Home Inspector Pro does it again!

[Joe Farsetta]

Bob,

I teach conformance with both standards. I think it is imperative to understand the pitfalls associated with whatever standard one follows. As NACHI and ASTM offer standards, with ASTM being the most widely referenced and the fact that we are NACHI, I limit the "standards-based" course materials to these two.

Beyond that, I have added other important items to the course, which includes the examination of process, as well as the inclusion of inspection-specific tasks.

COMSOP makes up for some of ASTMs shortcomings, while ASTM provides the generally accepted guideline for conducting a Commercial PCA.

As I have repeatedly stated, neither is perfect. ASTM does include estimates of probable costs in their standard, which can be waived as a condition of engagement by the Inspector. There are many things in both standards that are included that I personally do not agree with. But, the standards allow their specific exclusions.

The key is to understand the plusses and minusses.

As to Nick's comment to me:

Be careful Joe, Jim typically attacks vendors for telling us why their product or service might be useful.

Yes, I am a vendor. Yes, I also fulfill other functions for the association and have for some time now.

I am not on the BOD, nor have I ever been asked. I inspect, teach, and try and vend. All aimed at puttng food on the table and helping members.

I am opinionated and sometimes hostile. I learned long ago that some arguments in NACHI are won and others are lost. Sometimes Nick smiles and nods, for effect only. He has his mind made up.

That's cool. Doesnt mean we cant call each other *****hole, then go out for a bite to eat. Doesnt mean that we arent interested in each other's family, or wish each other a happy holiday, or whatever.

Same for Chris, Ben, or Joe Ferry. Ihave known Joe for a long while. He's like all the rest of us; trying to survive in a difficult economy. He's knowledgable, smart, and a genuinely nice guy.

I dont have to agree with everything he says, but would turn to him for advice in a heartbeat.

Everyone has his/her strengths and weaknesses. Even associations. Even standards.

As an industry, we are facing hard times. We are constantly being attacked, either directly or indirectly. We need to be smarter. Understand what's out there. Understand the pluses and minuses.

Knowledge is power. As a vendor, I try and sell knowledge. As Director of Professional Development, I walk a line between what is beneficial to the association, and what is beneficial to the member inspector.

That is why Nick and I argue. It's also probably why we get along so well.

[relliott]

Pro and Con
Ying vs Yang
Dem vs Rep
Two eyes
two ears
Newspaper writers and Newspaper ads

Completness requires both.