October 2015 Reporter

13 CHIMNEY SYSTEM ISSUES HOME INSPECTORS CAN DETECT P7

REPORTERASHI

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

10.15

6 Being Frank: Report From Headquarters

12 Issues Common to Attached Garages

23 The Word: Smoke Alarms

28 What Are Your Clients Really Buying?

38 On My Mind: Bylaw Changes & Volunteering

Council of Representatives Directory Page 20-21

ASHI Reporter • October 20152

7 Features 7 13 Chimney System Issues Home Inspectors Can Detect Ashley Eldridge and Robert Priesing, Chimney Safety Institute of America 12 Issues Common to Attached Garages

Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop

15 Safety Alert: October is National Window Covering Safety Month Carol Dikelsky

19 The Loneliness of the ASHI Council Represenative Jim Funkhouser, Speaker, ASHI Council of Represenatives

23 The Word: Smoke Alarms Bruce Barker, ACI

28 What Are Your Clients Really Buying? Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop

October 2015 Vol . 32, #10REPORTERASHI 10.15

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3September 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 3

Departments 6 Being Frank Report From Headquarters

16 Affiliate Spotlight Chimney Institute of America 30 ASHI Community New Inspector Status, Chapters, Education, Recommended Reading

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

36 Postcards From the Field It’s Wacky Out There

38 On My Mind Alden Gibson, ASHI President

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ASHI National Officers and Board of Directors

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.

Publisher: Frank Lesh

Editor: Carol Dikelsky

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American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.

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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© 2015, 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.

Lisa Alajajian 2013-2015

Milford, MA, 508-634-2010 [email protected]

James Allen 2013-2015 Overland Park, KS, 913-894-5893 [email protected]

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

Ken Harrington 2015-2017

Delaware, OH, [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]

Scott Patterson 2013-2015

Spring Hill, TN, 615-302-1113 [email protected]

Robert Peterson 2013-2015

Carmel, IN, [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]

Robert Walstead 2013-2015 Colorado Springs, CO 719-495-2652 [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]

Alden Gibson, President Breslau, ON, [email protected]

Randy Sipe, President-ElectSpring Hill, KS, [email protected]

Howard Pegelow, Vice President Milwaukee, WI, [email protected]

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

Larry Cerro, SecretaryTallahassee, FL, [email protected]

Bill Loden, Immediate Past-PresidentMadison, AL, [email protected]

Officers

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]

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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] Accounting

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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]

ASHI Reporter • September 20154 5September 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 5

http://www.inspectorinsurance.com

ASHI Reporter • October 20156 7October 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 7

This inspection is performed when thechimney is being swept or as part of the annual inspection recommended by NFPA 211.

A Level 2 inspection is called for during real estate transactions, among other occasions. The Level 2 inspection requires inspection of virtually all visible exterior portions of the chimney and an inspec-tion of the interior surfaces of the flue. This is typically done with closed-circuit video equipment.

The Level 3 inspection is rarely per-formed. It encompasses all portions of the Level 1 and Level 2 inspections, as well as gaining access to concealed areas of the chimney. It requires some dismantling or destruction of parts of the chimney or home.

There are many issues that can be identified without performing a complete NFPA 211 Level 1 inspection. Read on to learn about these 13 important conditions.

1. Chimneys That are too Short or too Tall

The issue of the chimney’s height is all about performance and it is often misunder-stood. According to Reference 2012 IRC R1003.9, a chimney must extend three feet above the roof penetration on the

A “Sweeper’s Dozen”: Advice From a Chimney Sweep

13 Chimney System Issues Home Inspectors Can DetectWithout Exceeding Their Standard of Practice By Ashley Eldridge and Robert Priesing, Chimney Safety Institute of America

13 Chimney System Issues Home Inspectors Can Detect

WHY YOU SHOULDATTEND IW 2016

• More education than you can shake a palm leaf at

• A perfect blend of Inspec-tors, sunshine, and activities

• Celebrate ASHI & CREIA’S 40th Anniversary with your peers

JAN 24 - 27, 2016TOWN &

COUNTRY RESORT, SAN DIEGO

REGISTER NOW:WWW.INSPECTIONWORLD.ORG

Report From Headquarters

From ASHI’s Executive Director

A lot has been happening at HQ recently. One of the biggest events was the opening

of registration for InspectionWorld® San Diego, 2016. Sunny California will look fantastic when January comes around. I hope you took advantage of early-bird registration so you were eligible for the October 1 drawing to win one of the five free registrations. But even if you didn’t win or register yet, don’t pass up this opportunity to sign up for what’s going to be the best IW yet!

In this joint conference, ASHI will be celebrating 40 Years of Trust,® while the California Real Estate Inspectors Association will be celebrating its 40th year as well. As you can see on the belly-band around this issue of The ASHI Reporter, we have a lot of great educational courses and good, old-fashioned fun lined up! Be sure to check out the InspectionWorld® website to see all the details.

A new offering that’s available to you is paying membership dues on a monthly basis. This new system has been warmly received, and we are pleasantly surprised at how many members have chosen this method of payment. Not being asked to pay your dues all in one lump sum is a big plus for many members.

You may not be aware of another new process we have because it’s behind the scenes. We now handle membership dues using a “lock box” system that alleviates a lot of staff time. Basically, it’s a more automated method to handle and keep track of dues. With this change, our staff members now have more time to serve you better.

Have you had a chance to view some of our new videos? We have Dave Kogan offering his help in improving your marketing skills. Dave is a wizard of promotion and if you follow his advice, you’ll be spending more time doing inspections and far less sitting around waiting for the phone to ring. I know that’s not a problem for most inspectors right now because the economy is doing so well, but when things slow down, like they always do, you’ll be happy you followed Dave’s suggestions.

Michele George put together a great step-by-step video on how to attain your continuing education credits, which you need to keep your membership up to date. One of the things that separates ASHI from other associations is that we take our continuing education seriously. If you

follow Michele’s instructions, you’ll be able to get all the CE credits you need for the year and learn something useful, too.

Russell Daniels’ video will show you how to change your profile information on the ASHI website. Keeping your profile information current is a great way to let potential clients know who you are and what your specialties are.

If you want to expand your business into a multi-inspector firm or if you know someone who wants to become a home inspector, watch Kendra Eiermann’s video on The ASHI School’s website, www.theashischool.com. She even tells you how to pick up some extra cash for referring new students to The ASHI School (TAS). They’ll get a great education and you’ll get a little spending money.

You’ve probably received some great postcards inviting you to attend IW San Diego. I’ve always been an idea guy, but one thing I’ve learned is how much work goes into turning someone’s thoughts into a product that is visually appealing and concise. Arlene Zapata, our graphic designer, worked her magic on the postcards, turning an idea into reality. She also has been hard at work developing new booth displays for ASHI and TAS. You’ll see them both at IW San Diego and at the Leadership Training Conference (LTC) this month.

Speaking of LTC, if your chapter hasn’t sent someone to LTC yet, they’re missing out on getting some of the best tips on how to help your chapter become or remain successful. Our keynote speaker this year will help you select, train and retain volunteers from what seems like an increasingly shrinking pool of candidates. We all know how hard it is to get people to volunteer to run chapters. We’ve all seen how some of the same people do the same jobs for years. This LTC will help you support and nourish new leaders so your chapter can be vibrant. I hope to see you all there! Please see the LTC details on Page 32.

H

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

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) appreciates when

home inspectors recommend CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps to their clients. We also want home inspectors to be aware of some issues that they can detect without exceeding their Standard of Practice. Reporting on the defects described in this article will allow home inspectors to provide even greater value to their clients and de-termine when to recommend calling a sweep for specific reasons, not just as a disclaimer.

We understand that home inspectors often are hesitant to quote codes. One authorita-tive reference recognized by the CSIA and most building and firefighting officials is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211, Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances. Much of the International Residential Code (IRC) writings about chimney are similar to NFPA 211.

NFPA 211 defines three levels of inspec-tions for chimneys, fireplaces, vents and solid fuel-burning appliances. Even the Level 1 inspection exceeds home inspec-tion standards. It requires removal of connector pipes for freestanding stoves and viewing interior surfaces of fireplace smoke chambers.

shortest side, and the top of the chimney must be two feet higher than any portion of the building structure within 10 feet. Some say that this rule ensures safety by helping to make sure that anything hot coming out of the top of the chimney, including sparks or burning creosote in the event of a chim-ney flue fire, doesn’t catch the adjacent roof or building on fire. Others say that this rule is for performance—that this minimum height ensures that the chimney is tall enough to provide draft and that it will help prevent other parts of the building from hindering draft. When the chimney is taller it is less likely to be influenced by air flow-ing across the roof.

For home inspectors not keen on climbing on a steep roof, one good trick is to measure the height of a single brick and then count the number of those bricks (this counting technique also works with uniform-cut siding). Remember: The three-foot

Measure from

the top of the

chimney on

the high side

(the right most

corner). Do not

include the

rain cap in the

measurement.

http://www.theashischool.com

http://www.inspectionworld.org


measurement should be from the point of the chimney where its high side penetrates the roofline.

2. Inadequate Clearance From Combustibles

Inadequate clearances are common at the header supporting the stud wall above the fireplace opening; at points of pas-sage through floors, ceiling and attic; and where exterior chimneys run up the outside wall of the house. Combustible materi-als frequently are sandwiched between the chimney masonry and building insulation, which increases the fire hazard enormously. The NFPA calls for a two-inch airspace between combustibles and interior chimneys or smoke chambers. The NFPA also calls for sheathing to be one inch from exterior chimneys. CSIA experts believe that al-though the clearance requirements have been in place for many years, virtually every fireplace and chimney contains at least one serious clearance deviation. You may even see this wood from the basement if the ceil-ing is unfinished (this applies to the outer and inner hearth). There is an exception in the IRC for exterior sheathing.

Obviously, not every such chimney causes a house fire. But when a chimney-related fire spreads to the house, lack of clear-ance is almost always a contributing factor. With today’s increased use of fireplaces, the

number of fires owing to inadequate clear-ances is significant. The single most effec-tive step to improve the fire safety record of fireplaces is to ensure proper clearance of combustibles and insulation from chimneys and fireplaces. If proper clearances cannot be created, then the chimney can be relined for “zero clearance” conditions.

3. Separated Fireplace FaceThe finished face of the fireplace typically is constructed after the firebox, smoke chamber and chimney. The face often isn’t bonded or even tied to the fireplace, leaving an open gap behind the lintel that leads to the header and stud wall above the fireplace. Most codes don’t specifically address this issue of a separated fireplace face, but the implied goal of all codes is to have a firebox without voids. Any gap in a fireplace is an open invitation for heat to reach concealed combustibles or create a secondary chimney. Ideally, the facing should be an integral part of the fireplace. If not, it should be fully tied and the gap should be filled with mortar.

4. Wood Under the HearthMany fireplaces still have clean-out doors in the basement, the crawl space or outdoors. These clean-out doors are used to remove ashes that have been pushed into the ash dump. You can open the clean-out door and look in to determine whether you see wood supporting the hearth. If you do, that is not good and it’s not allowed.

More on hearths: Frequently, the inner and outer hearths are laid or poured on combus-tible forms that are never removed. Often the inner hearth is poured on plywood over an ash pit, with a rectangular cutout for the ash dump. The outer hearth frequently rides on the house floor joists rather than on the fireplace foundation. All combustibles under the hearth and hearth extension should be removed.

5. Smoke Stains Outside or Above the Firebox

If you see smoke stains outside or above the firebox, you can tell your client that some-thing is amiss! It could be that there was negative air pressure in the house

causing smoke to be pulled out of the fire-place. Another possibility is that the grate was too large. Other possible issues include flue sizing and other draft or flow issues. It is likely they will tell you they simply forgot to open the damper one time, that is very different from a fireplace with obvious smoke staining above the opening unless they routinely build excessively large fires.

6. Orphaned AppliancesYou might run into a situation where you are on the roof and you notice that the cap is easy to remove with just a few screws. Interested in taking a look? If you do, you might see evidence of damage inside the flue. Many older homes have chimneys that were sized to vent less efficient appliances than those manufactured today. In some cases, we find oversized chimney flues that originally vented multiple appliances, such as a furnace and a water heater, but now have only a single appliance connected. The existing flue is grossly oversized for this single, appliance. As a result, there is excess condensation in the flue, as exhaust gases cool before they exit the chimney. Often this is indicated by moisture visible on the outside surface of the chimney, efflorescence or spalling of visible brick. There also may be stains indicating that moisture has been leaking from the chimney at the point the appliance connector enters the flue.

7. Inadequate Hearth ExtensionsAccording to NFPA 211, if the fireplace is less than six square feet, then the hearth extension (in front of the fireplace) has to extend 16 inches to the front and eight inches beyond the opening on either side. (The idea is to keep sparks from catching the house on fire.) If the fireplace is six square feet or more, the outer hearth should extend 20 inches to the front and 12 inches beyond the opening on either side.

8. “Clean Areas” in a “Dirty” ChimneyIf you open the damper and see an area in the smoke chamber (or in the flue) that ap-pears to be “clean” in an otherwise dirty chimney, this signifies that air is leaking into the system. This situation generally

> 13 Chimney System Issues Home Inspectors Can Detect

The brick veneer and sheetrock (left) and the

chimney (on the right) has an embedded header

between them. This picture–used for instruc-

tional purposes–shows a properly installed em-

bedded header. While it may not be visible,

it frequently lacks proper clearances.

http://www.bpgwi.com


> 13 Chimney System Issues Home Inspectors Can Detect > 13 Chimney System Issues Home Inspectors Can Detect

occurs because the surface has holes, allowing dilution air into the system, since it is under negative pressure when in use.

9. Colorization ChangesOn the exterior, colorization changes can relate to damage from water entry and freeze thaw. Dark staining near the top of the chimney, often thought to be smoke staining, may be mildew growing as a result of water penetrating the masonry. Interior staining can be the result of water, but if the staining is near the appliance connection or above the fireplace, the issue could relate to the spillage of flue gas. Many newly constructed American homes simply do not have sufficient available combustion air to operate the fireplace. Proper air exchange rates create better indoor air quality. The fireplace acts like an exhaust device and may pull fresh air into the home to replace what is being exhausted up the chimney.

10. Obvious BlockagesIf the chimney is blocked with animals, leaves or other debris, deadly carbon mon-oxide gases and smoke can back up into the home, threatening the health of the occupants. In addition, if the inside of the chimney is wet, it may be because a highly efficient appliance was introduced into an

old-fashioned, oversized chimney. Wind can create downdrafts that force smoke into the home or cause cold air to enter the home.

11. Missing CricketA chimney cricket diverts the water around the chimney instead of letting it pool at the the roof penetration of the chimney. It is a common building code that chimneys more than 30 inches wide need a cricket. CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps often find that the cricket isn’t there or find that the cricket was installed improperly.

12. Chase CoverInstead of a masonry crown, a prefabricated chimney chase has a sheet metal top called the “chase cover.” Many of these covers are field-fabricated and perform poorly; some are even concave in the middle. They retain moisture and are prone to water leakage, water pooling and rust, particularly from

And that’s the “Sweeper’s Dozen”

These 13 points represent issues that are easy to detect. A home inspector should be able to see these issues quickly with the naked eye. If the home inspector detects an issue, he or she should make general notes about it and suggest contacting a specialist. A final note: CSIA favors the recommen-dation for a, NFPA 211 Level 2 inspection conducted by a qualified professional. There should be no expectation that a home in-spector should find or disclose defects inside the chimney, including the smoke chamber, the damper and the flue lining. In addition to identifying these easily identified defects, the home inspector should explain the na-tionally accepted standard of recommend-ing a NFPA 211 Level 2 inspection to their client. It is important that this inspection be done by a qualified inspector such as a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. H

Ashley Eldridge has been a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep since 1980 and is the Director of Education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America. He will be teaching a seminar at ASHI’s InspectionWorld® San Diego, January 2016.

Bob Priesing has been a North Carolina Licensed Home Inspector since 1996, a North Carolina Licensed General Contractor since 1998 and a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep since 2000. He has presented classes at many conferences for home inspectors and is an instructor for the CSIA.

snow that accumulates and melts. Water can show up at ceiling lines, in the firebox and behind the louvers of the prefabricated fire-place. Rust running down the exterior chase siding indicates a significant problem.

13. Fireplace IssuesImproperly sized grate: Fireplace grates keep firewood or wax logs from rolling during burning and allow air to flow be-neath the solid fuel. Grates also allow for a central ash pile. Many people like these hearth accessories for the traditional look they lend to their fireplaces and fireplace inserts. Most people tend to purchase the largest grate that will fit into the fireplace instead of the recommended size, which is two-thirds the width and one-half the depth of the fireplace. As a result, they’ll usually load their fireplace with too much firewood. Lastly, ashes should never build up as high as the grate.Damper handle: You’d be surprised at how often we notice that the home inspector did not open, check or even rattle the damper handle’s lever. Simply documenting the style and type—and even whether it opens and closes, pushing front to back or side to side—can be a big help to the client. Missing accessories: The CSIA recom-mends that all fireplaces and other hearth appliances have a protective barrier [such as a screen] to keep curious children from touching flames or hot glass.

Here’s an example of exterior colorization

changes. This is efflorescence, which can be an

indicator of moisture issues.

The simplest of obstructions, such as a bird’s

nest, can be a big issue for an unsuspecting

home-owner who can’t see what the home

inspector can.

This is an example of an ideal grate size.

Home inspectors, do your clients a favor: Recommend a chimney and fireplace inspection so they can lower their risk when lighting that cold-weather, holiday fire. CSIA.org/search has a free zip code locator of CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps.

Snow, ice or water standing atop a chase cover,

instead of draining, is an indicator of a poorly

designed cover.


Issues Common to Attached Garages

Issues Common to Attached GaragesBy Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, www.carsondunlop.com

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This article focuses on three important safety issues regarding attached garages:

inadequate fire separation, doors connect-ing the garage and the house, and exposed combustible insulation.

A reminder about codes: Although we do not refer to code requirements in this review, having knowledge of these is useful so that, unless you have a good reason to differ from them, your recommendations will be consistent with code requirements. Your recommendations should make clear the reasons for and the implications of your comments. Codes vary from place to place and change regularly. Many different codes apply to homes and most are not retroactive, so current code requirements often do not apply to existing homes. Codes may become more or less restrictive over time. It is very complicated!

Fire Separation in Attached GaragesAttached garages create a potential fire exposure to houses. Automobiles, gasoline and other combustibles typically are stored in garages. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, “Garage fires tend to spread farther and cause more injuries and dollar loss than fires that start in all other areas of the home.” There are more than 6,600 garage fires every year. As home inspectors, we look for a fire separation (not a fire-rated assembly) on walls and ceilings between the home and garage.

Automobile exhaust fumes often contain carbon monoxide and it makes sense to keep these gases out of the home. We

also look for gas tightness between the garage and home.

Dealing with the ceiling: Ceilings are treated differently depending on whether there is living space above the garage. The illustration at the top right on this page outlines typical approaches, but keep in mind that you usually cannot determine the drywall thickness and if the drywall is painted, you won’t be able to identify the type. Inspectors typically focus on con-tinuity of the ceiling, looking for damage, unsealed penetrations and openings.

Pull-down stairs: Pull-down stairs in a garage ceiling may breach the fire separa-tion unless the stairs were specifically de-signed. If the main panel is plywood, there is probably not an effective fire separation. Ineffective fire separation is a result of one of the following:• poor design or original construction

practices (including missing components or inappropriate materials);

• mechanical damage (often a result of vehicle impact);

• moisture damage.

Heating and cooling ductwork: There should be no supply or return registers in the garage, and no gaps in the heating and cooling ductwork. The goal is to prevent automobile exhaust fumes from entering the home. (Openings also can be related to issues of heat loss or gain.) You might find this situation when inspecting a home in which someone uses the garage as a work-shop. Ductwork in the garage also should be insulated to levels that are appropriate for your area. Please see illustration on Page 15.

Look for supply or return registers in the garage.

Doors Between the House and Garage (Man Door)No door between garage and bedroom (sleeping room): A garage fire may quickly kill a person sleeping in an adjacent room. Sleeping people are far more vulnerable to asphyxiation. That is why there should not be a door between the bedroom and the garage. Homes are not typically built this way, but remodeling projects can create this adverse condition.

No door allowed? Some communities do not allow doors between the garage and home.

Garage

ceiling

penetrated

by central

vacuum

system

http://www.allenins.com


> Issues Common to Attached Garages > Issues Common to Attached Garages

Tight-fitting fire door with self-closer and a step-up into the home: Doors between the house and garage may breach the fire rating or gas tightness if they are not the proper type or if they are not properly in-stalled. The doors should be tight-fitting, made of solid wood or steel, be 1 3/8 inches thick or have a 20-minute fire rating. (Note: The 2012 IRC does not require a fire-rated door.) In our opinion, the door should be weather-stripped and self-closing. In addition to providing fire safety, having this type of door also reduces the chances of vehicle exhaust from entering the house. (Note: Self-closers may not be required in your area, or they may only be required in new construction or as part of a 20-minute fire-rated door assembly.)

Things to Watch for

•��Make�sure�the�door�from�the�garage�does not open into a sleeping room.

•��Where�a�fire-rated�door�is�needed,�look�for a rating plate on the edge of the door or frame.

•��Test�the�door�operation.�Where�there�is� a self-closer, does the door close securely by itself?

•��Look�for�gaps�around�the�door.�Does�it� fit tightly?

•��Report�pet�doors�or�other�door�openings.�

This steel garage-house door has no

self-closing device.

This illustration accompanies the heating and cooling ductwork text on Page 12.

This illustration accompanies the exposed combustible insulation in garages text

on Page 14.

The pet door defeats the fire separation.

Exposed Combustible Insulation in GaragesExposed foam plastic insulation is a fire hazard. This insulation contributes tremen-dous fuel and toxic gases to a fire and can make the difference between a controlled fire and a complete loss. Plastic foam insu-lation should be removed or covered with a noncombustible material such as drywall. Please see the second image on the next page.

Exposed foam insulation in garage should be

removed or covered.

SummaryWe have described three safety issues for attached garages. In the ASHI@HOME training program, we also cover garage floors, vehicles doors and combustion appliances inside garages. You can read more about conditions, implications and strategies for inspection on these issues.

Thanks to Roger Hankey and Kevin O’Hornett for their help and advice on this article. The first draft had more references to code and require-ments of the authority having jurisdiction, but this version addresses the issues from a more practical perspective. H

Safety Alert: October is National Window Covering Safety MonthOctober 2015 marks the 13th consecutive year the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) is promoting Safety Month to increase consumer awareness of the potential hazards that window cords pose to young children. The Council urges parents to make the right choice and only use cordless window products in homes with young children.

In an effort to keep young children safe, the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) recently announced that it has launched “Best for Kids,” a new safety program designed to help consumers and retailers easily identify window covering products best suited for homes with young children.

WCSC provides the following information about Best for Kids on its website:

The new Best for Kids program will require products that manufacturers want to be part of the program to meet stringent criteria, and to submit those products to a WCMA-recognized third-party testing laboratory. Products that meet these criteria will be eligible to be listed and labeled on packaging and materials as “certified” and companies can use this designation on their marketing materials.

“For years, the window covering industry has joined with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and safety groups to urge parents to use only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords in homes with young children,” said WCMA Executive Director Ralph Vasami. “This new program provides clarity to consumers and retailers who will be able to easily identify those products that have been independently tested specifically to meet these criteria.”

In order to earn the “Certified” designation, a window covering product must either have no cords or the inner cords cannot be accessible, as defined by the industry’s safety standard (ANSI/WCMA A 100.1-2012). If accessible inner cords are present in products with no operating cords, the accessible inner cords cannot create a hazardous loop in accordance with the test procedures in Appendix D of the safety standard. The Best for Kids program includes criteria to evaluate window covering products primarily intended for use in homes or buildings in which young children are expected to be present. Based on the evaluation of those criteria, the program allows for a window covering product to be certified and recommended for use in such environments.

“We anticipate the retail community embracing the new Best for Kids program as it will assist them in promoting to their customers those window covering products that are most suitable for homes with young children,” continued Vasami.

For more details, visit www.windowcoverings.org.

Practical Tips for Home InspectorsIn the article “Ensuring Safety for Children at Home,” published in the September 2015 issue of the ASHI Reporter, Linda Kaiser, founder of Parents for Window Blind Safety (PFWBS), provided questions to ask and practical suggestions that home inspectors can use on the job. H


Chimney Institute of America

Affilate Spot Light: Chimney Institute of America

The flue isn’t the only thing we do

Technician

dryersafety.org by CSIA

Dryer Exhaust

CertificationNow in its 15th year, the C-DET credential by the Chimney Safety Institute of America is the mark of excel-lence, and you can provide value to your clients. Steer them to our technician finder at dryersafety.org

Don’t let the soot-faced Mary Poppins caricature fool you. Modern chimney

sweeps certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America aren’t just pushing and pulling a brush through the flue. They know the codes, are taught best practices, and comprehend what’s expected of them when they market, using our logo. They understand that the mechanical act of sweeping the chimney is not as difficult as the intellectual exercise of inspecting it.

CSIA offers credentials with credibility that home inspectors can trust because our always-evolving instruction is peer-driven and geared to upholding the top standard of care.

Over 1,600 professionals have the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® credential, giving you more choices than ever.

More on CSIAHeadquarters: a 10,000-square-foot CSIA Technology Center located at 2155 Com-mercial Drive, Plainfield, Indiana. Ground was broken on the facility December 1, 2000.

Credibility: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CSIA is fully accredited by the State of Indiana State Workforce Innovation Council.

Our products: Chimney sweeps are tested and certified using three manuals: CSIA’s Successful Chimney Sweeping, NFPA 211 and IRC.

Websites: csia.org and dryersafety.org.

Leadership: President, Mark A. Stoner of Smyrna, TN; Executive Director, Frances L. Kelly; Education Director, Ashley H. Eldridge.

Vision: Every family enjoys a safe, warm home.

Mission: Advance public awareness while educating and certifying industry professionals.

Core Values: Education, commitment to excellence, professionalism, integrity, and safety. •��Education: The foundation of our

organization.•��Commitment to Excellence: Perform at the

highest level.•��Professionalism: Possessing the knowledge,

skills and good judgment to be the primary resource.

•��Integrity: Adherence to moral principles with an unyielding commitment to our code of ethics.

•��Safety: The basic principle in all we do.

Additional Material: CSIA’s Online eLearning program is offered weekly. Register by the close of business on Friday to start your session the following Monday. Learn at your own pace at home, the office or anywhere you can access the Internet. Our eLearning is available at http://www.csia.org/education/elearning.aspx

Sister Strong: CSIA also partners with the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association existing to promote the success of its members by providing progressive services, encouraging professionalism and ethical accountability, and advancing the chimney and venting industry through public awareness of the trade. H

(�“I believe that we are at the very beginning of an exciting and renewed surge in the blue-collar service industry in the United States. The next 10 years will see an increase in the need for home service providers, and I believe the orga-nized chimney sweep and venting companies can have a front-row opportu-nity to help homeowners in many ways. The cur-rent trend of our society and education is causing fewer and fewer people to know how to ‘fix’ or do maintenance on anything. CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps® and C-DET Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians® are excellent problem-solvers, multi-taskers, and customer service specialists—ready to help the consumer with their knowledge and ability.”

— Mark A. Stoner, President Chimney Safety Institute of America

http://www.dryersafety.org


The Loneliness of the ASHI Council RepresentativeBy Jim Funkhouser, Speaker, ASHI Council of Representatives

The Loneliness of the ASHI Council Representative

Aren’t you even the least bit curious? C’mon. Just the teensiest tiny itty bit?

I mean about how easy it can be to change things in ASHI? I understand, to a point. In one episode of “The Simpsons,” Marge turns to Homer and says, “You know, it’s very easy to criticize.” And Homer replies, “And it’s fun, too!”

It is fun. Cathartic, even…but after a while, you find yourself with the same old folks recounting the same old complaints, and the energy with which you started these sporadic soliloquies wanes and slowly devolves into a series of shared sighs. Rather depressing, isn’t it? More than that, you don’t even realize that you are so close to being able to change the things about which you complain.

Meet the Patron Saint of the ASHI Council of RepresentativesFor me, the face of the late actor Jesse White as the Maytag repairman is so memorable. He was always waiting by the phone, ready to leap into action. But the phone never rang. Why? The Maytag com-pany would have you believe their products are so well built they never break down or have problems. Really? Never? And every day when I was home sick from school, right during the soap operas my mother would watch (hey, any TV is better than no TV when you’re eight years old, am I right?), there he’d be: the ubiquitous image of boredom.

I identified with him then (eight-year-olds get bored a lot). And I identify with him now probably even more. There is a differ-ence, though. My boredom now is coupled

with a strong sense of frustration. Mr. White’s character never expressed disap-pointment in the fact that Maytag execs gave him a job they knew was never going to be needed. That poor guy sat in that chair in that office waiting for over 25 years to fix something his bosses knew would never need to be fixed. Understand what I’m saying?

ASHI is not Maytag

Within chapter after chapter, the atmo-sphere shares the same rarefied air…that of semi-contentment. Does that sound about right to you? However, your contentment factor in ASHI can be increased with one of the following (pick one):a. A large amount of futile effort on

your partb. A moderate amount of effort accompa-

nied by crampingc. Some effort, but will have to start voting

for another political partyd. Extremely little effort akin to rolling

your eyes at that annoying driver in the lavishly expensive car

The answer is, of course, “d.” I know, I know. You say, “But Jim! I’ve always heard that the answer is “a.” Ah, Grasshopper, you see the world in absolutes and do not take time for reflection. (Sorry, I just had another flashback TV moment; if you’re keeping track, this one’s from “Kung Fu.”) The answer to your collective angst is the Council of Representatives. Don’t believe me? Chew on this:

An idea came before the Council to reduce the number of Directors on the ASHI

Board from 15 to 12. The idea could have come from any of you. As a result of consider-ing the idea, consulting with the Council’s Group Leaders, putting the idea into a motion and placing the motion before the Council, that idea recently went before you in the form of a ballot. You overwhelmingly agreed with the idea and made a change to the bylaws.

You did that. What did it take to start the process? It took a phone call, an email or a simple conversation with a member of the Council. The point is that nothing will ever change those things you complain about unless you direct your complaint in the right direction. Our motto could be: The Council, we’re here to hear you!

In the first Maytag repairman commercial in 1967, Jesse White introduced the new recruits to their “survival kit,” which consisted of a deck of playing cards for solitaire, a book of crossword puzzles and a beadwork project. Do me, your Council Reps and yourselves a favor—give us a ring! We are getting way too good at solitaire. Near this article you’ll find the list of Council Reps and their contact information. If you can’t reach one of them, then reach out to a Group Leader or give me a shout.

In closing, here are some phrases that can help you remember to contact the CoR (pay attention—you might notice some more TV flashbacks in the form of modified advertising slogans):•��“Scratch�that�itch�when�you�have�a�twitch.�

Call the Council.”•��“Won’t�you�help?�For�just�one�email�a�

month, you can aggravate the entire Council for a year.”

•��“Between�love�and�madness�lies�the�Council”�(OK, you might have to give that one some time to sink in…but maybe its “fragrance” will wear on you.)

•��“This�is�your�Council.�This�is�your�brain�without using the Council. Get the picture?”

•��“The�Council.�Just�Do�It.”Looking forward to hearing from you, JimThe Lonely Speaker of the ASHI Council of Representatives HPlease see CoR Representative listings on the

next 3 pages.

http://www.NHIEStudyguide.org


> The Loneliness of the ASHI Council Representative SPECIAL PULL OUT AND SAVE SECTION: 1. Please close these two pages. 2. Then hold both pages in your right hand. 3. Place your left hand on Page 18, on a table, and GENTLY pull the pages away

> The Loneliness of the ASHI Council Representative

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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]

Please see the complete CoR listing on pages 20 and 21.

ASHI Council of Representatives Speakers and Group LeadersJim Funkhouser

Speaker of the CoR

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Once again, The Word invites you to travel into the dark realm of

subjects that are sometimes misun-derstood by home inspectors. The Word hopes you will find this trip informative and maybe a little entertaining.

The Word’s subject this month is smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. The Word finds this subject interesting because there’s a lot more to dealing with these devices than just pressing the test button. By the way, smoke alarms and smoke detectors are not the same. A smoke alarm is a self-contained device including the smoke sensor and an alarm. A smoke detector contains a smoke sensor and is intended to be a part of an alarm system.

Remember that The Word covers general principles. Something you see in the field isn’t always wrong just because it doesn’t comply with a general principle. Local building codes and their interpretations, manufacturer’s instructions and engineered designs trump general principles.

Alarms Save LivesThere’s little dispute that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms can save lives assuming, of course, that they are installed correctly and functioning properly. These relatively inexpensive devices provide some of the best bang for the buck of any health and safety requirements. In fact, these devices are considered to be so important that updating homes to current standards may be required in some cases. The Word did this in a 1980 home that he and his wife remodeled.

The International Residential Code (IRC) requires updating smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms to current standards when work requiring a permit is performed. The update exceptions involve exterior work such as roof coverings and wall claddings, and work involving only plumbing and mechanical systems.

Exceptions exist that relieve smoke alarm hard-wiring and interconnection require-ments that would require disturbing finish surfaces. Interconnection can be accom-plished with listed wireless technology. Interpretation and enforcement of these updating requirements and exceptions vary widely between jurisdictions.

Fire Types and Smoke Alarm Types Are DifferentFires often start in one of two ways. Some fires start by producing a lot of flame, but little smoke. Other fires start by produc-ing a lot of smoke, but little flame. There are two types of smoke alarms. The most common type is the ionization alarm. The less common type is the photoelectric alarm. Each type of alarm responds differ-ently to each type of fire, so it’s very impor-tant to have the right type of alarm. Having the wrong type of alarm can be fatal.

A photoelectric alarm works by shining a light above a sensor at a 90˚ angle to the light. Smoke entering the alarm disrupts the light, reflects some of the light toward the sensor and triggers the alarm. Photo-electric alarms are good at detecting smoky (smoldering) fires, which is the way many home fires start. They are slightly less responsive than ionization alarms at detecting flaming fires.

An ionization alarm works by using radio-active material to ionize the area between two sensors and allow the flow of electricity between the sensors. Smoke entering the sensor disrupts the flow of electricity and triggers the alarm. Ionization alarms are slightly better than photoelectric alarms at detecting flaming fires. They are signifi-cantly less responsive at detecting smoky fires, and in fact, may not even activate until it’s too late, if at all.

It is usually not possible to identify the smoke alarm type by looking at it from below. The type is usually on the back and requires removing the alarm from its mounting bracket to identify its type.

False (Nuisance) AlarmsThe best smoke alarm in the world is use-less if it has been disconnected or removed. False alarms, caused by activities such as cooking or burning candles, motivate people to disconnect or remove the alarms. A disconnected alarm might be very diffi-cult to detect visually during a home inspec-tion. Some alarms have no visible indication whether or not they are receiving power.Newer alarms have an indicator that at least shows if they are receiving power, and some even show by the indicator’s color where the power is coming from (for example, green = house power and red = battery). There are several places where smoke alarms shouldn’t be installed to help avoid false alarms. The Word lists these places later in this article.

Ionization alarms are more prone to false alarms than are photoelectric alarms. Alarms that combine ionization and photo-electric sensors in one unit can have higher rates of false alarms than single-sensor

Smoke AlarmsBy Bruce Barker, ACI

A look at terms used in home inspection reports

> The Loneliness of the ASHI Council Representative

Please read the article on Page 19

http://www.HowToOperateYourHome.com

ASHI Reporter • October 201524 25October 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 25ASHI Ad.indd 6 3/25/15 10:33 AM

alarms. False alarm rates, by themselves, are a good reason to avoid using ionization alarms.

Inspection StandardThe new ASHI Standard of Practice (SoP) requires that you report the presence or absence of smoke alarms and carbon mon-oxide alarms. There is no ASHI require-ment to inspect or test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, and there is no ASHI requirement to identify the type of smoke alarm. Other standards may have other requirements regarding smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, so be sure to comply with any standards that apply to you. http://www.ashireporter.org/ HomeInspection/Articles/ASHI- Smoke-Alarm/2606.

Smoke Alarm TestingBeing a conscientious inspector, you may want to go beyond the minimum standard and test the alarm. Be careful—testing alarms and reporting the results can be a case in which no good deed goes unpunished.

When you test an alarm by pressing the “test” button, you may be testing only the sound-producing device. You may not be testing the alarm’s sensor. There are UL-listed aerosol smoke products for testing smoke sensors, but such testing goes way beyond the SoP requirements. Do not use a smoke pen or other unlisted smoke-generat-ing device to test a smoke alarm. The result could be inaccurate and you could damage the alarm.

The alarm won’t activate if the sensor isn’t functioning and, as we now know,

pressing the “test” button may not test the sensor. Thus, pressing the “test” button doesn’t ensure that the alarm will function as intended during an actual fire or under carbon monoxide conditions. It’s critical that you inform your clients about this distinction if you “test” smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and report the test results.

Alarm Service LifeHow often do you see smoke alarms in older homes that are obviously the original alarms? The Word sees this all the time. These alarms may be useless and may, in fact, be dangerous because they provide a false sense of security.

Many smoke alarm manufacturers recom-mend replacing smoke alarms after about 10 years. Sure, they want to sell more alarms, but there’s also a valid reason for this recommendation. The sensors in these alarms degrade over time and may fail to function. As we’ve discussed, if the sensor fails, the alarm is useless.

Carbon monoxide alarms have a shorter service life of approximately five to seven years. The difference between smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm life expectan-cies makes it problematic to combine these alarms into one device. The carbon mon-oxide part could fail before the smoke part, rendering the device only partially func-tional. You may want to alert your clients to this service life difference for their future maintenance plans.

Smoke Alarm LocationsThe minimum requirement of a smoke alarm in each bedroom and in the hallway near the bedrooms is widely known. What constitutes “near” the bedrooms is open to interpretation. The Word has seen distances ranging between 10 and 40 feet. Bedrooms located in different parts of a home should have a smoke alarm in the hallway near each bedroom area.

The 2015 IRC adds a new required location. A smoke alarm should be installed not less than three feet horizontally from the door of a bathroom containing a tub or a shower. Anyone singing in the shower needs to hear the alarm, too.

At least one smoke alarm is required on each story, including basements and

habitable attics, but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In fact, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms shouldn’t be installed in crawl spaces and attics because the alarms don’t function properly in these dirty and unconditioned environments. See Illustrations 1 and 2 for general location requirements.

Smoke alarm location requirements for split-level homes can be confusing. A smoke alarm is required only on the upper level if there is no door between levels and if the upper level is less than one full story above the lower level. Some jurisdictions require a smoke alarm on each level of a split-level home, and manufacturers usually recom-mend this as well.

The ideal smoke alarm location is on the ceiling at least four inches away from the wall. Installation on the wall is acceptable if the top of the case is at least four inches and less than 12 inches from the ceiling. The four-inch distance helps avoid dead-air spots that may prevent smoke from reaching the sensor. Smoke tends to collect near the ceiling, so the 12-inch distance helps ensure that rising smoke reaches the sensor

SMOKE ALARMS INTERCONNECTED CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

© 2015 Dream Home Consultants, LLC.Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Location General Requirements

BEDROOM

LIVING AREA

BATH

BEDROOM BEDROOM BEDROOMW/GAS FIREPLACE

BATHFOYER

GARAGE

≤ 3 FT.≤ 3 FT.

KITCHEN

RANGE

(1) IONIZATION ALARM ≥ 20 FT.(2) IONIZAION ALARM WITH SILENCE SWITCH ≥ 20 FT.(3) PHOTOELECTRIC ALARM ≥ 6 FT.

Illustration 1> The Word: Smoke Alarms

http://www.inspectit.com


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(see photo to the right). Look for this. The Word had two alarms moved during his remodel because of this issue.

Smoke alarms should not be installed near combustion sources such as in

garages and near combustion equipment such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters and fireplaces of all types. Some manufacturers recommend at least 20 feet of separation. Nuisance activation is also common when smoke alarms are installed in kitchens. The 2015 IRC prohibits installing most ioniza-tion-type alarms within 20 feet horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appli-ance. Photoelectric-type alarms may not be installed within six feet horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance.

Other places that smoke alarms should not be installed include the following: •��inside�bathrooms�and�laundry�rooms�(due�

to high humidity);•��near�fans,�HVAC�supplies�and�returns,�

and operable windows (air currents could prevent smoke from reaching the sensor); and

•��near�florescent�lights�(electrical�interfer-ence with the sensor).

Carbon Monoxide Alarm LocationsIn new construction, at least one carbon monoxide alarm is required in homes with a fuel-burning appliance and in homes with an attached garage. Remember that a fire-place is a fuel-burning appliance. The alarm should be located near the bedrooms and if the bedrooms are widely separated or are on different stories, then multiple alarms are required.

The 2015 IRC adds a new location require-ment. A carbon monoxide alarm should

be installed in a bedroom if a fuel-burning appliance is installed in the bedroom or in an attached bathroom. Examples of fuel-burning appliances include fireplaces, gas-burning fireplaces and unvented room heaters.

Carbon monoxide alarm location restric-tions are similar, but not identical, to smoke alarms. The four-inches-from-the-ceiling corner, dead-air location restriction applies, as do the restrictions involving combustion sources, high humidity, fans and operable windows and kitchens.

The 12-inches-to-ceiling-location restric-tion does not apply to carbon monoxide alarms. In fact, a lower location on a wall may be advantageous in providing a more rapid response to the presence of carbon monoxide. Just be sure that the alarm is above the reach of children.

Alarm InstallationSmoke alarm installation requirements include the following: •��connection�of�all�smoke�alarms�to�each�

other such that if one alarm is activated, all alarms will sound (interconnection may be hard-wired or wireless);

•��primary�power�provided�by�the�building’s�utility power source;

•��backup�power�provided�by�a�battery�in�case the fire disrupts the building’s utility power.

Carbon monoxide alarms are not required to be connected to each other, but the 2015 IRC requires them to be powered by the building’s utility power source with battery backup.

The Bottom LineThe best inspections and reports go beyond simply listing deficiencies. They educate clients about important maintenance and safety issues. The Word recommends that you include the following in your reports:1. Photoelectric smoke alarms are the rec-

ommended type and you did not verify the type of alarm.

2. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms have a limited service life and you did not verify the age of the alarm.

3. Testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms may not guarantee that the alarms will function as intended during actual emergency conditions.

4. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and you did not verify complete compliance with those instructions.

Adding these statements will go a long way toward educating your clients about these important safety devices and may help protect you if a problem occurs.

Memo to the gods of safety: The Word does not reside on Mt. Olympus (just

at its base) and welcomes other viewpoints. Send your lightning bolts or emails to [email protected]. The thoughts contained herein are those of The Word. They are not ASHI standards or policies. H

Bruce is the founder and president of Dream Home Consultants, and the author of Everybody’s Building Code, written to help home inspectors understand the International Residential Code.

Bruce has been building and inspecting homes since 1987. He currently serves on the ASHI Board of Directors. He is a certified Residential Combination Inspector, a licensed contractor in Arizona, Florida and North Carolina,

To read more of Bruce’s articles or if you need a presenter at your next chapter event, go to www.dreamhomeconsultants.com.

Illustration 2

http://www.ahomewarranty.com

http://www.fortreports.com

http://www.rtca.com

29October 2015 • www.ASHIReporter.org 29ASHI Reporter • October 201528

Let’s step back and look at what your clients are buying. It’s not always obvious. For example, when we buy a car, we are really

buying one or more of the following—safe transportation, a status symbol or a thrill. Similarly, we do not buy a power drill for the pleasure of owning a drill, but because we want holes. And we don’t buy clothes primarily to keep us warm; we buy most of our clothes to make us look good.

How about a home inspection? What are our clients buying? We believe our clients are looking for protection, insurance, peace of mind, a negotiating tool, reassurance about their buying decision or some combination of these. They are not buying an audit of the home’s condition, a 67-page report, a guided tour of the home, a maintenance plan or your reputation of “20 years as a builder.” Our clients want to feel that they are making a good, well-in-formed choice. Your goal is to show people how you will help them make the right decision. You are in the knowledge and communication business.

Focus on BenefitsYour marketing should not focus on what you do, but rather on what your client wants. This should be clear in all your advertis-ing, information and campaigns. Marketing experts encourage us to emphasize and focus on benefits rather than features. The table below lists some examples of how you could describe the same report-writing software points by focusing on its features and its benefits.

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As you’ll notice, many benefits include a concern and the solution. For example, “Our software ensures that you don’t forget anything” (in the Benefits column below) is powerful because it reminds you that the software will help you address something you are probably concerned about. In this way, providing a marketing focus on benefits shows an understanding of the client’s (or in this case, the software user’s) issues and how you (or the product) can address them.

How does this translate to your marketing strategy? Your mar-keting materials already might state something like this: “We

help you make a great decision on the largest investment of your life.” But you can broaden this message by stating, “We help you make an informed home-buying decision for you and your family.” Adding the word family can be very effective. “We’ll help make sure your new home keeps you and your family warm, safe and dry.” Or “We’ll help you keep your new home a comfortable place to live for you and your family.” Some marketing folks think more dramati-cally and use more direct, colorful imagery: “Ever bought a lemon? Ever had to live in it?”

A Word of Caution: Don’t OverpromiseBe careful what you promise. We do not recommend advertising “complete peace of mind” or “a worry-free home” because home inspections are not technically exhaustive. Unless you are way better than us, you can’t detect or predict every adverse condition.

What Are Your Clients Really Buying?By Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, www.carsondunlop.com

What Are Your Clients Really Buying?

FEATURE BENEFIT

Choose from over 250 professional title pages. Great reports make you look good. Online booking on your website. Online booking can get you more business! It also saves time for

you, your clients and agents.You can set items to appear in every report. Complete your reports with speed and consistency.Automatically drop illustrations and articles into reports. Your reports will look better, be easier to read and provide more

information at your fingertips.The software remembers one-time notes and auto-completes items the next time you start typing the same words.

Get your reports done with speed and consistency.

You can do a “completion check.” Our software ensures that you don’t forget anything.

Continued on Page 34…

http://www.OREP.org


H Denotes graduate of The ASHI School

New ASHI Associates As of August 1, 2015

James GittingsJKG HomeInspections, LLCEagle River, AK

Steven HuntEagle River, AK

Giuseppe RossiA Certified Inspectors Wasilla, AK

James BrooksChelsea, AL

H Kevin GrafTheodore, AL

Jeremy JordanJordan Home Inspections and Services, LLCDothan, AL

Ed WilliamsMobile, AL

Trey WilliamsMobile, AL

Michael GriffinoCapital Property Inspection of ArkansasFarmington, AR

Jennifer LeibinPrescott Valley, AZ

Asen StoilkovGreat Owl Property Inspections Chandler, AZ

Matthew BrownellBuyers Protection GroupRancho Cordova, CA

H Christopher DonahueDonahue Inspections Santa Barbara, CA

Robert FiedlerCal Home InspectionSan Bernardino, CA

Jose GonzalezBuyers Protection GroupPetaluma, CA

Shane Griffin G & H Inspections El Cajon, CA

Nicholas HuntSanta Barbara, CA

H Joseph JacksonThe Lighthouse GroupWestminster, CA

H David JenkinsProfessionalHome InspectionRedding, CA

INSPECTOR

To submit your materials for moving up, please contact Janet George at 847-954-3180 or [email protected]

New ASHI Inspectors As of August 1, 2015

Jim KeelingHuntsville, AL

Dan BozarthAmeriSpecInspection ServiceColorado Springs, CO

Joseph OphoffScott HomeInspection, LLCBerthoud, CO

Jeffrey HerndonHome Inspectors of Northwest Georgia Inc.Canton, GA

Darrin BachmanAA Home InspectionAlexandria, KY

Robert KaufmanKRGS, Inc.Sawyer, MI

Glenn RiderBest Home Inspections. LLCFestus, MO

Scott FrederickPillar To PostFenton, MO

Greg DragoBrick N' Beam InspectionsSt. Louis, MO

Michael SporikAlpha Home InspectionHarrisburg, PA

Keith MedleyFinal Phase InspectionSilvana, WA

Michael FiolaSt. Petersburg, FL

Sidney CarterThe Cornerstone Inspection GroupMarietta, GA

Matthew BusenbarkFive Star Home InspectionsKansas City, MO

Richard Haas WIN Home Inspection South County Arnold, MO

Don HaschertPillar to PostHarrisburg, PA

Michael MallottCheckmark Home Inspections Services, LLCLeesburg, VA

New ASHI Certified Home InspectorsAs of August 1, 2015

Michael TurnerOakland, CA

Christopher Warren Granite Bay, CA

Shannon BrewerNew Beginnings Home InspectionsOuray, CO

H Christopher LarsenColorado Springs, CO

Michael MoranMJM Inspection Services Eagle, CO

Daniel VogtCall Home InspectionLittleton, CO

Jon WilliamsSolid Rock Home Inspections, LLCPueblo West, CO

Kellie WilliamsSolid Rock Home Inspections, LLCPueblo West, CO

H William WoodBTW Professional InspectionsLoveland, CO

Marc Champagne Monroe, CT

Louis Nero Newington, CT

Anthony PotvinMeriden, CT

H Josef HorstLewes, DE

H Peter KarachSmyra, DE

H Richard ColumboPalm Harbor, FL

Chris DupreeTallahassee, FL

Matthew FrieszProperly InspectedOldsmar, FL

Justin GrayA & D Quality Home InspectionsMacclenny, FL

Robert HartsfieldCrawfordville, FL

David JeffreyA & D Quality Home InspectionsMacclenny, FL

Carlos MarinaBetter Call Carlos, LLCSt. Johns FL

James Mullins Mullins UnlimitedPanama City, FL

Michael Stanley Tallahassee, FL

Donovan WhitePace, FL

Martin WillifordAtlantic Beach, FL

Judson BourkeFocus HomeInspection ServiceBall Ground, GA

Jamie BrandBix Property InspectionsCumming, GA

Drew CampbellCummings, GA

H James GuidryJ-A-G Home InspectionsCanton, GA

H Norman ReidRavenwood Property Inspections, LLCCanton, GA

Tamara SeibertKennesaw, GA

H Edward SutphinBig Creek Home InspectionsCummings, GA

H Tyler TienkenTucker, GA

H Karen UhlmeyerGreen Apple ValuationsAthens, GA

Ivan HurlburtPueo HomeInspections, LLCKaneohe, HI

James BachDes Moines, IA

Dennis PaulsonIn Depth Home Inspections LLCNorth Liberty, IA

Nic TranstrumTeton Home InspectionBlackfoot, ID

H Russell Baker Jr.White Hall, IL

Justin BraggOak Forest, IL

Keith CaldieraroBelleville, IL

Robert CaseyA1 Property Inspection Corp.Downers Grove, IL

Jerry GentileG & G EnergyElmhurst, IL

Bruce Hedlund Plainfield, IL

H Jeremy HeppelerChicago, IL

Troy MeidingerElmhurst, IL

Matthew MorganMorgan Home Inspection, LLCHoopeston, IL

Christopher PastenChicago, IL

Pete PetrovicDowners Grove, IL

Jason WillisRock Island, IL

Phillip MesarchPortage, IN

H Mark RobersonShererville, IN

H Timothy SwansonCedar Lake, IN

H David HymerLenexa, KS

John RossRoss Home InspectionsMission, KS

H Fredrick SalisburyCrescent InspectionsHutchinson, KS

Michael HeneghanB-Sure Home InspectionMedford, MA

Richard MezanMezan Home InspectionChurchville, MD

Thaiseke Smith D&T Home InspectionsOwings, MD

Terry HannuHannu's Home InspectionIronwood, MI

James BourbeauHomeSightInspection, Inc.Inver Grove Heights, MN

Thomas GettyGetty InspectionsNew Prague, MN

Andy LarsonLarson HomeInspection, LLCMoorhead, MN

Zhong VangVang Home InspectionRoseville, MN

Dustin WieboldStructure Tech Home InspectionsBig Lake, MN

H Charles CashnerChesterfield, MO

Rick ClausnerDynamic Home Inspection LLCChesterfield, MO

Bill JohnsonBRP InspectionsOld Monroe, MO

Rick TidwellTidwell Home Inspections LLCOld Monroe, MO

Justin Chewning Ocean Springs, MS

Joseph RowellEllisville, MS

Lloyd BerminghamA- Z HomeInspections LLCBelgrade, MT

John FitchDiamond F Home InspectionBelgrade, MT

David MattsonPristine InspectionsBelgrade, MT

Jeff WatkinsRidgeline Inspection ServicesMissoula, MT

Stephen BaileyA & R Property Inspection North Hampton, NH

Michael MartinezEnchantment Home Inspection, LLCAlbuquerque, NM

Richard TinaroCarmel, NY

H Randy AllenRCAllen Enterprises LLCMaineville, OH

H Justin ChachoffCincinnati , OH

H Glenn CreechWilliamsburg, OH

Jeffrey DeppDeppstar Home InspectionsCanfield, OH

H Joe LeisCincinnati, OH

Anthony PerryTotal Care Home Inspections Strongsville, OH

H Vance WittLakewood, OH

David AssadPauls Valley, OK

William BryantElite Home Services Sperry, OK

Mike EstesYukon, OK

James JayDel City, OK

William KnopTyrone, OK

Josh MorrisonMustang, OK

Ryan StaffordBroken Arrow, OK

Walter BeardLansdale, PA

Ernest HomerMarlvern, PA

Michael SollosiIHS Properties, LLCNorth Versailles, PA

Thomas WeldonLevittown, PA

Michael DockumAbove All Property Inspections LLCChattanooga, TN

H Devarshi GanatraThompson's Station, TN

Matt GanzMcKinney, TX

Doug FarmerPillar to PostHeber City, UT

H Darrell Alexander Woodbridge, VA

Jeremiah HillUp Hills HomeInspections LLCSuffolk, VA

H Bernard O'ReillyArlington, VA

David PrestonIntegrity Home Inspections Lynchburg, VA

James RobertsonSpot on InspectionsWoodbridge, VA

H Daniel SuthersWytheville, VA

H Daniel BeaupreAuburn, WA

H Richard CastleberryCastle Enterprises, Inc.New Castle, WA

Holly JamesSeatac, WA

H Barry KnowlesCovington, WA

H Fred LussierShoreline, WA

Wayne KellerWK Construction and Design, LLCCedar Grove, WI

William MackeyLake Geneva, WI

Timothy MilliganWest Bend, WI

Mark RadlerHomeTec Inspect, LLCOconomowoc, WI

Robert SeneffSeneffManufacturing, Inc.Waukesha, WI

Bryant YensenYensen HomeInspections LLCWheeling, WV

Book Review of Forensic Engineering: Damage Assessment for Residential and Commercial Structures (edited by Stephen E. Petty) By Lon Grossman, ACI

I’ve been doing residential and commercial inspections going on 40 years now, and I love every minute of it.

Doing inspections and attending educational conferences is what we home inspectors do. Even after all these years, I learn something at every conference I attend. Granted, I might not learn something “new” each time, but I still leave a better inspector than when I arrived.

Recently, an inspector friend of mine shared with me the book Forensic Engineering: Damage Assessment for Residential and Commercial Structures. If you are a professional home inspector, you will want to read this book.

In clear and concise language, the book details issues such as hail and wind damage, all areas and types of water infiltration, indoor air quality, lightning, ventilation issues and much more.

The author uses photos and easy-to-follow examples of not only how those things affect a building but also why they cause damage, how to avoid problems and how to correctly identify the problem.

But more to the point, the book’s message is presented in a way that shows inspectors like us how to do the job the right way to prove our value to our clients, as well as to the courts.

The overwhelming majority of ASHI inspectors are not engineers, but the book’s authors and editor use engineering science to break down the cause, origin and consequences of problems associated with hail, wind, ventilation, water intrusion and building failures.

This book is a “must read” for any professional inspector and I highly recommend it. Although the book is expensive, it can be more expensive not to possess the knowledge that it provides.

Forensic Engineering: Damage Assessment for Residential and Commercial Structures. Check out costs and rental options on Amazon (www.amazon.com; $60.46-$159.55) or CRC Press (www.crcpress.com; $75.58 - $134.36).

Recommended Reading

http://www.amazon.com/dp/143989972X/ref=asc_df_143989972X3914145?smid=A1KIF2Y9A1PQYE&tag=pricegmp-20&linkCode=df0&creative=395109&creativeASIN=143989972X&ascsubtag=1443538906_a60e9e3b1b43c84175b107b96922e055_1941_5316_1073146163_6848


CURRENT ASHI

MEMBERSHIP

ASHI Certified Inspectors: 3,390

Inspectors/Logo: 104

Associates: 2,145

Retired Members: 98

Affiliates: 55

TOTAL: 5,792 Members as of 9/8/2015

ASHI’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] Platinum Provider Millionaire Inspector CommunityMike [email protected] that you are an ASHI member

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

ASHI Event Calendar � October 22-24, 2015

LTC and ASHI Board Meetings Des Plaines, IL

� January 24-27, 2016 InspectionWorld® and ASHI Board Meetings San Diego, CA

Thirty Years David Matthews

Twenty-Five Years Bret Kaufmann

Twenty Years Cary O'NeilMark PetermannGregory PattiLisa RoddisBrendan RyanDrew Corazza

Fifteen Years David KemptonMarcus SmithJames AllenBrian MishlerJeff MillerGregory ThomasJames SuchyDennis ColeScott DavisJohn SpinelloRichard HaynesEric Engebretson

Ten Years Chris BottriellRudy SappMarkus SnedakerBob MargiottiKent SchwankeAaron RathAlbert CookeRay "Cliff" Sims, Jr.Tom Bopp Paul ReichleMichael StephansSean BlasiusJeff LaPorte

ASHI-ENDORSED MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT PROGRAMS

Chapters Invited to Send Representatives to ASHI’s Leadership Training Conference 2015“Back to the Basics”

The invitations have gone out. Each chapter has been invited to send a representative to the 2015 Leadership Training Conference to prepare them to fill leadership roles in the chapter. This conference is going to be power-packed with a Fred Pryor speaker who will be giving presentations on mentoring, communication and more. Chapters will realize the greatest value if they send their up-and-coming leaders.

Radisson Hotel & Fountain BlueConference Center1450 E. Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018

Thursday, October 22, 2015 Friday, October 23, 2015Program begins 1:00 pm Breakfast & Lunch includedCocktail Reception & Dinner follows Conference ends 4:00 pm

The program theme will be “Back to the Basics.” Here’s what will be covered:> Team-Building, Mentoring & Coaching Skills > Organizing successful chapter events > Social Media for Chapters > Thoughts of being successful> How to handle legal issues in your chapter

Chapters that send at least one member to the conference will receive $300 to help defray the cost of attending.

Contact the Radisson Hotel at 847-296-8866 to book a room (King room with breakfast buffet) at $104.00/night (tax not included). The group room rate deadline is October 5.

IW Raffle to be held at LTC: Each Leadership Training Conference attendee will receive one chance to win the following:> IW 2015 package: includes one full conference registration and three nights at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego

(Sunday, January 24 to Wednesday, January 27, 2016.> An iPad Mini

To win, the attendee must be registered as an LTC representative of an ASHI Chapter and have paid their ASHI membership dues for 2015-2016. The winner must be present to win. The drawing will take place and the winner announced at the LTC on Friday, October 24. Questions? Contact Russell K. Daniels at 847-954-3185 or by email at [email protected].

Robert ClausMark KonschakReid SteverKeven SwartzBrian BlockTorry DorseyStephan QuigleyMichael FisherMichael ElkoDarrell MeltonDallas GambleDwayne Boggs

Five Years Tim Quinn Stephen SpisakSigmund WohlTerry ReidRoger PetersonThomas KeltingJoseph SheingoldScott CottrellCullen MacKintoshClay CollinsCynthia ThalmanBjorn RyggMerv Stark

learn

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homes

learnlearn

member

inspect INSPECT

Keystone ASHI Inspection SeminarWhen: October 30-31, 2015

Where: Crowne Plaza Reading

1741 Papermill Road

Reading, PA 19601

CEUs: 16 ASHI CEs

Contact: dave@thehomeinspecto

rinc.com

Mid-Missouri ASHI Chapter Educational SeminarWhen: November 6, 2015

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Where: Columbia Board of

Realtors Office

Columbia, MO

CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs

Contact: www.midmoashi.com

NOVA ASHI Chapter NADRA Deck Evaluation Certification CourseWhen: November 7, 2015

7:30 am – 5:00 pm

Where: Best Western Fairfax City, VA

CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs

Contact: Fred Heppner at

[email protected]

MAC-ASHI Technical SeminarWhen: November 7, 2015

Where: John’s Hopkins University 9601 Medical Center Drive

Rockville, MD 20850

CEUs: 8 ASHI CEs

Contact: www.mac-ashi.org

ASHI Chapter Education

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:

when, where, CEUs & a link for more

information or contact information.

The deadlines to submit info are: November Issue - 10/12/15 December Issue - 11/11/15

Terry GordonThomas LeungBrian SlaneyKevin FrostBlaine Swan, NCHEarle JohnsonDon DesoThomas ClarkMichael WicklundSean PrestonParrish KunkelKent Knuckles

O C T O B E R A N N I V E R S A R I E S


I WANT TO TRAIN YOUR

NEXT EMPLOYEE

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Calling all U.S. Veterans ! Use your quali f ied G.I. benefi t s at our Illinois Location.The ASHI School has been approved by the I l l inois S tate Approving Agency for the enrollment of quali f ied veterans to receive G . I . Bill Educational Benef i ts .

OFFER CODE ASHIPC

Get a FreePhrases & Comments book* with the purchase of 3D Inspection System Premier edition software

www.3dinspection.com

Contact us 800-745-6126

*Book value of $95. Contains over 6000 comments from full time ASHI certified inspectors. Offer available while supplies last.

Continued from Page 28…

People Buy With Their Heart, Not With Their HeadAlthough we’d like to believe that most decisions made are rational, most purchase decisions are emotional. Home inspections are no exception. People are not buying bricks and mortar. Instead, they are envisioning a lifestyle—family dinners in the dining room, games in the back yard, entertainment in the family room and great conversations around the kitchen table.

Those positive images can be offset by the fear and uncertainties often associated with buying a home. It helps to understand the emotional forces that are driving your clients and to create market-ing messages that address those emotions. Let’s look at a partial list:

Client’s Feelings Your Solutionsnervous assuranceat risk risk reductionworried about making a mistake unbiased expertworried about losing money savings, good investmentuncertainty certaintyapprehension comfortisolation supportbad decision good advicemoney pit dream housefear of the unknown knowledgehelpless a helping handoverwhelmed calm, focused and reassuringdisoriented perspective

It makes sense to incorporate solutions to clients’ concerns into your marketing messages. Think from your client’s perspective, not your own. They don’t know much about home inspection. What are they looking for from you?

A Word About ConsistencyMarketing is intimidating to many. It seems complex, expensive and difficult to measure. One way to minimize the challenge is to simplify the process. Clear, simple marketing messages delivered consistently in various media are more effective and less expensive than many different messages delivered less frequently.

Your website, business cards, brochure, letterhead and advertis-ing should all be similar in look, feel and messaging. Don’t

worry that people will get bored with your message. Think how often you see the same ads on television. The repetition is by design. It’s important. Keep your messages exactly the same on your website, your brochure and your business card. There can be less of your message on the small items, but the words and format should be same.

And if you do events, trade shows, presentations, email campaigns, flyers, mailers or anything else, keep the messaging for those events or activities simple and consistent as well. You don’t need to be a creative genius every time. It often hurts more than it helps. And most importantly, make the message about your clients, not about you.

The good news is that it costs less and takes less time to do it this way. The better news is that it will be more effective and help you build your company’s reputation. It’s great to be known for one thing. Take your time, find the message that addresses your clients’ needs and stick with it. Less really is more.

Have fun and keep it simple!

Thanks to Kevin O’Hornett for his keen editorial eye and insightful additions to the article. H

USS Midway Museum, San DiegoExperience Life at Sea Without Leaving Port!

Imagine experiencing life at sea aboard one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers. Visitors to the USS Midway Museum enter a floating city at sea and walk in the footsteps of 225,000 Midway sailors who served our country and upheld the American ideals of strength, freedom and peace.

Guests can spend the day exploring more than 60 exhibits with a collection of 29 restored aircraft. The self-guided audio tour, nar-rated by Midway sailors, brings the carrier’s history to life. Those who dare can “take to the sky” aboard one of two flight simulators.

The Museum is open 10am to 5pm. Admission is $20 for adults ($18 if purchased online). Discounted $10 admission to retired military (with ID). Get more details at www.midway.org. H

> What Are Your Clients Really Buying?

Visit during your stay in San Diego for InspectionWorld® 2016.

http://www.3dinspection.com

http://www.theashischool.com

http://www.americascallcenter.com


TARGETPROFESSIONAL

PROGRAMS

ASHI is pleased to announce that Target Professional Programs is now our endorsed partner for Professional Liability Insurance.Serving Home Inspectors Across the U.S.

Target has been serving home inspectors’ professional liability insurance needs for over 22 continuous years. Their Professional Liability coverage (aka: Errors & Omissions or E & O)includes General Liability (for bodily injury and property damage), and optional Inland Marine Coverage (to cover inspection tools and gadgets). Target even includes Identity Theft Coverage at no additional premium.

In addition to offering all ASHI members a 15% discount on insurance premiums (the highest discount available in the marketplace), Target is now offering a $25 CE credit to home inspectors who are ASHI Members and Target Customers. The CE credits must be earned at an ASHI event (national or regional), and the credit is offered one time per year to one inspector from the insured business.

GET A QUOTE!

We encourage you to support all of our endorsed business partners. In this case, we suggest you get a quote (or a premium estimate) from Target Professional Programs. Visit their website www.TargetProIns.com for program details and applications, or contact Lisa Belz, Senior Underwriter at 860-899-1870 or [email protected]

15 % Premium Discount and $25

CE Credit

Target will be exhibiting at the SE ASHI Conference in Duluth, GA on September 11th & 12th, and at Inspection World, January, 2016 in San Diego.

Stop by and say hello!

© 2015 Target Professional Programs is a division of and operates under the licenses of CRC Insurance Services, Inc. CA Lic No. 0778135. No claim to any government works or material copyrighted by third parties. Nothing in this communication constitutes an o�er, inducement, or contract of insurance. Financial strength and size ratings can change and should be reevaluated before coverage is bound. This material is for educational use only. It is not meant to be an o�er of insurance directly to insureds or business owners. Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME INSPECTORSEducated, Tested, Verified, Certified.

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ASHI Ad 3.pdf 1 9/2/15 12:32 PM

444�Preparing for an IRS Audit

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

What Leak?

A bathroom suitable for multi-tasking.

Joseph A. Pasaturo, PEAVT EngineeringBrooklyn, NY

Darwin Award

They saved the electrician from having to drill through this joist.

George Fair Mid Atlantic Home Inspections, Inc.Baldwin, MD

Todd MoelkerAlert InspectionServices LLCHudsonville, MI

…there must be water.

Jim FossBest Inspection, Inc.Anchorage, AK

Jim FossBest Inspection, Inc.Anchorage, AK

What's the Spacing Rule?Crawl Space Salmon...

Sellers Must Have Been Really Skinny!Termites an Electrician’s Helper

No more than four steps between spindles.

James BrockBoston HomeInspectors, Inc.South Boston, MA

http://www.targetProIns.com


By ASHI President, Alden Gibson

Bylaw Changes & Volunteering

In August, the voting results regarding the proposed bylaw changes were witnessed by Larry Cerro, ASHI Secretary. The

results overwhelmingly supported amending the bylaws by a vote of 1,009 votes (95%) in favor and 56 (5%) opposed.

The huge support is greatly appreciated by the ASHI Board and believe me, these types of changes are not quick. In fact, about 20 years ago, there was a vote to reduce the number of Directors from 54 to 21. Then in 2004, there was a suggestion for a further reduction, taking the Board down to 15, but that suggestion did not fly. With the results of the August 2015 vote, the Board will be reduced by three directors over a three-year period (by reducing the Board by one Director each year for the next three years), ultimately arriving at a Board of 18 members. As a part of this change, the Past-President will become an ex officio member of the Board with no voting privileges. This will keep a balance between the officers and the Directors.

Another benefit of this change is that there will now be just 26 people at the Board table, compared with the 29 that we now have. This means a bit more elbow room, a little less debate and a slightly faster-moving Board. It also means that, with the smaller number of people, ASHI will be able to hold Board meetings in the Chi-cago office rather than having to incur the added expense of renting a larger facility. In July, the ASHI Board meeting was held in our Chicago building, with 29 people in attendance. It was a bit tight and, at times, it was difficult to hear the discussion, but all in all the meeting went very well. For future meetings, a speaker system will solve the hearing problem. Hosting Board meetings at our own building results in a savings of $750 per meeting. I thank the Board for their cooperation throughout this transition.

Please remember that this group of people is your Board of Directors, elected by your votes, serving and working for the Society with your best interests in mind. Through the Board, the 10 Council of Representative (COR) Regions, and a Group Leader in each Region, there is representation for both chapter members and non-chapter members.

If you or your chapter has suggestions for improvements within ASHI, please give the Board your feedback. GET INVOLVED. VOLUNTEER.

Getting involved is easy. Simply go to the ASHI website (www.homeinspector.org) and click on Members-Only at the top of the home page. In that drop-down menu, choose Downloads and forms and you will see a message thanking you for visiting the page. Next, click on ASHI documents and forms (on the right-hand side of the page, under the header Links at the top of the blue section). Select Call For Volunteers from the bulleted list. This will pull up a three-page PDF with three pages of information:

•� Page 1: Help Shape ASHI’s Future. This section details the ben-efits of being an ASHI volunteer, expectations of serving, time commitments and the costs involved.

•��Page 2: ASHI Committee Opportunities and Other Ways To Serve. This page provides general descriptions of the work each committee does.

•� Page 3: Call for Volunteers. This is an application form to serve on ASHI committees and outlines information required by staff to review position openings.

Please complete a new-volunteer form every year, as your qualifications and interests may change over time. Please do not get discouraged if you are not selected for a committee on the first try. There are limits to the total number of committee members for each committee. Being on a committee is an opportunity to gain knowl-edge and will help ensure success in the home inspection industry.

On until next month—work safely. H

http://www.sunradon.com

ASHI Reporter • October 201540

http://www.homegauge.com

Documents

October 2015 Reporter