Title
2026 NOVA ASHI Spring Seminar
Summary
- New Construction Inspections by Reuben Saltzman
- Inspectors Round Table
- Electrical Inspections by Jim Vaughn
- REALTORS Forum
- HVAC Updates by Sonny Swann
- Report Writing by InspectorPro Insurance
- Moisture Issues by Comfenergy
Description
In-Person and Online
Saturday April 11, 2026
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (ET)
New Construction Inspections
by Reuben Saltzman
Basement and Moisture Issues
by Comfenergy
by Climatic HVAC
by InspectorPro
by Jim Vaughn
6 CEs - Maryland
Continental Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch
Gift Bags Provided for In-person
Door Prizes for Online and In-Person Attendees
In-Person: 10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton VA 22124
Online: Zoom Live Webinar
Schedule
| 8:00 | - | 8:30 | Breakfast |
| 8:30 | - | 8:40 | Welcome |
| 8:40 | - | 10:20 | New Construction |
| 10:20 | - | 10:35 | Break |
| 10:35 | - | 11:25 | Inspector Forum |
| 11:30 | - | 12:20 | Moisture Issues |
| 12:20 | - | 1:00 | Lunch |
| 1:00 | - | 1:50 | Future of HVAC |
| 1:55 | - | 2:45 | REALTORS Forum |
| 2:45 | - | 3:00 | Break |
| 3:00 | - | 3:50 | Risk Management |
| 3:55 | - | 4:45 | Electrical |
| 4:55 | - | 5:00 | Wrap Up |
Date And Time
04/11/2026
Venue Name
Service Source
Venue Physical Address
10467 White Granite Drive
Oakton, VA 22124
Details
Learn From the Experts
Session 1 - Inspecting New Residential Construction
Conducting a pre-drywall inspection provides a unique opportunity to view the many building components that are not normally visible when inspecting existing homes. This two-hour session will review how to properly conduct a pre-drywall inspection and final inspection on new builds. In addition to gaining a greater understanding of best building practices, the presenter will share inspection techniques for assessing structural components, attics, roofs, exteriors, basements, plumbing systems, HVAC systems and electrical components.
- Reuben Saltzman of Structure Tech Home Inspections
Reuben Saltzman is a second-generation home inspector and CEO of Structure Tech Home Inspections in Minnesota. He is a nationally recognized speaker, served as the president of the ASHI Heartland Chapter for 5 years, was a member of the national ASHI Board of Directors 2017-2019, is a contributing author to the ASHI Reporter magazine and now shares his expertise and knowledge with fellow inspectors at home inspection seminars throughout the country.
Session 2 - Inspectors' Roundtable
The session presenters will focus on the unusual encounters found during home inspections -- from DIY projects, home flips and bizarre and outdated items seen in older homes to new home automation and the changing dynamics of materials and aftermarket products. This session will help prepare the inspector to avoid the embarrassment when these issues are encountered and be better able to properly report unusual conditions.
- Reuben Saltzman of Structure Tech Home Inspections
- Scott Biller of Biller & Associates
- Mike Mallot of Check Mark Home Inspections
Scott Biller is the president of NOVA ASHI Chapter, serves on the Board of MAC ASHI, and is the vice president of the Virginia Association of Real Estate Inspectors (VAREI). Scott founded his general contracting firm, Biller & Associates in 1995. Eight years ago, he added home inspector to his credentials and is licensed in Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia. He also serves as an expert witness in construction litigation.
Mike Mallott serves on the NOVA ASHI Board of Directors and has been a member since 2014. His career in home building began right out of college with the third largest homebuilder in the country. He has built homes and supervised home construction in seven states and trained superintendents and quality control personnel on proper construction techniques. Mike and his team have been inspecting homes in the DMV region for 10 years.
Session 3 - Addressing Moisture Issues
Moisture issues can be challenging to identify and address in a home inspection. This session will discuss the importance of external water management, proper grading techniques, and other methods to minimize water sources and moisture issues. Attendees will have a greater understanding about how to communicate identified issues in their inspection reports.
- Justin Dobson of Comfenergy
Justin Dobson has more than 25 years of experience in the insulation and energy savings industry with a focus on solving customers’ comfort issues and optimizing energy consumption costs. He founded Comfenergy in 2010 to give customers better solutions for their comfort, energy, and indoor air quality needs. Justin is an expert in all things “home performance” and has helped hundreds of clients find the right solutions for their home needs over the years.
Session 4 - HVAC Systems: The Future Is Now
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, as well as different filter media types, including electronic and UV filters. The presenter will also discuss the evolution of modern HVAC efficiency and operation standards, including issues that can arise from “smart” thermostats. Inspectors will gain a better understanding of what to look for when assessing heating and cooling systems.
- Sonny Swann of Climatic HVAC
Sonny Swann is a retired U.S. Marine, has a mechanical engineering degree and an MBA, and is master level certified in HVAC systems and gas fitting. Sonny started Climatic HVAC in 2001. His company has grown to more than 50 employees and is one of the most respected HVAC industry names in the region, with more than 1,000 five-star Google reviews and is a three time winner of Northern Virginia Magazine’s best HVAC contractor award. Sonny serves on many community and business boards.
Session 5 - REALTORS and the Home Inspection
This panel discussion will explore the evolving role of the home inspector within the real estate transaction, with particular emphasis on professional standards of practice, risk management, report writing, and effective communication with clients and agents. Realtors and a home inspector will provide perspective on common transaction challenges, inspection-related contingencies, and areas where misunderstandings can occur. The session will focus on how inspectors can maintain independence and comply with inspection requirements while delivering thorough, standards-compliant inspections that protect consumers and reduce liability. Attendees will gain practical strategies for documenting findings, managing expectations, and navigating real-world transactions that maintain professional standards and ethics.
- Matt Boyer of Keller Williams
- Kathleen Stakem of REMAX
- Mike Mallot of Check Mark Home Inspections
Matt Boyer is a veteran real estate broker serving Northern Virginia. As the managing broker for Keller Williams – Loudoun Gateway, he has worked with many home inspectors and has mentored hundreds of new agents to help them navigate the process of buying and selling homes.
Kathleen Stakem is a native Virginian, born and raised in Loudoun County. Her parents were both real estate agents and opened their own REMAX office in 1987. Kathleen has served over 160 families in her career. She is a director with the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, is vice chairman at the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR), and was recently awarded Top 500 Agent out of 22,000 REMAX agents nationwide. Kathleen is the proud mother of three.
Session 6 - Avoiding Claims Risks: Case Studies
Inspection agreements can play a significant role in limiting and controlling risk for home inspectors. Learn about the key components that should be included in your inspection agreement and what terms and conditions to include. The presentation features actual case studies from insurance claims files as examples of how these important concepts have played out in practice.
- Aaron Menlove of InspectorPro Insurance
Aaron Menlove has helped protect home inspectors from frivolous lawsuits for over 14 years. He offers personalized advice on errors and omissions inurance and general liability policies. As executive broker at InspectorPro Insurance, he is acutely aware of the potential issues facing home inspectors, and provides training for inspectors to help them avoid claims before they occur and works to mitigate any issues that may arise. He is a graduate of the University of Utah.
Session 7 - Electrical Inspections: Old and New
Assessing and reporting on electrical components can be one of the more difficult aspects of a home inspection, especially with older homes. This session will cover both the common and less common electrical problems seen on home inspections. The presenter will share examples of proper and improper electrical installations including issues with breakers and fuses, review of GFCI and AFCI applications, and different types of electrical wiring.
- Jim Vaughn of Home Authority
Jim Vaughn is a veteran home inspector, beginning his career in 1986. He has mentored many aspiring inspectors and is a past president of the NOVA ASHI Chapter. He was also a founding member of the Virginia Association of Real Estate Inspectors (VAREI) and has served on the national ASHI Board of Directors. Licensed in Maryland and Virginia, Jim is highly respected by fellow inspectors and is the “go to” expert for all things electrical.
Sponsored by
NoVA ASHI Supports VAREI
Virginia Legislative Representation for Home Inspectors
If you are having trouble, please contact support at info@novaashi.org or 703.675.5452.