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Welcome to our first evening program of 2007 as we
look toward the roof for a presentation on the proper
installation and maintenance of gutters. Jack Lopes
of New England Gutter Kings will discuss the types
and styles of gutters commonly installed, gutter
components and how to inspect them and options to
ensure their longevity. We then turn our attention
to the proper installation and latest designs of
bulkheads.
Bulkheads can be challenging to report on especially
since their initial installation can make a huge
difference in problems such as moisture/water
intrusion and access by animals and security issues.
While often taken for granted by homeowners,
matters of insulation and exterior maintenance are
important factors to consider as well. If you thought
there wasn’t much to know about bulkheads think
again and plan to join us. We will wrap things up
with a Round Table Discussion on tools.
Reserve your spot today! |
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ASAP Environmental
HEALTHY HOMES FOR BETTER LIVING
1 Arcadia St. Dorchester, MA 02122
inspections@asapenvironmental.com 800-349-7779 www.asapenvironmental.com
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In an effort to maintain a consistent presence at
the State House and, at the same time, reduce the
financial burden that out Members have been
carrying in order to keep an active lobbyist for our
profession on Beacon Hill, the Board has been
working to establish a statewide Home Inspectors
Political Action Committee. It is only fair that all
Home Inspectors in the State, not just ASHI
Members, contribute to efforts that benefit all the
Massachusetts Home Inspectors. This sort of
committee has been very effective for other
professional organizations. It’s now time for all Home
Inspectors, regardless of professional affiliation, to
speak with a larger voice!
We now have a tax identification number and a
bank account for the PAC, and we’re looking into
establishing by-laws for this organization. We have
recently ended our contract with our lobbyist, Anne
Lynch Associates, and Anne has generously donated
the time and expertise of herself and her staff to
help set up the PAC as well as help with our fund
raising efforts. This will be a great help in getting the
PAC up and running, and we would like to thank Anne
for her offer to help.
In the next two weeks, Board Members will begin
a campaign to telephone all non-ASHI Home
Inspectors in the State to begin funding the PAC.
Recognizing that ASHI Members have borne the cost
of lobbying efforts until now, we have decided to
approach non-ASHI Home Inspectors first. We
anticipate requesting an annual contribution of
$95.00 This is less than the amount ASHI Members
have been contributing this past year through their
dues. By spreading the load, we can put our
Members’ dues back to work for Chapter initiatives.
In order to have the contributions this low, however,
we will need a very broad based support. As Home
Inspectors represent a relatively small group in a sea
of larger players, the Board unanimously feels that it
is vital that we have an on-going presence at the
State House to look out for the interests of our
profession and to educate legislators about what we
do and what our needs are.
It’s important that we make the PAC work. Over
the next few months, talk the PAC up to any Home
Inspector you know or meet. If we all pay a little, we
can accomplish a lot for all of us!
Mike Atwell, HI PAC Chairman |
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FREA
E&O Insurance for Home Inspectors
800-882-4410 www.frea.com |
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Dear Members, Candidates and Friends,
As 2006 draws to a close, the Education Committee
and I hope that you can look back with satisfaction
and approval of our efforts for the year. I personally
wish to thank each committee member for their
assistance. The process of finding speakers,
obtaining a bio and syllabus, submitting the materials
to the MA Board and ASHI for timely approval,
coordinating seminars and meals with the hotel and
sending out mailings and emails in a timely process
that takes tremendous effort. Perhaps unknown to
you is the wonderful behind the scenes help provided
by our executive director, Walter Perry and his
assistant Matt Gatzke. Without their assistance and
council the education committee would really
struggle to maintain professional stature – thanks
Walter and Matt!
While greeting each person during seminar or evening
meetings, I have come to the realization that the
vast number of participants attend not for the
required CEU’s or MRC’s but because the topic is of
interest, of great value to professional improvement
and because we are a family of home inspectors.
The camaraderie expressed by friends during our
meetings is heartwarming as we share business and
war stories and updates on our own families. The
knowledge that an ASHI buddy is always there when
you just want to talk to a friend or have a problem is
reinforced monthly. Did you know that our Chapter
membership has grown during 2006? As home
inspectors, we each strive to expand our knowledge
base so that we can provide the best service for our
clients and communicate effectively. That is why
you will see the phrase “Get an ASHI Education”
printed on our emails and registration forms.
The Education Committee and I hope that you will
continue to participate in our seminars and Chapter
meetings with enthusiasm. Please know that we are
open to constructive criticism and would greatly
appreciate suggestions for speakers, topics of
interest and format. If you would care to become a
member of the Education Committee, just volunteer!
If I can blow my own horn a moment, it is an honor
to inform you that I have been chosen from a pool of
300 applicants to be a speaker at the ASHI National
Convention in January. I will be presenting a seminar
titled, “Decks are Dangerous” and hope to represent
our Chapter with distinction. If you are attending
the annual conference, I hope to see you there. If
not, I plan to present the same seminar for our
Chapter in February.
The 2006 education calendar ended with a bang!
Paul Fisette was our keynote speaker followed by a
round table and the opportunity to earn 2 CEU’s.
Paul Fisette has an impressive resume’.
Paul Fisette is Director and Associate Professor of
the Building Materials and Wood Technology program
and a member of the Architecture faculty at the
University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His research
and professional focus involves the performance of
building systems, energy efficient construction,
sustainable building practices, and the performance
of residential building materials. Professor Fisette
teaches courses that relate to project management,
structural performance and energy conservation. He
provides technical and scientific advice to the
general public and to a range of professional,
corporate, and governmental organizations. Professor
Fisette frequently contributes articles to an
assortment of regional and national publications
regarding building materials and the construction
industry. Professor Fisette is a member of the
National Academy of Sciences, Board on
Infrastructure and the Constructed Environment. He
is a contributing editor with The Journal of Light
Construction; and serves on several editorial and
industry advisory boards. He is currently a member of
an Underwriters Laboratories Standards Technical
Panel; and serves as a member of a National
Research Council panel investigating the health and
productivity benefits associated with the
construction of “Green Schools.” He has also served
as a member of another National Research Council
panel providing oversight and assessment of the
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
In Brief, his presentation included:
Discussion Topics o Causes and Creation o Identification of Problem o Associated Damage o Prevention o Recognizing Problems Air leakage Conductive losses Ventilation issues o Effective Remedies & Solutions o Recognizing Band-aid Fixes For your future planning, here is a copy of the 2007
Education Schedule:
ASHI-NE CHAPTER 2007 EDUCATION SCHEDULE January 25th – Evening Chapter meeting February 22nd – Full Day Seminar and Evening Chapter meeting March 22nd – Evening Chapter meeting April 26th – Full day Seminar and Evening Chapter meeting May 24th Evening Chapter meeting June 28th Full Day Seminar and Evening Chapter Meeting September 24-25th Annual Conference October 25th - Evening Chapter meeting November 29th - Full Day Seminar and Evening Chapter meeting December 20th - Evening Chapter Annual Meeting Bob Mulloy, Chairman Education Committee |
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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:
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 |
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The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Home
Inspectors has been holding public hearings relative
to proposed promulgation of amendments and
additions to board regulations (266 CMR 2.00, 3.00,
4.00, 5.00, 6.00, 8.00, 9.00 and 10.00) The
remaining opportunity to provide comments on these
proposed changes is sending in written comment.
We have gotten the board to extend the deadline for
receipt of written comment to the end of the
business day on January 2, 2007. Comments can be
emailed to zane.b.skerry@state.ma.us or they can be
mailed to:
Board of Registration for Home Inspectors 239 Causeway Street, 5th Floor Boston, MA 02114 ATTN: Zane Skerry, Executive Director |
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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 |
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B-Dry Systems
20 YEARS OF SOLVING WATER PROBLEMS
Written warranty for the full life of the structure. 800-320-2379
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The results of the radio ad survey are in. There
were 37 responses out of 106 members and
candidates, a 35% response. This is much much
better than the average ten percent response
experienced during most mail surveys....and so my
sincere thanks to all that responded. Although we
had an extremely good response to the survey, it
was much less than that required to demonstrate
broad based support of the proposal. Of the
respondees, 21 or 57% were in favor of the radio ads
and willing to contribute to the matching funds.
Sixteen respondees, or 43%, were not in favor of the
radio ad proposal. The major reasons for not
supporting the effort were as follows:
-- A belief that the effort would have a poor return on investment -- Perceived lack of radio coverage for some inspector's locations -- Disappointment with prior branding efforts by ASHI National -- The philosophy that ASHI New England shouldn't be involved in advertising, just education and legislation -- Didn't want to spend the extra money So the membership has spoken. With the lower than
needed response level and the fact that there was
more or less a fifty-fifty split for and against, it is
clear that ASHI New England should not pursue any
further exploration of a major radio ad campaign at
this time.
Again thanks to all that took the trouble to respond.
Paul Rogoshewski, Director |
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Vent Master
ATTIC VENTILATION SPECIALISTS
Inspectors, when you see signs of:
Recommend Vent Master For a FREE consultation, call Don Marcoux at Vent
Master
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I hope that you have reviewed the brochure
regarding the ASHI National Conference in January.
If not, go to www.ashi.org and check out the entire
event and educational opportunities. I have
contacted the MA Board Division of Licensure and
have gained approval of the speakers and topics
listed below for MA CEU approval. I will be attending
as a MA Education Provider.
Massachusetts Courses Approved For Continuing
Education
at the ASHI National Conference in January 2007.
2.0 - Back to Basics - 10 Common defects 2.0 - Advanced Technical Track- Concrete and Steel Structures 2.0 - Chimney and Fireplace Inspections 2.0 - Code Check/IRC Exam Prep 2.0 - Back to Basics- Exterior Cladding 2.0 - Advanced Technical Track - Building Science - part one 2.0 - Special Topics Track - Decks are dangerous 2.0 - Back to Basics- Flat Roofing Systems 2.0 - Advanced Technical Track - Building Science - part two 2.0 - Special Topics Track - Pool and Spa Inspections 2.0 - Back to basics Track - Basic Residential Electrical 2.0 - Advanced Technical Track - Hardcoat Stucco 2.0 - Special Topics Track - Understanding Dampness 2.0 - Advanced Technical Track - Unraveling some common structural framing conditions 2.0 - Business and Professional Development track 2.0 - Special Topics Track - Havoc on the roof 2.0 - Back to Basics Track - Alternative Foundations 2.0 - Special Topics Track - Basement Inspections 2.0 - Back to Basics Track - Air conditioning Fundamentals 2.0 - Advanced Technical Track - Environmental Review 2.0 - Special Topics Track - Building Planning 1 2.0 - Plumbing 101 2.0 - Advanced Technical Track - Concrete 201 2.0 - Special Topics Track - Building Planning 2 2.0 - Special Topics Track - Crawl Space and floor structural defects, causes and cures 2.0 - Understanding dampness 2.0 - Describe that defect, write it up 2.0 - Unraveling some common structural framing conditions 2.0 - The next step - Forensic Investigations 2.0 - Special topics track - From Hail to hurricanes, havoc on the roof 2.0 - Back to basics track - Inspecting Fau Gas Heating Systems 2.0 - Advanced technical track - Unraveling some common structural framing conditions 2.0 - The next step - Forensic Investigations 2.0 - Alternative Foundations Attending the national conference is a unique
experience and lasting memory. I hope you can
attend.
Bob Mulloy, Chairman Education Committee |
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Peter Greifer Enterprises
ASBESTOS REMOVAL & MOLD REMEDIATION
Serving Eastern Massachusetts & Rhode Island 800-582-5288
401-946-4506 (Rhode Island) peter.greifer@verizon.net |
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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.
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Rene Mugnier Associates
When in doubt, refer to a structural engineer
specializing in the investigation of homes and
commercial structural problems.
REHABILITATIONS & INVESTIGATIONS
777 Concord Ave., Ste. 201, Cambridge, MA 02138
617-547-7773 |
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On Thursday December 14th the chapter gathered at
Finnegans in Waltham for its Annual Meeting.
“Unfortunately, a personal situation has come up
that will prevent me from attending the Annual
Meeting. I apologize to the chapter for having to
miss it, and have asked Vice President Michael Atwell
to chair it for me”, wrote Jim Morrison, President.
Mike Atwell started off the evening by presenting a
certificate to Sophie Muchinsky for all of her hard
work in keeping all the membership meetings
organized. Mike then went on to present the
Member of the Year award to Bob Mulloy for all the
excellent work he has put into the chapter’s
education program that has resulted, making it the
strong program it is today.
Paul Rogoshewski then presented the President’s
Award to Mike Atwell. Mike has taken on several
responsibilities within the chapter this year, one of
which is his leadership of the Home Inspector PAC
which he was instrumental in creating this year.
The business of the Annual meeting was then
conducted by Walter Perry, the chapter’s executive
director. The report of the nominating committee
was read and the election annual election was held.
Paul Rogoshewski of Harmony Home Inspection in
Stow, MA was reelected to the board of directors for
a term that will expire on December 31, 2009. In
addition, Lisa Alajajian of Homequest Consultants in
Milford, MA was reelected to the Council of
Representatives for a term that will expire on January
31, 2010.
Walter Perry then took the opportunity to present his
company’s award, the Cornerstone Award. Walter
presents this award each year to that member who
puts forth a strong volunteer effort for the benefit of
the chapter. This evening he presented the award
to Bob Mulloy for all time and energy he has put into
making the educational program a success.
This was the culmination of another great year for
the ASHI New England chapter.
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Atlas Watersystems
WE DON'T MAKE THE WATER.
WE MAKE THE WATER BETTER!! Residential & Commercial Water
Filtration & Purification Water Testing & Analysis
Radon & Arsenic Remediation Softners * Filters * Purification 800-215-9966 www.atlaswater.com "Bringing Technology to Water"
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President
Jim Morrison /
james_morrison@earthlink.net
Vice President
Mike Atwell /
m.atwell@rcn.com
Secretary Lisa Alajajian /
homequest1@comcast.net
Treasurer
Tom Towle /
tom@hdbco.com
Immediate Past President
Paul Kristenson /
absinspections@comcast.net
Directors
Ken Bates / aceinspector@verizon.net 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: Mark Forkey / mark_forkey@msn.com Education: Bob Mulloy / rmulloy@verizon.net Legislative: Jim Morrison / james_morrison@earthlink.net Membership:Ernest Simpson / esimpson@evergreenhomeinspection.com John Romano / romanohomeinsp@aol.com Executive Director
Walter Perry /
wperry@choiceonemail.com
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year!
Sincerely,
ASHI New England
email:
clough@choiceonemail.com
phone:
800-248-2744
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