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Title
NoVA ASHI Spring Seminar 2025
Summary
- Crawlspace Science by Justin Dobson
- The Effects of Insulation on Energy Savings by Justin Dobson
- Fireplace Inspections by Chuck Hall
- Understanding Whole-house Generator Systems by Lafayette Anderson
- HVAC Systems: Present and Future by Sonny Swann
- Home Inspector's Guide to Pest Issues by Renee Kirby
- Best Practices in Deck Inspections by Scott Biller
Description
NOVA ASHI SPRING SEMINAR
in person and online
Saturday April 12, 2025
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Inspecting Crawlspaces and Insulation
Generator Inspections
GUEST: $175
Student: $65
(no CEs)
ZOOM LINK
(Not yet Active)
It is our understanding that VA, PA, WV, and DE accept ASHI® CEs
You are responsible for verifying that your state accepts ASHI® CEs
Six (6) Maryland CPCE Hours Approved
Coffee, snacks, lunch, and goody bags provided for in-person attendees
In person - Service Source
10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton VA
Online - Zoom live webinar
Schedule
| 8:00 AM | - | 8:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:30 AM | - | 8:40 AM | Welcome |
| 8:40 AM | - | 10:40 AM | Crawlspaces & Insulation |
| 10:40 AM | - | 10:50 AM | Break |
| 10:50 AM | - | 11:50 AM | Fireplaces |
| 11:50 PM | - | 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 12:30 PM | - | 1:30 PM | Generators |
| 1:30 PM | - | 1:35 PM | Door Prize |
| 1:35 PM | - | 2:35 PM | HVAC |
| 2:35 PM | - | 2:45 PM | Break |
| 2:45 PM | - | 3:45 PM | Pests |
| 3:45 PM | - | 3:50 PM | Door Prize |
| 3:50 PM | - | 4:40 PM | Decks |
| 4:40 PM | - | 4:50 PM | Sign out |
Eastern Time Zone
Door Prizes
Date And Time
04/12/2025
Venue Name
Service Source
Venue Physical Address
10467 White Granite Dr Oakton VA
Details
Learn From the Experts
Crawlspace Science - Inspecting Crawlspaces
by Justin Dobson of ComfEnergy
- Hazards
- Inspection Techniques
- Recommendations
- Correction / Remediation
Crawl spaces can be one of the more challenging areas of the home to inspect. This session will cover what to look for in a crawl space inspection and how to describe issues for report writing. Topics will include moisture intrusion, encapsulation, venting, and hazards that may be encountered. Attendees will learn about means to resolve issues and how these recommendations are implemented.
Insulation Inspections
by Justin Dobson of ComfEnergy
- The science of insulation
- Purpose of insulation
- Types of insulation
- Materials
- Deficiencies
Properly insulated walls, ceilings and floors is critical to maintain the energy envelope of the structure. This session will address various types of insulation, preferred materials for different applications, how to detect deficiencies, and the “6 sided box”. Inspectors will gain a greater understanding of the role insulation plays in controlling energy costs and maintaining personal comfort, and how to convey that information to their clients.
Justin Dobson is an entertaining speaker and very knowledgable on the dreaded crawlspace and insulation.
He is a graduate of Virginia Tech and has 25 years of experience in the insulation and energy savings industry. He founded Comfenergy in 2010 and is an expert in implementing “home performance" improvements. His company works with both residential and commercial clients to provide better solutions for their comfort, energy, and indoor air quality needs. Justin also serves as a board member for the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce.
Fireplace Inspection
by Chuck Hall - Winston's Chimney Service
- Fire science
- Fireplace and chimney construction
- Inspection levels
- Inspection process
- Inspection limitations
- Recognizing deficiencies and malfunctions
This session will discuss fire science and look at the various types of fireplaces and their construction. Participants will learn about the different inspection levels that can be performed and the inspection processes that each level follows, as well as their limitations. Attendees will gain a greater understanding in recognizing fireplace deficiencies and malfunctions.
Chuck Hall is an internationally acclaimed speaker with an impressive resume`. His company services fireplaces at Camp David, the Supreme Court building and many other government offices in Washington, DC.
He has a degree from the University of Kansas. He is the president of Winston’s Chimney Service, a company he joined in 1989. Chuck holds contractor licenses for Virginia, Maryland and D.C. He has served in a number of industry leadership roles, including as president of the Mid Atlantic Chimney Association and president of the Chimney Safety Institute of America. His designations of include CSIA Master Chimney Sweep, F.I.R.E. Certified Chimney Inspector, and Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician.
Inspecting Backup Generators
by Lafayette Anderson - Anderson Electrical Services, LLC
- Understanding why
- Recognizing when it's not
One of the most common homeowner installations: backup generator. One of the most commonly improperly installed systems: backup generator. Need I say more?
Generators and their hookups to a home electrical system can be a challenge to inspect. This session will give participants confidence in evaluating these systems. The session will cover different types of generators and how they work, installation requirements, electrical panel connections and transfer switches, wiring practices and safety protocols, placement and clearance requirements, regular maintenance tasks, safety standards, and common issues and troubleshooting.
Lafayette is founder of the Anderson Adademy where he trains his competition. His company installed and maintains backup generators at the NTSB in Ashburn, Virginia, some local military bases, and Gaylord Resort at National Harbor.
He graduated from an IBEW union apprenticeship program and has more than three decades of experience in the electrical industry. An accomplished Master Electrician and electrical contractor, he has worked on residential and commercial projects, leading teams in large federal, military and commercial projects. Lafayette is a Generac Certified Technician and his company installs and maintains whole house generators. Lafayette established Anderson Academy where he teaches aspiring electricians electrical fundamentals and offers supplemental classes to empower the next generation of electrical professionals.
Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling
by Sonny Swann - Climatic HVAC
- Heat Pumps
- Furnaces
- Dual Fuel Equpment
- Filters and Ducting
This session will cover changes to the energy envelope standards for insulation and ventilation. Attendees will learn about the new coolant requirements (A21) and what this means to the consumer and industry. Sonny will also give an overview of different filter media types, including and electronic and UV filters. Topics will discuss the evolution modern HVAC efficiency and operation standards, including issues that can arise from over-smart thermostats. Inspectors will gain a better understanding of what to look for when assessing heating and cooling systems.
Sonny Swann, a retired U.S. Marine, has a mechanical engineering degree and an MBA. He also has a Masters degree in HVAC and gas fitting. Sonny started Climatic HVAC in 200. His company has grown to 50+ employees and is one of the most respected names in the region with more than 1,000 five-star Google reviews and is a 3 times winner of Northern Virginia Magazine’s best HVAC contractor award. Sonny serves on many community and business boards. He and his wife have three sons.
Home Inspector's Guide to Pest Issues
by Renee Kirby - Guaranteed Pest Solutions
- Identification
- Damage evaluation
- Remediation
Home inspectors frequently encounter a variety of insect, rodent and other pest related issues. This session will help inspectors identify and report on the extent to which these pests have caused damage to a home’s wood components including structural posts and beams, band boards, siding, decks, and other wood components. Rodents and other animals can enter the home can damage electrical wiring and plastic piping such as PEX and CPVC, as well as insulation. The speaker will provide a deep dive into the topic of pests and what to look for, and offer practical insight that will help inspectors knowledgeably communicate with home sellers and buyers about how to minimize pest issues and general recommended treatment approaches that a professional pest management company will use.
Rene' Kirby is the owner and operator of Guaranteed Pest Solutions, bringing over 11 years of comprehensive experience and understanding. He frequently consults with home inspectors to address pest control needs for both home sellers and buyers. Inspectors look to Rene' as a trusted partner in providing pest control insight and solutions. His goal is always to properly address pest issues, ensuring client safety and the integrity of a home’s systems and structure. Rene' currently serves as a regional director for the Virginia Pest Management Association.
Inspecting Decks
by Scott Biller - Biller and Associates
- Ledger attachments
- Footings, posts, and beams
- Joists
- Decking
- Railings
- Failure potential
The North American Deck and Railings Association (NADRA) estimates that 30 million residential decks are past their safe service lives and are due to be repaired or replaced. Home inspectors play a key role in helping to identify deck issues for their clients and to verify deck integrity, with the goal of ensuring user safety as well as helping to exend the deck's service life. This session provides an overview of various standards and best practices for evaluating decks. In addition, Scott will share insight into how his deck inspection became expert testimony in a court case.
Scott Biller founded his general contracting firm, Biller & Associates, in 1995. Seven years ago he added home inspector to his credentials, having become licensed in Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia. He also serves as a New Construction Expert Witness and is a NADRA Certified Deck Safety Inspector. Scott has a passion for helping home inspectors improve their business planning and practices to better serve their clients.
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