Obama Plan to Weatherize Buidings & Create Jobs

[ldapkus]

Originally Posted by mcyr

Gee, with all these designations like naCHI, CMI, CPI, MI, SSI, SSI, PPI.. I'll have to move to a different State.

Marcel, you're an MECPI!!

[rmaday]

Originally Posted by ldapkus

Where's yours Rick. I've only seen 1 person here using it and he hasn't even done his first home inspection.

Saving it for a rainy day.

[cjustason]

Originally Posted by ldapkus

No, I've been doing IR for a few years now, took the building science thermographer certification course through ITC. Tell me C.Scott, what specialized training do I need and where can I get one of those fancy CPI designations to put behind my name? How many inspections do I have to complete or what is actually required to get a CPI designation?

U already have the designation. Just add it to your profile. Nick got the designation trademark for Nachi members.
Justa because I'm the only one using it does not cheapen it or degrade it. I'm only using it here on this MB and would never use it publicly until qualified to do so.

[John Harrison]

The local gas company here does free energy audits.

[Jason Kaylor]

Originally Posted by jmckenna1

There is no law that says you cannot advise someone on how
to lower their utility bill. If you do it right, the market is wide
open and people are looking for somone who can hit that
"sweet spot" on how to save money, without spending a ton.

That is 100% accurate, and a great idea. Maybe you guys (NACHI) should be working on a new desigination called "Energy Advisor". A different title would also lend to less confusion, to not only members but also customers. I am not sure if you have done BPI or Resnet yet John, but part of the process involves educating the consumer on how to save energy by making simple life changes and other simple changes, a programable thermostat for example. It would not be difficult to do just that part of the "inspection", and advise your clients on simple changes like that. Not to mention it wouldn't take more than an hour to do, and could easily be added on to a current home inspection.

JJ

[Jason Kaylor]

Originally Posted by jharrison

The local gas company here does free energy audits.

No body works for free. Often times power companies sub this out to energy auditors and pays them for the service. Yes it is free to the end user, but someone is still getting paid to do the work. It depends on your state and power company as to how it is done. Sometimes in house (no market for you guys), sometimes sub'd (there is a market there).

This is where, once again, a company that has the ability to do the upgrades really shines in this industry. As an example the power companies pays the sub $285 to do the energy audit. The consumer pays nothing. The company that just did the energy audit basically breaks even on the energy audit (wages, time, gas, etc), but now has a lead and their foot in the door with the customer. They advise the customer on what upgrades are the most cost effective for the customer, and what has a fast and good pay back period. They then sell the job and then either do the work or sub it out.

These "green remodel" jobs can get quite large. For example in Hamilton county Ohio (Cinncinnati area) there is a $10,000 kick back for any renewable energy jobs, and 3% below prime loans (up to $50k for 10 years) PLus there is a 30% kick back from the feds right now on renewable energy sources. And yes they do stack. Throw in all the other upgrades; $1500 on insulation, higher R value attic hatch, lighting, etc and the next thing you know the contrator just did a $50k remodel job where the loan amount is less than the savings. Pretty easy sale for a contractor / energy auditor.

JJ