December 2024
Hello WAHI Members,
Huge thanks are in order for the many volunteers, Affiliate members, Board members, and of course Julie, who made our WAHI Fall 2024 Education House and Training Seminar a success. We had very good presentations at the seminar on Saturday, but how about that Education House on Friday! Madison Home Inspector member Willy Wayne secured an amazing log house for our use - nice job Willy! I’m sure we’ll be talking about that one for years to come. The only way we can hold events like this is through the continued hard work of our members. Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Secretary Dan Hereth and 2 local legislators, Sen. Joan Ballweg and Rep. Tony Kurtz, stopped by the Education House and were extremely impressed with WAHI and the level of training we provide. I encourage those who have not attended our Education House training to consider it in the spring - it’s such a great training opportunity. And to those members who have not volunteered in the past, I encourage you to step up and get involved in a future WAHI event - it is a very rewarding experience to give back to the association and assist less experienced inspectors.
Home inspector license renewal with the State of Wisconsin is due on December 14, 2024. All registered home inspectors should have received an email from DSPS with information and links to complete the renewal. If you did not receive the email or are having other issues, here is a link to submit a “new ticket” where you can request assistance with your renewal: https://license.wi.gov/s/file-a-complaint?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. For those who attend chapter meetings and seminars regularly, you should have more than the 40 CE credits needed. If you are short of that number, I encourage you to go to our WAHI website and click on the Education tab where you will find a Catalog of almost 30 classes you can take that are each worth 2 credits. Or you can just click on this link: https://wahigroup.com/Online-Education-Catalog. Sign-up, payment, and certificates are all handled electronically through our website. You can also contact Julie if you weren’t able to attend our spring or fall 2024 seminars and would like to view the recorded presentations. Each seminar is worth 8 credits.
Last month I shared information on an article I read in the Fall 2024 issue of Working RE Home Inspector (Vol. 26) entitled Avoiding Pitfalls: Common Mistakes Home Inspectors Must Dodge. Last month I addressed Skipping Pre-Inspection Agreements; this month’s topic is Inadequate Documentation. Insufficient documentation of inspection findings can leave inspectors vulnerable to liability claims. Detailed reports with accompanying photos provide concrete evidence of property conditions and help mitigate client or stakeholder disputes. I take a lot of photos during my inspections and while I include most of them in my reports, some photos are just for my own information or to document certain existing conditions. Even if a photo is not in your report, it could be used to help defend you. It doesn’t cost anything to take lots of pictures, but they can save you lots of money in the event of a claim against you at a later date.
I hope all our hunters were successful, everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving weekend, and all are looking forward to spending time with family and friends during the upcoming holiday season.
Be well and stay safe!
Best,
David Nason
November 2024
Hello WAHI Members,
WAHI completed its 6th Pre-Licensing class in October and it was another smashing success! We had 11 students attend the full week of instruction and 1 attend the Hands-On portion only - that student thought so highly of the 2.5 days she attended, she plans to take the full 5 day course in spring 2025! I want to extend a thank you to our instructors Ron Miller and David Strandberg for once again providing the best education to become a home inspector in Wisconsin. I also want to thank the 13 experienced WAHI inspectors that joined me to participate in the “hands-on” portion of the class on Thursday and Friday. They all took time out of their business and personal lives, and it is very much appreciated! These classes would not be the incredible success they are without this commitment from our members.
I recently read an article in the Fall 2024 Working RE Home Inspector, Vol. 26, entitled Avoiding Pitfalls: Common Mistakes Home Inspectors Must Dodge. Over the next several months I’ll share at least one item from their list and add my own commentary. The first one is Skipping Pre-Inspection Agreements: Failure to establish clear pre-inspection agreements with clients can lead to misunderstandings and legal disputes down the line. These agreements outline the scope of an inspection, limitations of the inspector’s liability and the client’s responsibilities, ensuring transparency and clarity from the outset. While this information is all true, I’ll add that it is critical that your inspection agreement is signed by your client before you start the inspection - with no exceptions! Your E&O insurance will likely not cover you if the agreement is not signed before you start any part of the inspection. If you send the agreement to your clients electronically, make sure you have a process in place to let you know when it has been signed and to obtain a signed copy for your records.
I hope you are reading this newsletter as you are packing for the WAHI Fall 2024 Education House and Training Seminar weekend! If you are reading this after the seminar, I’m sure you found the training beneficial, and the time spent with your fellow WAHI members invaluable.
Best,
David Nason
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Hello WAHI Members,
So far our September weather has been amazing, but here in the southeastern part of the state, our lawns could use some rain. I’m hearing rumors of a snowy winter, but I’ll get back to that in a minute. A dry stretch of weather can make for a great day on the lake or an amazing round of golf, however, when it comes to inspecting, the lack of rain can disguise a potential foundation problem and/or maybe a roof leak. Make sure to look closely at shingles and flashing, especially if there is sealant that may be cracked or coming loose which could leak the next time it rains. A foundation wall might look great during a dry stretch of weather, but when it rains, walls can move or leak if the grading or drainage are poor. In my opinion, you should be putting general comments in every report that mention these possibilities and the maintenance needed to prevent potential problems. And always note in the report what the weather and ground conditions were on the day of the inspection. If it hasn’t rained in a while, note that as well.
I mentioned the “s” word earlier, which seems odd to say when it has been such a warm late summer. But now is a good time to make sure you have any gear you need for cold weather - especially everyone “up north” where the white stuff can get a lot deeper than other parts of the state! For now, while we’re still experiencing fall conditions, be careful to watch your step or where you set you ladder as fallen leaves can be slippery on any surface. Also, I’ve found that the lower angle of the sun can cast long shadows which can sometimes make it difficult to see certain parts of the home. There are times when I have had to use my flashlight outside during the day.
WAHI NEEDS HELP from our membership for our upcoming Education House on Friday, November 1st. We need a VACANT house in the Dells area for this portion of our 2-day fall seminar. Finding a house is a critical piece of the planning and it’s a really difficult task for committee members who don’t conduct inspections or have realtor contacts in that area of the state. If you do, please contact Education House Co-Chairs Ryan Eigenfeld at flarsbar@gmail.com, 414.795.9018 or Colin Sturrock colin@highlandwi.com, 414.736.5498 ASAP. Thanks!
Best,
David Nason
September 2024
Hello WAHI Members,
Thank you to everyone who renewed their membership. You are a vital part in keeping WAHI in the forefront of the home inspection industry in Wisconsin!
September is upon us. Make sure you have the dates of our WAHI 2024 Fall Education House and Training Seminar on your calendar - Friday, November 1st and Saturday, November 2nd. It will be here before you know it! We are headed back to Wisconsin Dells where we haven’t been in a while. The Education Committee is putting together a great lineup of presenters for the Education House Rotation Training on Friday afternoon and the classroom training on Saturday. Details and registration will be available on our website soon.
One of our presenters on Saturday is Milwaukee Affiliate member Mike Polega, President of The Wisconsin Real Estate Group. Mike and I had a long discussion a couple of weeks ago about the changes in the real estate industry as a result of the class action lawsuit filed against the National Association of Realtors (NAR). We also discussed several other topics that affect our business which led me to invite Mike to speak at our upcoming seminar. I’m sure you will find his knowledge and experience relating to real estate industry very interesting - Mike has a great respect for the home inspection industry.
Our Membership Committee, led by Madison Chapter Member Ron Miller, just finished a membership drive. Ron’s team sent letters via US Mail (in hand addressed envelopes!) to licensed home inspectors in Wisconsin that are not WAHI members. As I mentioned in my article last month, increasing our membership benefits our organization’s ability to have a positive impact on the inspection industry. Thank you to all the Membership Committee members who pitched in and sent out over 120 letters!
I’m hopeful that business is increasing around the state and keeping everyone busy. I look forward to seeing YOU at the fall seminar - to catch up, share inspection stories, and hear about your personal experiences over our great WI summer!
Best,
David Nason
August 2024
Hello WAHI Members,
We are right in the middle of the “dog days of summer” and it’s hard to believe that it’s already August! Hopefully you have all been able to take some time off to have some fun!
Your annual membership renewal was due July 1st. If you haven’t yet renewed, I encourage you to do so right away. Being a WAHI member provides many benefits.
1. Access to the WAHI Inspection Agreement: Our agreement has been tested in court and has deterred many claims against our members over the years. Other national associations offer inspection agreements. If you have gone that route, read it in its entirety, often they do not comply with WI rules and regulations.
2. WAHI’s Arbitration Program: This benefit alone is worth the cost of membership! It is extremely valuable because it has been designed to keep us out of a costly courtroom battle when dealing with a complaint.
3. Our Annual Spring and Fall Education House and Training Seminars (Which are second to none!) We routinely receive excellent reviews for our topics and presenters. There is plenty of online training provided by national companies available, but remember, WAHI’s seminars (in-person or online) always focus on the standards and issues we deal with here in Wisconsin.
4. Camaraderie and Building Relationships: Our chapter meetings and seminar weekends offer an excellent opportunity to come together with other inspectors which is invaluable on a personal and professional level.
5. WAHI’s Affiliate Members: Our Affiliates are a vital resource at chapter meetings and often even during an inspection! Many of our Affiliates encourage us to text them with a question and/or a picture when we see something “puzzling” while doing an inspection.
By renewing your membership you contribute funds necessary to support our organization’s operation including WAHI’s Executive Director, our website, our monthly newsletter, our accountant, legal counsel and our lobbyist Kathy Kilgore of Swandby/Kilgore Associates. Kathy has been representing WAHI’s concerns and interests in Madison for many years. She spent countless hours, along with WAHI leadership, during the legislative changes in 2021 and continues to increase WAHI awareness in Madison as we further our relationships with the DSPS, the WRA and legislators.
To renew, you can log into your profile on the WAHI website or contact Julie to renew or with questions.
Best,
David Nason
July 2024
Hello WAHI Members,
According to a recent article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, this spring has been the 3rd wettest on record for the Milwaukee area. Although I don’t have the data to prove it, I’d be willing to bet the beginning of this summer has been wetter than normal across our whole state as well. When it comes to home inspections, keeping an eye on the weather is very important, especially during periods of heavy rain and severe weather. These conditions can significantly impact the structural integrity of a home and reveal potential issues that may not be apparent during drier times.
I regularly hear, “What a great day for an inspection!” from my customers on sunny days. While I agree with them it is indeed a beautiful day, I also make the point that rainy days are the best days to do a home inspection because we get to see where all the water goes. Large amounts of rain can lead to flooding that can infiltrate basements and crawl spaces, causing water damage and “organic” growth on finished wall surfaces. This can weaken the foundation of the house and compromise its stability.
Excessive moisture can also damage shingles, flashing, siding, windows, and doors leading to leaks and costly repairs. This damage or evidence of moisture intrusion often times is not visible or apparent when there hasn’t been a significant rain in a while. During an inspection and/or in your report, make your customer aware of the need to maintain proper grading and drainage around the home, keep gutters clean and in good repair, and address any existing water issues promptly to help mitigate the risks associated with heavy rain and severe weather. I regularly refer to one of Tom Feiza’s favorite phrases: “Check your grading, gutters, and downspouts!”
While it is nice to see trees and yards lush and green from all the rain we’ve had recently, I’m sure we all can agree we could use a break to allow the ground to dry a little and rivers and lakes to recede to their normal levels. Enjoy your Fourth of July holiday!
Best,
David Nason
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June 2024
Hello WAHI Members,
I hope you enjoyed your Memorial Day weekend and now look forward to the reason many of us live in Wisconsin - summer!
Summer is a time for getting together with family and friends outside and many homes have decks where these gatherings take place. Although it’s June and the month of May is Deck Safety Month, we need to be vigilant about inspecting decks every month of the year. A deck can be more than just an extension of the home; however, they also pose potential hazards if not properly installed or maintained. It's crucial to assess a deck, stairs, and railings thoroughly to ensure the safety of homeowners and their guests. Here are some important areas to evaluate during your visual inspection of a deck.
Structural Integrity: Look for signs of rot, decay, or insect damage in wooden supports, beams, and joists. Pay close attention to any areas where the deck attaches to the house as this is a common point of weakness. A flashing above the ledger board is needed to prevent rotting and moisture intrusion and should be visible from underneath.
Fasteners and Connections: Check the fasteners, such as screws, nails, and bolts. Loose or corroded fasteners can compromise the stability of the deck. Make sure all connections between structural elements are secure and properly installed. Lag bolts or ledger board screws should be used to attach the ledger board. All joists should be supported in a properly sized hanger.
Railing Stability: Railings should be at least 36 inches high and have openings no more than 4-3/8” to prevent falls. Test the railing by applying pressure to ensure it can support weight without wobbling or giving way.
Decking Material: Evaluate the condition of the decking material, whether it's wood or composite. Look for signs of rot, warping, or splintering, which can create trip hazards and compromise safety.
Stairs and Steps: Examine the condition of stairs and steps for any signs of wear or damage and see that stairs are evenly spaced and have a consistent rise and run. Guardrails should be present, securely attached on both sides of the stairs with openings the same as deck railings, and a graspable handrail on at least one side.
It is important to take pictures and make detailed comments about any issues or concerns identified during the inspection. Your report should included clear descriptions of issues and a recommendation for repair or further evaluation as needed. Clear safety issues should be called out as a defect. Unfortunately, there are times where the structure of a deck is concealed by lattice, skirt boards, or restricted access due to its low clearance to the ground. Make sure to note these conditions and recommend further evaluation to determine if there are any safety issues present that are not visible or readily accessible.
Ensuring deck safety is a very important part of our inspections to protect homeowners and their families from potential accidents or injuries. Here is the link to the website for North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) if you want to learn more about the deck industry: https://www.nadra.org/
Remember to always stay safe during all your inspections.
Best,
David Nason
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May 2024
Hello WAHI Members,
May is the month we celebrate Memorial Day and all those who died for our country so we could have the freedoms we enjoy. I recently had an incredible experience with a group of veterans who served our country.
The Stars and Stripes Wisconsin Honor Flight (SSHF) has been flying missions out of Milwaukee since 2008. They take WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans to visit all the memorials in Washington, D.C. as a way of expressing gratitude for their service and giving them the “welcome home” they deserve, and some never received. On April 20, 2024, I accompanied my father as his Guardian on Honor Flight Bravo #73 along with eight other planes that flew in from around the country. It was an incredible day of honor and emotion for all the veterans as we visited the memorials and shared stories and memories of their service and buddies they missed. I know there are a number of veterans in WAHI along with their parents or relatives that also served. SSHF has taken almost 10,000 veterans to D.C., but there are many more that deserve to go. If you know of a veteran that served between 1941 and 1975, even if they never saw combat, I encourage you to get them signed up for an upcoming flight. It truly is an experience of a lifetime! Here’s the link to their website: https://www.starsandstripeshonorflight.org/
I’ve been reading some stories on WAHI’s FB page recently about injuries and safety while inspecting. It has been just about a year since I sustained a concussion in an attic during an inspection that very fortunately sidelined me for only one week. Several inspectors have shared some more significant injuries and the issues that still linger - not to mention the business lost as they recovered. Your safety during an inspection should be your #1 concern - be aware of your surroundings, set your ladder on firm ground and tie it off, wear gloves on a roof, wear a mask in an attic and crawlspace, and eliminate all distractions when opening and inspecting an electrical panel.
Let’s get ready to enjoy all that summer has to offer in Wisconsin, be thankful for and honor those that served our country and stay safe!
Best, David Nason
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April 2024
Hello WAHI Members,
Many thanks are in order for all of the WAHI members in the Madison Chapter and throughout the state who volunteered their time to ensure our Spring 2024 Pre-Licensing Course, Education House, and Seminar all ran smoothly! My thanks also go out to our Affiliate members who provided a presentation and/or joined us as a vendor!
As always, the Board of Directors meeting on Friday afternoon of the seminar weekend contained lively discussion about the important issues facing WAHI such as our organization’s financial status, finding new sources of revenue, and the importance of preparing an inspection report that complies with state standards.
Also discussed were ways to increase attendance at our seminars. The Board decided that starting this year all of our fall seminars will be held in the Wisconsin Dells area and in spring we will rotate to our chapter locations. In addition, the idea of developing sponsorship opportunities similar to what is done at golf outings and other events was brought up. As a matter of fact, for this seminar Affiliate members Cassidy Kuchenbecker and Tracey Schultz of Environmental Initiatives of No. America were unable to host their La-BAR-atory in our hospitality suite so they sponsored a portion of the Friday night Vendor Room Cocktail Party.☺ Anyone interested in helping with this task for our fall event should contact Julie or me.
Raising the profile of WAHI statewide through media outlets was also discussed. I am happy to report that recently WAHI has been able to do just that - with focus on the importance of home inspections! Fox Valley Home Inspector member Jeff Wippich, Julie, and I were interviewed by the Green Bay Press Gazette, Ric Thompson was interviewed by the Realtor's Association of Northeast Wisconsin, and I was interviewed by ProVisor Transparent Mortgage Solutions. These interviews can be found on Facebook or YouTube.
Since the new legislation went into effect in 2021, we have repeatedly stressed the importance that your reports are compliant with the current Standards of Practice and Statutes. We need to educate those who are not - this is critical if we want to remain free to choose the reporting system of our choice.
If you have any questions about these issues or anything else discussed during the board meeting, you are welcome to reach out to me with an email and I will answer your questions as best as I can.
In closing, one more thank you to those who have and are serving in elected positions in the Central Chapter - the new Central leadership was welcomed at the Annual Meeting. Julie and I will be attending their meeting in April and I look forward to visiting the Chippewa Valley Chapter this summer.
Best, David Nason
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March 2024
Hello WAHI Members,
Wow, that was a short winter! As I mentioned in last month’s article, I am no longer a fan of winter, but I do empathize for those who rely on snow and cold temperatures to supplement their income. The ability to see or walk on roofs safely during inspections this winter has been one of the biggest benefits for inspectors.
The main article in the February issue of the ASHI Reporter addressed 17 tips to stay safe for home inspectors. I’d like to review a few that we don’t always talk about, starting with “Wear Proper Attire”. Dressing appropriately for the job is very important - comfortable, durable clothing and footwear and personal protection equipment (PPE) when needed. Last June I talked about suffering a concussion by smacking my head on a rafter in an attic which led to the suggestion of wearing a bump cap in attics or in low basements. Something you may not have thought about is to “Announce Your Presence”. Even if you were told a house is vacant, surprising someone that may be in the house could cause an unexpected reaction, so make sure to always loudly identify yourself when entering a home. “Use the Buddy System” may be particularly important for those of you in more rural areas. Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return. I leave a clipboard near my bag on the kitchen counter during the inspection that lists my emergency contact information. We should always keep “Electrical Safety” in mind during inspections - watching for exposed live wires and eliminating distractions when removing a panel cover. “Structural Safety” is important for an inspector and should be identified as a defect in your report. When inspecting a crawlspace, it’s a good idea to “Be Aware of Animals” that may feel threatened when cornered - but remember pets left home alone can become aggressive too. These are just a few things to keep in mind when it comes to our safety so we can make it home to our families at the end of the day.
Our spring training event is next week in Madison. If you haven’t registered yet there is still time to sign up for the Education House on Friday and the Seminar on Saturday. Looks like we have a great line-up of speakers again! Check for the sign-up information in the banner above. I hope to see you there!
Best, David Nason
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February 2024
Hello WAHI Members,
Well, the 2023-24 winter season has finally arrived and with a vengeance! As I write this article, I’m looking out my window at lots of snow and my weather app indicates it’s -7º outside - no, I’m not a big fan of winter anymore. I keep reminding myself at least we don’t have hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires and the summers are beautiful here in Wisconsin. Only about 8 weeks ‘til spring!
The Winter/Spring copy of Working RE Home Inspector, a publication put out by the Organization of Real Estate Professionals (OREP), arrived in the mail this past week and the main article is titled, “The Rise of Multi-Million Dollar Inspection Firms.” One of the inspectors interviewed in the article was Mike Crow who started and built a million-dollar inspection company more than once. I attended one of his Millionaire Inspection Community seminars in 2015 with Tom Feiza. I remember how much Mike and the other presenters stressed the idea of owning a multi-inspector firm to become a millionaire. Ironically, I was recently contacted by one of these companies trying to buy out small, independent inspectors like myself. (Obviously that didn’t happen!). Furthermore, large equity firms are buying out successful multi-inspector companies to create multi-million-dollar inspection companies. Due to the large number of independent inspectors in Wisconsin, I think it will take a long time for these multi-million-dollar, multi-inspector firms to take over, but I think it will happen in the future. What do you think?
Before we know it, we’ll be attending our WAHI Spring 2024 Education House and Training Seminar in Madison and then spring truly will be just around the corner! I hope you’ve already marked March 8-9 on your calendar to attend - look for further details from Julie in the newsletter.
And remember, 2024 is a leap year so everyone gets to celebrate their birthday this year. If that’s you…Happy Birthday…a bit early!
Stay safe out there…and warm!
Best, David Nason
January 2024
Hello WAHI Members!
WAHI Needs YOU!
Happy New Year everyone! 2024 is here and it’s time to make all those new year’s resolutions again, right? How about this one – “I resolve to become more involved in WAHI in 2024 by regularly attending chapter meetings, as well as the spring and fall seminars.” If you are already a regular attendee, thank you, and see me directly for other resolution suggestions ☺
In a recent article, I spoke about the importance of volunteers and leaders in WAHI. All organizations need leaders who are committed to their roles for the benefit of the members and the group’s future. The success of an organization also depends on the active participation of its members. As you might have figured out already, the theme of this month’s article is to encourage our members to regularly attend chapter meetings and educational seminars each spring and fall.
My inspiration came from WAHI’s mission statement which reads as follows: The foremost state professional home inspector’s organization, the Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (WAHI) will lead its membership by providing education opportunities, advocacy and fellowship to develop professionalism in the home inspection industry. Each chapter meeting and seminar is an opportunity to take advantage of some of the best in-person education being offered in the state and the camaraderie experienced with
other members is invaluable. In return, WAHI receives much needed funds to continue offering these great educational opportunities and to function as the professional organization we are! We truly need your regular
participation at chapter meetings and seminars.
I understand that taking time away from home and work for a seminar can be difficult, so if you are unable to attend in person, the education presented on Saturday is available to watch online when your schedule allows. I look forward to seeing you at our next seminar in Madison this March!
Best, David Nason
December 2023
Hello WAHI Members -
Another successful WAHI Pre-Licensing Home Inspector Training Course, Fall Education House, and Training Seminar are in the books. The Milwaukee Chapter kept the bar high for the training previously set by other chapters. I would like to extend a big thank you to all the leaders and volunteers that make our training the best in Wisconsin. At the Board of Directors meeting on Friday before the seminar, it was decided to separate the pre-licensing class from the Education House to improve the experience for both the pre-licensing students and Education House attendees. The Madison Chapter is up next - look for information in upcoming newsletters about our Spring Training Seminar to be held in the Madison area.
My lawn is still pretty green, however, all the leaves are off the trees, so you know what’s next…cold weather. And snow! Be sure to take some extra time when walking around the exterior of a home to remain safe. Icy conditions can cause slips or falls, and deep snow can conceal hazards or landscape features that can be damaged or cause an injury. Be aware of where you are walking to avoid these potential concerns. Also, if you are setting a ladder to access the roof or look at the shingles be sure the ground is dry and clear of snow and ice. Remember, we don’t have to inspect a roof by actually going on the roof - so if it isn’t safe, stay on the ground.
I’m writing this just before Thanksgiving thinking about the upcoming long weekend of getting together with family and friends and always eating too much delicious food. I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and look forward to the preparations and celebrations that the upcoming holidays bring.
Best, David Nason
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November 2023
Hello WAHI Members,
It’s almost here…the WAHI Pre-Licensing Home Inspector Training Course starts Monday, November 6th with the WAHI Fall 2023 Education House and Training Seminar the following weekend - all in the Milwaukee area. If you haven’t signed up yet or maybe your plans have changed, there’s still time to join your fellow inspectors! See the highlighted banner above for registration details.
I visited the Madison Chapter in August and joined them on their field trip to the USDA Forest Products Laboratory. If you are ever in Madison and have a few hours to spend, the tour is very interesting and worth the time. In October, I was able to visit the Fox Valley Chapter for their monthly meeting. The education provided by Affiliate member Accurate Airtight Exteriors was very informative and the meal was delicious. I look forward to visiting the Central and Chippewa Valley Chapters in the coming months.
While at the Fox Valley meeting, Public Relations Chair Bob Turicik shared that the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA) conference at The Kalahari in October was well-attended and our booth giveaway, small green WAHI flashlights, were a hit! My sincere thanks to Bob and the other WAHI members who volunteered time in our booth. The Sunday before the conference, WAHI conducted the 1st WAHI Education House for the WRA. Ric Thompson, Past President, initiated the program and Madison Home Inspector member Rich Reinhart found a great house close to The Kalahari. A small group of WAHI members “inspected” the home and educated over 20 realtors while addressing the requirements in the Standards of Practice. The event appeared to be very well received by the Realtors and I hope we can make this an annual event!
WAHI seminars are a great way to gain valuable knowledge for your inspection business. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with inspectors from around the state and see friends you maybe haven’t seen in a while. For me, this fall marks 10 years since my first WAHI seminar. It was held in Oconomowoc at the Olympia Resort and each one since then has been informative and memorable.
As we head into the holiday season, this is a great time to get together to hone our skills, greet old and new friends, and be thankful our business has the support of WAHI.
Best, David Nason
October 2023
Hello WAHI Members,
While writing this month’s article, I received an email from Julie announcing registration for our WAHI Fall 2023 Education House and Training Seminar is open. I encourage everyone who is able to attend to sign up for both Friday’s Education House and Saturday’s Seminar! We’ll be following the same successful format started this past spring where our WAHI Pre-Licensing Home Inspector Training Course is held the same week as the seminar and concludes with the Education House. I look forward to seeing you all at the Friday night cocktail party to share exchange some stories (tall tales?) about the year so far! See the banner above for all the details and registration.
We are still in a tough real estate market where waiving contingencies in offers is still common practice. I recently received a Facebook article from a WAHI member posted by a realtor in his area encouraging buyers and sellers to be “flexible" when it comes to contingencies. Now it’s one thing for realtors to advise their clients of the options available to them, but I think it is a slippery slope for realtors to encourage their buyers to “Skip the Contingencies”. To avoid losing inspections altogether, I have been informing realtors that refer me on a regular basis that I perform pre-listing and post-closing inspections, in addition to traditional pre-sale inspections. You might be surprised how many realtors don’t know all the services we can provide - be sure to tell them! So far these inspections are comprising about 30% of my total inspection business for the year.
After being elected, I mentioned one of the things I wanted to accomplish during my presidency was to address the difference between inspecting a condo, which is not covered in our standards, and a single-family home. Adding or amending the State Standards of Practice to address condos could prove to be a time-consuming, difficult process and may take us down a path with the legislature that we don’t want to travel, so updating our pre-inspection agreement seems like the way to proceed. I received one agreement from a member who added some “condo language” - I would encourage anyone who has done the same (or has thoughts on this topic) to share theirs as well. As information is collected, I will share it in future articles for further discussion.
Best, David Nason
September 2023
Hello WAHI Members,
I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to those members of WAHI who have served in a leadership role in the past or are currently serving, some for many years. This is a volunteer run organization that relies on its members to be leaders. WAHI would not enjoy the respect it receives from the inspection industry and Wisconsin elected officials without their efforts.
I have had the good fortune of working closely with one of WAHI’s founding members, Tom Feiza. In 2014 as a new inspector, I was strongly encouraged by Tom to join WAHI and when the time was right, to get involved. So I joined a committee that interested me and soon became the Arbitration Committee Chair, which provided my first experience interacting with the Board of Directors. This led to my desire to be on the Board and was elected as a Member-At-Large for the Milwaukee Chapter. Then this past spring, I was elected President.
I’d like to encourage our newer members, and even those of you that have been around for awhile and never volunteered, to consider taking on a leadership role. Affiliate members can be leaders too. Talk to an officer in your chapter about any openings. Or your first step may be similar to mine and you can find a statewide committee to join - I know the Arbitration Committee, and others, are a little thin at the moment. And then at our elections in spring, you might consider an elected position.
If you have taken on a leadership role or are an elected officer, remember that the rest of the members are looking up to you and are counting on you for their continuing education, growth as an inspector, and making chapter meetings worth attending. I encourage you to be responsible in your role to the best of your ability, and if you are unsure of anything, there are always other WAHI leaders willing to help. If you are not a leader, remember we are all volunteers that want the best for WAHI, so be sure you are receiving what you need from your membership.
Let’s go WAHI!
Best, David Nason
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Hello WAHI Members,
I missed the July meeting for the Milwaukee Chapter due to being on vacation, but I heard it went very well! My thanks to Bingo Emmons, owner of Creative Construction of Wisconsin, and his employees for hosting the meeting in their new training room and providing a cookout dinner. The classroom portion of our November Pre-Licensing Home Inspector Training Course will take place there as well. Bingo is an active Affiliate member and also serves as the Milwaukee Chapter Education Chair, and we cannot thank him enough for his continued generosity towards WAHI.
During the meeting, discussion took place about the importance of presenting a professional appearance as a home inspector. Jim Oezer, Milwaukee Chapter President, shared that an inspection recently took place near his home and he witnessed the inspector’s arrival. This inspector, not a WAHI member, was dressed in shorts and flip-flops and brought his dog along in his truck. Certain situations may lend themselves to a little more casual attire; however, as WAHI members we should always strive to present ourselves in a professional manner, including our attire, in front of our customers, realtors, and any neighbors that may be watching. In my opinion, shorts and flip flops are not the image I want to portray.
I mentioned being on vacation last month. My family and I rented a 32’ RV and headed to Utah’s national parks. This wasn’t our first road trip as we have traveled as a family to all 50 states over the years. In all these trips we have not had a single incident on the road, not even a flat tire. I attribute that mostly to our preparation. Before each trip our vehicle is scheduled for an oil change and thorough service. Our route each day was well planned, which minimized surprises while driving. We often talk about being safe during our inspections on ladders, roofs, and in attics, but we also need to be safe and prepared when traveling to and from our inspections. So, take the time to make sure your vehicle is well maintained and always know your driving route in advance.
Hope you’re enjoying your summer!
Best, David Nason
July 2023
Hello WAHI Members,
Summer is finally here! Hope you are all taking some time to enjoy the beautiful weather we have been experiencing.
In the southeastern part of our state, this summer has been near drought conditions. And as much as I like the sunshine, we could use more rain (although as I’m writing this that much needed rain is falling). These dry conditions can make evaluating a foundation a little more challenging. Chris Mancuso, owner of Accurate Basement Repair and Milwaukee Chapter Affiliate Member, told me that as clay soil dries out, it can pull back on a foundation that is tipped or bowing in during wet ground conditions. So when we see a concrete block foundation wall that has horizontal and step cracks, but the wall is not out of plumb or bowed, it could be moving in and out based on the wet or dry condition of the soil. Consider recommending “further evaluation” by a qualified foundation consultant or repair contractor to determine if bracing is needed.
Speaking of WAHI Affiliate Members, these contractors are a valuable resource for home inspectors. They provide very beneficial information and education when giving presentations at our chapter meetings and training seminars. Recently, Julie sent an email to our Chapter-Elected Member at Large Board Members. She requested they seek names of quality contractors and service providers their chapter members rely on regularly - the plan is to encourage them to become a WAHI Affiliate Member. If you have relationships with contractors that you count on, who know their industry well, please pass along their information at your next chapter meeting.
The real estate market is crazy again with offers being written with no inspection contingencies. I suggest taking the time to update your inspection template if needed, complete some online training, and stay in touch with realtors that refer you on a regular basis so you’re ready when needed.
I’ll be taking some upcoming road trips to attend each chapter’s meeting before this fall’s seminar in Milwaukee so I can get to know more of our members - see you then!
Best, David Nason
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June 2023
Hello WAHI Members,
We often talk about staying safe when doing a home inspection because it is a very important aspect of our job. I’m sure all of you want to complete each inspection safely in order to go on to the next job and finally home to your families every night. Safety should be part of your routine as you perform each inspection.
So what are you doing to protect your head? I’ve seen some inspectors wear a baseball hat or other cap on the job, offering some protection, but perhaps not enough. While I never really thought about wearing one myself, as of a few weeks ago, I started wearing a "bump cap” when inspecting attics. In early May I bumped my head pretty good on an attic rafter during an inspection. Even though I remembered it hurting at the time, with no blood present, I thought nothing more of it and continued on with my day. However, 36 hours later I woke the in the middle of the night completely disoriented and extremely nauseous. To make what could be a long story a little shorter, it turns out that “simple bump” turned into a mild concussion, causing me to feel dizzy and preventing me from working (and earning money!) for a few days. So let this be a reminder to everyone that staying safe includes protecting your head. Because while you might be able to continue working with a boot on your ankle or cast on your arm, if you can’t keep your balance from a blow to the head, the only thing you’ll be doing is missing work.
Speaking of safety, North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) has designated May as Deck Safety Month. Our state standards are not as strict as NADRA’s; however, we need to inspect decks thoroughly and not be afraid to call them a defect or recommend further evaluation when needed. If access under the deck is limited or restricted, be sure to note that in the report as well.
The dates have been set for our next WAHI Pre-Licensing Home Inspection Training Course, November 6th through the 10th, and the WAHI Fall Education House and Training Seminar, November 10th and 11th-both will be held in the Milwaukee area. Be sure to check out the “What’s Happening” section of the newsletter for more information.
Best, David Nason
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May 2023
Hello WAHI Members -
I’d like to first thank everyone who voted me in for President of this great organization. I’m looking forward to working with our Board of Directors and Julie for the next two years.
A very well deserved thank you is in order for our out-going President Ric Thompson. Ric took on this role looking to get more involved in WAHI and was soon dealing with the most important issue WAHI has had to confront in many years – what is now known as 2021 Act 17. The amount of time Ric gave our organization in order to lead WAHI through that process was far more than is typically asked of our
President. Thankfully Ric handled it admirably, and although changes to our standards were ultimately made, WAHI was well represented during the negotiations and is now known as THE source for training and education of home inspectors in Wisconsin. Thanks again, Ric!It is no secret the last 18-24 months has been a difficult real estate market for home inspectors. With the start of “walk and talk inspections” or “showing inspections” to buyers waiving their inspection contingency completely, we have unfortunately seen a decrease in both the number of inspections being performed and certified home inspectors in Wisconsin. Our membership renewal in July will be very
important to maintain WAHI’s standing in Wisconsin. I encourage every member to help other members whenever possible and remind each other of the importance of WAHI. I will use every platform I have to inform realtors and homebuyers the importance of hiring a WAHI home inspector for every real estate transaction.
Prior to the election, I told the Board of Directors and others how I would like to see WAHI provide some clarification when inspecting condos. Current state standards do not address this type of home clearly, potentially exposing an inspector to unknown liabilities. While we can propose additional state standards to be adopted, in the meantime, updating the WAHI inspection agreement to address these
limitations may be the answer. Watch for more information on this topic.
I’m looking forward to meeting and getting to know many more of our members either at a monthly chapter meeting or upcoming seminars. Please reach out to me directly if you’d like to discuss any issues or share your ideas.
Best, David Nason
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April 2023
Bang, bang, bang, (imagine the sound of my gavel)! - I call to order, my final article as President of the Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors!
The past 4 years have been real, they have been fun and, at many times, real fun! Sometimes, real trying as well!
For my final article, as I did at the seminar, I want to take a brief look at the past four years of WAHI and what the Board has accomplished. It was a busy 4 years and I certainly hope that the association is in a better place than when I took my position. My goal was to make sure it didn’t take a step back!
My term certainly started out quite eventful with the introduction of the home inspector legislation! After much talk and negotiation and even some heated discussions, the WAHI Board took what initially seemed to be a dark cloud and make it mostly sunny. The first plus to the legislation was WAHI using this as an opportunity to become more visible under the dome in Madison. Multiple legislators have attended seminars and we are now the “Go To” for Madison when it comes to home inspector related items that may come across their desk. They now know who WAHI is!
The Board put a group of our greatest home inspector minds together to come up with the WAHI Inspection Guideline to help navigate the changes brought about by the legislation. This was even more beneficial for new inspectors – when most of us started out we didn’t know where to begin. Now, new inspectors, that become WAHI members, have a solid base to begin reporting from. This puts them ahead of where many of us were our Day One!
The Board also found a financial opportunity for WAHI in the education portion of the bill and took advantage of it. Now, the premier home inspector association in the state of Wisconsin has a successful, standard holding, pre-licensing program! I am proud to say we have had 25 graduates go through our training course. The program is financially in the black and will be a revenue source for WAHI for years to come! This might be the accomplishment I am most proud of our Board putting together.
We have also taken most of the hard work that goes into our seminar weekends and put it in the hands of the hosting chapter. This has made for more robust education and a much more economically friendly seminar for WAHI. Host chapters have been able to find excellent local presenters to improve the knowledge of our attendees. Which, of course, makes WAHI Inspectors the best in the state!
WAHI has made technological advances over the past 4 years as well! COVID forced us to take a look at our educational programming beyond in-person approach. We now have a growing online education library for those that can’t make the seminars or chapter meetings. Along with that, the Board placed focus on our online presence by doing SEO work to ensure that we are at the top of the list when it comes to home inspector association searches. It must be working - the majority of our Pre-Licensing students were a result of online searches.
Finally, the item I personally worked hardest on, is the relationship between WAHI and the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA). What was seen by me as a contentious relationship, has turned into a partnership with an open-door policy when discussion is needed on inspection issues relative to the real estate transaction. Now, when I meet with WRA representatives, it is a friendly, work together, kind of conversation. Both of us working to make the transaction better for the clients we share.
These are just a few of the highlights of the past 4 years! I am sure I am missing others but, I wanted to keep the article as short as possible while still mentioning these items.
I want to give one final “Thank you!” to all of the Board members that were apart of this ride. Absolutely none of this would have happened without all of you. Together we have made WAHI better and the best home inspector association in the state of Wisconsin!
Julie…no words can express my thank you to you! We didn’t always see eye to eye but, that is how things get done in a productive manner. You were able to calm my storm at times and keep us on a good path to improvement throughout the past 4 years. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Lastly, to David Nason…I wish you nothing but the best and know I am just a phone call away. WAHI is in great hands with you at the helm and I am excited to see the direction you take WAHI. As a wise person once said to me, “I am excited to see where the next person takes the association in places I couldn’t.” You will prove to be a great President for WAHI!
Thank you to all of the members for your support! You have made this job fun and well worth the time invested in it. Keep being the best home inspectors in Wisconsin and keep working with WAHI to make it even better than it already is!
I have tremendous respect for WAHI and hold our association in the highest regard. I will be around and will continue to be involved in WAHI - to just sit back and watch would feel unnatural to me. I look forward to helping in any way I can!
Be safe out there! (Bang, bang, bang goes the gavel one last time!)
Ric Thompson, President (Proudly!)
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March 2023
Good day all!
As I type this, we are preparing for our 3rd Pre-Licensing Home Inspection Training Course which we hope will produce 9 future WAHI members! Over the course of planning our 3 courses, we have tweaked the program a little each time to continue making it the Gold Standard of pre-licensing education in the State of Wisconsin. As we began, we had one house for the hands-on field training - we now have 2, which provides our students more exposure to what they may run into out in the “real world”. In all, our program has had 27 students, some of which have already become state licensed and have joined WAHI.
We are putting the finishing touches on our crown jewel, our biannual WAHI Education House and Training Seminar - my last as President of this great association! In my 4 years on the Board of Directors, we have made changes and improvements to this training weekend - changes I feel have made a really good thing even better. I look forward to seeing what our next President has in store!
The power of WAHI is so visible at our training events. Numerous members volunteer to educate inspectors to make them the best they can be! WAHI is an association that was built on volunteers and continues to grow stronger each and every year! With the Chapter and State elections on the horizon, this is your opportunity to play a larger role in WAHI - give it some thought! While serving in a leadership role you learn so much about WAHI and the home inspection industry in general – it’s amazing to be a part of that.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the seminar and learning with the best inspectors in the state!
Be safe out there!
Ric Thompson
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February 2023
Greetings!
The WAHI Spring 2023 Education House and Training Seminar is right around the corner! We have a great line up of speakers for Friday afternoon's Rotation Training and all-day Saturday.
On Saturday, we start off with the return of Golden’s Chimney Service to discuss new chimney information and a new certification related to inspections. Bill Majewski and his associate Tom Urban were great when they did a presentation for us in Neenah - they’re excited to join us again!
Next we will welcome Matt Bond of Badger Balancing. Matt is speaking at a WAHI seminar for the 1st time and will do a presentation on “all things HVAC”! He will get into the nitty gritty of what we should be looking for when inspecting mechanicals.
After lunch we have an AWESOME Realtor panel lined up. Michael Sewell is heavily involved in the Realtors Association of Northeast Wisconsin (RANW) and the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA) - he is truly one of the most knowledgeable people I know when it comes to anything pertaining to real estate. He knows the subject matter so well he teaches it too! Local Brokers Jenelle Bruno, Sarah Loberg, Kevin Jones and Gus Garcia will join Michael as we have an open discussion on the latest topics in the Realtor/Inspector relationship!
To close out the day, WAHI Home Inspector member John Freiburger, of Freiburger Consulting, will present on exterior veneers, focusing on masonry. John is a quality presenter with a wealth of knowledge - this will be an excellent presentation to finish up our information-packed weekend!
Don’t forget we have our WAHI Pre-Licensing Training Course that week as well - Monday, February 27th through Friday, March 3rd. We are very excited to have this program continue! Spread the word to those looking for a new career or a good side gig! We are focusing our marketing for this training on First Responders so share with them the opportunities our industry and association have to offer! We all know how well home inspecting can work with other employment and a variety of lifestyles!
See you all March 3rd and 4th in Fond du Lac! It is my last hurrah as your fearless leader - I look forward to seeing all of you and thanking you personally for your support over the past 4 years!
Be safe out there!
Ric Thompson