STAHI Provides a minimum of (2) hours of NYS Approved Continuing Education at each monthly meeting.

STAHI Legislative Update

 

NYSAHI LOGO
New York State Association of Home Inspectors Legislative Update
Our bill to replace the NYS Home Inspector Exam with the National Home Inspector Exam is moving through the legislature.
The Assembly version A215A has passed the Assembly.
The Senate version S649A just made it to the Senate Floor this morning.
You can click on one of the bill links to see the details about the bill, its history, and you can also voice your support for the bill.
Now is the time to contact your Senator to ask for their support!
Thank you for your support as we work to strengthen the Home Inspection Profession.
Sincerely,
Annie-Laurie Hunter
President

STAHI February 2018 Meeting Agenda

Call to Order: 6:00 PM

Members Introduce Their Guests & Round Table Introductions

Approval of January Meeting Minutes

Requests for revisions?

Approval

Requests from Members for Modifications to This Meeting Agenda?

 

Secretary’s Report on Website Development (Frank Macak)

 

Treasurer’s Report (Dale Lozier)

  • Accounts
  • Dues Status
  • Membership Report by Category

Education Coordinator Report (Dennis Cole, Education Coordinator)

 

  • Progress on Goals

#1. Ensure monthly 2 credit CE training with back-up scheduled out at least 12 months in advance.

#2. Use information collected by Rick Bates at October 2017 meeting to guide development of new modules.

#3. Work to include two joint training sessions at regular monthly meetings during 2018 to include realtors and appraisers.

#4. Work to provide Non-CE education segment during dinner at monthly meetings.

  • Other

NYSAHI Report (Keith Oberg, STAHI Representative)

 

Old Business

  • STAHI Representation at NYSAHI
    • Proposal by Larry Ames: “That henceforth the two STAHI representatives to NYSAHI be elected by the STAHI membership annually at the November meeting (or at the next monthly meeting following a resignation or vacancy); That those representatives are to represent the interests of STAHI as a whole and bring to the membership any matter of importance for discussion and direction; and that a new representative to fill Tim McGovern’s vacancy be elected at this meeting; and that Keith Oberg, if confirmed by vote of the membership at this meeting, continue to serve until the next annual election.”
    • Election/Confirmation subject to approval of proposal by membership.
      • John Vagliardo has offered to stand for election
  • Meeting Participation Requirement for Membership – Tabled until regular CE training can be assured. (see related proposal in New Business)
  • John Drake – Has requested that members get pictures from the field to him to help prepare for future steam heating course presentation upgrades.
  • Larry Ames has requested members offer pictures for his “Where’s The Frosting” display at the start of the meeting.  Please send your best candidate pics.
  • Technical Follow-up from Last Meeting  – 2 emails by Rick Bates 1/17/18

REGARDING WDI IN RIGID FOAM BOARD

STAHI Colleagues,

Please check out the attached link to see the explanation based on the research conducted concerning how and why foam insulation board can support and protect subterranean termites.

https://www.orkin.com/termites/damage/insulation/Research on Termite in Foam Board Insulation

The area’s top pest control professional asked and STAHI answers…

 

REGARDING JON DRAKE’S CHIMNEY VENT INSTALLATION

Fellow Professional Inspectors:

Thanks to all (10) STAHI Home Inspectors who braved the weather and attended the meeting last night. Information shared by both John Burke and Jon Drake was useful to our futures with respect to inspecting Oil Fired equipment and performing/recommending pest inspections. The value of the information was worth more than NYS CE credits…

For all members, below is some information describing a “Real Scenario” Jon Drake and his crew are installing today.

Residential single family home with a masonry chimney that has a standard natural gas fired atmospheric draft water heater and older natural gas fired (low efficiency) forced air furnace. The water heater and furnace are venting together into the masonry chimney flue passage. Jon has been hired to upgrade the furnace to a natural gas 90+% efficiency unit.

His strategy is to reline the masonry flue passage for the “Orphaned” water heater vent of 3 inches in diameter but to also install the intake and exhaust piping from the new high efficiency furnace in the same masonry flue with the PVC piping running alongside the metal liner for the water flue. Per Jon, “There are no codes concerning this.” Like so many issues: “It depends.”

Here is what I was able to find:

1. Several sections of the building code refer back and forth which complicates finding an answer. No specific statements in the codes were found that allow or forbid specifically what Jon proposes. I have had interaction with local code officials previously on this specific situation and will attempt to explain their logic that I found valid.

2. PVC piping is considered a combustible material. Proper clearances are required between the water heater vent piping and the PVC piping. Single wall piping requires 6 inch clearance to combustible material while Metal “B” vent piping requires 1 inch clearance to combustible materials since the double metal wall provides insulation/isolation of the flue gas temperatures. As specific in NYS Building Code G2425.15.4 Clearances – Chimneys and vents shall have air space clearances to combustibles in accordance with Chapter 10 and the chimney or vent manufacturer’s installation instructions. Chapter 10 – Chimneys & Fireplaces R1003.18 Chimney clearances Exception #1 chimney liners refers to UL 1777 and states that installation must be to manufacturer’s requirements.

3. Jon’s proposal will meet the minimum requirements provided he uses “B” vent for the water heater and can maintain the minimum clearances between the metal and PVC piping continuously throughout the distance inside the masonry flue now used as a piping chase.

4. Proper terminations, weather caps, etc. would also apply

5. I am certain that anyone will argue that the reduced BTU input of 40K for the water heater will not produce high enough flue gas temperatures to impact the PVC piping even if it was in direct contact with any type metal liner.

What do you think? Likely you will see this situation, perhaps on your next inspection…

New Business

  • Tonight’s Non-Credit CE segment during dinner : A presentation on Servicing Fuel Oil Fired Boilers by Jon Drake (continued from last meeting)
  • Tonight’s 2 Hrs. NYS approved CE course:  “ Hot water and Steam Heating” by John Drake
  • Group Picture to be taken at March meeting for website.  All encouraged to attend.
  • Proposal on Attendance by Larry Ames: “Henceforth, the Secretary shall record regular monthly meeting member attendance and post such in a conspicuous and appropriate manner on our website.

Motion to Adjourn    

Treasurer’s Report

Attention all STAHI members,

since Dale L. was not able to attend the last meeting, we did not have the treasurer’s report.

According to Dale Lozier the treasurer:

As of 11-16-2018 the STAHI balance was $3590.70.
Dale cut 2 checks for CE courses and mailed them to Dennis to submit.

If any member has any objections, please reply within 48Hrs, otherwise the treasurer’s report will be considered accepted by all, and be added to meeting minutes from the last meeting.

Thank you

Frank Macak – secretary

STAHI January 2018 Meeting Agenda

STAHI January 2018 Meeting Agenda – by Larry Ames – President

Call to Order: 6:00 PM

Members Introduce Their Guests & Round Table Introductions

 

Approval of December Meeting Minutes

Requests for revisions?

Approval

 

Requests from Members for Modifications to This Meeting Agenda?

 

Secretary’s Report on Website Development (Frank Macak)

 

Treasurer’s Report (Dale Lozier)

  • Accounts
  • Dues due by today (review of acceptable payment methods)

Education Coordinator Report (Dennis Cole, Education Coordinator)

 

  • Progress on Goals

#1. Ensure monthly 2 credit CE training with back-up scheduled out at least 12 months in advance.

#2. Use information collected by Rick Bates at October 2017 meeting to guide development of new modules.

#3. Work to include two joint training sessions at regular monthly meetings during 2018 to include realtors and appraisers.

#4. Work to provide Non-CE education segment during dinner at monthly meetings.

  • Other

NYSAHI Report (Keith Oberg, STAHI Representative)

 

Old Business

  • Confirmation of status of STAHI Representation with Passing of Tim McGovern (Ross Relyea)
  • Meeting Participation Requirement for Membership – Tabled until regular CE training can be assured.
  • John Drake – Has requested that members get pictures from the field to him to help prepare for future steam heating course presentation upgrades.
  • Larry Ames has requested members offer pictures for his “Where’s The Frosting” display at the start of the meeting.  Please send your best candidate pics.
  • Technical Follow-up from Last Meeting

Rick Bates: Attic Access Requirements (from his 12/20/17 email)

<R807 – Attic Access
R807.1 Attic Access. Buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction shall have an attic access opening to attic areas that exceed 30 sq. feet and have a vertical height of 30 inches or more.”

Wooden roof framing and wooden ceiling framing constitute combustible construction so it appears that access is required provided the area is at least the size specified.

“The rough-framed opening shall not be less than 22 inches by 30 inches and shall be located in a hallway or other readily accessible location. A 30 inch minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be provided at some point above the access opening.” See Section M1305.1.3 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics.”

No only is access is required, it has specific size requirements and location of access – All good news for home inspectors!>

 

New Business

  • Tonight’s Non-Credit CE segment during dinner : A presentation on Servicing Fuel Oil Fired Boilers by Jon Drake
  • Tonight’s CE Course (Non NYS Credit): WDI Review and Our Growing Rat Scourge by John Burke, Owner, Burke Pest Control, Binghamton, NY
  • Larry Ames: Requests Short Discussion on Sealing Chimney Openings

Motion to Adjourn    

Guardrail and Siding-Roof clearance requirements

click on the link below to download the PDF

TECHNICAL DEC 2017

December 2017 Meeting Agenda

December 2017 Meeting Agenda

Call to Order: 6:00 PM

Holiday Greetings – Introduce Guests & Round Table Introductions

Approval of November Meeting Minutes

 Requests from Members for Modifications to This Meeting Agenda?

Treasurer’s Report (Dale Lozier)

  • Accounts
  • Tim McGovern Memorial Fund – Final
  • Year-End Membership Tally
  • Annual Dues – due by Jan 19th, 2018 (review of acceptable payment methods)

Education Coordinator Report (Dennis Cole, Education Coordinator)

  •  Progress on Goals
  1.  Ensure monthly 2 credit CE training with back-up scheduled out at least 12 months in advance.
  2. Use information collected by Rick Bates at October 2017 meeting to guide development of new modules.
  3. Work to include two joint training sessions at regular monthly meetings during 2018 to include realtors and appraisers.
  4. Work to provide Non-CE education segment during dinner at monthly meetings.
  5. TBD: Work to prepare a 2018 CE Catch-up Day (joint training?)

Old Business

  • In Memoriam Listing on Website (to be included with website report below)
  • NYSAHI Report

Activity during last month (Keith Oberg, STAHI Representative)

Confirmation of status of STAHI Representation with Passing of Tim McGovern (Ross Relyea)

  • 2018 CE Catch-up Day: Open Discussion and Vote on direction to Education Committee
  • Meeting Participation Requirement for Membership – Tabled until regular CE training can be assured.
  • Address vacant V.P. Position
  • Technical Follow-ups from Last Meeting (Larry Ames)

Height at which a guard rail is required on a retaining wall:

Recommended clearance between roof surface and siding

New Business

  • Assignment by President of Website Responsibility to Secretary
  • Update on Website revisions and intent to actively involve membership in website development and maintenance decisions.  Review of Slack resource.  (Frank Macak, Secretary)
  • Proposal for Website Revision:  “The officers of the Chapter shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.”  The Education Coordinator is a leadership position of primary importance in our organization.  President’s Proposal: that the “Officers” tab on our website be changed to ”Leadership” with “Education Coordinator” appropriately included with the officers in the listings.
  • Tonight’s Non-Credit CE : A presentation on developments in the home inspection industry by Rick Bates

Motion to Adjourn    

 

 

November 2017 Meeting Agenda

November Meeting Agenda

Call to Order: 6:00 PM

October Meeting Minutes

Treasurer’s Report

Accounts

Payment of Annual Dues – Number of paid/unpaid STAHI members

Old Business

Memorial Fund and Death of President Tim McGovern  – (by Chairman George Schambach)

Other proposals to honor Tim (website – Rick Bates)

Continuing Education

CE Modules have been approved by NYS to get us through January 2018 (by Dennis Cole)

Today: “Water Intrusion & Wood Rot” 2 Hours

Next Meeting: “Attics & Ventilation” 2 Hours

Report on Tim McGovern Essential Series development (by Education Committee Chairman – Rick Bates)

Support for Education Committee

STAHI sponsored Catch-up CE package?

STAHI sponsored Joint training with Appraisers and Realtors?

NYSAHI Report

Activity during last month

Representation

Meeting Participation Requirement for Membership – Tabled until regular CE training can be assured.

New Business

V.P. Larry Ames to assume President role (address vacant V.P. Position)

Resignation of Education Coordinator, Rick Bates and request to the membership by Larry Ames for candidates for appointment to that position.

Non-Credit CE Initiative (Larry Ames)

Tonight’s Presentation during dinner: “Home Inspector Insurance”  by David J. Wicker, Director of National Home Inspection & Drone Program – Syracuse Office of CH Insurance

Motion to Adjourn