Michael Brown

Jeff said: "Home Inspectors are getting fleeced for this stuff at any price they pay." I guess I take some offence to this comment. Software pricing is based on a number of factors like, the size of the market as well as the competition in the market. Comparing Adobe Creative Suite, Logic Pro, Final Cut, Photoshop, Mechanical 6, AutoCad, Alpine, even MS Office is like comparing apples to oranges. The size of the market is completely different. There are at my exaggerated estimate at most 30,000 home inspectors in North America (someone correct me if I'm wrong) some of them only work part time, some of them don't use software at all and some don’t even know how to use a computer. There are about 60 companies selling software or checklists. The software takes years to develop, build the libraries as well as money to advertise and support the product. You sell it once. Jeff said: "I see a huge opportunity here" I think I remember saying that at one time. By the time you get out of the gate 5 more new companies will have started selling home inspection software and the 5 or 6 serious software companies will have new versions of their software out. When you have been there for 3 years they will have already been there for 10 to 15 years. Now Jeff, my records indicate you didn't download and review our software demo anyway. Give it a try, CUSTOMIZE it and then tell us why it wouldn't work for you and why it's not worth the money? Currently $595.00 US Kurt said: "I've yet to see a packaged system worth a dime, EXCEPT Cramerware" Kurt your demo download of Inspect Express was almost 4 years ago also... hint! Not that you would switch, but your comments might be more up to date. Sample Report http://www.inspectexpress.com/samples/NACHISample1.pdf Web Site http://www.inspectexpress.com Always looking for feedback! Michael Brown DevWave Software Inc. http://www.devwave.com Support: 1 250 743 1940 Sales: 1 888 739 4033

Hi Guys, Thanks for your responses. You can't see each other's responses, but so far everyone has stated what they thought was going on, but nobody has actually "reported" what they saw the way they would in their reports. The point of the exercise is to help others learn to identify deficiencies and report them in a way that will ensure they've done right by their clients, while at the same time accurately documenting what they saw in their report. Part of that equation is also correctly referring the issue to others, when necessary, for follow-up as appropriate. So, how about writing it the same way that you would in your report? With input from others, by the time each photo's thread has run its course folks should have learned at least how to describe the issue and report it several ways. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Marketing On The Edge One of my more enjoyable pastimes is coaching an 11-year old girls soccer team. Years ago, I coached 11-year old boys. One of the differences between a girls team and a boys team is the boys are much more physical. Girls need to be taught to shoulder for position. If a team doesn't learn how to shoulder, they're likely to get physically intimidated and lose. After working on it season after season, I felt our kids would be able to physically hold their own against anyone. On Saturday, I learned otherwise. Coaching On The Edge The first half of the game was clean and we were dominating. The second half was another story. Our opponents came out and systematically mugged us. I didn't realize how bad until I saw the video of the game. The other team's players weren't going for the ball; they were body checking players. Elbows were flying. Kids were getting pushed to the ground from behind. One or two plays would have done a youth football coach proud. Girls do not play like this naturally. It takes coaching. And they don't change their style of play between halves unless a coach instructs them. Unfortunately, the ref was young. He was intimidated by the other team's coach. The coach blustered and bullied and the ref never shut him down. He never called any fouls. The game got out of hand. It was so bad that the ref and a linesman apologized to me afterward. That's a first! After the assault and battery began, our kids started playing tentative. They gave up a goal. We were tied. Literally in the closing seconds, their forward knocked our best athlete to the ground and scored the winning goal. The other coach probably feels pretty good about himself. He shouldn't. He was coaching on the edge. Really he was coaching beyond the edge. If his team continues to play like they did in the second half, someone (i.e., an 11-year old girl) will get hurt before the season ends. I played soccer overseas and was the captain of one of the best high school teams in my state. I played for various club teams and I played my freshman year in college. I know a few dirty tricks myself. Our team has an assistant coach who played soccer at Michigan State, one who is about to attend college on a soccer scholarship, and another who played football at Texas Tech. We could teach our share of dirty tricks. *but we CHOSE not to!* First, these are 11-year old girls. I do not want to see any of them get hurt so that we can get another trophy. It's not worth it. Second, even if no one gets hurt, I don't want to win that way. We coach the kids to be physical, but CLEAN. All of them know that they will get pulled from a game for play like our opponent exhibited. This isn't the first time we've faced a team who played on or beyond the edge. Losing hurts, but winning the wrong way means you lose more than a game. You lose part of your soul. Marketing On The Edge What does the soccer game have to do with marketing? EVERYTHING! Lots of people market on the edge. A few go beyond the edge. I don't even have to give examples. I bet you know exactly what I'm talking about. The temptation to market on the edge can be strong. Business is not just a game. It's your livelihood. I'll be honest. I've gone over the edge myself in the past, not often, but I've done it. I did it when I thought I would be fired if I took a stand. Since I needed a paycheck, I caved. I didn't think I had a choice, but I was wrong. I did have a choice. I could have done what I knew to be right and suffered the consequences. Ironically, the consequences are rarely as dire as feared. When you do take a stand, people will often back down. It's as though everyone gets so covered in slime that they don't realize they're sliding downhill. No one has the strength of character to rise, take a stand, and say, "No. That's not right." Once someone calls for what's right, it's like the kid proclaiming the emperor has no clothes. Suddenly everyone can see what should have been obvious. And everyone feels shameful. Consequences There were not negative explicit consequences from the times I nudged the line or crossed it. I got rewarded. People told me what a great job I did. It didn't feel great. At best, I felt relief. In time, I felt shame. The shame never ends. I still feel it. Conversely, the times I took a stand didn't result in accolades. There was no feeling of relief when the moment passed. There was only anger, at the situation, at myself. "Am I being a self-righteous dope?" I'd wonder. There was also fear. I wondered what price I would have to pay. Only later did a sense of pride creep in. Now, I look back on those times as some of my finest moments. The stakes in business may be higher than they are coaching a girls soccer team, but the consequences are the same. Cross the line or even nudge it and you'll pay a price forever. Do what's right and you may have to take your lumps in the short term, but at least you will still be able to look yourself in the mirror. The Inescapable Consequence Even if you look at yourself through a cracked mirror, there are still adverse consequences to dancing on the edge. Play on the edge too often and your reputation will become sullied. It's the one extrinsic consequence you cannot escape. In sports, once you get the reputation for being a dirty player or coach, you never lose it. The referees look for you. They watch you closer. You lose the benefit of the doubt. In business, a poor reputation can also weigh you down. You may feel the pull right away, but you will eventually. It's like a sea anchor that gradually gets heavier and heavier. Prospective customers and talented employees avoid you. Your competitors, unencumbered by a similar drag eventually pass you by. Like Lincoln more or less said, you can fool a lot of people, but eventually most will figure it out. It's Not Necessary The soccer team we played is composed of a very skilled group of players. They've played together for a long time. Their fundamentals are excellent. It's one of the best teams in the league when playing clean. Maybe they won't win every game, but they'll win most. The coach doesn't need to cross the line. Similarly, most of the people I observe dancing on the edge in the world of business don't need to compete that way. Usually, these are very talented people. After all, it takes skill to play on the edge. So why do they do it when it eventually catches up to them, when it hurts them in the long run? I guess impatience, fear, desire, or maybe all three gets the best of them. It's Not Worth It Marketing on the edge, like coaching on the edge, is just not worth it. Yet, it seems that more and more people are doing it. It worries me that we may have lost our national moral compass. No longer do people seem concerned with what's right or even what's legal but rather, what they can get away with. I wonder if some people are even aware there is an edge. The next time you're tempted to nudge the line or cross the line, think back to a point of shame in your life. You know what I'm talking about. Do you really want to add another? Is nudging the edge worth feeling bad for the rest of your life? About ten years ago, I concluded it's not and I stopped worrying about it. It empowered me. Sure, it costs me from time to time, but the price of right is temporary and quickly fades. The price of wrong gets paid over a lifetime. And the tax on your reputation forever drags you down. Like my girls soccer team, play a physical marketing game if you want, but keep it CLEAN. I wonder what the youth sports coaches of Enron's Ken Lay taught him? Source: Comanche Marketing. Reprinted by permission. Free subscriptions are available at: www.serviceroundtable.com -- click on the Comanche Marketing tab Copyright © 2004 Matt Michel

This is a mid efficiency, draft-induced, thru-wall package type gas furnace with AC. See anything wrong here? If so, how would you report it? Answers revealed next week! (Photo courtesy of Kurt Mitenbuler, Chicago)

By William Kibbel III Director, Historic Building Inspectors Assoc. After evaluating the roof system, I was discussing the findings with the buyer, when the seller interrupted to give his expert opinions. “ The roofs made outta stone and stone lasts forever ferchrisake,â€

Hi, Yes Chris, you can say arse. You can say ass if you like and it isn't necessary to tiptoe around me. I don't think there are any home inspectors who will be so shocked that they pass out when they hear the word ass or a whole slew of other colorful words that you'll commonly encounter on a construction site. Just be aware that when you use them you can never be sure whose going to take offense, so you're better off just to try and not use them. The word cop in this software only has four words that I think cross the line and I think most would agree they have no business here. The rest? Well, if this was a business populated by alter boys, I guess we'd have Mary Poppins set up the word cop. Problem is, a retired Army Master Sergeant set up this one, so you've got a whole lot of leeway. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

January and February saw a number of new warnings from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that should interest home inspectors. On January 27th CPSC issued an alert (#04-069) warning consumers about the hazards of heaters and fireplaces. This latest alert was prompted by the fact that, so far this heating season, heaters and fireplaces have caused at least 51 deaths. Additional information is available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04069.html On January 28th CPSC issued an alert (#04-072) warning consumers about a recall involving swimming pool filters made by Sta-Rite Industries. According to the CPSC report, a locking ring the secures the two halves of the filter shell together can disengage and allow the top shell of the filter to blow off and injure someone. Additional information is available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04072.html On February 3rd, CPSC issued an alert (#04-075) warning consumers about a recall involving Fuji brand 3-volt lithium batteries provided with the Dorcy Spyder Tactical Xenon flashlight. According to CPSC, the batteries may overheat, leak, or rupture, presenting a potential fire and injury hazard. Additional information is available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04075.html On February 11th, CPSC issued an alert (#04-082) warning consumers about a recall involving 11,000 Progress Lighting brand fluorescent bathroom lighting fixtures. According to CPSC, the fixtures can overheat, causing the fixture to melt or burn, thus presenting a fire hazard. Additional information is available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04082.html On February 12th, CPSC issued an alert (#04-083) warning consumers about a recall of a drop-in electrical floor box manufactured by Lamson & Sessions Inc. According to CPSC, these boxes were sold at Home Depot from December 2003 through January 2004 for about $30, are manufactured in China and contain undersized wires and are wired with reversed polarity. Additional information is available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04083.html Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.

Virus Alert this virus is a bad one! Do not open those zip and exe attachments! The MyDoom virus is sweeping the world. Experts have reported that it is already so widespread that it has slowed the entire internet. CNN reports infected computers are churning out 100 emails in 30 seconds! The masses of email are clogging up the networks and mail servers! This will probably take down a lot of mail servers in the next few days! We have added a Virus Alert box to the front page from Trend Micro they seem to have a fix and instructions linked below. Learn how to protect yourself from infection and how to repair your computer if you do get infected. Norton MyDoom Repair Instruction (W32.Novarg.A@mm or W32.Mimail.Q@mm) Trend Micro MyDoom Repair Instruction Aliases: W32/Mydoom.A.worm, Win32:Mydoom [Wrm], Worm/MyDoom.A2, I-Worm.Win32.Mydoom.22528, W32.Novarg.A@mm, Win32/Mydoom.A@mm, I-Worm.Novarg, W32/Mydoom.A@mm. Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.

Hi Kurt, I recommend it all the time on any home over 50 years old in one particular area of Seattle where I know a lot of the waste lines are vitrified clay. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Uh, Thanks John, but I'm, uh, er, well, that is, you see,..well, I'm retired.......ARMY!!![:-banghead] You knew that, you just forgot. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike USA/MSG(Ret.)

Hey guys, Come'on, the poll asked about branding and you're hijacking it into a debate about IHINA. You both have been down this road a hundred times and are as far apart as oil and water where IHINA's concerned. Why not just agree to disagree and leave it at that? If you want to debate the merits of IHINA vs. marketing to realtors, why not start another thread and then beat each other to death over there? (Just trying to avoid too much thread drift, and not trying to limit your debate.[:-boggled] ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Psst,[:-psst] Hey Dennis! Careful, your robe, wings and halo are starting to show. [:-angel] [:-snooty] ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike []

Hi All, Well, maybe it is possible to raise the bar, not have licensing and still have enforceable standards for home inspectors. There is presently not an ASTM standard for residential home inspections, but there is one for commercial inspections. If there were an ASTM standard for residential inspections, do you think states would adopt such a standard as their law, the way they have with plumbing codes and so forth? Here's an example of what I'm talking about. Ironically enough, the Australians, though they do not have licensing for home inspectors, have Australian standard 4349.1-1995. (The Australian Standards are their equivalent of our ASTM.) AS 4349.1-1995 was put together through a cooperative effort of a number of folks who I guess we could say are the dreaded word 'stakeholders' in the process. They sat on a committee BD/85 that represented: Association of Building Consultants (As close to an ASHI/NAHI/NACHI/AII/CREIA/TAREI as they have.) Association of Consulting Engineers, Australia Australian Concrete Repair Association Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association Australian Federation of Consumer Organizations Australian Institute of Building Australian Institute of Building Surveyors(Sort of cross between appraisers and engineer/inspectors) Clay Brick & Paver Institute Concrete Masonry Association of Australia Housing Industry Association Local Government & Shires Association Master Builders Australia National Association of Forest Industries Queensland Law Society Royal Australian Institute of Architects To quote the standard it: "Sets out recommendations for the visual inspection of residential buildings, including pre-purchase inspections and for the preparation of the appropriate property inspection reports." The standard defines what a consultant is; what the inspection criteria is; what is considered a minor defect (A matter which, in view of the age, type or condition of the residential building, does not require substantial repairs or urgent attention and recertification.); What a pre-purchase inspection is; What a property is; What is considered to be reasonable access, including the minimum size of access covers for attics and crawlspaces(in mm), minimum vertical clearances required in crawls for access, and the maximum height attic or roof that a consultant must access (Accessible from a 3.6m ladder). It also sets out the minimum requirements to be contained in residential and special reports, but doesn't limit inspectors from adding to these. It also requires all inspectors to carry a minimum amount of E & O and professional liability, as well as life insurance for employees.) Another feature I like is that it tells the customer that they must specify what else about the site, besides the building, that they want inspected for defects. Sections 2.3.6. and 2.3.7 state: 2.3.6 The Site The person requesting the inspection should specify any items and areas on the site which have to be inspected for defects, in addition to the items listed below which form part of the standard property inspection. Items, which are in addition to the following list, may fall within the scope of a special-purpose property inspection report: (a) Car accommodation, detached laundry, ablution facilities and garden sheds. Small retaining walls (i.e. non-structural). Paths and driveways Steps. Fencing. Surface water drainage. Storm water run off 2.3.7. Smoke detectors The person requesting the inspection should specify any items which have to be inspected for defects. Note: The inspection should be limited to the location of smoke detectors and number installed only. Checking the operation of the smoke detector is not part of the standard property inspection. As an example of what is required, section 2.3.3 specifies what the inspector must look at on the roof exterior. Here's that section. 2.3.3 The Roof Exterior The consultant should inspect and assess the condition of the following for defects: (a) Roof For example --- (i)tiles; (ii) shingles and slates: (iii) sheet roofing; and (iv) roof flashing. (b) Skylights, vents, and flues © Valleys (d) Guttering (e) Downpipes (f) Eaves It should be clearly stated if no access was available, or access to limited areas only was available at the time the inspection was carried out. Their reports include the interior and exteriors of buildings, the attics, crawlspaces, exterior roof and site and (oddly enough) smoke detectors. Section 3 describes the report requirements. 3.1 SCOPE This section sets out recommendations for the basic content of a standard property report. 3.2 GENERAL Although it is necessary to inspect each of the areas in Clause 2.3, it is not necessary to report on each one. Individual consultants may choose to report only on an 'exceptions basis' e.e., listing only defects, rather than also reporting items which are in an acceptable condition. 3.3 THE STANDARD PROPERTY REPORT A building report should not be seen as an all-encompassing report dealing with a building from every aspect. Rather it should be seen as a reasonable attempt to identify any significant defects visible at the time of the inspection. Whether or not a defect should be regarded as significant, depends to a large extent upon the age and type of building being inspected. It is unrealistic for the consultant to comment on minor defects and imperfections in the standard property report, although this may be required for a special-purpose property report.(see Section 4). A standard property report provided by the consultant should include the following: (a) A statement of who requested the report and the purpose for which it was requested or is intended The date or dates of inspection The scope of the inspection Any area or item which is not inspected and the reasons which prevented an inspection, and if appropriate, a recommendation for further investigation. A summary which includes an opinion as to the overall condition of the residential dwelling in the context of its age, type and general expectations of similar properties. A list of any significant matters which requires attention or rectification. If necessary, a recommendation that a further inspection or assessment be carried out by a suitably accredited specialist, e.g. pest inspector, electrical authority, water authority, structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, surveyor or solicitor. The summary is possibly the most important part of the report. The important points should be extracted from the body of the report to provide the reader with a brief summary of the major faults found int he building. The summary should also put the overall condition of the building in the context of the average condition of similar buildings of approximately the same age. 3.4 LIMITATIONS AND CONDITIONS 3.4.1 LIMITATIONS The standard property report should not contain any assessment or any opinion in relation to--- (a) any item which is the subject of a special-purpose property report; (b) any area or item which was not, or could not be inspected by the consultant; © a matter which is not within the consultant's expertise; or a matter, the inspection or assessment of which is solely regulated by statute. What I especially like about their method is that is spells out clearly what an inspector is not required to inspect. Although there system is much less comprehensive than ours, the details of what they are not required to inspect are indisputable. The standard states: For example, the consultant normally would not check the adequacy of the following: Footings. Concealed damp-proof course Electrical installations, smoke detectors and residual current devices. Plumbing Drainage Gas fitting Air conditioning Garage door opening mechanism Swimming pools and associated equipment The operation of fireplaces and chimneys Alarm systems Intercom systems[*]Soft floor coverings including carpet and lino[*]Appliances including dishwashers, insinkerators, ovens, ducted vacuum systems.[*]Paint coatingsHazards Whether or not services have been used for some time prior to an inspection being carried out will affect the detection of leaks and other defects. For example, in the case of a shower enclosure, the absence of any dampness at the time of inspection does not necessarily mean that the enclosure will not leak. Sprayed subfloor areas should not be inspected without suitable protective clothing and apparatus such as a replaceable cartridge respirator. IN any event, sprayed subfloor areas should not be inspected unless it is safe to do so. If the subfloor area has been sprayed and is not ventilated, it is extremely dangerous to inspect it without a full-face mask. This is kind of cool too: A3.3 THE STANDARD PROPERTY REPORT A standard property report is not intended as a certificate of compliance of the property within the requirements of any Act, regulation, ordinance, or by-law, or, as a warranty or an insurance policy against problems developing with the building in the future. Estimating the cost of remedying defects is not included in a standard property report, although it may form part of a specific-purpose property report. A4.4 THE SPECIAL-PURPOSE REPORT If the cost of work estimates are given, it should be clearly indicated whether the estimates have been carefully calculated or if they are merely opinions of possible cost. The cost of work is ultimately dependent on what a contractor is prepared to do the work for. Okay, I'm not advocating we change our whole way of inspecting to what the Australians do, what I'm saying is they've put together a system there where realtors are not even part of the home inspection equation, where the law spells out clearly what will be inspected, what is required in the report and what an inspector is not required to do. Their standard is a form of blanket protection for all home inspectors while at the same time ensuring consumer protection and establishes a consistent standard across the country that all inspectors know they must comply with and one which the vendor (seller) or the purchaser can't dispute. All without any licensing of HI's whatsoever. If any of you folks are curious about how they write their reports down there, you can view one at this link: Australian Pre-Purchase Inspections ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

At the suggestion of Mike, I am starting this thread with two main questions. They are as follows: 1) If you are a member of ASHI, do you support Branding? As far as I know, this question has never been asked to the membership. 2) If you are not a member of ASHI, why? To get the ball rolling, I am opposed to Branding. I think it is a huge waste of money and it is a desperate attempt for ASHI to remain relevant in a licensed home inspection environment. I will probably not a be member of ASHI in the near future because I will not pay for Branding and will be thrown out. It is sad for me because I have been a member of ASHI for almost 20 years (member #433). Steven C. Hockstein, AIA Editor's note: I've moved this post, in order to be able to provide Steven a poll. Please, if you are not an ASHI member, do not vote in this pole. I know it will be hard to resist, but Steven is trying to determine from those affiliated with ASHI, outside of the ASHI arena, whether those affiliated feel it is a wise move. Let's be fair and allow him to do that without interference.

If you are a member of ASHI, do you support Branding? Please folks, participate in the discussion, but if you are not affiliated with ASHI do not vote. Let's keep it fair.] [:-idea]

Holy Moly! Looks like I plucked the right string on that guitar. There're some pretty strongly held opinions here! I know it's all kind of tied together, but lets try not to let thread drift take us to the next planet in our solar system by morphing into ASHI politics, E & O and branding. Steven, you obviously have strong feelings about ASHI's branding and the politics behind that, so how about if you begin a thread to discuss the pros and cons of ASHI's branding campaign? I'll even see what I can do about putting a poll up for you, although you're going to end up with a lot of non-ashi folks voting I'm afraid. Brian, you seem to be in favor of E & O and Dan is obviously opposed. How about you guys beginning a separate Hannity and Colmes type thread on the pros and cons, and the necessity (or lack thereof) of carrying E & O insurance? If I can do it, I'll throw a poll up there for you as well. The only question is: Which one of you looks like Sean and which like Alan? This is only a suggestion guys, you don't have to do it if you don't want to. I just thought it might make it easier for some of the newer inspectors and independents, who aren't familiar with the debate going on within ASHI over branding or with E & O, to follow the debate. I'll do what I can to make it more interesting for you. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike O'Handley

Wow, I'm surprised at the results of this poll. I'd actually thought it would be 3 to 1 in the other direction, 'cuz I've always believed that the majority of home inspectors were against mandatory licensing. For the record, I have not voted in this poll but I am against it. Nonetheless, I am working with others in my state to try and put together something that inspectors on both sides of the issue can live with, should we find ourselves up against the wall and facing it whether we like it or not. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi, Thanks for your comments. We're happy to oblige. While your at it, why not stop by to sign the guestbook and tell us what you think there, so your comments will be seen on the front page. Hope everyone's busier than a one-armed paperhanger. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi Guys, Thanks a lot, but most of the credit goes to Rose Balden and Mike Brown at DevWave. They did all of the programming. I just bugged 'em for stuff and they told me when it could be done and when I was being an idiot. Hell, if it weren't for them, TIJ would still be a pipe dream. I really have to hand it to Mike B., cuz he's poured heart and soul into this thing. How many programmers do you guys know who can be found still working on a site at 2 or 3 in the morning!? It's only gonna get better from here. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! M.

by Douglas Hansen This article focuses on the controversy over inspecting and reporting Federal Pacific Panels. It has been published in the magazine for the California Real Estate Association and in other technical journals. Federal Electric - later known as Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Read More Douglas Hansen is a member of ICBO, IAEI and the NFPA. He's a former member of the American Society of Home Inspectors and the California Real Estate Inspection Association and is a retired home inspector and contractor. He serves on the faculty of the Building Technology program at the College of San Mateo in northern California, is certified by IAEI and ICBO as an electrical inspector and serves on the education committee of the Southwest Section of IAEI. He travels extensively to provide electrical seminars and training to home inspectors all over the United States, and, along with Redwood Kardon and Michael Casey, authored the CodeCheck series of books and Electrical Inspection of Existing Dwellings. For more information, go to CodeCheck.com Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.

Sadly, Bob Graham of RSG Associates, Highland, MD succumbed to cancer on December 8th. Bob was born and educated in the Silver Springs, MD suburbs of Washington, DC. For many years, Bob was a contractor in Washington, specializing in historical preservation, where he was very active in the community and improved the ambiance and hospitable character of Logan Circle. Eventually, he and his wife moved to Highland, MD, a less developed area between Baltimore and Washington. Bob became a home inspector in 1987 and joined ASHI's MAC-ASHI Chapter soon after. His service to MAC-ASHI was characterized by diligence and leadership throughout the more than 12 years he was active in the chapter. He served as both a Director on the Board, two years as Secretary and contributed greatly to committee and task force assignments. Always willing to pitch in, Bob was instrumental in helping to organize MAC-ASHI's annual Crab Feast, an annual event attended by up to 100 inspectors every year for the past 22 years. Bob was an expert at preparing crab and barbecuing beef, venison and baby back ribs. His memorial service was held at the Episcopal Church of Our Savior on December 15, 2003 and was attended by representatives of the MAC-ASHI and NOVA-ASHI chapters. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and fellow inspectors. Special thanks goes to Bob's friend, J.D. Grewell, for contributing this item. - Ed. Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.

By Paul MacLean The idea of a professional home inspection in Texas was born in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until 1977 that a group of dedicated inspectors who wanted to share information and set industry standards formed the Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (TAREI). TAREI is the oldest such statewide organization. It has been argued that TAREI was formed before the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), but ASHI claims 1976 and TAREI’s early records are muddy at best. Regardless, both have been around a long time. TAREI’s founders drafted a Standards of Practice defining a real estate inspection. With the understanding that a home inspection requires integrity “beyond that of a person involved in ordinary commerce,â€

A group of New Jersey Home Inspectors has formed a new professional trade association called the New Jersey Association of Licensed Professional Home Inspectors (NJ-ALPHI). According to the group's Secretary, Steven C. Hockstein, the goal of the new organization is to: Provide a source for continuing education as required by the State of New Jersey. Help to improve inspection techniques and reporting methods. Assist people that are interested in becoming New Jersey Licensed Home Inspectors. Work with insurance providers to obtain affordable insurance at group discounts. Develop alliances with Compatible Trade Associations and Affiliates. Maintain involvement in Political and Legislative Issues as they relate to the Home Inspection Profession in New Jersey. Pursue any other relevant Home Inspection matter. NJ-ALPI's first meeting will be held at the Westwood (North Avenue, Garwood, NJ) on Tuesday, February 3, 2004 from 6 to 9 PM, and will include a two-hour presentation on chimney defects that has been approved for New Jersey continuing education credits. Additional details can be obtained by contacting Hockstein vea email at: shockstein@AHMarchitects.com or telephone at: 973-258-0800 Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.

The Ghost of John Crapperid="size4">id="maroon"> by John Wells Many believe that a long time ago an English gent named John Crapper invented the flushing toilet. Obviously some of the nicknames for the toilet came from that myth. However, I personally take offense when someone calls a crapper the "John". Why not call it the Mike, or the Paul, or Norm, or Kurt, or even a Willie? Oops! I guess a "Willie" is something else often associated with a "John". Sorry to those named Willie out there. But I digress, this was supposed to be a story about ghosts. Here's the bit, I've had more than one Client ask about a horrid moaning noise in their house that comes at odds times, but from no particular location. The noise is a long, fairly high-pitched moan that builds to a crescendo and dies off slowly. I tell them, no worries mate, it's the ghost of John Crapper. There are two culprits (maybe ghosts) that cause the noise. One is a worn toilet refill valve washer, and the other is a leaking flush flapper. The flapper leaks and when the flush tank water-level drops the refill valve is actuated, but still almost closed and under high pressure. On occasion, these conditions can cause the refill valve washer to vibrate rapidly like a clarinet reed. The result is a very rapid water hammer that vibrates through the house plumbing, making it difficult to pinpoint the source. That's the technical explanation. You and I know that it's actually just old John Crapper expressing his displeasure with people for taking his name in vain.id="maroon"> Editor's Note: This story was originally posted to TIJ by John Wells in 2002. We thought it might give our readers a few chuckles, so we posted it again. Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.

WASHINGTON - There is a reason why many American families can't buy their first home - they can't afford the downpayment and other upfront closing costs required to qualify for a mortgage. For as many as 40,000 low-income families, that will change as President Bush today signed The American Dream Downpayment Act into law. Applauding Congress for authorizing the annual $200 million downpayment assistance program, Bush and Housing and Urban Development Acting Secretary Alphonso Jackson said the initiative will also help meet the Administration's "Homeownership Challenge" to increase minority homeownership by 5.5 million families by the end of the decade. "Today we are taking action to bring many thousands of Americans closer to the great goal of owning a home," said President Bush. "These funds will help American families achieve their goals, strengthen our communities, and our entire nation." "This is a good day for thousands of families who have only dreamed about sharing in the American Dream of homeownership," said Jackson. "Not only will this law allow thousands of hard-working Americans to unlock the door to homeownership, it will also help close the gap that separates minority households from the rest of the country when it comes to owning a home to call their own." High downpayment and closing costs represent the most significant barrier to homeownership for first-time homebuyers. The American Dream Downpayment Act will provide a maximum downpayment assistance grant of either $10,000 or six percent of the purchase price of the home, whichever is greater. In addition, the Bush Administration is committed to reforming the homebuying process that would lower closing costs by approximately $700 per loan, further stimulating homeownership for all Americans. The American Dream Downpayment Act will be administered under HUD's HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). Since its inception, the HOME Program has played a vital role in addressing the shortages of affordable rental housing and homeownership in communities nationwide. Information about the American Dream Downpayment Act is available on the Internet. Last year HUD released a report that concludes adding 5.5 million minority homeowners will stimulate an additional $256 billion in benefits to the housing sector of the U.S. economy. In addition, HUD created The Blueprint for the American Dream Partnership, a coalition involving every segment of the housing industry to build broad-based support of the President's goal of increasing homeownership opportunities for minority families. HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and, supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.