I chose to discuss the use of plywood and/or OSB as siding. I have been a paint contractor for 15 years and have finishes all kinds of siding. Living in the southwest comes with a high UV index, dry climates and snow accumulation. I have seen plywood and OSB siding wick moisture from the bottom severely enough to cause de-lamination and swelling of the product. It would seem appropriate to finish it with a metal flashing at the bottom edge to prevent such incidents.
Joe Bush
Essay; Research conducted on a Leach Trench
My research indicates that a typical Leach Trench should be installed using the following method.
From the septic tank, a trench (up to 100’) should be dug between 2’ and 5’ deep and 1’ to 3’ wide. The trench should slope down as it goes away from the septic tank. The bottom of the trench should be a minimum of 2’ to 4’ above the water table below.
A small bed of rock / gravel then lines the bottom of the trench. A perforated pipe (up to 100’) should be installed on the gravel then covered completely in gravel. A barrier should then be installed over the gravel to prevent dirt intrusion into the gravel. Failure to install the barrier would allow dirt intrusion into the gravel, making it less effective in filtering. The entire trench may then be backfilled.
A real estate agent that handled the sale of a property that I recently completed an inspection for contacted me. She states that she really loves my report and the timeliness of the work and availability of the report. Then goes on to offer to send all her clients to me if I could provide her with favorable reports for her listings.
I explain to her that while I appreciate her feedback and offer of referrals, that our (InterNACHI) Code of Ethics - and my own personal integrity - does not allow for the sort of business relationship she is proposing. I further explain that she and her clients will realize a much greater benefit from inspections that comply with a strong Code of Ethics, and an inspector that rigorously follows them.
She passes on my name to future clients to consider when choosing an inspector.
The article chosen for Research Exercise of the Safe Practices for the Home Inspector Course was titled How to Write a Mission Statement for Your Inspection Company by Nick Gromicko and Kate Terasenko.
I’ve read and been part of developing many mission statements for a variety of entities, from government, non-profit and private. This means I’ve seen and created a few. Throughout the process or researching, editing, or creating, it always struck me how mundane most mission statements were. This left me with the feeling that there was no real value in having such an instrument.
This article covered the subject in detail while being concise (without going into needless detail that would detract from the learning opportunity offered.) It lays out what a good mission statement should contain while offering explanations on how to accomplish writing your own mission statement tailored to your company.
I especially liked how it left me with the understanding that a mission statement should not be a “boilerplate” blurb or paragraph. A successful (or useful) mission statement should be personal, about you and your company – after all, you are your company. So, ultimately, I had a “light bulb” moment after reading and considering this article.
Section 4: Assignment
In the area I plan to conduct business, there are many homes built well over 100 years ago. I have seen several home buyers buy these homes unware of the many issues these homes had. Some of these homes were on the market for several years because of the many issues they had until the unsuspecting buyer was misled. It is not hard for me to imagine that I will encounter a real estate agent that would ask or even bribe me to not “kill the deal” or to make things not look so bad so they could make a sale. This not only goes against my personal ethics but the InterNACHI code of ethics as well. It is my duty to represent the home as it is and to be truthful and thorough in my report. Thoroughness and integrity will not be sacrificed under any circumstances in my business.
The real estate agent disclosed a known problem with the foundation whereas the basement would take on water during moderate to heavy rain. The agent asked that I overlook the obvious problem and report simply that a little grading away from the foundation and longer downspouts would solve the problem. In exchange for this the agent assured me that he would send more business my way.
jmcpherson2
(Jason W. McPherson, TREC #22567)
11467
One conflict of interest that could arise would be if you had a side business as a home flipper. If you have a financial interest in the home being flipped, and you offer the prospective buyers a copy of the inspection report you conducted yourself, you would be deemed to be in violation of the Code of Ethics. Another example would be if you offered to run to the local home improvement store to pick up some drywall patch and offer to fix a few small holes in the drywall to facilitate the deal between your client and the home owners.
Vinyl siding can be an excellent choice when remodeling an existing home or cladding the exterior of a new construction. The home owner benefits from low maintenance and long product life. Proper installation is critical. Care must be taken to allow the siding to move freely back and forth after nailing as it expands and contracts, especially in warm weather. It should be noted that vinyl siding offers no insulating properties.
I just received a phone call from Mr. Real Estate. He requested that I meet him on site tomorrow morning to discuss the inspection. He forwarded me the clients name and number along with the address to be inspected. I contacted the client and discussed my planned inspection. I sent over my contract along with the standards of practice for him to review and sign. The next morning I met Mr. Estate and he proceeded to explain that they already had another inspection with some major defects. He requested that I just look past those defects because the client wouldn’t be able to get the bank loan needed for financing with the previous inspection. He offered me an extra $500 to give the buyer a clean inspection. I asked him why the first inspector wouldn’t do that for him and he said that the inspector rattled off a bunch of “BS”. I then explained to him that I didn’t want to give him a bunch of “BS” and that my inspection would most likely find the same problems as the first inspector. I then contacted the client since payment was being made from him and he stated not to do the inspection if I couldn’t help him out. I then explained to him that the bank has good reasons not to loan money on major defects within a residence and I couldn’t report false information on the inspection.
Barbecue Safety
Researching this topic is one that needs to be looked at closely. A large number of homes now have separate outdoor kitchens that could be an issue. These areas are sometimes attached but often detached from the existing homes. Not only are people barbecuing, frying, boiling, grilling and smoking, but also sitting near an outdoor fireplace. Some of these kitchen areas are equipped with propane /natural gas grills, charcoal, ice makers, refrigerators and even stoves. There could be more inspection work in an outdoor kitchen than inside the home. The number one safety recommendation that I believe should happen in every barbecue area is to have a fire extinguisher handy.
While inspecting a home with the homeowner present I was asked if the report would have a negative effect as to the value of the home. I was also asked if it would be possible to write a favorable report. I advised the home owner that I was unable to do either. I advised I would be in violation of the code of ethics as well as many others and that it was my job and duty to do a non bias and complete inspection.
Just recently, had a client state how he/she really was impressed with the excellent service and the amount of effort I had put into the making sure not to miss any detail and would like to offer me a contract for some additional work on the property. I respectfully; thanked the client for his kind words and that I would get back to him/her shortly on if my services for the discussed work was not prohibited by my agreement with InterNACHI Standards of Practice.
jmcpherson2
(Jason W. McPherson, TREC #22567)
11473
Choosing a Domain Name
Choosing a domain name is the one part of starting my business that I have been struggling with the most. It seems like everything I come up with is already taken and the “suggestions” the various search engines give are either horrible or make no sense at all. When there are so many domains already in use on the internet, it is a struggle coming up with something unique that still pertains to your business. I want something professional, that is easy for my prospective clients to understand and remember, that won’t take up the entire face of my business card, and doesn’t come off as being too cutesy. I’m sure I am not the only new business owner who has had this problem, but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating.
Having been asked for a referral fee from a real estate agent to continue being referred to her real estate clients, I explained that my InterNACHI certification was dependent on my keeping my code of ethics and that I also felt that it was unfair to her clients for me to participate in such activity as her referral should be made based on my ability to offer her clients a fair and professional service. After our discussion I supplied her with InterNACHI’s website and provided her with additional information about how our industry works regarding ethical and professional behavior. All worked out after she used the information that I gave her and I believe that she has a lot more respect for the home inspection business in general.
I was raised in the construction industry and had my own residential construction company prior to enlisting in the military at 27 years old. While on active duty I did remodeling, primarily small jobs, but would take leave to do a bath or kitchen. Prior to retiring from the military, I attended all the classes provided by Inspection Training Associates (ITA) and began an inspection business. At the down turn of the market, business got very slow so I went to work as a contractor for the Department of Defense (DOD), and have also taken a job with an established inspection company, only inspecting on weekends. While having my own business, I maintained a California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) certification, but I am looking forward to the continuing education with InterNACHI., something that was not provided by CREIA at that time. I now average about 150 inspections per year working only on weekends due to at-sea and overseas commitments with the DOD.
In over ten years of inspecting, there have been a few times that I had to remind a Realtor that I work for the buyer, even though the Realtor may have referred me. One of the issues I run into regularly of late is the sellers agent expecting a copy of the report. In this area it appears to have become the norm that both parties receive a copy, and both agents are many times present at the inspection. I now just give an extra copy to the buyer if the sellers agent is present, and if they want, they can give it to them–but I make sure they understand that the inspection and report it is for their benefit, and they are not required to provide the seller or their agent a copy if they would rather not.
For my research I selected *Adobe Inspection by Nick Gromicko. Working in Southern California I have had the opportunity to inspect several adobe homes, but unfortunately had no training in the construction method. One thing that jumped out at me was that the lintels, which serve the same purpose as a header in modern construction, *require 12 inches of wall bearing at each end. That was one thing I did not know to look for. One serious issue I noted on the reports of a few, were that they had been painted and that the adobe had disintegrated behind the paint, leaving areas of large hollows between the paint and adobe. Though I realized there was a problem, I did not know that painting adobe was not within building standards for that type construction. Now that I have more knowledge of the finishes normally used on adobe, I will better know what to look for, and what is not common building standards.
As I looked through the inspection gallery, I saw an illustration on a gas water heater installation in a garage. The picture was showing that the water has to be elevated 18" above the garage floor which I didn’t know. That immediately made me think of the rule for a communicating door in an attached garage to be at least one step higher than its floor to prevent fumes from gasoline and other gases, which are heavier than air, to enter the house. So I learned that similarly the water heater is elevated to prevent those heavier than air fumes to ignited by a spark or flame in the unit.
I have studied the fire protection illustrations and found that there are very specific and strict guidelines for fire safety. There are minimum clearances for windows, low ceiling encroachments and fire blocking measurements. Regulations that must be fallowed and held to standard to ensure safety for people, property and neighboring structures.
As a home inspector you must protect your personal assets as with any other business. To do this most people choose to organize a “Limited Liability Company” otherwise known as an LLC. Forming an LLC., will minimize most if not all personal loss. The only time that an LLC, can fall back onto the “members” is if there is a gross case of negligence and a finding of commingling assets and funds.
In all business ventures, not just home inspecting it is not only a wise choice but should be mandatory to complete a contract for everything from services provided to employment. A contract for services provided will outline in detail what is and is not covered by your company. A contract for employment whether a sub contractor or not will outline duties, as well as if you are going to hold the person under a non-compete, or work product privilege. In the long run, while contracts are a pain in the neck they are a must!
As I am in the process of inspecting a home for a Spanish speaking client, the realtor approaches me and asks me to relay my findings so that they are in the best interest of the realtor so not to kill the deal. This would be a conflict of ethics.