FYI Walter

ASHI NE July Newsletter
remake
The Inspector
July 2008 - Volume 7, Issue 2
In This Issue
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ASHI NE Sponsors
Dear Walter,

Summer is here!

The next time we meet as a Chapter will be at the Fall Annual Conference and Historic Home Tour scheduled for September 22nd and 23rd. All of you will soon see the signup brochure for this event. Bob Mulloy has assembled an all star lineup this year, including Dan Friedman. We will also be breaking into groups to inspect and report on the Suffolk Resolves House in Millis, MA. I have to say that Bob has really outdone himself this year, and the hard work and dedication he has for our Chapter is admirable and commendable. We will also have a vendor table this year and are seeing great support from our affiliates. The affiliates that I have spoken to have expressed their desire to be part of this event. I think all of you will agree that this is a seminar not to miss. The brochure and sign up registration forms will be in the mail this week and available on our Chapter's website in the next few days.

CHAPTER NEWS:
Future Membership Meetings
We are looking at moving a few meetings to the Holiday Inn located in Woburn, MA. This venue offers the Chapter to take advantage of a better product and service. We will be testing the waters here so please bear with us. The idea is to find a suitable location, great space and good food at a reasonable cost for the Chapter.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Leadership Training Conference.
This year, the leadership training conference will be held in New Orleans, LA on October 16th and 17th. The Chapter will be sending three members to this training. I am also interested in finding out if any Member (New to the Chapter or a Veteran Member) would like to be part of this training. Anyone with interest can email or call me directly for more information. The Chapter will reimburse members attending this conference. Room rates will be under $100.00 per night. This is reduced more than 50% from last year. National will also reimburse our Chapter $300.00 for the cost of this training.

National Annual Convention
Inspection World will be held January 21-24 in Orlando, more information to follow.

Membership Renewals
Membership renewals are coming in. We are presently at a 65% member renewal. Second notices will be mailed out this week, so get your membership renewed today and don't miss this fall's conference.

Hope to see you all at the conference in September
Have a Great Summer!!

Lisa Alajaian-Giroux, President

The ASHI NE Chapter will be holding its 4th Annual Fall Conference and Historic Home Inspection Tour on Monday September 22nd and Tuesday September 23rd. The location for this year's conference is The Lantana in Randolph, MA. We have created a unique educational program for these two days that you should find compelling.

On Monday, Mike Lennon will present "The Need for Consistency and a Practical Aproach to Achieving it". He is from Homepro Systems and is the author of "The Operator's Manual for Homeowners-The Homebook," Mike will demonstrate interactively the inconsistency of reporting and will speak about a universal protocol for inspecting a house.

Then Bob Fish will present "The Anatomy of a Chimney and Chimney Inspections". He is from Vermont and is an instructor for the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Bob will explain the basic anatomy of a chimney, red flags to look for when performing an inspection and the value of a Level II Inspection by a certified chimney sweep.

After lunch Bob Mulloy will present "MA Standards of Practice Illustrated (Part I)". In part one, Bob will focus on the Systems listed in 266 CMR 6.00 by the use of numerous illustrations and animations that will clarify what a MA licensed home inspector must do to Report the physical conditions which are Readily Accessible and Observable. Part two will take place on Day Two and attendance at both sessions will fulfill your requirement to obtain 4 CEU's before the next licensing renewal in 2010.

On Tuesday Bob Pearson will present "Insurance and Risk Reduction for the Home Inspector". Bob, a former home inspector, and now insurance agent, will speak about the difference in legal entities, types of coverage, claim frequency, what causes claims in report writing and why insurance companies settle claims.

Then Dan Friedman will present "Inspecting the Electrical System". Every home inspector has likely visited Dan's New York web (www.inspect-ny.com) site at one time or another and gleaned valuable information to become better educated. Dan will speak on inspecting the electrical system and changes in the 2008 code.

After lunch there will be a field trip where attendees will travel on their own or preferably with friends a few miles to the historic Suffolk Resolves House. Bring your flashlight, binoculars and a few small tools, as small groups will be asked to inspect the building in compliance with the MA Standards of Practice, and then to return to the conference site to report their findings. In part two of the MA Standards of Practice, Bob Mulloy will guide discussion for reporting on each system inspected during the field trip. Attending both sessions will fulfill to attain four CEU's in the S.O.P by the next licensing renewal date of 2010.

The Suffolk Resolves House, 1370 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its significance in colonial history. A commodious colonial house, it was referred to as the "Birthplace of American Liberty" when the Suffolk Resolves were ratified in the house in 1774, then were carried by courier Paul Revere to the Provincial Congress, and became a key influence in the development of our nation's independence from England.

I look forward to seeing everyone at this years annual conference.
Bob Mulloy, Education Chairman

ASAP Environmental

HEALTHY HOMES FOR BETTER LIVING
  • Indoor Air Quality
  • Lead Paint Inspections
  • Mold Testing & Analysis

1 Arcadia St. Dorchester, MA 02122
inspections@asapenvironmental.com
800-349-7779

www.asapenvironmental.com

remake
The New England Chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors will host its 4th Annual Fall Conference on September 22-23, 2008 at The Lantana in Randolph, MA. The chapter has put together an exceptional program of professional education speakers and a home inspection field trip for participants. We are providing companies with three opportunities to market their products and services to these attendees by becoming a sponsor, a table-top vendor and/or a final program advertiser. Choose the option(s) that best fits your needs and budget. There are a limited number of sponsorships available. So that we may advertise your sponsorship in our promotional materials, please respond today!

Official Conference Sponsor! (Cost $395)
As an official sponsor you will receive:
Mention in advance promotional materials as a sponsor
Half-page color ad in final conference program
Posting on Official Sponsorship Signage
Complimentary sponsor display table during event
Opportunity to speak for two minutes before a speaker introduction
Complimentary 2 day registration for one person (excludes tour)

Table-top Vendors! (Cost $250)
A limited number of table-top display tables will be available for companies seeking to promote or showcase their products or services to home inspectors attending the conference. The price includes a table for both days of the event.
As a table-top vendor you will receive:
Listing in the final program
6' x 30" draped table for table-top displays (only)
Opportunity to sit in on program sessions and take part in conference meals (excludes tour)

Advertising Opportunities!
A limited number of both half-page and full-page ads are available for sale in the final conference program book. This is an excellent low-cost way to get your message in front of our participants.
Full-Page Ads: $150
Half-Page Ads: $75

I you would like to receive more information on these sponsorship opportunities, please call Walter Perry at the executive office at 800-248-2744.
FREA

E&O Insurance for Home Inspectors
  • Best Rates
  • Lowest Deductible

800-882-4410
www.frea.com
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center

Whether you are interested in purchasing a new home or are looking to hire a professional to do maintenance work on your current residence, a home inspector serves a very important purpose. Home inspectors are certified to perform various services, including residential inspections for potential homebuyers, preventative maintenance checks for homeowners, home energy consultations, and more.

Although the average person may not consider it, home inspectors face several occupational hazards. Perhaps the greatest risk is the potential for asbestos exposure. Approximately 35 million residences within the U.S. were constructed using asbestos-containing materials, including insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, and roofing implements. When these asbestos- containing materials are disturbed or damaged, the tiny asbestos fibers may become airborne, putting home inspectors at risk for inhalation. Asbestos exposure has been conclusively linked to the eventual development of mesothelioma, a deadly lung cancer that has no known cure and a survival rate of less than 1%.

Home inspectors must adhere to safety guidelines when they are on the job. This includes wearing protective equipment, such as an approved NIOSH breathing apparatus or eyewear, when inspecting a structure that may contain asbestos-containing materials. It is important to work with a home inspector who is a certified member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (www.ashi.org) to ensure that they will follow appropriate safety rules in an effort to protect all individuals involved in the inspection process, including their employees and homeowners.

The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center is the web's leading resource for information related to asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, and mesothelioma treatment options. For additional information, please visit the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center at www.maacenter.org
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CORCORAN & HAVLIN INSURANCE GROUP

THE SUPERIOR HOME INSPECTOR ERRORS & OMISSIONS INSURANCE PROGRAM!
Underwritten by AIG's Lexington Insurance Company - Rated A++ by A.M. Best

Home Inspector E&O Coverage offers these features:
  • Claims Made Policy Form
  • Prior Acts Coverage Included @ No Additional Premium
  • Pest Inspection, Premises Liability, Radon and Commercial Inspections Available
  • Additional Discounts For Firms With More Than Two (2) Inspectors

For a quote or more information, please call Debi Drury (x244 or ddrury@chinsurance.com) or Mike Curtis, Marketing Manager (x243) or visit website at www.chinsurance.com

287 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
800-304-8242
Fax 781-235-7190
Governor John Lynch signed into law bill SB212 on July 7, 2008 which licenses home inspectors.

The bill sets up a seven member oversight board to determine testing requirements and standards of practice in line with nationally recognized norms in order to promote and protect quality of services for New Hampshire citizens and to enhance the trade for its practitioners.

Each applicant for licensure as a home inspector shall meet the following minimum requirements: completion of no less than 80 hours of board-approved education covering all the core components of a residential building, have successfully completed high school or its equivalent, proof of passing the board adopted examination required for licensure, be at least 18 years old, and submit to a criminal background check by the N.H. State Police.

The grandfather provision only pertains to those home inspectors who are N.H. residents and have actively engage in home inspection in N.H. over the past 12 months. Home inspectors who meet this eligibility will only be exempt from the requirement of obtaining the 80 hours of board approved education. They must still fulfill all the other requirements.
CRACK-X

Got water in your basement?
Since 1985, CRACK-X has been a full service company specializing in residential and commercial foundation welding of cracks and other concrete repairs such as bulkheads, penetrations, cold joints, elevator pits, and slabs. We are committed to 100% customer satisfaction and back up all vertical wall crack repairs with an unconditional 10-year warranty.

25 Washington Avenue, Natick, MA 01760
877-272-2539
www.crackfx.com
B-Dry Systems

20 YEARS OF SOLVING WATER PROBLEMS
Written warranty for the full life of the structure.

800-320-2379
The Chapter's Executive Office has mailed out to all members their dues renewal forms. Please take a minute and review the contact information that is printed on the form. In submitting your dues payment, indicate on the form any coprrections that neeed to me made to your contact information.

Your prompt attention to renewing your dues would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please call the Executive Office at 800-248-2744.
Vent Master

ATTIC VENTILATION SPECIALISTS
Inspectors, when you see signs of:
  • Excessive Heat Build-up
  • Ice Dams
  • Damaged Roof Shingles
  • Peeling Paint
  • Mod, Rot & Mildew

Recommend Vent Master

For a FREE consultation, call Don Marcoux at Vent Master
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with A.O. Smith Water Products Co., of Ashland City, Tenn., today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 1,500 natural and propane gas water heaters because the water heater's flue gas temperatures can exceed safe limits and produce excessive temperatures in the venting unit, posing a fire hazard. Also, the water heater's exhaust can leak into the surrounding room, posing a carbon monoxide hazard. To date, no injuries have been reported.

This recall involves 75 gallon natural and propane gas water heaters. "A.O. Smith" or "State" is printed on the side of the unit and the model and serial numbers are printed on the water heater's rating plate. These water heaters were manufactured in the United States and sold by independent contractors and plumbers nationwide from November2007 through January 2008 for between $1,000 and $2,500.

The A.O. Smith brand units that are involved are the model FCG-75 300 and FCG-75 301 and the State brand units that are involved are the model GS6 75 XRR S and GS6 75 CRR S, with serial numbers ranging from L07A071460 through L07A144966 or M07A009387 through M07A072884.

Home inspectors are in a unique position to spot these units and make people aware of these issues. Inspectors seeing any of these units should advise the homeowners to immediately stop using the recalled water heater and contact A.O. Smith to arrange for a free repair.

For more information, contact A.O. Smith toll-free at (866) 880-4661 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT, or visit the firm's Web site at www.hotwater.com.
Peter Greifer Enterprises

ASBESTOS REMOVAL & MOLD REMEDIATION
Serving Eastern Massachusetts & Rhode Island

800-582-5288
401-946-4506 (Rhode Island)
peter.greifer@verizon.net
The ASHI NE Chapter maintains a library of educational books, video tapes and CD's for Chapter members and candidates to utilize for personal and business growth. Those who wish to sign materials out may do so for a fee of $16 per item ($10 per tape) which covers two-way shipping and handling. Library materials may be used for a two week period, beginning on the date of shipment. Those who fail to return library materials on time will be assessed a fine of $1 / day. If the materials are not received back within two months of date of shipping, you will be charged the cost of replacement. To sign materials out, there is a form that is posted on our web site that is to be completed and sent to the executive office. It is always recommended that you call the executive office to check on the availability of an item. Once this form is received, the executive office will ship the items out with a postage paid return envelope. The list of the materials that are currently available in the chapter library is on the web site as well.
Rene Mugnier Associates

When in doubt, refer to a structural engineer specializing in the investigation of homes and commercial structural problems.
REHABILITATIONS & INVESTIGATIONS
  • Evaluations of Structures
  • New Construction of All Kinds
  • Expert Witness

777 Concord Ave., Ste. 201, Cambridge, MA 02138
617-547-7773
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Home Inspectors holds meetings on a regular basis that are open for home inspectors to attend. These board meetings are usually held at 239 Causeway Street, 2nd Floor, Room 204 in Boston from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The meeting dates for 2008 are as follows:
August 13, 2008
September 10, 2008
November 12, 2008

You are encouraged to call the board office at 617-727- 4459 for any posssible changes in location and time of these meetings.
ATLAS Logo
Atlas Watersystems

WE DON'T MAKE THE WATER.
WE MAKE THE WATER BETTER!!

Residential & Commercial Water
Filtration & Purification

Water Testing & Analysis
Radon & Arsenic Remediation
Softeners * Filters * Purification


800-215-9966
www.atlaswater.com

"Bringing Technology to Water"
President Lisa Alajajian-Giroux / homequest1@comcast.net

Vice President Mike Atwell / m.atwell@rcn.com

Secretary Donald Bissex / dbissex@comcast.net

Treasurer Paul Kristenson / absinspections@comcast.net

Directors
Paul Cornell / pcornell@inspecthouses.com
Paul Rogoshewski / paul@harmonyhomeinspection.com

Council of Representatives
Paul Kristenson / absinspections@comcast.net
Lisa Alajajian / homequest1@comcast.net
Bill Sutton / wsuttoninspector@hotmail.com

Committee Chair
By- Laws: Mike Atwell / m.atwell@rcn.com
Communications:
Education: Bob Mulloy / rmulloy@verizon.net
Legislative:
Membership:

Executive Director Walter Perry / wperry@choiceonemail.com

We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Fall Conference on September 22 nd & 23rd.!

Sincerely,


ASHI New England

phone: 800-248-2744

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ASHI NE Chapter | 53 Regional Drive | Suite 1 | Concord | NH | 03301