, I usually mumble to myself, “That doesn’t make you a good inspector. I inspect homes and offices every day that were built by trades professionals and are filled with deficiencies.” Our jobs as inspectors are to inspect what trades professionals “do”
because there always are errors to be found—we are human, and materials are imperfect. These errors are separate, of course, from natural degradation of building materials and systems that happen from lack of maintenance. At any rate, I really feel our industry of professionals took a wrong turn somewhere back when we decided to put all our eggs in two baskets—market and befriend Realtors® for more business and inspect exclusively for deficiency. Now, I understand saying this puts me on a slippery slope with some large industry figureheads, insurers included. But, I really think we missed the mark on the proper evolution of our trade. Firstly, I think we should be re-branding our profession as a trade. No, we aren’t shooting nails in sheathing or studs, and we aren’t plumbing drain lines (although some do both trades work and inspecting depending on licensing limitations), but
we are working exclusively in a world that is the confluence of all trades. We are evaluating, and to some extent critiquing, trade-related work which means we are, inherently, trades professionals. If we aren’t, then how could we do our jobs in a competent manner? This leads me to the second point—our industry’s education (any licensed state requires coursework prior to licensing; our national associations require continued coursework) has, for the most part, focused on teaching inspectors what to look for related to deficiency. If you are just getting your sea legs, this makes perfect sense. But, very quickly, it runs its course, and we start losing value as trades professionals related to consumer protection. To perform our trade well, we need to have a more concrete grasp on the execution/techniques within “the trades.” Moreover, we need to have an understanding of business practices within “the
trades.” It may seem irrelevant when you are in an attic looking for deficiencies but knowing the context of how the home came together, when it was built, and regional practices all help to contextualize what is discovered in that attic. Am I saying home inspectors need to go through trades school? No. Not unless you want a plethora of backlogged home inspections because all our people are tied up in 12–24-month programs. What I am saying is our education of new inspectors, and onward, should be crafted with a mind’s eye not toward deficiency, but a wholistic perspective of “the trades” and construction. Deficiencies could still be taught, but they become deficiencies of honed perspective. Plus, we’d learn some building science and processes along the way that could let us do more to document the entire home for the client, not just the deficiencies. From my perch,
there is greater value in helping the consumer gain control of the structure they purchase. That’s the best case for long-term care and management. I suspect some will read this and say, “This is exactly why I advertise myself as an inspector with trades experience.” Not so fast. Just because you framed the home doesn’t mean you followed the most appropriate method for flashing a wall assembly prior to window/ door installation. Having trades experience is not a free pass to understanding all materials and processes in “the trades.” If that were true, your electrician could flash your roof, plumb your kitchen, and install your adhered masonry stone veneer. We all know better. Advertising trades experience is disingenuous at worst and ignorant at best. Trades experience is helpful, but conceptual understandings of “the trades” in all facets would be of greater value to our trade, “the trades,” and the consumer.
By Greg Johns Owner and Inspector cookeville.wini.com
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: IN THE DETAILS
ALL-NEW SANTA FE SUV HYUNDAI MOTOR RADICALLY TRANSFORMS ALL-NEW SANTA FE SUV TO OFFER LARGER, CLASSLEADING INTERIOR SPACE AND TAILGATE OPENING
T
o commemorate the heritage
adventure-ready appeal with a class-lead-
finds a perfect balance between city life and
and iconic significance of the
ing, terrace-like living space made possible
the great outdoors, handling everything
SANTA FE brand, which spans
by its longer wheelbase and larger tailgate
from busy family itineraries to camping
from its first generation to the
opening. The longer wheelbase also allows
adventures,” said SangYup Lee, Executive
fourth, culminating in the recently launched
the new model to offer enhanced third-row
Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global
fifth generation, the global launch event and
seating.
Design Center. “With its longer wheelbase,
the world premiere filming took place in the
roomy interior and terrace-like tailgate
since 2018, Hyundai Motor adopted an
space, the new Santa Fe leans into its SUV
the source of inspiration for the SANTA
unusual design strategy by starting from the
strengths to offer more versatility than ever
FE brand. In the World Premiere Film, the
enlarged tailgate area to better facilitate the
before with a premium customer experi-
all-new SANTA FE’s wide tailgate seam-
enjoyment of the outdoors and then moving
ence.”
lessly connects the inside with the outside,
on to design the exterior.
The all-new SANTA FE’s front makes
expanding consumers’ everyday experiences.
The new model’s efficient, boxy shape
a strong first impression thanks to its high
The tailgate area, once a storage space, now
and long wheelbase help convey a powerful
hood, H-shaped headlamps and sharp-
becomes an open terrace that can be used to
presence while the strong yet delicately
ly-defined fenders. Together, the H-shaped
effortlessly enjoy the outdoors.
crafted external design is well-suited to both
headlamps and lower front valance design
urban and nature-focused settings.
draw inspiration from the Hyundai emblem
The fifth-generation SANTA FE enhances the midsize SUV’s city-friendly, 32
For SANTA FE’s first full-model change
beautiful region of Santa Fe in New Mexico,
T H I NKM AGAZI NE. US
“The all-new Santa Fe is an SUV that
to produce a bold and distinctive image.
“Since the first-generation SANTA FE’s debut 23 years ago, this iconic SUV has won the hearts of millions of customers around the world,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “The All-New Santa Fe’s bold and powerful identity, which encompasses the boundless outdoors and urban landscape, will establish an unrivaled presence in the mid-sized SUV market.”
The longer wheelbase gives the all-new SANTA FE a sense of grandeur, its clean side sculpting complemented by a bold roofline, generous volume around the fenders, robust wheel arches, a shorter front overhang and bold designed 21-inch wheels. The rear view, distinguished by its wider tailgate, reinforces the sense of solidity while creating a simpler, sculptural look. The H-shaped taillights harmonize with the front H-lights to provide the all-new SANTA FE with a distinctive presence on the road. SANTA FE’s all-new interior contrasts with the exterior by emphasizing horizontal and vertical design elements and matching the tone and mood of the exterior. An H-shaped design is applied to the dashboard and air vents to enhance the sense of openness and create a unique design balance. The new interior comes with useful convenience features, such as a UV-C Sterilization Tray and dual wireless charging system
Longer wheelbase offers enhanced third-row seating and the roomiest interior space and tailgate opening in its class, providing a terrace-like space
for smartphones, to create a sophisticated user experience with SUV-like practicality. SANTA FE’s first-in-class Panoramic Curved Display, which encompasses the 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment system, enhances driver visibility and creates a sense of luxury. In Korea and North America, the allnew SANTA FE will be available with two powertrain options. A gasoline 2.5-liter turbocharged engine (Theta III 2.5T GDI – 8DCT) provides maximum engine output of 281 ps and maximum torque of 43.0 kgf·m. A gasoline 1.6-liter Turbocharged Hybrid (Gamma III 1.6T GDI HEV – 6AT) provides maximum engine output of 180 ps and maximum torque of 27.0 kgf·m. FIND OUT MORE AT HYUNDAI.COM T HIN KMAGAZINE.US
33
: ESCAPES
Houston Is Out Of this WOrld By S E L E N E R I V E R A
HOUSTON, TEXAS IS THE FOURTH MOST POPULOUS CITY IN THE U.S. IT’S KNOWN FOR BEING THE HOME OF NASA, THE BIRTH PLACE OF BEYONCÉ, AND FOR HAVING SOME OF THE MOST DELICIOUS, DIVERSE CUISINE IN THE COUNTRY. RIDE ALONG WITH US AS WE UNCOVER SOME OF THE CITY’S GREATEST GEMS!
36
THI NKM AGAZI NE. U S
BuFFalo Bayou Park
F
irst off, you’ll want to settle into your luxe
live shows, and the NASA Tram Tour, which takes you
collected by founders John de Menil and Dominique de
hotel for your trip. For the best Houston
behind the scenes at Johnson Space Center. In the
Menil. menil.org
has to offer, book a stay at The Post Oak
visitor center, you can wander inside a replica of
Hotel at Uptown Houston. It is the only
America’s first space station, Skylab, and touch a rock
Buffalo Bayou Park, which includes ten miles of
five-star hotel and spa in Texas and offers
from the moon. There’s so much to do here, so reserve
urban oasis with hundreds of acres of parkland and
a few hours to see it all! spacecenter.org
running trails. At this gorgeous park, you can rent
impeccable amenities such as a luxury retail concept, a gorgeous pool with cabanas, a fire pit, and lounge
Houston is known for its many interactive
For a change of pace and scenery, stop by
kayaks and paddle along the bayou, grab a bike and
chairs; a wine cellar, a library, an art collection, a
museums, many of which attract thousands of
test your speed on the bike trails, enjoy some
salon, a 20,000-square-foot spa, and more. There are
tourists every year. Walk over to the museum district,
impressive sculptures, or go for a hike. A fun
seven dining and drinking concepts on-site to satisfy
where you can access 19 of these great museums. One
attraction to visit is the Cistern, an old underground
every craving, including a wood-fired pizza spot, an
of the most well-known, Museum of Fine Arts, is a
drinking-water reservoir from 1926. If you happen
award-winning pastry shop, an exotic cocktail bar, a
must-see. It’s one of the largest museums in the U.S.
to go to the park around sunset, make sure to stop
seafood restaurant, and a King Ranch Texas Kitchen.
and offers more than 6,000 years of history with
by Waugh Drive Bridge. About 250,000 Mexican
thepostoakhotel.com
approximately 70,000 works from six continents.
free-tailed bats inhabit the bridge and they fly out at
mfah.org
sunset, making for a unique sight. buffalobayou.org
Once you’ve dropped off your bags at your hotel, head out to the first attraction on the itinerary. Space
The Menil Collection is another highly-regarded
If you enjoyed being underground for the
Center Houston is a museum that’s perfect for any
museum. It spans 30 acres and consists of
Cistern, you’ll want to see this next attraction as
space lover. It has displays and attractions, including a
approximately 17,000 paintings, sculptures, prints,
well. Underneath the city of Houston, there are 7.5
flown SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, an artifact collection,
drawings, photographs, and rare books; all privately
miles of tunnels that can be explored. It connects 95
T HIN KMAGAZINE.US
37
: ESCAPES
hermann Park
memorial Park
city blocks together and acts as a sort of mall tourists
conservation project. This allowed Clay Family
art, including COPE2 and Houston’s own Gonzo247.
and residents can enjoy. There’s tons to do down
Eastern Glades to reclaim 100 acres of unused
The latter is known as the unofficial curator of
below like learning about the history of the tunnels,
parkland, turning it into a spectacular area where you
Houston’s street art and many of his works can be
seeing an abandoned 1933 hotel, or grabbing a snack
can walk nature trails, explore the wetlands, and
found throughout the city. For two of his most
at a bakery. downtownhouston.org
lounge on the expansive grassy lawns.
famous pieces, head to the corner of Travis and
memorialparkconservancy.org
Preston Street, where you can find the giant
If Houston is known for one thing, it’s their
“Houston is Inspired” mural. Also, on Leeland and St.
gorgeous parks. Buffalo Bayou isn’t the only beauty to
The last park you should definitely see—
explore. Hermann Park covers 400 acres of land and
although there are certainly plenty more—is Gerald
Emanuel Street, you’ll be able to see the smaller
offers eight acres of custom-made gardens, a historic
D. Hines Waterwall Park. This park is known for its
“Houston” mural.
railroad you can ride for a small fee, paddleboat and
stunning multi-story sculptural fountain. The 64-foot
bike rentals, a zoo, golf, and more. It’s also home to
fountain has sheets of water that cascade over
at Perry’s Steakhouse and Grill. The steakhouse is
one of the most famous statues in Houston, the Sam
concrete walls and sculptures, making for an
famous for their table-side carved, butter-drenched
Houston Statue. When Texas was still independent,
incredible sight. The rest of the 2.77-acre park is
pork chops and during the lunch hour you can get
Sam Houston acted as the first president of the
worth discovering as well, with plenty of picturesque
them for a discounted price. Other delectable eats
Republic of Texas. hermannpark.org
scenes along the way.
include the Butcher’s Blend Burger, Steakhouse Pasta,
Another great park, Memorial Park, features
For lovers of Miami’s Wynwood, check out
One of the city’s best lunch joints can be found
and Chargrilled Salmon. perryssteakhouse.com
amenities for every sport, like croquet, golf,
Houston’s street art. All throughout the city you can
After you’re all full, continue the sightseeing in
swimming, sand volleyball, flag football, and
find colorful graffiti and thoughtful art installations.
Houston’s very own Chinatown. The city actually has
mountain biking. Recently, the park underwent a
You’ll be able to spot some of the top names in street
the second largest Chinese population in the U.S.
The PosT oak hoTel
38
THI NKM AGAZI NE. U S
sPace cenTer
chinaTown
after Los Angeles. The Hong Kong Food Market is
square feet mansion was built in 1892!
as well as lobster Thermidor and Wagyu filet. Yum!
the perfect place to go snack on some appetizing
galvestonhistory.org
turnershouston.com For some nighttime shenanigans, head to
street food, grab a dessert, or just stroll around and
At the end of the day, after all of your fulfilling
take in the sights and smells. Another must-see in
adventures, what’s better than sitting back, relaxing,
Montrose. This neighborhood comes alive at night
the area is Jade Buddha Temple. This serene temple
and watching a light show? You can do just that at
with its many tattoo shops, bars, and boutiques. The
has a peaceful ambience where you can walk by lotus
“Twilight Epiphany” Skyspace. This light installation
scenic area is home to one of the best high-class bars
ponds, statues, and gardens. edg.jadebuddha.org
by James Turrell was unveiled by Rice University in
around, Tongue-Cut Sparrow, where you can reserve
One more sight you should see before the sun
2012 and it has been a favorite of locals ever since.
an intimate cocktail experience. The bartenders
sets is Galveston, a historic beach town that’s a little
The structure uses LED lights in sequence with the
serve up your drinks in black bowties and the
less than an hour away from Houston. The 32 miles
rising and setting of the sun to put on an alluring
atmosphere drips with elegance. The menu is
of beaches provide endless options for down-time
display, all projected through a square space at the
exclusive, with 16 classic cocktails and a few select
but if you still want to be active, take a stroll through
center of the pyramid. Now that’s how you see a
beer and wine options. tonguecutsparrow.com
the historic district. It’s here that you will be able to
sunset!
marvel at Victorian architecture and old seafaring
moody.rice.edu For a nice, swanky dinner make your way over
inns. For a bit more of history don’t miss Seawolf
Once you’ve boozed on a few luxe cocktails and are ready to hit the hay, retreat back to your suite at The Post Oak Hotel. Your trip has sadly
Park, where you can spot some antique ships like the
to Turner’s. Veteran chef and JBA winner Robert Del
come to an end but Houston has provided you with
U.S.S. Cavalla and U.S.S. Stewart. There’s also the
Grande brings Old World Charm to this dim-lit,
memories to last a lifetime. Now when you return to
striking Bishop’s Palace, a historical landmark
intimate restaurant. Expect mouthwatering dishes
Houston for a second time you’ll be able to say, “This
known for its magnificent Victorian style. The 19,082
like King crab terrine and Petrossian caviar service,
ain’t my first rodeo!”
The BishoP’s Palace
TwilighT ePiPhany skysPace
T HIN KMAGAZINE.US
39
: HEALTH
New Air, DoN’t CAre! The BesT Air-Purifying Indoor PlAnTs Clean the air that you and your family breathe with these low-maintenance indoor plants. Not only will they improve your indoor air quality, but they add a lovely natural element to your home. By V A N E S S A C . G U Z M A N
Chinese evergreen
snAke PlAnT
(draCaena trifasCiata)
(aglaonema)
english Ivy (Hedera Helix)
Snake Plants, otherwise known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, are succulent plants that can grow up to about six feet in height. It is a low maintenance plant that is hardy and thrives on neglect. Place them in a spot somewhere where they can receive bright, even direct, light for a couple of hours a day. Be careful not to overwater as they thrive in dry conditions. Toxins removed: formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, benzene, and xylene. 40
T H I NKM AGAZI NE. US
You might recognize English Ivy as the climber on many walls and trees outdoors, but NASA claims that it is the number one indoor houseplant when it comes to air purifiers. They grow well in small pots and prefer to be crowded. They look great in hanging baskets and you can even propagate them by placing the cuttings in water for just a few days. Toxins removed: formaldehyde and benzene.
The Chinese Evergreen plant comes in many varieties and is one of the easiest indoor house plants to grow. They tolerate most conditions but thrive in well-drained soil and humid temperatures, with medium to low light conditions. It is recommended that you fertilize your Chinese Evergreen plants twice a year. Toxins removed: formaldehyde and xylene.
sPider PlAnT (CHloropHytum Comosum)
PeACe lily
BAmBoo PAlm
(spatHipHyllum)
(CHamaedorea seifrizii) These guys can grow pretty big (between four and 12 feet high) making them absolute formaldehyde filtering machines. They make great indoor additions as they are pet-friendly and are one of the few air cleaners that love a good dose of full sunlight. Toxins removed: formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene.
Spider Plants are the perfect choice for newbies and those with a bad track record when it comes to plants. They thrive in indirect sunlight and survive in just about any condition (they’ve been known to survive in temperatures as low as 2 degrees). Spider Plants also send out shoots of baby Spider Plants called spiderettes. Toxins removed: formaldehyde and xylene.
Also known as a spathiphyllum, Peace Lilies are easy and undemanding planst to look after. Their glossy green leaves make the perfect addition to any room, especially those spots with low light. Keep them happy with a weekly water and fertilize with a slowrelease fertilizer in spring to promote growth and those glorious white flowers. Toxins removed: benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene
flAmingo lily/fleur (antHurium andraeanum)
gArden mum (CHrysantHemum morifolium)
Chrysanthemums, otherwise known as disbuds or mums, are not only a great addition to a floral arrangement, but they look great in your home and are known as one of the best air purifiers around. They are among the more difficult air purifiers to grow but the payoff is beautiful colorful blooms. They enjoy good air flow, bright indirect sunlight, and watering with warm water only, making sure that they are allowed to dry fully in between drinks. Toxins removed: ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene
lAdy PAlm
(rHapis exCelsa) The Flamingo Lily is the perfect plant to add a pop of color to any room and they flower 300 out of 365 days of the year. She loves bright indirect sunlight, to be watered one to two times a week, and is particularly comfortable in more humid conditions like your bathroom and kitchen. Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, Ammonia, Xylene, Toluene.
This is a beautiful indoor plant which not only looks good but is also known for its excellent air purifying properties. Plants of Palm are very hardy in nature, adapt to diverse climatic conditions, and can be used to decorate homes or public places like businesses and shopping malls. Toxins removed: formaldehyde, ammonia, and xylene T HIN KMAGAZINE.US
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: INSPECTIONS
SAFEGUARD YOUR HOME:
ANT
INSPECTION ANTS ARE AMONG THE MOST PREVALENT PESTS IN HOUSEHOLDS, RESTAURANTS, HOSPITALS, OFFICES, WAREHOUSES, AND VIRTUALLY ALL BUILDINGS WHERE FOOD AND WATER CAN BE FOUND. WHILE MOSTLY HARMLESS TO HUMANS, ANTS, ESPECIALLY CARPENTER ANTS, CAN CAUSE CONSIDERABLE BUILDING DAMAGE. BY NICK GROMICKO, CMI®
I
nspectors can expand their knowledge base by being able to identify some of the telltale signs of an ant infestation.
Ant Behavior Ants are social insects that live in colonies divided into three castes: queens, males, and workers. Most of the ants you may observe, which are responsible for gathering food, are sterile female workers. Winged males and females will leave the nest to mate, and to
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T H I NKM AGAZI NE. U S
find suitable locations for new colonies. After mating, the males die, and the impregnated females (queens) shed their wings and lay eggs that will hatch into the legless, grub-like larvae. The queen takes care of these larvae as they develop until they finally become pupae. Within a few weeks, adult worker ants emerge from these pupae and take over the job of tending the young. Distinguishing Ants from Termites Winged ants are often mistaken
for winged termites, which also leave their nests to mate. These insects can be distinguished from one another by three main characteristics:
species eventually lose them. • Winged female and worker ants have elbowed antennae, while the termite’s antennae are not elbowed.
• The ant’s body is constricted, giving it the appearance of having a thin waist, while the termite’s body is not constricted. • The ant’s hind wings are smaller than its front wings, while the termite’s front and hind wings are about the same size. Wings might not always be present, however, as both
Termites and ants both construct nests in moist wood, but ant nests are typically smoother and lack mud structures commonly found in termite nests. Also, termites actually subsist on wood, so the structural damage they leave it their wake is generally more severe than that caused by ants,
ANTS ARE SMALL, BUT NESTS ARE LARGE ENOUGH TO PRODUCE PERCEPTIBLE NOISE; AND OUTSIDE, INSPECT FOR NESTS IN MULCH AND VEGETATION NEXT TO THE FOUNDATION.” which merely tunnel through wood. Nests Carpenter ants’ nest in both moist and dry wood, but they prefer moist wood. Accordingly, nests are more likely to be found in wood dampened by water leaks, such as wood around bathtubs and sinks, poorly sealed windows and door frames, roof leaks and poorly flashed chimneys. Nests are especially common in moist, hollow spaces, such as the wall void behind a dishwasher and in a hollow deck column. As there will often be no external signs of damage, probing the wood with a screwdriver helps reveal the excavated “galleries.” Another technique for locating hidden nests is to tap along baseboards and other wood surfaces with the blunt end of a screwdriver while listening for the hollow sound of tunneled wood. If a nest is nearby, carpenter ants often will respond by making a rustling sound within the nest. Inspection The following clues are evidence that a building is host to an ant infestation: Long trails of ants, perhaps numbering in the hundreds or thousands. Ants assemble in long trails along structural elements, such as wires and pipes, and frequently use them to enter and travel within a structure to their destination. Follow the trail to locate their nest or their entry point, such as an electrical outlet, or gap along a baseboard or around a water pipe; A few straggler ants. These are scouts in search of food and nesting sites. They, too, may be followed back to the nest to betray their family; Holes or cracks in walls or foundations, especially where pipes enter the building, and around windows and doors. These can provide entry points for ants and other insects. Kitchens are other food storage and preparation areas are particular problem areas; Frass deposits. Frass is the fine sawdust
produced after galleries are carved out of the wood. If you suspect that a piece of woodwork hosts a gallery, you can tap on it with a screwdriver tip and see if any dust falls away; A distinctive rustling sound similar to the crinkling of cellophane. Ants are small, but nests are large enough to produce perceptible noise; and outside, inspect for nests in mulch and vegetation next to the foundation. Check under potted plants, patio blocks, stepping stones, in piles of rocks, lumber and firewood. Exclusion Practice Here are a few steps that can be taken by homeowners to reduce the potential for future ant problems, such as: Store food items that attract ants, such as sugar, syrup, honey, and pet food in closed containers. Wash them to remove residues from outer surfaces. Rinse out empty soft drink containers or remove them from the building. Thoroughly clean up grease and spills. Remove garbage from buildings daily and change liners frequently. Correct roof and plumbing leaks and other moisture problems that will attract ants. Eliminate wood-to-ground contact, such as where landscaping has pushed soil or mulch up against the wood siding of a home. Clip back tree limbs and vegetation touching the roof or siding of the house. Limbs and branches serve as bridges between tree limb nests and the structure. Seal cracks and openings in the foundation, especially where utility pipes and wires enter from the outside. Stack firewood away from the foundation and elevate it off the ground. Never store firewood in the garage or other areas of the home, as firewood is a major ant nesting area. In summary, ants are complex creatures that create structural defects in buildings. Inspection and exclusion techniques should be practiced. T HIN KMAGAZINE.US
43
: SIPS If you’re having a holiday party at home, this would be a great option for a “signature cocktail.” It’s a fun way to set the mood and it definitely makes the party
HOLIDAY
Cranberry Cocktail
much more memorable.
lifewithkami.com
INGREDIENTS:
PREPARATION:
•
4 oz. cranberry juice cocktail
•
2 oz. vodka
1. Squeeze some lemon juice into a wide enough bowl. Dip rim of glass into the bowl of lemon juice,
•
Splash of Grand Marnier
•
Frozen or fresh cranberries
•
Lime wedges for garnish (optional)
mixture into the sugar-rimmed glass. Garnish with lime wedges or cranberries in the glass or onto
•
Juice of one lemon
•
Granulated or superfine sugar for dipping glass
a toothpick. Tips: Keep glass chilled for a few minutes. After rimming glass with sugar, place glass
•
Cocktail shaker
•
Ice for cocktail shaker
44
THI NKM AGAZI NE. US
then dip the rim directly into the bowl of sugar. Set aside or place in the freezer until it’s ready to use. 2. Pour vodka, cranberry juice, Grand Marnier, and ice in cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously. Pour the
back into the freezer. Use flavored vodka for another layer of flavor. Add a splash of Grand Marnier—it makes everything taste better! Keep a bag of cranberries frozen for cocktails, muffins, or anything you can use a little tart for. Happy Holidays!
: SPOTLIGHT
Kenton Shepard’s Story:
IN HIS OWN WORDS, BUILDING HOMES, CRAFTING THE HOUSE OF HORRORS, AND BEYOND!
O
UR INDUSTRY
construction industry, I was eventually ready
I discovered that Nick (recently from
Home inspection is a business
to move on from construction, but wanted to
Pennsylvania) lived in Nederland too, and
in which we never stop learning.
take advantage of the building knowledge I’d
InterNACHI had an office there. One day, I
It’s complicated by the fact that
accumulated over the years. Home inspection
stopped by that office to show Nick a copy of a
seemed like a logical choice. ww
book I’d written for the National Association of
those of us who are in business for ourselves must have both business and technical skills,
By 2001, I had moved to little Nederland,
Home Builder’s publishing house, BuilderBooks,
both to succeed in the market, and for some,
Colorado, at 8,200 feet of elevation, four miles
and that was the beginning of a long and fruitful
to satisfy jurisdictional requirements, and
from the continental divide, 20 miles into in
relationship. And Nick’s email turned out to be
variations in markets across North America.
the mountains above Boulder, which bumps up
prophetic!
against the foothills of the Rockies at western MY BACKGROUND YEARS Working as a production framing carpenter
for InterNACHI and had released the first
correspondence home inspection course, began
edition of the InterNACHI Narrative Library,
on large housing tracts in southern California
ride-alongs with a local inspector, and by the
a collection of organized home inspection
when the market was so hot that want-to-be
end of that year I went into business as the Peak
narratives for various popular home inspection
buyers had to place high enough in a lottery
to Prairie Inspection Service.
software that was later to become my primary
before they were allowed to buy a home was
In 2004, I received an email from someone
focus.
excellent training for someone tasked with
named Nick Gromicko, head of a non-profit
designing and building a House of Horrors.
association for home inspectors called
AS INTERNACHI’S DIRECTOR OF
Throw ‘em up and sell ‘em!
InterNACHI, that said, “We are going to
INTERNATIONAL DEVLEOPMENT
Starting in 1970, I spent something over
46
By 2008, I was writing articles and courses
edge of the great plains. I enrolled in ITA’s
take over all home inspection in
By 2011, I had become InterNACHI’s
30 years as a framing and finish carpenter
Colorado", and inviting me to the first
Director of International Development. This
and contractor on tract and custom homes,
chapter meeting. I’d never heard of Nick or
job/designation had never existed for the home
mostly in southern California and the Colorado
InterNACHI, so I laughed, scoffed, and deleted
inspection industry, so this had never been done
Front Range. Like many others in the building
it… but I went to the meeting.
before. I eventually travelled to and worked in
THI NKM AGAZI NE. US
T HIN KMAGAZINE.US
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: SPOTLIGHT
Kenton and Ron Huffman
Australia, South Africa, and México, helping
the border. There isn’t enough room here for
coverings,
to develop inspection industries and establish
the detour, desert, and donkey-on-the-highway
3.
It should have a LOT of defects,
InterNACHI chapters in those countries. I wrote
details, but they all played a part of that little
4.
There would be no set of plans,
Standards of Practice and courses. It was an
adventure! At the border in Laredo, Texas,
5.
It had to be safe, and…
extremely interesting 5-year period during which
standing outside their booth, the two Border
6.
Here’s a credit card, get to work!
I met and corresponded with inspectors in many
Patrol officers looked at my car, looked at me,
countries that wanted to become inspectors, or
and asked, “What’s all this?” I said, “This is
those wanting to found an inspection industry.
almost three years living and working in México,”
This had never been done before, which meant
This included contacts and conversations with
He said, “Welcome back to the U.S.A.!” I was so
that I was free to use my imagination, 45 years
people in Oceana, eastern and southern Africa,
happy to be home that I couldn’t stop smiling.
of combined experience in residential and light
Asia, the Middle East, eastern Europe, and
I viewed this as a fantastic opportunity!
commercial construction, and home inspection.
Central and South America. It was exciting,
THE FIRST HOUSE OF HORRORS
I didn’t have to get anything approved or submit
but it was living abroad, often in third world
In January of 2016, InterNACHI’s headquarters
periodic reports. Nick, his brother Ben (now
countries.
was in a building in Boulder, Colorado,
InterNACHI’s Chief Operations Officer), and
December of 2015 rolled around, and I
with generous office space and a good-sized
occasionally Chris Morrel (InterNACHI’s Chief
flew back to Boulder to spend the holidays
warehouse. The warehouse was completely
Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer),
with family. Nick and I talked, and he asked
empty, and our voices echoed off the walls as
came by and gave me feedback as the project
if I wanted to build the House of Horrors in
Nick and I discussed the project. We worked
progressed.
InterNACHI’s new headquarters in Boulder.
out the approximate footprint, setback from the
The House was to cover all the major home
This was an idea that had been floating around
walls, general configuration, and sketched out
systems and components. We planned ahead and
InterNACHI for several years and I was excited
verbally what would go where.
I conferred with manufacturers, contractors, and
to be asked! I said, YES!
instructors. I made defect lists. Each morning, The major parameters were:
I would walk into the warehouse and look at
where I’d been living for almost three years, I
1.
the section that needed to be built. It might be
stuffed my ex-unmarked highway patrol car
floor.
80 feet of roof divided into sections, each with
to the roof and headed north at high speed for
2.
different roof-covering materials installed. There
Returning to Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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THI NKM AGAZI NE. US
It couldn’t be permanently fastened to the It couldn’t have any interior or exterior wall
needed to be headwalls, sidewalls, a ridge, and
The House of Horrors takes up just under
had never been to South Florida, but in March of
penetrations. Each section needed to be visible to
half of the warehouse, The far side has developed
2017, I headed east in my Ford F-250. The new
a minimum number of students and a teacher. It
into a classroom with a large projector screen
House of Horrors was to be constructed in PRO-
was similar for exterior wall-covering materials.
and tables and chairs for a variety of in-person
LAB’s warehouse.
Individual sections needed a window, a soffit, a
residential and commercial inspection classes.
InterNACHI and PRO-LAB® have worked
roof with a headwall, flashings, and interior and
The middle part of the warehouse has developed
closely together for many years to educate home
exterior corners.
into a space for mobile displays, also residential
inspectors about common indoor environmental
Basic framing was first, and because the
and commercial. Stucco wall displays, electrical
contaminants. Starting with mold and branching
house was not fastened down, I had to design
and HVAC displays, all can be touched and
out from there, PRO-LAB® now supplies
the structure accordingly. I have no engineering
looked into either on your own during a visit, or
inspectors with testing and sampling equipment
background, but through years of constructing
while you’re talking with a class instructor.
and certified analysis services for mold, radon,
buildings designed by architects and approved by engineers, I understood the forces at work and was confident in my abilities. Ron Huffman is an engineer and instructor that works closely with InterNACHI, and I was able to consult with him when I wanted confirmation about a structural issue. The project was so, so gratifying!
lead, asbestos, and more. Part of the fun for visiting students has been the opportunity to meet staff, visit Inspector Outlet, and have a photo taken in the Oval Office replica that Joe Haggarty and I built in Nick’s office.
Nick and I sometimes disagreed about
The space was different, and so the House of Horrors’ design had to be different, but the parameters were the same, and there was still classroom and display space. There were two main differences between the two projects: first, South Florida is HOT, and the higher you build, the hotter it gets! I became infamous for wearing
things! Nick is a very intelligent guy, but he didn’t
short shorts at work. I think some curious
have the construction background that I had, so I
inspection-related visitors were torn between
had to pick my battles, They were minor ones. By
wanting to ask me questions and pretending that
this time, we had already worked closely together
I wasn’t there. Second, PRO-LAB® had a forklift!
for nine years or so on a wide variety of projects,
In Boulder, Colorado and for the early part of the
and during that time we always had a common
Weston House, I was the forklift.
goal—helping home inspectors to be successful.
The Weston House also took a year to
Understanding that about each other helped us
complete. Toward the end, my son, Hunter
work things out in a manner that allowed me to complete a House of Horrors in Boulder that we’re all proud of. It took a year to build.
THE SECOND HOUSE OF HORRORS In early 2017, Nick asked if I wanted to build another House of Horrors in South Florida. I
flew out from the island of St. John to help. In September of 2017, we tucked in for a few days to let hurricane Irma pass through. My son is a
T HIN KMAGAZINE.US
49
: SPOTLIGHT chef, a good one, and we had time to stock up on
done complete revisions every year since 2008.
City, NJ (to be held in Orlando, FL in 2024). I
provisions, so we found it to be a pretty unique
In México, it was translated into a dual language
want to say that it was a lot of fun and a lot of
experience.
English/Spanish template. It’s now being
education, both residential and commercial.
AFTER THE HOUSES Throughout the time I’ve taken on various projects for InterNACHI, I’ve consistently worked on developing the InterNACHI
translated into French. It’s slowly expanding
We’re in a challenging business and the
into other inspection software. The residential
opportunity to learn from others in different
template runs around 7,000 comments and the
markets is one of the benefits of attending an
commercial template about 9,000 comments.
inspection conference, especially if you’re in an
Over the years, working with those at
area with no local chapters. Meeting inspectors
Narrative Library. At this point, I sell residential
InterNACHI and PRO-LAB® has been an
and vendors face to face can expose you to
and commercial templates for five different
interesting and rewarding experience. It’s kept
new ideas with the potential to make you look
inspection software companies and have Word
me in good shape and still feeling vital, interested
at aspects of your business differently. One of
and Excel versions that allow inspectors to copy
in life, and enthusiastic about taking on new
those ideas might be the move into commercial
and paste narratives into any software. I also sell
residential and commercial inspection-related
inspection.
specialized templates for ancillary inspections
projects at the age of 71.
like boat dock, lift and boathouses, with bulkheads to be added soon. I’ll also be releasing a wildland fire template soon. Because home inspection is a constantly evolving industry, I’ve
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T H I NKM AGAZI NE. US
Many inspectors are unfamiliar with commercial inspection and education from
EXPANDING YOUR ABILITIES Having just returned from the big InterNACHI conference held this year in Atlantic
the Certified Commercial Property Inspector’s Association (ccpia.com) can help to make the transition from residential to commercial easier.
Training and Support for Home Inspectors
888-SCAN-4-IR - 888-722-6447 www.unitedinfrared.com
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8 CEUs – TheHomeInspectIR 2024 is a 8-hour online course developed for home inspectors interested in adding infrared thermography to their existing business or developing a career in thermography. Topics include Insulation Inspection, HVAC Inspection, Moisture Inspection, and Electrical Inspection. A portion of course cost can be applied towards the purchase of an infrared camera. $295 Approved by CREIA / ASHI / InterNACHI
Home Inspector Courses
5CEUs – SewerScan is a 5-hour online course intended to help contractors complement and grow their current business with underground piping inspections via a sewer camera. SewerScan is an excellent way to add new revenue to your business. Our training is focused on equipment selection, proper set up, how-to survey, sample finding, pitfalls, reporting, and marketing a successful business. Includes 2 years free listing on SewerScan.com. Cost of course may be applied to the purchase of a sewer camera. $595 Approved by CREIA / ASHI / InterNACHI 9CEUs – ChimneyScan is a service offered by home inspectors who are trained in an advanced inspection technique to find potential problems in residential chimneys, fireplaces, or venting systems. ChimneyScan technicians serve home buyers and sellers who are interested in adding a more detailed inspection in their home buying process. A ChimneyScan features an enhanced visual inspection of the exterior chimney and includes and a video of the internal flue (Level II) which is not normally included in a standard home inspection. Cost of course may be applied to the purchase of a chimney camera. $595 Approved by CREIA / ASHI / InterNACHI 1 CEU – FlueGasInspector.com is a service offered by home inspectors who are trained in an advanced inspection technique to find potential problems in residential and commercial gas burning venting systems. The Certified FlueGasInspector training course is intended to help home inspectors complement and grow their business with an advanced analysis of exhaust gasses within the appliance. Exhaust analysis will help diagnose true operating condition of appliance in regards to proper combustion and exhaust. $195 Approved by CREIA / ASHI / InterNACHI 10 CEUs - PoolandSpaInspectors.com is a service offered by home inspectors who are trained in advanced techniques to find water loss and water chemistry analysis. PoolandSpaInspectors serve home buyers and sellers who are interested in adding a more detailed inspection in their home buying process or who suspect pool or spa deferred maintenance and water loss. The PoolandSpaInspectors training application is a 10-hour online course designed to provide home inspectors the knowledge they need to offer their clients an upgraded pool and spa inspection. $295 Approved by CREIA / ASHI / InterNACHI 4 CEUs – 107 Test Prep Course is a 4-hour in-depth test preparation course is designed to take you through all the stages of passing your FAA Part 107 exam and getting licensed as a drone pilot for commercial use under the FAA for small Unmanned Aircraft (UAS) Part 107. Learn the many applications of using drones for your business. From roof inspections to solar panels to building and site surveys, drones have unlimited potential in their utilization. United Infrared has teamed up with Clarity Aero to provide this important and exciting new field of training. $350 Approved by CREIA / ASHI / InterNACHI Residential Construction Performance Guidelines
2 CEUs – The Residential Construction Performance Guidelines book is the construction industry’s most accepted contractor reference on how homes should perform. This 2-hour course brings this book to life! Live video, countless examples, guidelines and tips. Comes with a free consumer edition of the book. $49. Approved by CREIA / ASHI / InterNACHI
Call United Infrared at 888-722-6447 to register or see our website at www.unitedinfrared.com/store
Interested in FREE TRAINING or SAVING $$ on advanced training classes that will make you MONEY? Visit our Booth in the Trade Show Hall to learn more!
United Infrared is a top distributor of the highest quality cameras and equipment available for home inspectors. Our exclusive training courses are included free with many items. Check out our show specials at the United Infrared booth or mobile training unit. United Infrared is the largest training and marketing network of certified thermographers in the world. UI is a full-service infrared training organization whose instructors are experts in various applications of infrared thermography. For more information: (888) 722-6447 | info@unitedinfrared.com | www.unitedinfrared.com
: EVENTS
INTERNACHI’S 2023 ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL INSPECTORS CONVENTION THE MOST ANTICIPATED CONVENTION OF THE YEAR WITH THREE DAYS OF EDUCATION, NETWORKING, GREAT FOOD, AND MORE.
D
uring check-in, attendees grabbed a complimentary convention tote bag filled with everything they needed for a successful time at the convention. InterNACHI® kicked-off their annual convention with a festive evening of food and refreshments, raffles, giveaways, and much more! This was the biggest gathering of the year of professional property inspectors, subject-matter experts, and industry service providers and vendors. InterNACHI’s 2023 Professional Inspectors Convention was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey at the Tropicana Casino & Resort over October 12-14, 2023. There were inspectors from across the country, advanced hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and insight on how to take your business to the next level!
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T H I NKM AGAZI NE. U S