MARCH 2015                                                                                           Volume 8 - Number 3
Monthly Messenger
President's Notes

Greetings Members and Friends,


By now we should all have been relieved of the cold, snowy weather. I hope everyone is having trouble finding some time off because we are all busy inspecting homes!
This month I want to focus on the reality of the changes coming our way inspecting new construction in Virginia. We know the changes are in the making, so I urge all of you who enjoy performing Pre-Drywall inspections, Pre-Settlement inspections and any other inspections that are considered "New" residential structures, to become Certified Virginia Home Inspectors as the changes in the law will require any inspector to be Certified in the State of Virginia to perform such inspections. Additionally, there will be a training module that said inspectors must take and pass. This training module will be developed by the Department of Housing and Community Development in collaboration with the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, and will be based on the International Residential Code (IRC) component of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. These changes are slated to take effect in July 2016.
I strongly suggest that all our members belong to the Virginia Association of Real Estate Inspectors (VAREI) so that we may unify and strengthen our industry with professional and knowledgeable home inspectors striving to better serve the home-buying public.
Because the Bill does not go into effect until July 1, 2016, there is ample opportunity for other groups which are interested in changing the way we do inspections to add to or make changes to the Bill.
This is now in our backyard.
Fernando Barrientos
It's Time for the Spring Seminar!

Go here for all the details... and bring your payment to the monthly meeting!
$105 until this months meeting.  $125 after this months meeting.
Best Western Fairfax - 3535 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA  22030

Saturday - April 11, 2015
7:00  - 7:30a     Registration
7:30  - 9:30a     Reggie Marston - Pre-Drywall Inspections
9:30  - 10:00a   Break
10:00 - 12:00p Reggie Marston - New Construction Final Inspections and 
                                  Warranty Inspections
12:00 - 1:00p   Lunch provided by NOVA ASHI
1:00   - 3:00p     Kenny Hart - Heating Systems
3:00   - 3:30p     Break
3:30   - 5:30p     Kenny Hart - A/C Systems
Articles Recommended...
Jim Vaughn sent along these links that you may find interesting...
1.  How to Recognize a "Soft" Home Inspection Report Link

2.  Insulation... More Effective Flat or Lumpy? Link
3.  Spray Foam Insulation Pitfalls Link
4.  Pinpointing Air Leaks with a Fog Machine Link

Also In The News...

Zillow Group could lose hundreds of thousands of listings April 7
...
Link to Article


March Quiz  
By Pete Jung

1.  Nailing flashings to both the roof and the wall is
a. Better because it holds the flashing securely.
b. Worse because it doesn't allow for movement of the wall and roof.

2.  Fasteners on hips and ridges should be mostly
a. Exposed                  
b. Concealed       

3.  There are two types of double glazing systems on skylights. 
         Hermetically sealed and
          a. Caulked             c. Ventilated
b. Shaded             

4.  If the following drip edge flashing installed correctly?
The drip edge flashing extends three inches onto the roof. 
There is no Ice and Water Shield but the flashing extends up under
the underlayment.  The flashing extends two inches down the
fascia behind the gutter.
a. Correct       b. Not Correct
Why? _______________________________________                           
5.  On an interior inspection of a skylight , you might use
a. Your eyes
b. A ladder
c. A moisture meter
d. Both (a) and (b)
e. All of the above - (a), (b), and (c)    
February Quiz Answers  
By Pete Jung

1. The vent diameter must be as large as the trap diameter.
       a. True       b. False 
       
2. At least how far should an outdoor vent termination be above an operable
        door?
       a. 1 foot      d. 4 feet
       b. 2 feet      e. 5 feet
       c. 3 feet             

3. What is the typical vent size on a sewage ejector pump?
       a. 1 �"       d. 2 �"
       b. 1 �"       e. 3"
       c. 2"
       
4. What is the maximum number of elbows allowed in a water heater TPR
       valve extension/drain line?
       a. 1       d. 4
       b. 2       e. 5
       c. 3

5. Is it possible to find a sump pump running continuously with the water in
       the sump?
       a. Yes       b. No                                 
              
6. The discharge pipe of a sump pump which discharges water outside the
       building at grade level can create a vicious circle.
       a. True       b. False        
Upcoming Inspectors Hour Speakers
Interested in doing a presentation for the Inspectors Hour?  Contact David Wingenbach to let him know, so he can discuss the details and get you on the schedule. Currently, these speakers are scheduled...
Apr -  Jim Vaughn - HVAC Review
May - Seth Hurlbert - Code Certification
Jun - Pete Jung - History of Plumbing 
NOVA ASHI Library
One of the many member benefits of the chapter is access to the materials in the Library.  Each of the Carson Dunlop Technical Subject Module binders comes with a CD-ROM playable on a computer which will present a slideshow of many examples of things to look for, and things to be aware of.  If you learn visually, the CD-ROM's are a great way to expand your knowledge.  There are many other learning tools available. Additionally, please suggest any materials, documents, etc. that you know of that will help our member's learn, use as a reference, or assist in passing the National Exam. Talk to Andy Ling or Jim Kasterko at the monthly meeting to see what materials may benefit you!    
2014-2015  Officers, Directors,
Committee Chairs and Representatives
President:   Fernando Barrientos
Vice President:   Tony Toth
Secretary:   Bobby Mayberry
Treasurer:   Jim Vaughn
Immediate Past President:   David Rushton
Director:   Isaac Kieffer (2014)
Director:   Jim Kasterko (2012-2014)
Director:   Dave Wingenbach (2013-2016)
Director:   David Boulter (2013-2016)
Warden:    Isaac Kieffer
Website Chair:   Serge DelHoyo
Newsletter Chair:   Scott Robertson
Library:   Jim Kasterko - Chair, Andy Ling
Membership Committee:   Pete Jung - Chair, Jim Kasterko
Education Committee Chair:   Fred Heppner
By-Laws Committee Chair:   Pete Jung
Legislative Chair:   Fred Heppner
CoR Speaker:   Jim Funkhouser
CoR Representatives:
   Dave Rushton, Tony Toth
CoR Alternate Speaker:   Jim Funkhouser
CoR Mid-Atlantic Group Leader (MAC ASHI):  Hollis Brown
ASHI Director:   Mark Londner
ASHI Education Committee:   Pete Jung, Jim Funkhouser
National ASHI Treasurer:   Mike Stephens
Standards:   Jim Funkhouser
Certification:   Jim Funkhouser
Public Relations:   Matthew Drifmeyer
Next Meeting
Tue - Mar 24, 2015
6:00pm - Inspectors Hour
6:00pm - Grey Group
6:00pm - Board of Directors
7:00pm - Chapter Business
8:00pm - Education Hour

Meeting Location
NVRC Offices
3951 Pender Drive, Suite 130
Fairfax, VA  22030

Inspectors Hour
Dave Rushton "Electrical, Pt 3"
- As presented at Inspection World (Parts 1+2 attendance not required).

Education Hour

Fernando Barrientos will lead a discussion with an extended "Hall of Shame" including defect analysis and report writing techniques.  

Collect Your Member Benefits
Don't forget to pick up your Member Benefits: The latest Code Check book and the User Friendly Home thumbdrive. See Andy Ling or Jim Kasterko in the library at the meeting.
Grey Group

No Secret Handshake Required.... 

Don't Forget, Every chapter meeting from 6:00 to 7:00 PM we hold an open forum where you can ask whatever question you can come up with or just listen to veteran inspectors discuss what's on their minds.

 

Some recent discussions include:
- How to report specific
       issues/concerns
- "Condo" concerns outside of
       HI scope
- Incomplete (new)
       construction, how to report
- How to protect fees for "legal"
       services

Again this month, we're happy to address whatever members bring forth, we anticipate focusing upon Inspection World '15, in Philly.

  

The Grey Matter Group is Top Secret; NO ONE TALKS ABOUT PERSONAL INFORMATION THAT WAS DISCUSSED IN THE GREY MATTER GROUP OUTSIDE OF THE ROOM UPON PAIN OF AN IMPROMPTU SPLENECTOMY WITH A SHOE HORN.

Call or Write us Any Time if you have a Question...don't wait until meeting night.

 

Jim Funkhouser 571-214-4039
Mark Londner 703-409-9762
Hall of Shame Pix?
Do you have pictures for us to use in the HoS slideshow?
Here's where to send them...

Odd months -  Jim Vaughn
Even months - Isaac Kieffer

Pictures submitted less than a week before the meeting may be used in the following months HoS slideshow.
2015 Calendar
Mar 24 - Monthly Meeting (MM)
Apr 28 - MM
May 26 - MM
Jun 23 - MM
Jul & Aug - No Meetings
Sep 22 - MM
Oct 27 - MM
Nov 24 - MM
Dec TBA - MM
Jan 24-27 - Inspection World
Radio Show
Reggie Marston's
"The House P. I."

Northern Virginia:
Wed's  2-3 PM
TV Ch 37 Cox/Verizon digital
TV Ch 27 Comcast digital
On the internet at:
www.fcac.org/radio-fairfax

Salem Radio Network
Saturday 9-10 am
www.srnonline.com

WTSB Raleigh, NC 1010 AM
Saturday Mornings 7-8 am
wtsbradio.com

WKQA Norfolk, VA 1100 AM
Sundays 1-2 pm
www.wkqaradio.com

Sponsor spots available,
contact Reggie Marston
O) 703-923-9769
M) 703-850-8990
www.remhomeinspections.com
NOVA ASHI - Scott Robertson | [email protected] | www.novaashi.org