Planning a PEER INSPECTION REVIEW Created October, 2011 M.George

Chapters agree that peer inspection reviews are most valuable To the Chapter To all members - new and experienced The following is a presentation of a compilation of methods used by chapters in conducting peer inspection reviews. This presentation is an opportunity to only share information of ideas and methods in the promotion of peer inspection reviews. The chapter decides the methods to be used in conducting a peer inspection review.

Opportunity for all to participate and learn: Educational Chapter Event Getting involved at some level – New or Experienced Sharpening Skills Reviewing Techniques Learning from experienced inspectors Sharing knowledge Achievement for all 5 ASHI CEs earned

Educational Tool Participants inspect a pre-selected and pre- inspected house, and then brief the committee on the defects found in the house. The review provides an evaluation of the participant’s ability and knowledge by a team of experienced peers.

Purpose To see how different inspectors inspect the same house according to State and ASHI Standards of Practice Knowledge is gained from observing how different inspectors inspect, analyze and report on observed problems It’s interesting to see the different techniques and approaches used Discussion will include reporting as per the ASHI Standards of Practice Creating a successful chapter event that benefits everyone involved

Planning Committee VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Locate a house for the inspection that has a variety of defects to make it an interesting challenge Create a Budget Advertise – website, Facebook, ASHI National PR – local newspaper, invite realtors, take photos Administration – CE approval request, certificates, registration process, attendee sign-in & release form Review Committee (3 Members), Moderators Organize meeting, location, refreshments

Planning the Event 1. Locate a vacant house for inspection that has a variety of defects 2. Invite local realtors to attend event for informal tour & discussion; make it a PR event, take photos of event 3. Review Committee: Inspects the house as a group to discover deficiencies that meet Standards of Practice 4. Create list of 10 deficiencies “must finds”; & photograph each 5. Registration would require participants to sign a release before starting the inspection to accept any responsibility for any damage caused and to indemnify ASHI 6. Ensure that the Chapter has liability insurance to cover any incidents during inspections 7. Submit ASHI CE approval request form to HQ

Committee of 3 Experienced Inspectors assigns 10 “Must Finds”

Safety First Set up rules - & - Areas to avoid - For example: Inspections must be done without climbing on the roof or in the attic and using the provided ladders only. The electrical panel will remain open during the inspection. Broken stairs and railings to be avoided

Participants take notes to prepare for review and presentation

Inspection of House & Review Participants bring own tools – ladders are provided & set Participants bring notepaper to take notes of defects and to create their oral presentation Individuals inspect house; small number in house at one time Moderator keeps things moving & informs of ground rules Sharing recognition of defects is not tolerated 2 hours to inspect house 1 hour to prepare oral presentation to panel of 3 committee members Each participant presents their findings and quiz results to the review panel Group gathers to discuss the day and results

Moderators Set Ground Rules & Keep Things Moving

Passing the Review Participant inspects a house, and then briefs the committee on the defects found. Participant also brings 2 previously completed inspection reports (one from an older home and one from a newer home) to determine compliance with Standards of Practice. Participant also required to answer 30 question quiz on general knowledge of home inspections and the Standards of Practice, 70 percent pass rate required.

Learn from Experienced Inspectors

Success! Review of two reports, the oral presentation and 30 questions. Pass: If the participant found all of the defects determined by the committee, passes the oral test and the reports are in substantial compliance with the SOP, they are recognized for this achievement.

Peer Review Training ASHI Great Lakes Chapter offers training of a Peer Review Program for chapters Apply to GLC for Peer Review training (see ASHI Reporter, April 2007 regarding Great Lakes Chapter Peer Review Program. Program includes IBR and MIBR designations when requirements are met.

Ideas from Chapters for peer inspection reviews: Several chapters offer peer inspection reviews – here are some ideas: Keep it simple the first time. Limit the number of participants. Teams of two inspect home; team leader takes photos of highlights. Team creates a report of findings.

More Ideas: Meet at a regularly scheduled meeting to compare notes and findings. Create a PowerPoint presentation of photos of inspections to spur the conversation. View one or two of the Smart Track Chapter Modules for technical information. Hold peer inspection review as an annual chapter event.

More Ideas: Hold peer inspection review on a Friday, preceding a weekend seminar. Certificate of achievement presented to each participant. Groups of 5 inspectors with a leader inspect house. Several groups begin inspecting house at 1pm, moving to a different area every 45 minutes. Once all groups have completed rotation throughout house, meet and compare notes. An opportunity to discuss & learn.

And last but not least: Take Photos of the Event and send to the Editor to be posted in the Reporter. ASHI St. Louis Chapter Event Success!