February 2016 Reporter

FLASHLIGHT SHOOTOUT 2016 P8

REPORTERASHI

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

2.16

12 Pipe and Stack Flashings

18 The Home Inspector- Real Estate Agent Relationship: Two Points of View

22 How to Raise Your Prices Without Killing Your Business: Part 1

25 The ASHI School After You Graduate

38 On My Mind: Who is This Guy and How Did He Get Here?

Learn About theCOMP Program on Page 7

2 ASHI Reporter • February 2016 3February 2016 • www.ASHIReporter.org 3

Departments 6 Being Frank: From ASHI’s Executive Director The Holidays are Over, but Giving and Receiving can Continue all Year ’Round 7 Around the CoRner Jim Funkhouser, Speaker of the CoR

25 The ASHI School After You Graduate ASHI School Staff

26 Affiliate Spotlight Joe Ferry, The Home Inspector Lawyer 28 ASHI Community New Inspector Status, Chapter Events, Council News and Education

32 Your ASHI Membership News, Event Calendar, Endorsed Member Programs & Anniversaries

36 Postcards From the Field It’s Wacky Out There

38 On My Mind Randy Sipe, ASHI President

Features 8 Flashlight Shootout 2016 Rick Bunzel, ACI 12 Pipe and Stack Flashings

Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop

18 The Home Inspector-Realtor Relationship: Two Points of View Linda Reilly, Coldwell Banker, Residential Brokerage Bruce Fisher, White Glove Inspections

22 How to Raise Your Prices Without Killing Your Business, Part 1 Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop

February 2016 Vol . 33, #2REPORTERASHI 2.16

THE FUTURE IS ON®

The Industry’s First AFCI Outlet

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Please Support Our Advertisers: Leviton 2 leviton.com/afci

BusinessRisk Partners 5 inspectorinsurance.com

Ohio Chapter of ASHI 7 ohioashi.com/events

Millionaire Inspector Community 11 FreeInspectorTeleclass.com

OREP 13 OREP.org

EBPHI 15 NHIEStudyGuide.org

How To Operate Your Home 15 htoyh.com

Allen Insurance Group 17 allenins.com

American Home Warranty Co. 19 ahomewarranty.com

ASHI Online Learning Center 20 www.ashi.org

Target 21 TargetProIns.com

InspectIt 24 InspectIT.com

Fort Reports 25 fortreports.com

Joe Ferry 27 joeferry.com/agreement

3d Inspection System 35 3dinspection.com

America’s Call Center 35 americascallcenter.com

The ASHI School 35 theASHIschool.com

Sun Nuclear Corporation 39 sunradon.com

HomeGauge 40 HomeGauge.com

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ASHI Reporter • February 2016 5February 2016 • www.ASHIReporter.org 54 5ASHI Reporter • February 2016 5February 2016 • www.ASHIReporter.org

ASHI MISSION STATEMENTTo set and promote standards for property inspections

and to provide the educational programs needed to achieve excellence in the profession and to meet the needs of our members.

ASHI National Officers and Board of DirectorsEducated. Tested. Verified. Certified.

Publisher: Frank Lesh

Editor: Carol Dikelsky

Art Director: Arlene Zapata, Jr. Designer: Juraj Ilavsky

American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.

932 Lee Street, Suite 101

Des Plaines, IL 60016

847-954-3186 Reporter calls only

847-299-2505 (fax) Reporter only

E-mail: [email protected]

Advertising: Dave Kogan Phone: 847-954-3187, E-mail: [email protected]

ASHI REPORTER – ISSN 1076-1942 – the official publication of the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. (ASHI), 932 Lee St., Suite 101, Des Plaines IL 60016, is published monthly. Annual subscriptions: $44.95 to non-members. Periodical postage paid at Des Plaines, IL 60016 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ASHI Reporter, 932 Lee Street, Suite 101, Des Plaines, IL 60016-6546. Copyright© 2016, ASHI. None of the content of this publication may be reproduced, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Inclusion of or specific mention of any proprietary product within does not imply endorsement of, nor does exclusion of any proprietary product imply non-endorsement, by the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. Opinions or statements of authors and advertisers are solely their own, and do not necessarily represent the opinions or positions of ASHI, its agents or editors. See above for information pertaining to submission of articles, advertising and related materials.

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

Howard Pegelow, President-Elect Gilbert, AZ, [email protected]

Robert Walstead, Vice President Colorado Springs, CO, 719-495-2652 [email protected]

Tim Buell, TreasurerMarysville, OH, 614-746-7485 [email protected]

Scott Patterson, SecretarySpring Hill, TN, 615-302-1113 [email protected]

Alden Gibson, Immediate Past-President Breslau, ON, [email protected]

Officers

Bruce Barker 2015-2017 Cary, NC, [email protected]

Ken Harrington 2015-2017

Delaware, OH, [email protected]

Richard Hart 2016-2018 Conyers, GA, [email protected]

David Haught 2016-2018 Huntington, WV, [email protected]

C. Blaine Illingworth III 2015-2017

Harleysville, PA, [email protected]

Keven Kossler 2015-2017

Huntersville, NC, [email protected]

Bruce Labell 2015-2017

Scottsdale, AZ, [email protected]

Mark Londner 2014-2016 Purcellville, VA, 540-668-6339 [email protected]

Donald Lovering 2015-2016 Auburndale, MA, 617-698-3903 [email protected]

Blaine Swan 2016-2018 Columbus, OH614 [email protected]

Tony Smith 2015-2017 Cedar Rapids, IA, 319-533-4565 [email protected]

Mike Wagner 2014-2016 Westfield, IN, 317-867-7688 [email protected]

John Wessling 2016-2018 St. Louis, MO, [email protected]

Kevin Westendorf 2014-2016

Mt. Pleasant, SC, 843-881-7842kevinw@lowcountryhome inspection.com

Speaker, Council of Representatives: James Funkhouser 2015-2016 Manassas Park, VA, 703-791-2360 [email protected]

Directors

ASHI STAFFMain Phone: 847-759-2820, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Mon. - Fri., CST

Executive Director

Frank Lesh, Executive Director, 847-954-3182, [email protected] Bruno, Executive Assistant, 847-954-3177 [email protected]

Education, CE Approval, Smart Track, InspectionWorld

Michele George, Director of Education & Events, 847-954-3188 [email protected]

Membership, Chapter Relations, Booth Rental, Product Orders

Russell Daniels, Assistant Executive Director, Director Membership and Chapter Relations, 847-954-3185, [email protected] Lester, Membership Services Coordinator, 847-954-3176 [email protected] George, Membership Services Supervisor, 847-954-3180 [email protected] Gallegos, Membership Administrator, 847-954-3175 [email protected] Laurent, Administratove Assistant, 847-954-3179 [email protected] Accounting

Toni Fanizza, Bookkeeper, 847-954-3190, [email protected] Canham, Financial Assistant, 847-954-3184 [email protected]

Website, Information Systems, Database

Mike Rostescu, Director IT & Internet Communications 847-954-3189, [email protected] Publications, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations

Dave Kogan, Manager of Marketing & Business Development 847-954-3187, [email protected] Arlene Zapata, Graphic Design Manager, 847-954-3186 [email protected]

The ASHI School

Kendra Eiermann, Manager, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3178 [email protected] Steve Reilly, Senior Sales Representative, 888-884-0440 or 847-954-3181, [email protected] McGraw, Administrative Assistant, 847-954-3198 [email protected]

5

http://www.inspectorinsurance.com


The Holidays are Over, but Giving and Receiving can Continue all Year ’Round

From ASHI’s Executive Director

Now that the holiday season is over, it’s time to start thinking about increasing your business to help pay for all those gifts

you bought. You can do what most inspectors do, such as passing out more brochures, advertising in the local media or increasing your search engine optimization (SEO) by going to Facebook, LinkedIn or any number of other Internet options. Those are all good ideas. However, I found that one of the best ways for me to increase my business was to be the “go-to guy” in my area. Whether you focus on the physical area in which your business is operating or you develop a specific area of expertise, your efforts can have lucrative rewards.

Let me explain the physical location first. If you are giving a presen-tation at a real estate office, and you suspect many of the agents don’t use you because they think you’re “a deal killer,” you can turn that belief into a great opportunity by making them an offer they can’t refuse. I once did a presentation at a realty office where some agents had seen or heard of deals falling through after I had inspected the house. The belief was that I, not the condition of the house, had been the reason the contract failed. Therefore, they decided to never use me. In addition to that, my prices were higher than most of the competition. Knowing that one of those two reasons was probably why I wasn’t being used, I started off my presentation by saying, “I don’t recommend you use me for any of your clients… (pause for dramatic effect). One, I’m not as cheap as other inspectors (and I used the word “cheap” intentionally) and two, don’t use me unless the clients are your friends, your daughter, your son or other family members.”

( Every head in the office looked up and stared at me. I knew I had their attention. I went on to say, “I’m going to do a thorough inspection. I’m going to call them like I see them and some of the deals are not going to go through. So, if you’re just looking for an inspection that won’t make waves, then it’s probably best to use some other inspector. But if you want your family and friends to have a good inspection, I’m your guy.”

Speaker: Jim Funkhouser 571-214-4039 [email protected]

Alternate Speaker:John Wessling St. Louis, MO [email protected]

Secretary:Brendan Ryan 724-898-1414 [email protected]

Group Leaders

New England/CanadaMike Atwell 617-630-5629 [email protected]

New York/ New JerseyKevin Vargo 732-271-1887 [email protected]

Mid-AtlanticHollis [email protected]

MidwestMichael J. Von Gunten 262-945-2446 [email protected]

South AtlanticRichard Hart 770-827-2200 [email protected]

GulfJohn Knudsen 334-221-0876 [email protected]

South Midwest John Wessling 314-520-1103 [email protected]

North CentralDave Haught 304-417-1247 [email protected]

MountainKurt Salomon801-523-6060 [email protected]

PacificDarrell Hay 206-226-3205 [email protected]

ASHI Council of Representatives Speakers and Group Leaders

From The Speaker of the CoRAround the CoRner

E ver heard of the COMP Program? Yeah, I thought not. It’s the Chapter Outreach for Member Project and although it might be new to you, it’s been around for a while and

may be just the kick in the pants your chapter needs to build awareness in your market and increase membership! This is a program that ASHI Director Bruce Barker and some other guy (yes, that guy would be me) designed to help chapter leaders who find they need assistance puting on seminars or other awareness-raising events due to lack of personnel, money or both. Let’s walk through the program.

So, let’s say an ASHI chapter in Northern Colorado (let’s call them “NOCASHI”) has a small, but steadfast, membership that wants to attract more members and raise the recognition of ASHI it’s their area. Poor NOCASHI. Whatever shall it do? (Stop it…you’re getting ahead of me.)

Well, the brilliant chapter leaders in NOCASHI decided to contact the Chapter Relations Committee (CRC) through Ol’ Saint Daniels (also known as Russell Daniels at ASHI headquarters, email [email protected]) and ask, “Please, sir, may I have some help, too?” (OK, I’m writing this at Christmastime, so I’m mixing in a little Dickens…just go with it.) Lo and behold, the brilliant chapter leaders found themselves with assets, logistics and monies, oh my! (OK…and “The Wizard of Oz”).

Here’s the nitty-gritty:Your chapter writes a proposal for an event you wish to hold. It can be a seminar, an open house, a help booth at a local hardware store… anything. Russell and the Chapter Relations Committee will consider the proposal to figure out how best they can assist you. They can provide speakers, help arrange a location to hold the event, assist in advertising the event and help with the costs involved.

Pretty cool, right? It’s there for the asking. So, what are you prepared to do? (Fine…and “The Untouchables”).

Now, what’s YOUR great idea? Write me at [email protected] and share your ideas with the Council of Representatives (CoR). ~ Jim

James Funkhouser • Speaker, ASHI Council of Representatives • [email protected] H

The immediate result? I received calls from agents wanting me to do their family members’ inspections. Incidentally, many would then have the nerve to ask if they could get a discount. Of course, the answer was no. But once the inspection was completed, most of them started using me regularly. Sometimes just for family mem-bers, sometimes when they had “difficult” clients—the ones who ask a million questions over and over again and are never satisfied. Also, they would call, asking me to explain something that came up in an inspection that I did not do. I would take the time to answer their questions the best I could, even though they didn’t use me for that inspection. But the bottom line was, I became their go-to guy.

I also became a resource for other inspectors. Having decided to specialize in Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)

installations, I did many presentations to my chapter members on what to watch out for at EIFS houses. Since the Great Lakes Chapter covers seven states, I would get calls from inspectors who had clients in the great states of Iowa, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana and everywhere in between.

Many inspectors accept going to real estate offices to drum up business, but many miss the opportunity to gain business from other inspectors. That’s why belonging to an ASHI chapter is so important. Inspectors get to know and trust you. There is a mis-guided belief that other inspectors can only be competitors and that simply is not true. If you give others your time and expertise, you will receive gratitude and business from those you help. In that respect, the holiday season may continue for you all year long.

On another note, please read Council of Representative Jim Funkhouser’s article on Page 7. We have a program in place to help both chapters and members increase their viability. You’ll be hearing a lot more about this in the coming days.H

Frank Lesh, Executive DirectorAmerican Society of Home InspectorsDirect: [email protected] • www.ashi.org

http://www.ohioashi.com/events


> Flashlight Shootout 2016

Flashlight Shootout 2016

It’s been 10 years since I did my first flashlight review, and there have been a

lot of changes. Back then, battery life on a MagCharger lasted for about one inspec-tion, the halogen bulb was the brightest and lithium batteries were nowhere to be found. In 2016, many lights will go for numerous inspections before needing to be recharged. Today, size doesn’t equate with brightness. My brightest light in the 2012 review had a 6-inch lens and was 18 inches long. In 2016, I tested a light with a 1-inch lens that’s 4.5 inches long and put out nearly as much light and has a battery that will last for several hours.

My requirements for an inspection flashlight haven’t changed since 2012. The flashlight should be rechargeable, preferably with a 12-volt charger, have a brightness greater than 200 lumens, fit comfortably in my tool-belt and emit a neutral, light color. For this review, I was able to get LED flashlights from LED Lenser, MagLite, StreamLight and Dorcy. I requested a main working light and a pocket light. (I found that I like to carry a pocket light as a backup in case I have a problem in an attic or crawlspace. The pocket light has to be able to fit in the ruler pocket of my pants.)

Many lights I received use USB chargers. This great new feature allows charging on the go with an adaptor and a USB cable (see sidebar). One manufacturer put a battery gauge on its light. Because most of these lights have some “smarts,” it would be nice if each one had an indicator to show when there’s less than one hour of run time left.

The brightness of the 2016 lights is dramati-cally different and some of the lights are too powerful for interior inspection use. Most lights I reviewed use a Cree LED element, with the more powerful of these elements producing over 1,000 lumens. In the 2012 test, the brightest light produced over 1,300 lumens using five LEDs. In this test, the UltraStinger produced 1,100 lumens with a single C4 LED. In a residential inspection, you really don’t need more than 200 to 400 lumens. Beyond 400 lumens, the light washes out the objects and you lose detail. Another issue I found with lights over 500 lumens was that the lighted objects are so bright they will dilate your eyes. The excep-tions are when you are in an attic, basement or crawlspace.

I used the lights on inspections to provide real-life conditions. I tried to use each light for at least two weeks. Originally, I planned to photograph the beams focused on a target (as I did with the last test), but as lights have gotten brighter, I think this is less relevant. (Note: All pricing is from Amazon and is subject to change.)

StreamlightStrion HPL ($108; 615 maximum lumens): This light should be considered the successor to the UltraStinger as it is lighter and brighter than the original UltraStinger. This light has three modes of brightness (615, 320 and 160 lumens) and a strobe mode. The lens is not adjustable and using it at the highest setting causes a hotspot in the middle of the beam. The switch is on the butt, but I wish there was a switch behind the lens to make it easier to cycle through the brightness options. The one drawback to its small size is the reduced run time of one hour on the high setting and two hours on the medium setting. It comes with a lithium ion battery and a charging cradle that takes a 120-volt adaptor or a 12-volt plug. Like all Streamlight products, the Strion is well-constructed and heavy-duty. One drawback to this light is its short run time, but with a 12-volt charger and cradle, I would normally just park it in the cradle between inspections. I also did have

a problem with the switch on the first unit, but Streamlight quickly repaired it. Stream-light products have a lifetime warranty that I have used in the past. If you have a problem, send it back and they will repair it for free in most cases.

UltraStinger LED ($119.95; 1,100 max-imum lumens): This is such a bright light that, unless you get used to clicking through its brightness modes, it’s really too bright for inspection work other than in crawlspaces. At 1,100 lumens, it washes out everything and dilates your eyes. Streamlight has a pro-graming mode (Ten-Tap) that allows you to select high/medium/low with strobe, high only (without strobe) or high/medium/low without strobe.

Unfortunately, what I really would want is to start out at low power and step up through the modes. Also, I’d like the lens to focus to allow a flood beam or narrow spotlight. Without these features, the UltraStinger LED is really most useful for outdoors or in crawlspaces and attics.

SL-20 ($89.99; 350 maximum lumens): I’ve had this light for 18 months and it has been my daily inspection flashlight. Usually, I can do four to six inspections without recharging it. Its nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries recharge pretty fast and the cradle is superior to the Strion or the UltraStinger cradles. The SL-20 charger has a hoop that easily aligns. The body is a nylon polymer that makes it nearly indestructible. This lens is not adjustable and if I use it to add light to a picture, I have to position the beam’s hotspot out of the picture to prevent wash-ing out detail.

Waypoint Spotlight ($111; 1,000 lumens): In the Pacific Northwest, we have a lot of crawlspaces that are tight, nasty and dark. I want a bright light so I can look into the crevices and corners. My previous crawlspace light was the Dorcy 750-lumen spotlight. It wasn’t perfect and it had a habit of not want-ing to turn back on if it momentarily shut off. Streamlight’s spotlight is twice the price, so I had high expectations. The Waypoint did not let me down. It’s well-built and the features were on par with all the Streamlight products. The Waypoint was 25% brighter with a single C4 LED than the Dorcy Spot-light. The trigger will turn on momentarily or stay on constantly, and there is a separate

toggle for the three brightness levels. It comes with a lithium ion battery and both 120-volt and 12-volt adapters. The run time is three hours at high power and six hours at midpower.

ClipMate USB light ($40; 70 lumens): The ClipMate did not fit into my pocket light definition, but it is a cool little work light. It’s lightweight and it can clip onto a pocket or a hat. The light is on a stalk, so it is easy to clip it and focus it on where you are work-ing. There is a built-in USB jack, so it can plug directly into any USB port.

LED LensersLED Lenser P17R ($249; 400 maximum lumens): From the moment you start un-boxing the P17R, you can tell it’s a quality product. It has a weight to it similar to the old MagCharger. This is the only light that has a true focusing beam. With a quick twist, this light goes from a tight focus to flood. The flood was great—it allowed me to be able to add light to broad pictures in the crawlspace and attic. The tight focus made the light seem brighter than the Strion HPL. This light also has some technology behind it. In addition to the three modes, it has a 360-degree gauge on the butt that tells you the state of the charge.

LED Lenser P5R.2 ($111; 270 maximum lumens): When it comes to pocket lights, the P5R.2 is superior to anything else out there. This R.2 version gains 70 more lumens over the previous version and it has a handy charger cradle. It is powerful enough to be your main working light and small enough to go into your ruler pocket. I carried the previous model for over two years—even sent it through the laundry numerous times—and it continued to work. Mysteriously, my P5 disappeared, eaten by either the laundry basket or the dryer. I have hopes that it will show up someday. In the meantime, the R.2 is taking its place. I love

the focusing beam and the USB supermagnet charger. The only downside is that this is an expensive light if you use it only as a backup.

LED Lenser F1R ($119.85; 1,000 maxi-mum lumens): This specialty light combines incredible output with a three-hour battery life in the form of a pocket light. When I first used it, I was blown away. LED Lenser did an incredible job building this light; how-ever, for our purposes, it really has too much power. But for anyone who needs a tactical light, this is the product for you. It has the LED Lenser quality to match the battery and lumen output, but it has a high price tag.

DorcyDorcy PowerBank ($59.99; 520 maximum lumens): At first glance, I tried to decide whether this was a pocket light or a working light, as it was only 6 inches long and has a small lens. Then I turned it on, and I found it to be really bright for its size. The light has three brightness modes, strobe and an SOS signal, plus it can act as a 2,250 milliamp battery. If you prefer to carry a flashlight on your belt ring, you should consider this light. If Dorcy could incorporate a focusing beam, this flashlight would be perfect, but as it sits, it’s a pretty nice light and a worthy consider-ation at this price point.

Dorcy COB Pocket Light ($10.99; 30 lumens): This inexpensive pocket light has a dim spotlight and a semibright floodlight on the side. Compared with other pocket lights, it was disappointing, but considering its low cost, it’s not too bad.

Flashlight Shootout 2016 By Rick Bunzel, ACI

Continues on the next page

10 11ASHI Reporter • February 2016 11February 2016 • www.ASHIReporter.org 10 ASHI Reporter • February 2016 11February 2016 • www.ASHIReporter.org

You May Have Seen One Of

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Here Are The Stories Of A Few Of The People Who Responded...

Join Our Next Free Inspector Teleclass To Get The Marketing Tools & Strategies You Need To Grow A More Successful Business…

“Our Best Year Ever: 1,000+ Inspections…” “I just wanted to let you know that we just finished our 1,000th home inspection at the end of September which is a real milestone for us! This is going to be our best year in over 21 years of operating our home inspection business. Before I joined the Millionaire Inspector Community, our best year was just 600 home inspections. I could not have reached this milestone without the benefit of the things I have learned from [you]. Thank you so much for all that you do for our community!” Frank Cooper - Atlanta Property Inspections, Buford, GA

“On Target For 900 Inspections…” “Let me tell you how awesome your organization is. I got my inspectors license in March of 2012. That first year, (2012) we did 44 inspections. The next year [I went to] your conference. After the 3 Days of Secrets Revealed, I couldn’t sleep. I’ve never been so pumped up and driven to do something this bad ever. My wife Tracy came on board and took over the marketing so I could inspect. We took your Big Bang Marketing and ran with it. We ended up doing 358 inspections in 2013. It gets better. We are still hitting it hard and heavy with the Big Bang Marketing. In 2014, we had to hire another inspector. We did 688 inspections for 2014. Now here we are starting 2015 and things have not slowed down. We just hired another inspector. It sounds crazy, but we are on target to do 900 inspections in 2015."

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“Our First Year, Through September: 165 Inspections...” "With the help of MIC, I have been able to take my fledgling business (January was our opening) and to date (early September) we have completed 165 inspections. I am told the average first year inspection company does 50... With a limited market share here to be able to have any kind of edge of the competition is invaluable. The marketing tips are so well thought out and easy to execute.”

Debra Cribb - Pillar Professional Services, Macks Creek, MO

MagliteMaglite ML125 ($79.78; 193 lumens): My first real inspection light was a MagCharger. I think I paid about $200 for it, which was a big investment at the time. It was bright, but had a short battery life. In 2012, Maglite had a single LED light, but I was hopeful that, in 2016, Maglite would re-establish itself as a major player in the professional-quality flashlight market. I asked Maglite for a rechargeable LED and got the ML125 plus several regular battery lights. My first impression of the ML125, was it this wasn’t built nearly as robustly as a MagCharger. It was small and parts of this light were plastic. When you pulled back the hood, there was a plastic focus mechanism that was different from the LED Lenser; the Maglite allows you to tune the focus of the beam and lock it in place, but not on the fly, which is a critical difference. My other complaint with this light is its claim to be “recharge-able.” Unlike all the other lights in the test, the ML125 requires battery removal for charging; you have to place the NiCad cell in a charger. The redeeming factor is the run time. On high mode, run time is 25 hours, which could last for a week of inspections. In low mode, the light is good for 72 hours. The switch is programmable, so you can select modes with the push of a button. Although this light is a good value, I would buy the Maglite RL1019 ($99.99 on Amazon), which is much brighter and has a real charging cradle.

Maglite ML300L ($56.79; 625 lumens): This light is an improvement on the first Maglite LED I saw in 2012. Its smart switch allows you to easily program modes. The ML300L has a Quick Focus, which allows you to adjust whether the beam has a hotspot or not, but I didn’t find this feature useful. This model is not rechargeable, but with the use of three D cells, battery life is

16 hours (on low power, battery life is 77 hours). I’m not a fan of disposable batteries, but with this kind of battery life, it’s worth considering.

Maglite XL200 ($33.91; 173 lumens): A great pocket light for the money, it has a smart switch that was difficult to figure out, but it goes from bright to dim and back again. Although it stated it had 173 lumens, it did not seem to be that bright. It wasn’t rechargeable, but it is supposed to run for 2.5 hours on three AAA batteries. It’s all-metal construction is very durable. For the money, I thought it was a great value for a pocket light.

The Bottom Line

All of these lights are great, but which one is best? If cost is no object, then the answer is easy: the LED Lenser P17 is the best light. I like that it can change focus on the fly, it is bright, it charges in a cradle with a USB cable and it has a gauge to tell you the battery status. However, at $250, its cost is outside of my flashlight budget.

When price is a consideration, the best light is the Streamlight Strion. It is light-weight, throws a lot of bright light for its size and sells for slightly over $100. I know that some of you are asking, “What about the UltraStinger?” Frankly, it’s too bright for interior use and there is no way to set the initial brightness to the lower levels.

Both the LED Lenser P5 and the Maglite XL200 were tough competitors in the pocket light category. The LED Lenser is more expensive, but it has additional lumens and can survive the washing machine. Also, the feature that allows you the ability to focus the beam gave it an edge over the Maglite XL200 to take the win.

With only one contender in the spot-light category, the Streamlight Way-point is still worthy of the win. For those who do crawlspaces regularly, this is a great light to have. H

Rick Bunzel is the principal inspector with Pacific Crest Inspections and an ASHI Certified Inspector. He holds a B.A. in Business Marketing and has chaired the marketing and public relations committees for a national home inspection organization. He is active on the North Puget Sound Board of Realtor’s Communications Committee and is a Lieutenant with the Mt. Erie Fire Department in Anacortes, WA. Check out Rick’s website at http://www.paccrestinspections.com.

> Flashlight Shootout 2016

USB Charging By Rick BunzelA few years ago, every rechargeable device had its own cord and charger. Good luck if you forgot your phone charger! Today, the industry has adopt-ed USB connectors and power supplies and the convenience is priceless. With four specifications—USB 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 3.1—and several connector styles, the biggest difference between the versions is data speed. How long will it take to get your device up to full power? Each device is different, but when you plug a smart device into a USB port, the device will “negotiate” the best charging rate possible. So, try to use a charger that can deliver full power to the device. In most cases, this will be a dedicated wall charger that provides 1,500 mA on each port. If your device is slow to charge, try using the original cable and charger. Also, sharing data is easier with USB. The newest version, USB 3.0, transfers data at a speed up to 4.8 gigabits, and its USB port provides up to 900mA.

http://www.mikecrow.com

12 13ASHI Reporter • February 2016 13February 2016 • www.ASHIReporter.org

Pipe and Stack FlashingsBy Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, www.carsondunlop.com

Pipe and Stack Flashings

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Most homes have round pipes penetrating the roof, such as these examples:

• plumbing stacks• electrical masts• exhaust vents from fans or combustion appliances

Materials These roof penetrations may be plastic, cast iron, steel, aluminum or copper. The flashing materials may be steel, rubber (neoprene), lead, copper, aluminum or a combination of materials. In some areas, these flashings are called roof jacks. The flashing details are similar for any of these penetrations, although the approaches are different for sloped and flat roofs (or steep and low-slope roofs). In this article, we’ll focus on sloped roofs.

Sloped-Roof Installation Look for these details:

• The roof is shingled up to the height of the stack.• With asphalt shingles, a shingle is typically cut and slid over the pipe.

• The flashing flange then is placed over the stack and sealed or nailed in place.

– The flange is a flat rectangular surface that sits on the roof. – The flange typically has a tapered collar that is approximately

the same diameter as the pipe. – Some flanges have an integral sealant or gasket that creates a

seal when the flange is slid over the pipe. – In other cases, a separate storm collar is provided. – Some flanges are friction-fit only. – Some are gasketed. – Some are sealed with caulking or other sealants, a draw band

(band clamp) or a combination of these. – Some flanges have a sleeve soldered to the flange, with a return

on the top of the sleeve that fits over the top of the pipe. – Others have a sleeve and separate cap that fits over the pipe.• Once the flange is in place and sealed, the shingling is continued

so that at least half and, in some cases, almost all of the horizontal section of the flashing flange is covered with roofing materials.

• The shingles (if asphalt) that are on top of the flange often are set in a continuous layer of asphalt cement.

• Some roofing authorities recommend that nails should not be driven through the flange.

Adverse conditions to watch for on these flashings:

• rust• damage• vertical misalignment• installation problemsIn all of these conditions, the implication is the possibility of leakage.

RustRusted flashings are caused by the following:• age• failure to maintain or paint• incompatible materials• tar over the flashings

This stack has rusted through

and roofing cement has been

used to make a temporary repair.

This electrical mast flashing is

rusted and the rubber collar

has failed.

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This NHIE Home Inspection Manual is based on the most recent Role Delineation Study (RDS). This study surveys thousands of home inspectors in order to determine the ser-vices they provide, and the components they inspect. The questions in the NHIE are derived directly from this survey, and constitute the knowledge base for an entry level home in-spector. This manual is the first of its kind to follow this format. It also informs the candidate about the knowledge base behind the current examination questions, and pro-vides a technical reference for the experienced home inspec-tor.

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The NHIE Home Inspection Manual addresses the technical aspects of the NHIE. This NHIE Study Guide addresses the non-technical aspects. Many come to the home in-spection profession as a second or a third career, and may not have taken a professional entrance exam for many years, if ever. This study guide helps to familiarize the candidate with the examination itself, and with the asso-ciated administrative procedures. It also includes helpful insights into the types of questions the exam contains, and techniques for success.

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> Pipe and Stack Flashings

DamageDamaged flashings may be caused by the following:

• snow and ice accumulation on the roof• animal activity• foot traffic• careless roof work nearby• replacement of a pipe or stack without replacing the flashing• deterioration of the flashing due to age

Stack flashing and shingles damaged by vermin.

Vertically Misaligned FlashingVertical misalignment of the flashing is usually the result of move-ment between the plumbing stack and roof deck. This movement can occur either up or down. If the roof deck moves relative to the plumbing stack (when loaded with snow, for example), the flange will be pulled up off the roof. If the pipe or stack drops relative to the roof deck, the appropriate slope of the flange may be lost and a recessed low area may be created around the pipe. Again, leakage is the implication.

Things to look for when looking at pipes or stacks:

• There is a flashing flange in place.• The connection around the pipe or stack is weather-tight.• No more than the lower half of the flange is exposed.• The bottom edge of the flange directs water out onto the surface

of the roof below.• Exposed nails at the lower corners of the flange are sealed.• There is no evidence of lifting of the flange relative to the roof

deck or shrinkage of the pipe and buckling of the flange relative to the roof deck.

This is a common failure

of the rubber collar.

Collars often fail first on

the uphill side of

the vent.

Both of these rubber collars on the

ABS piping are torn.

Roofing cement was used as

the flashing material for this

roof—a very poor approach—

and over time, it has been

damaged by UV exposure.

Improper support of this

heavy cast iron stack has

allowed it to drop. The

flashing is not weather-tight.

Buckling of the

flashing can result in

entry of vermin.

Corrections to the January 2016 ReporterThe Reporter Staff apologizes for the following misprints:

1. This photo which appeared on the cover should be captioned Iowa ASHI Chapter instead of The Great Lake Chapter.

2. The Iowa ASHI Chapter should have been ncluded in the ASHI Chapters with the Peer Review Programs listed on page 14.

3. On page 8, the second and third bullets under Randy Sipe’s name should read:

• 2002-08, Great Plaines Chapter Director

• 2004-06, Great Plaines Chapter President

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> Pipe and Stack Flashings

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Common Installation Problems

• Missing flashing

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• Top half of flange exposed above roofing material or bottom edge of flange concealed below roofing material

• Flashing located in a valley

• Exposed fasteners not sealed

• Missing fasteners

A poorly

installed flash-

ing may leak,

which will

reduce its life

expectancy.

StrategiesWatch for what isn’t there, but should be. Missing components are a very common flashing problem. Most of the installation problems we’ve listed can be readily seen if you remember to check for them.

Summary

In this article, we’ve introduced pipe and stack flash-ings and explained common problems associated with them. In the ASHI@HOME Training Program, we explain various other types of roof flashing materials including chimney flashings, valley flashings, and roof and sidewall flashings.

Thanks to Roger Hankey and Kevin O’Hornett for their many valuable contributions to this article. Special thanks to Roger for providing several great photos! H

There is no

flashing here.

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The ASHI Reporter team asked two couples—each of whom include

a home inspector and a Realtor®—to share their perspectives on the relation-ship between home inspectors and real estate agents. Read on to learn what one member of each couple shared.

A Real Estate Agent’s PerspectiveBy Linda Reilly, Broker, Coldwell Banker, Residential Brokerage, Wheaton, IL

As a full-time Realtor,® I wear a lot of hats during a real estate transaction—from responding to the initial call asking for a market analysis of a potential client’s home to managing the listing agreement. As the listing agent, I want to get the most value for my client. But if I list the price too high, the house will sit on the market and pro-spective buyers will stop looking at it. So it takes experience and a little science to price a home correctly for a quick sale.

As the buyer’s agent, I look at many homes with an eye toward prequalifying my buyers so that they can afford the homes they are looking at. The real work begins once they decide to make an offer on a house. We may go through many rounds of negotiations until finally meeting on an agreed price.

Then I send the contract to the attorney for approval, and the five-day attorney ap-proval clock starts running. Time to order the home inspection! I always recommend ASHI inspectors. I usually give my client contact information for three home inspec-tion companies and let my client choose. If I know that the inspector will be thorough and fair, it makes everything run more smoothly. Most buyers are very nervous and out of their element during the inspection, so if the inspector can communicate the findings in a manner that the buyer will understand, it is all the better for everyone involved. Something minor might be per-ceived as major, so communication is key.

I am not looking for inspectors with their blinders on—that hurts everyone. If the house has major concerns and lots of de-ferred maintenance issues, then these issues need to be addressed. Do we need to call in contractors for further evaluation and cost estimates? If needed, yes. But I am looking for inspectors who offer guidance and rec-ommendations, not inspectors who want to call in lots of contractors to keep the liability off of themselves. Home inspectors are hired to provide their opinion, so they should have one.

Buyers need a lot of hand-holding throughout this process. If the house has too many issues and the buyer decides to move on to another house, fine. If I as their real estate agent did a good job for them and the inspector did a good job in pointing out the de-ficiencies of the house, then the buyer will continue to work with me to find the right house and hopefully again use the inspector who kept them from making a big mistake.

The home inspection report re-flects the inspector’s experience and knowledge. It should meet or exceed the ASHI Standard and any specific state-mandated re-quirements. The inspector’s report needs to clearly state the descrip-tion, limitations and recommen-dations. I get this from most ASHI inspectors.

As a listing agent, other agents may bring buyers who hire their own home inspec-

tor. So, I have the opportunity to review many home inspectors’ reports. Sometimes I wonder how some inspectors can stay in business. Do they just click on software and expect it to do the report for them? Sometimes I have to ask my husband, Steve Reilly, an ASHI Inspector and instructor for The ASHI School, for clarification on what some of these other inspectors have written. For example, one report included a photo of a can light in a bathroom, with the notation “against code.” There was no other recommendation to the buyer. Another report indicated a break in the firewall be-tween the garage and house, but there was no photo and no recommendation. It turned out to be a small, one-inch diameter punc-ture in the drywall that just needed a mud patch. But because of the way the home inspector worded it and without a photo to show it, the buyers thought it was a major concern.

Education and communication are key when hiring a home in-spector. The less time I have to spend going over the home in-spection report with the buyer, the more time I have to keep the process moving toward closing… time to call the appraiser and surveyor!

Linda Reilly is a full-time real estate broker and consistent top producer for Coldwell Banker, Residential Brokerage, servicing DuPage, Cook and Will counties. She is a skilled negotiator who consistently gets sellers top dollar for their properties and negotiates great deals for her buyers. Contact Linda at 630-269-2473, email [email protected], http://www.LindaReilly.CBintouch.com.

Continues on Page 20

The Home Inspector-Real Estate Agent Relationship: Two Points of View

The Home Inspector-Real Estate Agent Relationship: Two Points of View

http://www.ahomewarranty.com


> The Home Inspector-Real Estate Agent Relationship: Two Points of View

Continued from Page 18 A Home Inspector’s PerspectiveBy Bruce Fisher, President, White Glove Building Inspections

Inspectors have debated the home inspector–Realtor® relationship since the very beginning of the home inspection industry. Different inspectors bring forward different major concerns that they feel exist within the home inspector–real estate agent relationship. The following questions are frequently discussed in these longstanding debates:

• What is the proper relationship?• Do referrals create some type of bias?• Why do inspectors have concerns, and

how can these concerns be addressed?

Today, these old concerns still bring forth strong feelings on both sides of the conversation.

The proper relationship between home inspectors and real estate agents is based solely on professionalism. As a home inspector, a real estate agent’s referral is my best compliment. Looking back in my database, I have known some agents for 20 to 25 years. I know a lot about many of these agents’ personal lives, family mem-bers’ names, favorite vacation spots…you get the point. Some inspectors think that if you are too friendly or personable with a real estate agent, it will lead to the agent requesting unprofessional favors during the inspection. Although unfortunately this is a possibility, it all comes back to you doing your job professionally, and doing it exactly the same each and every time, regardless of

your relationship with the real estate agent.Also, the concern that getting a referral from a real estate agent could cause bias is a justified concern, but if we as home inspectors do our job ethically-with- honesty, integrity and professionalism this should never be an issue. However, the overwhelming concern is one of complicity. For example, do real estate agents use in-spectors who will perform “inspection lite”? Do inspectors purposefully omit or gloss over potential significant concerns about the home? Because, if so, the potential legal implications of complicity alone should be enough to deter both the agent and the inspector from participating in this sort of activity. On top of that, inspectors should not jeopardize their long-term business to make a quick profit. This type of impropri-ety, even alleged, can cause significant harm to your business.

A real estate agent should want to build a network of strong, professional service part-ners. A knowledgeable, professional service provider (not someone who cuts corners) is a strong asset. However, for the reasons already described, it is understandable why inspectors have concerns about aligning their business with an agent or group of agents. In the end, everyone has a business and everyone wants to be as successful as possible. Although some people may think that cheating the system to grow their business rapidly is the best approach, for-tunately, most people know that ignoring their professional obligations to their cus-tomers and clients will cause more damage to their business in the long run. The longer your clients remain happy with your ser-vices, the greater the possibility for you to

attract new business. If you do not perform as thorough a job as you could have, it will come back to bite you later.

How can an inspector address these concerns? If you know the agent, inform the buyer when you meet at the property. Make sure that the potential buyer is aware of your relationship with the real estate agent so that it is clear that you aren’t hiding anything. Having this information can make the buyer feel more comfortable with you. Full disclosure is your best option. Even though we all have heard that—and saying it is easier than doing it—it is very important to do it. Inspectors also must remember that just because you may have known and worked with a real estate agent for a long time, does not mean collusion cannot occur. Make sure to do your job, keep it honest, be ethical and be professional.

Bruce Fisher has been providing inspections since 1982, using his background in general contracting and construction remodeling. His mission is to create satisfied, well-informed clients by providing them with the White Glove Treatment. Contact Bruce at 630-428-4555, email [email protected], www.whitegloveinspections.com. H

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How to Raise Your Prices Without Killing Your Business, Part 1

By Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, www.carsondunlop.com, 800-268-7070

How to Raise Your Prices Without Killing Your Business

T his is the first of a two-part series on how to raise your prices effectively. Here’s the premise: The quickest

and most effective way to grow your business is to raise your prices.

Don’t Grow by Doing MoreMost people think that growing their business means doing more inspections, which may involve working longer hours, working more days, hiring and training other inspectors or some combi-nation of these. Others look to add more services. Although these strategies are traditional and effective, there is another way to grow that doesn’t require nearly as much time, effort or money.

Raise Your Prices You can grow your business without having to do more work, find more people or add more services—simply raise your prices.

Keep Up With Inflation You might increase your prices to increase your profit. Or, at the very least, you should increase your prices to keep up with inflation. If your prices are static, you will make less and less over time as your costs increase. Inflation in the United States has totaled approximately 8.8% since 2010. Have your fees kept up? For example, if your fees were $350 in 2010, they should be $383 now (Sources: World Bank, Multpl.com, Inflationdata.com).

What Happens When you Change Your Prices? The assumption and the fear is this: “If I raise my prices, I will lose business.” That’s logical, but it may be a bad assumption. It assumes that prices are elastic, which means that increasing prices will reduce demand and dropping prices will increase demand.We can tell you that, from our 37 years of experience in home inspection, increasing prices does not reduce demand for a home inspection company. In fact, people rarely notice when we change our prices.

Here’s the Secret We keep our prices at odd numbers that are not memorable. We change them in small amounts twice a year on no specific dates. We don’t announce our price changes. If asked about a price increase, we say that we are trying to keep up with inflation so that we can continue to provide the outstanding service that people expect of us.

Many other sectors regularly increase prices without announcing the change. Examples include medical care fees and auto repair service fees.

Timing matters. It’s better to raise your prices when you are busy rather than during a slow time of year. To avoid any perception of price fixing, pricing decisions should be made independently of, not in cooperation with, other service providers.

Another example: If you had raised your 2010 fees of $350 by 1% twice a year for 5 years, you would have kept up with inflation and your fees would now be roughly $383.

If your fees are higher than average, people often will perceive that you will provide a higher quality service. Make sure you deliver at that level!

There are several studies that show that, for many things, the impact of price change on demand is negligible. Prices are inelastic for things like gasoline and tobacco—things that people perceive they need. Prices for luxury items such as diamonds are also relatively inelastic. It turns out that prices for occasionally used consulting services are inelastic as well.

What if Volume Goes Down?Let’s say that we are wrong—you raise your prices and your business does slow down. That’s great! You now have more time to do marketing, sales and promotion. In short order, your business volume will be back up to where it was before, only now you are making more money on every inspection. You can then repeat the process. This is called a ratcheting technique to grow your business.

The premise is simple: Increase your prices and business volume decreases. Market yourself well and business volume increases. Increase your prices again and so on.

For the pessimists: How much business can you lose before you are worse off than before you raised your prices? Let’s look at a dramatic example:

Very Hard to Lose We’ll assume that you do 200 inspections per year. You charge an average of $350. Your sales are 200 x $350 = $70,000.

Here’s a simplified income statement:Sales: $70,000Expenses: $50,000 (for example, your salary, vehicle, sales and marketing, insurance, phones, rent)Profit: $20,000

Let’s raise your price by 10%. (Crazy, I know.) And let’s assume that you lose 10% of your business volume. Your new fee is $385 ($350 x 1.1 [that is, 110% of your previous fee]) and your new business volume is 180 inspections (200 x 0.9 [that is, 90% of your previous business volume]). Your sales are now $69,700 (180 x $385).

So, your sales are down by $700 ($70,000 - $69,300), but you are only working 90% as much for 99% of the sales revenue. Your expenses also went down! This is because you are only doing 90% of the inspections, writing 90% as many reports and driving 90% as much. If you save even $1,000 in expenses, your profit actually goes up!

A calculation done by the accounting firm Vine and Partners suggests that if your margin is 60% (meaning 40% of your income goes to expenses, which is typical for a sole proprietor), then you could raise your prices by 20%, decrease your sales volume by 25% and still break even. If your margin is 40% (60% of your sales goes to expenses, which is typical for firms with multiple inspectors), you could raise your prices by 20%, decrease sales by 33% and still break even!

Again, these are dramatic examples and we don’t expect you to raise your prices by 10%, even though you probably should. The same principles apply to smaller price increases. We hope this convinces you to raise your prices in small increments on a regular basis.

Bonus ScenarioJust for fun, let’s say we are right and raising your prices won’t reduce sales. If we raise prices by that crazy 10%, sales go from $70,000 to $77,000, and you get to keep the entire 10% or $7,000. So, if your profit was $20,000, it’s now $27,000—a 35% increase in profit! Let that sink in for a bit. The numbers work, even if you increase your prices by 1%, 2%, 5%, 15% or whatever.

In this article, we explained the rationale for raising your prices to grow your business. We discussed pricing versus volume and price elasticity. In Part 2 of this article, we will discuss prestige pricing, as well as agent reactions, and we will touch on experimenting.

Thanks to Kevin O’Hornett and Roger Hankey for some very helpful input on this article. H

> How to Raise Your Prices Without Killing Your Business


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So, now you have graduated and are on the path to become a home inspector.

What are the next steps you need to take?

Are you running into roadblocks getting your career off the ground?

With so much information that you need to review, digest, discard or implement, how do you just get out there and do what you have been trained to do—INSPECT HOMES?

The ASHI School offers many benefits and resources for graduates to assist them with their new career in home inspection.

Use the list below to check off the steps you have already done and to highlight those you still may need to do:

> Complete a comprehensive course in home inspection offered by The ASHI School.

> Study for the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE), referencing the NHIE reference manual and study guide. Regis-ter to take the NHIE.

> Start building your business website with the free software offered to all graduates of The ASHI School.

> Remember to use the nationally recog-nized ASHI School Graduate logo on all of your marketing materials and website.

> Sign up for your free computer software for professional report writing offered by The ASHI School and become familiar with using it by inspecting your own home and the homes of your friends and relatives.

> Write up to three (3) reports and forward them to The ASHI School. At no expense to you, a qualified verifier will review your reports and highlight possible areas of concern.

> Join your local chapter of ASHI and start to network with seasoned inspectors.

> Make yourself available if and when a seasoned inspector offers to take you for a ride-along.

> If you live in a state that requires licensing for home inspectors, confirm that you have met all the necessary requirements with staff in the appropriate state government office.

> Drop off your business cards at local offices of Realtors.® Be sure let them know you are a member of ASHI and a graduate of The ASHI School.

These steps cannot be done overnight! Pace yourself and reach out to ASHI or The ASHI School if you have any questions or concerns.

Remember that you can retake The ASHI School prelicense Home Inspection Course at no charge if you feel you need to brush up on certain systems. You can retake the entire class or just sit in on certain days when systems or topics about which you want to refresh yourself are being taught.

ASHI and The ASHI School wish you the very best in your endeavors!

If you have any questions, contact The ASHI School team at 888-884-0440, email [email protected]. H

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Affiliate Spotlight

SMProtecting Home Inspectors from Meritless Claims

CONTACT Jared Trexler 855-637-4853 – Telephone [email protected] – Email

CONNECT WITH JOE www.facebook.com/inspectorlaywer www.linkedin.com/in/inspectorlawyer

To Every Professional Home Inspector,

In 2016, you should be solely focused on growing your business and avoiding unnecessary distractions. You must reduce the risk of hostile clients and unwarranted accusations that use up the twin terrors for any business owner… time and money.

As I write this, I have responded to over 900 home inspection claims and only 5 of them have been meritorious. Five. Out of nine hundred. That means that meritorious claims represent fewer than one percent of all claims against home inspectors.

As an attorney who also represents plaintiffs, I find that quite remarkable. It’s almost as if plaintiffs’ attorneys are not making any investigation at all into the potential validity of their clients’ claims.

Initially, I believed that my string of successful claim responses was aberrational and that the sample was too small, too skewed toward the ridiculous claim to draw any meaningful conclusions.

But as the successful responses began to mount, one after another, I came to a different conclusion. I was not seeing a skewed sample at all. I was seeing the sample. That, as a general proposition, a claim against a professional home inspector is exceedingly unlikely to have any merit.

Yet, time after time, they were being negotiated. Settled. Typical insurance company jargon for surrender. Even if the claim had zero merit.

And that had to stop. And slowly, but surely, utilizing my strategic method, it has. Thanks to a group of early adopters, I took the leap and began my mission to Stop the Underbussing(!) of competent home inspectors through my ClaimIntercept™ program.

One Florida home inspector’s inquiry in 2006 was the first in a very long line of home inspection claims to which I have responded on behalf of home inspectors throughout the United States, Canada and Australia in the intervening years.

If you want to learn more about the program, read the details across the fold or visit www.joeferry.com.

I’ve spent the last decade fighting for you as a legal advocate against these ridiculous claims.

I invite all of you to visit my website, subscribe to my free ClaimsAcademy educational video series and join me on my mission.

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Joe FerryThe Home Inspector Lawyerwww.joeferry.com

SM

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NORTH CENTRAL

ASHI Central PA www.ashicentralpa.comSecond Monday, 6 pm, except Jan. & July, Bonanza Steak House, Walnut Bottom Rd., CarlisleWilliam Weitzel, [email protected]

Keystone (PA)www.keystoneashi.orgFirst Monday, 5:30 pmThe Crowne Plaza, ReadingDavid Artigliere, [email protected]

Ohiowww.ohioashi.comHoward Snyder, [email protected]

North Central Ohiowww.ncohioashi.comWilliam Stone, [email protected]

Pocono-Lehigh (PA)www.pocono-lehighashi.orgThird Tuesday, Tannersville Inn, Tan-nersvilleRonald Crescente, [email protected]

PRO ASHI (PA)www.proashi.comSecond Wednesday of Jan., March, May, July & Nov.John Fleenor, 412-862-1443 [email protected]

Tri-State (DE, NJ, PA)www.tristateashi.orgSecond Tuesday except April, Aug. & Dec., Dave & Buster's Plymouth Meeting, PAVince Tecca 215-527-5710 [email protected]

MIDWEST

Central Illinoiswww.cicashi.comSecond Monday, 6 pmKevan Zinn, [email protected]

Great Lakes (IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI)For monthly meetings:www.greatinspectors.com/ schedule-of-events/Carol Case, 734-284-4501 [email protected]

Greater Omaha (NE)www.ashiomaha.comRick Crnkovich, [email protected]

Heartland (IA, MN, ND, SD, WI)www.ashiheartland.comReuben Saltzman, [email protected]

Indiana ASHIwww.inashi.comQuarterlyDanny Maynard, [email protected]

Iowa ASHIwww.iowaashichapter.orgFourth Tuesday, 5:30 pm Clarion Inn, Cedar RapidsCraig Chmelicek, [email protected]

Kentuckiana (IN, KY)www.ashikentuckiana.orgAllan Davis, 502-648-9294elitehomeinspections@ insightbb.com

Mid-Missouriwww.midmoashi.comSecond Thursday, 12:00 pm, Even months of the year; Columbia Board of Realtors office. 2309 I-70 Drive NW, Columbia, MOStuart Spradling, 573-874-9797 [email protected]

Northern Illinoiswww.nicashi.comSecond Wednesday, 5:30 pmAssociate Corner Dinner, 6:30 pm Main Presentation, 7:00 pmCrazypour, 105 E. North Ave.,Villa Park, ILSteve Reilly, [email protected]

SOUTH MIDWEST

ArkansasRichard Kirkman, [email protected]

Great Plains (KS, MO)www.ashikc.orgSecond Wednesday of even months The Great Wolf Lodge, Kansas CityMiki Mertz, [email protected]

Midwest PRO ASHI (KS)Jack Koelling, [email protected]

St. Louis (MO)www.stlashi.orgSecond Tuesday, 6:30 pm Spazio’s at WestportFrank Copanas, [email protected]

MOUNTAIN

Arizonawww.azashi.orgTony Hecht, [email protected]

New Mexico www.ashinm.orgEvery other month, Second Saturday, (Jan., May., Sept.), Mimi’s Cafe, Al-buquerque - 9:15 am Bodega Burger Co., (March, July) Socorro - 11 am Lance Ellis, [email protected]

Northern Coloradowww.ncc-ashi.orgSecond Thursday, 6:30 pm Fairfield Inn, LovelandChris Elliott, [email protected]

Northern Rockies (ID, MT) Lamar Rase, [email protected]

Rocky MountainFourth Tuesday, 6:30 pmKathleen Barbee, [email protected]

Southern Coloradowww.ashi-southerncolorado.orgSecond Thursday, 6:30 pm Valley Hi Golf Club, Colo. SpringsMike Meyer, [email protected]

Utahwww.ashiutah.comFirst Tuesday, 7 pm Marie Callender’s, MidvaleFred Larsen, [email protected]

PACIFIC

AlaskaSecond Thursday, Jitters Coffee House, Eagle RiverJim Foss, [email protected]

ASHI Hawaiiwww.ashihawaii.comAlex Woodbury, [email protected]

CaliforniaRandy Pierson, [email protected]

Central Valley CREIA-ASHIPeter Boyd, [email protected]

Golden Gate (CA)www.ggashi.comJohn Fryer, [email protected]

Inland Northwest (ID, WA)Chris Munro, [email protected]

Orange County CREIA-ASHI (CA)Third Monday, 5:30 pm Hometown Buffet, 2321 S. Bristol, Santa AnaRalph Bertke, [email protected]

Oregonwww.oahi.orgFourth Tuesday, 6:30 pm 4534 SE McLoughlin Blvd., PortlandKen Meyer, [email protected]

San Diego CREIA-ASHIFirst Tuesday each month Dave and Buster's, San DiegoSean Blasius, [email protected]

San Joaquin Valley (CA)Third Tuesday, 6 pm Rice Bowl, Bakersfield, CASam Jabuka, [email protected]

Silicon Valley ASHI-CREIA (CA)www.siliconvalleyinspector.comFelix A. Pena, [email protected]

Southwestern IdahoSecond MondayDavid Reish, [email protected]

Los Angeles-Greater San Gabriel ValleySecond Tuesday, 6 pm Old Spaghetti Factory, DuarteLarry Habben, [email protected]

Los Angeles-Ventura County ASHI-CREIAFirst Thursday, 5 pm Holiday Inn, Woodland HillsBob Guyer, [email protected]

South Bay (CA)Webinar meetingsRandy Pierson, [email protected]

Western Washingtonwww.ashiww.comMichael Brisbin, [email protected]

NEW ENGLAND/CANADA

British Columbiawww.cahpi.bc.caGary Poirer, [email protected]

CAHPI Atlantic www.cahpi-alt.comBlaine Swan, [email protected]

CAHPI Ontariowww.oahi.comDonald Beneteau, [email protected]

Coastal Connecticutwww.coastalctashi.orgThird Thursday, 6 pm, Westport VFW Lodge, 465 Riverside Avenue, WestportGene Autore, [email protected]

New England (ME, MA, NH, RI, VT)www.ashinewengland.orgFourth Thursday, 5 pmThe Lantana, Randoph, MAMichael Atwell, [email protected]

Northern New England (ME, MA, NH, VT)www.nnec-ashi.orgBob McDonald, [email protected]

Prairies (Alberta) (CAHI)www.cahpi-ab.caBert Bruinsma, [email protected]

Quebec AIBQwww.aibq.qc.caGermain Frechette, [email protected]

Southern New England (CT)www.snecashi.orgFirst Tuesdays, 6:30 pmBilly T’s, 150 Sebethe Dr.,Cromwell, CTRichard W. Hall, [email protected]

NEW YORK/JERSEY/ DELAWARE

Capitol Region (NY)www.goashi.com Third Thursday, 7 pm, Doratos Steakhouse and Pub, Guilderland Robert Davis, [email protected]

Central New Yorkwww.cnyashi.comSecond Wednesday, 6 pm, Tony’s Family Restaurant, SyracusePeter Apgar, [email protected]

First State (DE)www.firststateashi.orgThird Wednesday, 7 pm The Buzz Ware Center, 2121 The Highway, ArdenMark Desmond, [email protected]

Garden State (NJ)www.gardenstateashi.comSecond Thursday, The Westwood, GarwoodBret Kaufmann, [email protected]

Greater Rochester (NY)www.ashirochester.comSecond Tuesday, 6 pm, Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, IrondequoitJohn White, [email protected]

Hudson Valley (NY)Second Tuesday, 6 pm Daddy O’s Restaurant,3 Turner Street,Hopewell Junction, NY 12533Michael Skok, 845-592-1442 [email protected]

Long Island (NY)www.liashi.comThird Monday, 6 pm, Domenico’s Restaurant, LevittownSteven Rosenbaum, [email protected]

New York Metro www.nyashi.comLast Thursday, Eldorado West Restaurant-Diner, TarrytownRaymond Perron, 914-329-2584 [email protected]

Southern New Jersey (NJ)www.southernnjashi.comThird Wednesday, 6:30 pm Ramada Inn, BordentownRick Lobley, [email protected]

Western New YorkSecond Thursday, 6:30 pm Tony Rome’s, West SenecaAndy Utnik, [email protected]

MID-ATLANTIC

Central Virginiawww.cvashi.orgFirst Thursday, 6:30 pm, Capital Ale House, Midlothian, VABronsoson Anderson 540-932-7557 [email protected]

Greater Baltimore (MD)www.greaterbaltimoreashi.orgThird Thursday except July & Aug., 6:30 pm, Maritime Institute Conference Center, 5700 N. Hammonds Ferry Rd., Linthicum Heights, MD George Fair, [email protected]

Hampton Roads (VA)Second Thursday, 7 pm, Cypress Point Country Club, Virginia BeachGuillermo Hunt, [email protected]

MAC-ASHI (MD, VA)www.mac-ashi.comSecond Wednesday, Rockville Senior Center, RockvilleJohn Vaughn, [email protected]

NOVA-ASHI (MD, VA)www.novaashi.comFourth Tuesday, Associate hour 6-7 pm, Membership meeting 7-9 pm Northern Virginia Resources Center, FairfaxFerando [email protected]

Piedmont ASHI (VA)Robert Huntley, [email protected]

SOUTH ATLANTIC

ASHI Georgiawww.ashigeorgia.comGregg Allen, 770-745-7574gregg@totalhomeinspections atlanta.com

East Tennesseewww.etashi.orgThird Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. and Nov.Paul Perry, [email protected]

Mid-TennesseeRay Baird, [email protected]

Mid-South (TN)Steven Campbell, [email protected]

North Carolinawww.ncashi.comThird Wednesday, 3 pm, Quality Inn at Guilford Convention Center, GreensboroLarry Conway, [email protected]

South CarolinaFirst Saturday of Feb., May, Aug. & Nov., 8 amRoger Herdt, [email protected]

GULF

ASHI South (AL)www.ashisouth.orgQuarterly, Homewood Library, HomewoodDerl Nelson, [email protected]

Central Floridawww.centralfloridaashi.orgSecond Tuesday, 6:30 pmBill Labita, [email protected]

FLASHI (FL)First Tuesday except July, 6 pm Golden China, 11112 San Jose Blvd., JacksonvilleDavid Sorge, [email protected]

Florida Wiregrasswww.ashiwiregrass.orgSecond Wednesday, 6:30 pm Hyundai of Wesley ChapelNancy Janosz, [email protected]

Gulfcoast (FL)First Thursday, 7 pm, The Forest Country Club, Fort MyersLen Gluckstal, [email protected]

Gulfstream (FL)Ralph Cabal, [email protected]

Lone Star (TX)www.ashitexas.orgCraig Lemmon, [email protected]

LouisianaQuarterlyMichael Burroughs, [email protected]

Suncoast (FL)www.ashisuncoast.comFirst Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Please see our website for meeting locations.Steve Acker, [email protected]

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


SEE PAGE 34 FOR CHAPTER EDUCATION

H Denotes graduate of The ASHI School

New ASHI Associates As of December 1, 2015

Robert BentonBirmingham, AL

H David CrockettMidland City, AL

Robert RegardAdvanced Home Inspection Services, LLCBirmingham, AL

Eric TompkinsGulf Coast Home inspections Inc.Fairhope, AL

Antonio PiattelliNational Property InspectionsScottsdale, AZ

Laura Ward TGF Home Inspections, dba Pillar to PostApache Junction, AZ

Jason BarretteCoastal Inspection ServicesAliso Viejo, CA

H Ian BissonOakland, CA

H Whitney BlakeSan Francisco, CA

Nik CaraveoLivermore, CA

Paul FergusonFerguson Home InspectionsRedondo Beach, CA

Andrea HudnellSan Diego, CA

Jim PillsburyAAA Home InspectionsSan Jose, CA

Fred ScalesSpecialty Inspections Pleasanton, CA

Russell TaftBuyers Protection GroupOrinda, CA

Harvey AndersonSedalia, CO

H Conly BrooksDacono, CO

Bruce CarnesPillar to Post Littleton, CO

Victor DeLeonFort Collins, CO

Tony EsclavonAspen Ridge Home InspectionColorado Springs, CO

H Kurt GrossDenver, CO

H Philip Hutto Hutto Home Inspections Colorado Springs, CO

H David JacksonProperty Repair Services & Inspections LLCGrand Junction, CO

Kevin MarlerBuyer’s Protection GroupEagle, CO

Eric Roberts Cross Check Property Inspections, LLCLoveland, CO

H Alex StripeDenver, CO

Douglas VogelFront Range Professional Home Inspection ServicesIndian Hills, CO

Eoin BradleyMilford, CT

Jean-Carlos RafaelNew Haven, CT

Tory HunnicuttProperty Preservation Specialists, LLCWashington, DC

Valerie McMullen Washington, DC

Raymond BenoitUSMCMiami, FL

Jordan BermanJacksonville , FL

Daniel BetteeEstero, FL

H Jeffrey BowdenSanta Rosa Beach, FL

H Alex BrongelTampa Bay, FL

H John ChiaradioTampa, FL

Ernesto MedinaHome Inspection SolutionMiami, FL

Robert MillerTampa, FL

Lonnie PechnikAccuView Home InspectionsBoca Raton, FL

H John Thiele Jacksonville, FL

H Jared WilliamsDunedin, FL

Rick AuffenbergHome Inspection of GeorgiaMarietta, GA

Brent BeasleyAtlanta, GA

H Justin BuckleyCanton, GA

Amanda CherryAbode Inspections, LLC Villa Rica, GA

Paul DeshongCovington, GA

Dave DuggonNewman, GA

Mack EdwardsAugusta, GA

Ruth EngelbergThe BrickKickerDuluth, GA

H David Evans Marietta, GA

James GoldenBPGFairburn, GA

George HoodWilmington Island Home Inspectors, LLCSavannah, GA

Gary HortonKennesaw, GA

Victor JacksonBuyers Protection GroupJohns Creek, GA

H Charles McDanielNorcross, GA

Joaquin RivasBPGSandy Springs, GA

John SchnellerMcDonough, GA

Brian SmayUS InspectBerkeley Lake, GA

Jason TaborAssurance Home InspectionsSuwanee, GA

H James VannAs Eye See It Home InspectionsMacon, GA

H Justin WeatherlyJackson, GA

LaTosha WilliamsPreston, GA

Dave WilliamsRossville, GA

Sammy YoungYoung’s Home Inspector ServiceLawrenceville, GA

Shaun McVeyAll-Pro Home Inspection ServicesDes Moines, IA

H Aaron WilliamsGrinnell, IA

H Patrick McMahonGranite Hills InspectionAthol, ID

H Dane ThorntonLewiston, ID

Nick Fortner Palatine, IL

H David GreeneGrayslake, IL

Ronald MorganBelleville, IL

H William SmithSchaumburg, IL

H John Winter John Boy ConstructionChicago, IL

Seth Catron HouseMaster Home InspectionsCarmel, IN

Nathan GogelDiversified Home Inspections LLCNewburgh, IN

Benjamin HollisPHI, dba HouseMasterWestfield, IN

Eric KartchnerHouseMasterCarmel, IN

Shane PetersonPHI dba HouseMasterCarmel, IN

H Martin GilbertWichita, KS

H Terrance ParkerLansing, KS

Matt AdamsRichmond, KY

Scott BurdetteCedar Ridge Home InspectionStanford, KY

Michael CopeRichmond, KY

Allan CutshallCorbin, KY

Jon FoxFox Property Inspection Lexington, KY

Wallace GoldenOakland, KY

Dustin GrayBowling Green, KY

H John LawsonBromley, KY

Stepan LeskivLawrenceburg, KY

Ethan WatsonSlaughters, KY

Thomas WillingerTerrific Home Inspections, LLCLouisville, KY

Daniel BelmontMedway, MA

Patrick BenedioMcBride Property ManagementE. Falmouth, MA

Quinton BlanchardS. Boston, MA

John Brown JFB Inspectional Services LLCRowley, MA

Gary ChenBurlington, MA

Robert CodyShowell, MA

James ConradBrewster, MA

Louis de GeofroyMV InspectionsWest Tisbury, MA

Jim DoucetWeburn, MA

Raymond EngBrookline, MA

Kurt FlemingMarblehead, MA

Sean HenneganSouth Boston, MA

Brandie JordalVineyard Haven, MA

Gerhard LindeBoston, MA

Saad MoustafaNewton, MA

Richard PealFalmouth, MA

Joh PomykalaPlymouth, MA

Chad SawyerPrecision Home Inspection ServicesSomerset, MA

Joseph SestitoSaugus, MA

Keith BlochKeith B. Home ImprovementsHavre de Grace, MD

Jeffrey FishmanReliant Home Inspection Services, LLCFrederick, MD

Natasha Hammend360 Home InspectionParkville, MD

Douglas KrausKingsville, MD

Ned SummersPasadena, MD

Christopher SalatinoBoothbay Harbor, ME

Brandon GayMidland, MI

Joseph HolderComstock Park, MI

Nathan Loman At Bay Home InspectionsKewadin, MI

Dan McCaffertyWilliamston, MI

Tim MuluaneyLansing, MI

Norman NealeyExclusive Home InspectionsEaton Rapids, MI

Michael RainesCentral Home InspectionsFarwell, MI

Jim RhoadesRemco Remodeling & DesignGarden City, MI

Tyler SchmitzCreative Home Solution, LLCLake Orion, MI

Reginald StreetMichigan’s Best Inspections LLCNorth Branch, MI

Brad Trainer White Lake, MI

Randi VexlerLincoln Park, MI

Eric FredricksonLauderdale, MN

TO SUBMIT YOUR MATERIALS FOR MOVING UP, PLEASE CONTACT JANET GEORGE AT 847-954-3180 OR [email protected]

Vince LeesonGood Bones Home InspectionsSt. Louis Park, MN

H Travis ZochertMinneapolis, MN

Stuart Blake BPGVilla Ridge, MO

Josh Boveri360 InspectionMacon, MO

Jeffrey NoyesThe August Group Inc.St. Louis, MO

H Robert PavelkaUgly Bob’s Home InspectionsSt. Louis, MO

John RoachWIN Home Inspection WentzvilleWentzville, MO

H Matthew WilsonSt Louis, MO

David CookCook’s InspectionsNew Albany, MS

Kent Trader Kent Trader, LLC Home Inspection ServicesAngier, NC

Rob AndersonAnderson Inspection Services, LLCKearney, NE

Patricia AndersonGrand Island, NE

Samuel FluellenBellevue, NE

H Scott KoelOmaha, NE

Aaron Nilius Omaha, NE

Todd FichterOn The Level Home Inspections, LLCWolfeboro, NH

Nicholas JettePremier Home Inspection Services, LLCBrookline, NH

David BartoWingdale, NY

Richard BaumelNew York, NY

Michael BradshawJamestown, NY

Jason BudaYonkers, NY

Sean CaulfieldManor Inspections Services Inc.Briarcliff Manor, NY

James CraigAssured Home Inspections LLCFloral Park, NY

Steven CrainOswego, NY

Nicholas CrossedPenfield, NY

Ronald D’AmbrosioNew Rochelle, NY

Volneylee GriffithsPoughkeepsie, NY

William JetterScarsdale, NY

Vladimir LezajaHartsdale, NY

John O’SheaBedford, NY

Adrian PascanuWilliamsville, NY

Joseph PelattiStony Point, NY

Esmirna RamirezMonroe, NY

Brian SlatteryPhD Home Inspections, LLCWilliston Park, NY

Thomas TokosEndicott, NY

Kelby BittmanPillar to Post Lebanon, OH

Steve FryeInnovative Development LLCShaker Heights, OH

H Kendric GlennTyken Inspections LLCColumbus, OH

H Brennan GoreyCleveland, OH

Carl HeywoodCincinnati, OH

H Steven KitchensKettering, OH

H Terry QuincelCircleville, OH

H Jerome SalontayChardon, OH

H Fred SlotaPickerington, OH

Jack WidmarkZanesfield, OH

H Paul WilliamsNew Carlisle, OH

Edward CunninghamElite Home Inspections ServicesSallisaw, OK

Alfonso PeraltaNorman, OK

Richard BenderPNW Home Inspection, LLCLake Oswego, OR

H David DiffendorferPortland, OR

Cory EscuderoTigard, OR

Tim MorlandRed Wall Property Inspection, LLCNewberg, OR

H Richard TaylorPortland, OR

Orazio CosciaGreat Valley Home InspectionMalvern, PA

Thomas DeitzChadds Ford, PA

Randy FinkeyREF Home InspectionsYork, PA

Daniel KauffmanHickory Home InspectionNew Castle, PA

Kyle KellerTo Do Home Inspection, LLCGreentown, PA

Brian LabarFamily Care Home InspectionsPortland, PA

Kevin PalmerPillar to Post, dba Newman’s Home LLCQuakertown, PA

Ben RockWIN Home Inspection NewtownNewtown, PA

Mark SchlottEfficient Home Inspections, LLCLeesport, PA

Stephen CalabreseHope, RI

Robert CostaPawtucker, RI

Brian SeeleyHearthstone Home InspectionBarrington, RI

Sean DevineCarolinaRES Greenville, SC

John DuBoseDuBose Home Inspection, Inc.Columbia, SC

Edward HayesHayes Engineering Services, LLCGreer, SC

Ron McNallySolid Ground Home InspectionsCharleston, SC

H Robert RingerWarrenville, SC

Michael RowellMJ Rowell Home Inspection, LLC.Effingham, SC

Brad ThomasBluffton, SC

Donnie BarrettBarrett EnterpriseCleveland, TN

Merid BekennaAntioch, TN

Forrest BroderickBroderick Builders Inc.Nashville, TN

Kenneth CrenshawNashville, TN

Dennis DockumMcMinniville, TN

Michael EllisGlobal Home Inspection Memphis, TN

Joshua EvansSpringfield, TN

Scott FreyHendersonville, TN

Greg HindsCookeville, TN

Albert Jones Professional Home Inspections Inc.Springfield, TN

Michael OgleEtowah, TN

Stanley ParkerMemphis, TN

Jason PettisSJE Home InspectionsCordova, TN

Thomas RaybonNashville, TN

Robert SchumacherMadison, TN

Robert SeabournNashville, TN

Mike SinquefieldSinquefield Home Inspections, LLCCollierville, TN

Tony SmithEtowah, TN

H Philip SpivaClarksville, TN

Kyle Temple College Grove, TN

Jay AbedAustin, TX

Brian ArmstrongWhite Settlement, TX

Tim BanksTexarkoma, TX

Chantz BanksPittsburg, TX

Kenny BinghamBowie, TX

Lemar BrooksDallas, TX

Mark CallahanArlington, TX

Paul CameronGeorgetown, TX

Sylvester ClaytonDallas, TX

Kendall CraigC&C LLCKilleen, TX

Christopher CrawfordKyle, TX

Landon CrooksFirst Due Home InspectionsAllen, TX

Ira DavisKrugervillie, TX

Kevin DeatherayeKyle, TX

Keith DoseckKeith DoseckAustin, TX

Thomas DowdyAustin, TX

Kenneth DugganPillar to Post Scroggins, TX

James DukeJ+K Home InspectionsHuntsville, TX

Darrell FairclothArcher InspectionsAllen, TX

Calistro GarzaLaredo, TX

Adam GonzalesSan Antonio, TX

Mark GumpertPrinceton, TX

William HartSan Angelo, TX

Rhyler HeiningStop Fire and MoldAustin, TX

Brian HuntAustin, TX

Matthew KershnerAustin, TX

David KleinhansFrisco, TX

Colleen KomatzRound Rock, TX

Matthew LamonicaPowderly, TX

Leon LeosDallas, TX

Ernest Lowe Corpus Christi, TX

Duncan MacDougallDallas, TX

Jason MacombFischer, TX

Anthony McKnightSeguin, TX

Carlos MontesKilleen, TX

Jeffrey MorganCelina, TX

Brady NovianWaco, TX

Ditannon OtisFirst-Class Home InspectionRoyse City, TX

Antonio RomanRock Solid Home InspectionsEl Paso, TX

Terri RowleyM.R.S. Home InspectionsRoyse City, TX

Marco SantayygoBrownsville, TX

Bobby SchultzBeeville, TX

Chris SiebelsPflugerville, TX

Vincent StewartLewisville, TX

Richard VelaHewitt, TX

Michael VieiraWeatherford, TX

Angela WallaceFort Worth, TX

Russell WaltersAustin, TX

Joe WaltonFort Worth, TX

Geno WandHorseshoe Bay, TX

Mark YingstBurleson, TX

Ben BeattyTyjacks HomesLynchburg, VA

H Brian BuckholtzGood Looking Out Home InspectionsManassas, VA

Eunho ChoeKCB, LCCSpringfield, VA

Adam DonaldsonUS InspectChantilly, VA

Stephen GibsonPillat To Post Home InspectionsPowhatan, VA

H Daniel LoAlboLoAlbo Enterprises, Inc.Virginia Beach, VA

Stephen ParkFairfax, VA

H Andrew RicheUS InspectReston, VA

H John WhittakerBlue Ridge, VA

Continues on Page 34


CURRENT ASHI

MEMBERSHIP

ASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,146

Inspectors/Logo: 98

Associates: 2,522

Retired Members: 109

Affiliates: 64

Total: 5,939 Members as of 1/7/2016

ASHI-ENDORSED PROGRAMSASHI’s E&O Insurance Program: Target Professional Programs www.targetproins.com 860-899-1862

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

ASHI Service Program BuildFaxTricia Julian, 877-600-BFAX [email protected]://go.buildfax.com/ASHI

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

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

LegalShieldJoan Buckner, 505-821-3971buckner.legalshieldassociate.combuckner@legalshieldassociate.com

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

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

Porch.comEliab Sisay, [email protected]

ASHI Rebate ProgramQuill.comDana Fishman, 800-634-0320 x1417www.quill.com/[email protected]

ASHI-ENDORSED EXAMSASHI Standard and Ethics Education ModuleGo to www.homeinspector.org, click on Education and Training, then click on the link for the ASHI Standard of Practice Education Module. NHIE Exam: 847-298-7750 www.homeinspectionexam.org

ASHI-ENDORSED TRAINING PROGRAMS ASHI@Home Training System 800-268-7070 [email protected]

The ASHI SchoolKendra Eiermann, 888-884-0440 [email protected] www.TheASHISchool.com

PLATINUM PROVIDER Millionaire Inspector CommunityMike [email protected] that you are an ASHI member

ASHI MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT PROGRAMS

Thirty YearsPaul Besmertnik Peter Seirup

Twenty Years Martin QuarlesRichard PettitAlen LeungRich SpraggsKevin KoplarDavid Szalay

Fifteen Years Chris RoweStephen SheffieldTom WagnerRick CrnkovichAaron MayerJohn FryerRobert StillWillie MacklinJohn BerryDennis NobleyStephen BeloyanRay GirgisWoody WoodsLawrence TransuePaul MorganRonald TomakLou Conte

Ten Years Mark ReedChristopher HarrRick MichalicekMatt FletcherStephen HoumardW. Ryder KernMark PerryJeff LongakerWilliam CraftDale DuffySteve BarnesJay ColemanJustin NickelsenScott FreemanLoren (Larry) Stamp

Five Years Al GilesShannon PenceJohn EspositoJames SingletoMike SpencerJ. Spencer ProdromosAlex ValenzuelaTerry KleptachDavid Hartung-WeberEric JenningsKyle KernPatrick SimpsonJake SchneiderGary Moseley

FebruaryAnniversaries

ASHI Event Calendar � April 21-23, 2016

AEI, Finance Committee, ASHI Foundation and ASHI Board Meeting Des Plaines, IL

� July 21-23, 2016 AEI, Finance Committee, ASHI Foundation and ASHI Board Meeting Des Plaines, IL

� October 22, 2016 ASHI Foundation and ASHI Board Meeting Des Plaines, IL

By Russell K. DanielsASHI Assistant Executive DirectorDirector of Membership Services and Chapter Relations 847-954-3185, [email protected]

Thank you for your support for ASHI throughout the year. We believe it is

vitally important for ASHI inspectors to be successful in their businesses. One of the ways to be successful is to move up to the highest level of ASHI by becoming an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI).

Our analysis shows that 89% to 92% of ACIs stay in business. Obtaining the ACI level is not just for bragging rights of being among a select group of home inspectors who have reached the top of the association. It also lets your clients know that you are dedicated to them and to your profession. Whether you work in a state that requires licensing or a state that does not, you can help grow your business by marketing yourself as an ASHI Certified Inspector.

Don’t waste another minute. Go the ASHI website at www.ashi.org and select the “Join ASHI” tab. Then click on “ASHI membership categories and requirements” to find the steps to move up to the premier level in ASHI.

We look forward to welcoming you to the ASHI Certified level.

Education-ASHI Online Learning CenterNow available: unlimited free continuing education hours for your ASHI CE requi-rements. Just log on to the ASHI website, put the mouse on the Education tab, click on the ASHI Online Learning Center, log on to the Learning Center with your member number and the word “password” and begin taking these exciting education modules. You Earn 2 CEs upon successful completion for each module. You can also view a list of State-approved online education under each of the past IW course descriptions. A certificate of completion will be available to print out. H

ASHI Membership Categories and Requirements

All ASHI members are required to abide by the ASHI Code of Ethics, which specifically forbids home inspectors from active bro-kerage or sale of real estate or performing repairs on homes that they inspect. ASHI members also agree to perform and report inspections in accordance with the ASHI Standard of Practice. Not only is the ASHI logo widely regarded as the mark of a pro-fessional home inspector, its use by the ASHI membership is also carefully controlled.

There are three designations of active professional home inspector membership in ASHI.® These ASHI® membership categories are as follows:

ASHI has met the rigorous requirements of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) as a certifying body; therefore, it is able to offer the only third-party-approved home inspector certification program.

ASHI Certified Inspectors—Inspectors in this category have:

• Passed the National Home Inspector Examination and ASHI’s Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics module.

• Had inspection reports successfully verified for compliance with ASHI’s Standard of Practice.

• Submitted a valid list of performance of at least 250 fee-paid home inspections that meet or exceed the ASHI Standard of Practice.

• Returned an authorized, notarized affida-vit to ASHI validating at least 250 inspec-tions.

• Agreed to follow the ASHI Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics.

ASHI Inspector—Inspectors in this category have:

• Passed the National Home Inspector Examination or Valid State Exam approved by the Membership Committee and ASHI’s Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics module.

• Had inspection reports successfully verified for compliance with ASHI’s Standard of Practice.

• Submitted a valid list of performance of at least 75 fee-paid home inspections that meet or exceed the ASHI Standard of Practice.

• Returned an authorized notarized affidavit to ASHI validating at least 75 inspections.

• Agreed to follow the ASHI Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics.

ASHI Associates— Inspectors in this category have:

• Just joined ASHI and may be new to the inspection profession or may be a seasoned inspector who has not yet completed ASHI’s requirements to move up in mem-bership.

• Passed ASHI’s Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics module.

• Agreed to follow the ASHI Standard of

Practice and Code of Ethics. H

Moving Up in ASHI


I WANT TO TRAIN

YOUR NEXT

EMPLOYEE WITH

G.I. BILL BENEFITS

w w w.t he A SH I s c hoo l . co m1- 8 8 8 - 8 8 4 - 0 4 4 0

Calling all U.S. Veterans! Use your qualif ied G.I . benefits at our I ll inois Location.The ASHI School has been approved by the I l l inois State Approving Agency for the enrol lment of quali f ied veterans to receive G. I . Bi l l Educat ional Benef i t s .

New ASHI Certified Home InspectorsAs of December 1, 2015

H Glenn BellSeattle, WA

Dane CameronNew Castle, WA

Harland DeanRedmond, WA

H Scott FarmerSedro-Woolley, WA

H Logan FlittonChehalis, WA

Ted GulickInland Home and Building InspectionSpokane, WA

H John Kuehn Jr.Pasco, WA

Peter OrrRave Home InspectionsVancouver, WA

H Ken SimingtonNewcastle, WA

Ryan WhitneyAlly Home Inspection, LLCSeattle, WA

Jerrod BeattyManitowoc, WI

Jeff BrownRipon, WI

Joseph ChitkoCudahy, WI

Mark GilbertsonTruer, LLCPraire du Sac, WI

Mike JanssenFreedom, WI

Michael LaaksonenSturgeon Bay, WI

David LarsenNo BullWindsor, WI

Hollie MoerickeGreen Bay, WI

Gregory MoranGreen Bay, WI

James MuhammadKenosha, WI

Brandon PohezewinshiBMP Inspections LLCHales Corners, WI

Dan RampetsreiterMauston, WI

Justin RiskeJTC Home Inspection ServiceCottage Grove, WI

Keith SchneseNeenah, WI

Melody ShaltisRhinelander, WI

Joe ThomasBayside, WI

Kevin TylerLaCrosse, WI

Jimmy VanceAdvanced ConstructionGrafton, WI

Cindy WiegelBerlin, WI

Xai XiongKaukauna, WI

Bryan ElbonElbon’s Contracting LLCBeverly, WV

John NoviskyNova InspectionGrafton, WV

Bryce GilbertCottonwood Home InspectionThermopolis, WY

Fred JohnHome Inspection Master, LLC Sheridan, WY

INSPECTOR

New ASHI Inspectors As of December 1, 2015

Timothy ArnoldWestchester, IL

Mark Kahan Buyers Protection Group Owings Mills, MD

Tim Mitchell Mitchco Enterprises, LLCWentzville, MO

John PatonBrewster Home Inspections, LLCMt. Arlington, NJ

Jay BrzezinskiGeneral Home InspectionGarfield Heights, OH

Marc JonesJones Brothers Home Inspections, LLCKennewick, WA

Christopher JonesJones Brothers Home Inspections, LLCRichland, WA

Johnny MurphreeMurphree Building InspectionsTempleton, CA

David PiconeHomeGuard IncorporatedSan Jose, CA

David RitchieTouchstone Home Inspection ServiceEl Cajon, CA

To have your chapter seminar listed in this section: Email all information about your chapter seminar to [email protected].

Be sure to include all information: seminar subject, when, where, CEUs & a link for more information or con-tact information.

Information also will be picked up from CE applications. IMPORTANT Reporter DeadlinesAPRIL ISSUE - 2/23/16

MAY ISSUE - 3/21/16

JUNE ISSUE - 4/20/16

JULY ISSUE - 5/23/16

Educational EventWhen: February 19–20, 2016

Where: St. Vicent’s Hospital Auditorium

Little Rock, AR

CEUs: 14 ASHI CEs

Contact: [email protected]

OAHI/CAHPI-ON 2016 Educational ConferenceWhen: March 4–6, 2016

Where: Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel and

Conference Center, Burlington, ON

Corporate Head Office / Training

Centre, 1515 Matheson Blvd. East,

Suite 205, Mississauga, ON L4W 2P5

CEUs: 18 ASHI CEs

Contact: 416-256-0960, [email protected]

Ohio and North Central ChaptersOhio Home Inspectors ExpoWhen: March 4–6, 2016

DoubleTree Hilton Columbus/

Worthington

175 Hutchinson Avenue

Columbus, OH 43235

Speakers: Bruce Barker and Alan Carson

Contact: George Basista

[email protected]

ASHI Central PA Chapter Education Conference When: March 5, 2016

Where: Park Inn by Radisson

(Harrisburg West) 5401 Carlisle Pike

Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Subject: Foundations, Thermodynamics and

Design, Communication between

Realtors and Home Inspectors and

Drones Technology

CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs

Speakers: Cecil Johnson, Andrew Gray

Contact: Pat Reilly, 717-357-9589

[email protected]

ASHI Chapter EducationGarden State ASHI Education EventWhen: March 10, 2016, 8 am – 6 pm

Where: The Westwood, Garwood, NJ

CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs & 8 NJ CEs

Subjects: Modern HVAC and Plumbing Systems

Speaker: Kenny Hart

Contact: [email protected]

MAC-ASHI Technical SeminarWhen: May 14th, 2016

Where: John’s Hopkins University

9601 Medical Center Drive

Rockville, MD 20850

CEUs: 8 ASHI and State of Maryland CEs

Contact: www.mac-ashi.org

South Carolina ASHI Chapter EventWhen: May 14, 2016

Where: Holiday Inn, Columbia, SC

Subject: Moisture Intrusion in Cladding Systems

Speaker: Tim Thigpen

CEUs: 2 ASHI CEs

Contact: Brad Johnson 864-580-3547

[email protected]

Craig SingleyCS Inspections, LLCAtlanta, GA

Timothy StolbaPrime Time Home Inspections, LLCEly, IA

Alan PetersonPHI, dba HouseMaster Home InspectionsCarmel, IN

Gregory DavisProSpect Property InspectionsNewmarket, NH

Michael McGonigleHomestead Inspection Services Inc.Mickleton, NJ

Stephen MulrooneySJC Property Services LLCLincoln University, PA

Nathaniel RexrodeCovesville, VA

Continued from Page 31

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

Red Alert! When All Else Fails, Use Nails

Creative recycling!

David GrudzinskiAdvantage Home InspectionsCranston, RI

Hydronic heat?

Charles RyanPrecision Property InspectionChicago, IL

The intake and exhaust vents for a gas-fired direct-vent furnace. Blow out the exhaust fumes and suck them right back in for combustion.

Matthew StegerWIN Home InspectionLancaster, PA

Let’s Deflect The Water…WOW!

Waste Not, Want Not

Rolled asphalt roofing installed with nails. Can’t say I’ve ever seen an install like this.

Matthew StegerWIN Home InspectionLancaster, PA

…and grow some weeds. Then the termites can have greens with lunch (see photo below).

Randy West Professional Building ConsultantsRoseville, CA

GOT GREAT POSTCARDS? We are running out!Please send your 1. name 2. company 3. city 4. state 5. photos 6. headings 7. captions to [email protected]

“Ooh, Honey, Look How Industrial-Chic This Handle Is, I Love It!”

Sweet Dreams…ZZZZ

Does Google do drone roof inspections?

Matt Leahy, The Edge Home Inspections, Tucson, AZ

When the “Pro” at the home improvement store confuses door hardware with tool isles.

Daniel LandLand Made Home InspectionsBethel, CT

This “hammock” was found in the side yard of a four-plex I inspected.

Right when I saw it, I said to myself, “Some-one’s got way too much time on their hands.”

Jason GingeryViewpoint InspectionsSanta Cruz, CA

Head-Heated Boot RackThe Next Big Thing!

This homeowner installed hot water baseboard right in front of the door.

You have to step over it to go outside.

LawrenceTransueIntegrity Inspection ServiceEaston, PA

Why you need to make sure all openings are sealed on your electrical panel. AWW, RATS!!

Looks like this guy got shorted out by his tail and then the roaches had a feast.

Barry WongBuilding Specs LLC Kailua, HI

Rats For Dinner

…is standing in sump pit while servicing the panel.

Mark DolphNortheastern Independent Home Inspections, Inc.Roaring Brook Township, PA

Risky Business…

1.

2.


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By ASHI President, Randy Sipe

Who Is This Guy and How Did He Get Here?

Thank you for electing me and giving me your trust, not only to lead ASHI, but also to represent you in the public forum. It’s not

about me, it’s about us as ASHI inspectors, but as your new presi-dent I wanted to share some of my background and how I got here. I turned 60 in January, I’m married, my wife’s name is Lori and we have two kids. My son, Connor, is attending the University of Kansas and is an Air Force ROTC cadet. My daughter, Lacy, and her husband, Bryce, have given us two grandkids, Taylor and Bryson.

I grew up in a small town with 5,000 residents south of Kansas City, KS, and I still live near there today. For most of my life, I have worked in the engineering field, first as a drafter and later as a mechanical designer. I have worked for small family companies and large corporate groups through the years. Then one day, the final hammer fell and I was without a job and needed a new direction. I was tired of living my life in a cubicle. I wasn’t a model employ-ee—I was opinionated, strong-headed and wasn’t afraid to give my point of view. A friend of mine asked, “Have you ever thought of being a home inspector?” A career in home inspection wasn’t even on my radar, and honestly, I knew very little about it. With some research and a call to Wayne Trickle, a local home inspector who had inspected our house, I began to get some insight on this new venture of being a home inspector.

Before I knew it, I was on my way to Atlanta, GA, enrolled in a home inspection class and living in my brother-in-law’s basement for the next two weeks. On the first day of class, I and about 20 other newbies started our new careers with excitement, not knowing much else or what the future would bring. After completing the inspection course, I was ready (or at least thought I was ready) to start my new career.

I had no idea how hard it would be to break into this new business and the responsibility that it carries. For those of you just starting,

it takes more than a flashlight and a screwdriver. The best tool in your toolbox will be a spouse with a good job and a willingness to give you the time needed to start your new business.

Back at home after taking the home inspection course, I started putting into place the things that I learned in the marketing ses-sion. Soon, I was up and running—although my wife would say crawling. As most of you know, it doesn’t happen overnight, over a week, a month or even a year—it takes time. Then one day, my

phone rang and the voice on the other end said, “Hi, my name is Ron Rusch, and I’m calling on behalf of the Great Plains Chapter of ASHI. It’s a local group of home inspectors, and we would like to invite you to our dinner and education meeting coming up.”

That’s when things started to change for me person-ally and professionally. The true benefit of ASHI that will help you succeed is your chapter involvement. Involvement can be just attending meetings or vol-unteering to help. I will never forget that at my first meeting, I met people who would start me on my ASHI leadership track. I have already mentioned Ron Rusch, and then came Tom Lauhon and Miki Mertz. I didn’t know it at the time, but they were and are national leaders in home inspection. These are the people who put me on the ASHI leadership track, starting with my local chapter.

The next group that helped me were the chapter members. These people freely gave their time and knowledge to help me succeed. Not only did the chapter members help with my inspection questions, they charted a course so that I and other newbies could advance in the ASHI membership level and succeed. Chapter member Virginia Van Valkenburg headed a study group to help us prepare for the NHIE test. She and other experienced chapter mem-bers donated their time to conduct mini-courses and study sessions so that we, their inspector compet-itors, could pass this exam and be good, qualified home inspectors. If that’s not enough, the chapter paid for our NHIE testing.

I tell you all of this for one reason: to let you know that I did not and could not have succeeded and become the ASHI National President by myself. To achieve most any success, it takes lots of people willing to support, help and guide you from start to finish. For me, my chapter involvement was the beginning and I continue to be blessed with the support of the members of my ASHI Chapter, the National ASHI leadership, the ASHI staff and inspection community. H

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40 ASHI Reporter • February 2016 PBFebruary 2016 • www.ASHIReporter.org

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Documents

February 2016 Reporter