Title

2023 VAREI Annual Seminar

Summary

Seminar for VAREI Members with Lunch and Association Meeting

Description

VAREI is hosting its 2023 Annual Seminar on Thursday, October 5 in Richmond. There is no charge for VAREI members -- it's included in your annual membership fee. The seminar features 7 relevant educational sessions presented by 6 topic experts. Lunch is provided.

This seminar is approved for 7 CE credits in Virginia, West Virginia and Delaware. This seminar is approved for 6 CPC credits with Maryland.

See details below with information about the Wednesday evening Social Event and Hotel Recommendation.

Seminar topics and presenters are: 

Session 1: How an Engineer Assesses Structural Issues, Brian Deska, P.E.

Session 2: Inspecting for Moisture Intrusion, Stanley Yeskolski

Session 3: Understanding EIFS and Stucco Exterior Finishes, Stanley Yeskolski

Session 4: Reporting in Compliance with Regulations, John Cranor

Session 5: Better Planning for Inspector Success, Scott Biller

Session 6: Inspecting Masonry, Michael Bryan

Session 7: Deck Inspections for New and Existing Construction, Michael Wolfe

In addition, the seminar will include an update from DPOR's director, a legislative update from VAREI's lobbyist, and an Association report.

Start Date And Time

10/05/2023 08:00 am

End Date And Time

10/05/2023 05:00 pm

Location

Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center, 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen (Richmond), VA 23060

Details

2023 VAREI Annual Seminar and Meeting

Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center, 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen (Richmond), VA 23060

Approved for 6 CPC credits in Maryland

Thursday, October 5

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Agenda

7:30–8:00    Registration Sign-in

8:00–8:10    Welcome and Overview

8:10–8:20    Sponsor Introductions (3 sponsors)

8:20–9:10    Session 1: How an Engineer Assesses Structural Issues, Brian Deska, P.E.

Brian will outline strategies that can help home inspectors tell the difference between serious structural concerns and less critical situations, as well as identifying the houses and housing designs that have an increased risk of structural failure and where to look for these failures. This session will cover foundations, below-grade water intrusion, and structural issues.

9:10–9:20    Roundtable Discussions

9:20–9:30    Sponsor Introductions (3 sponsors)

9:30–10:20  Session 2: Inspecting for Moisture Intrusion, Stanley Yeskolski

Even minor moisture intrusion is a significant defect in the home. When undetected or overlooked, moisture sources can lead to problems that may eventually require expensive remediation efforts. This session will address the many areas to look for moisture intrusion, ways to verify the presence of moisture, and effective courses of correction.

10:20–10:30 Roundtable Discussions

10:30–10:45 Break

10:45–11:35 Session 3: Understanding EIFS and Stucco Exterior Finishes, Stanley Yeskolski

Though EIFS and stucco appear similar, these systems have very different attributes. This session will help the inspector understand the different generations of EIFS systems and issues related to cracks, lamina deterioration, and movement joints. Discussion will include risk assessment approaches for both EIFS and Stucco. While referral to a specialist may be recommended, having a better understanding of the different cladding systems will help the inspector communicate with the client about potential issues.

11:35-11:45 Roundtable Discussions

11:45-12:15 Annual Meeting: DPOR Update, Lobbying Update, VAREI Elections

12:15–1:00  Lunch

1:00–1:50    Session 4: Reporting in Compliance with Regulations, John Cranor

As a member of a state board that oversees the home inspection profession, John has seen the many issues and complaints that have resulted in home inspectors being reported for non-compliance. In this session, John will cover proper procedures that home inspectors need to follow in preparing agreements, conducting inspections, and writing reports. Inspectors will gain confidence that they are following best practices in the way they conduct business and serve their clients.

1:50–2:00    Roundtable Discussions

2:00–2:50    Session 5: Better Planning for Inspector Success, Scott Biller

Though the NHIE study materials focus on the many technical aspects of conducting a home inspection, it also includes a section that covers a variety of business topics. Technical knowledge alone does not mean that a home inspector will be able to stay in business and even thrive. Scott will share various proven approaches for business and personal planning and guide attendees through a process they can use to keep their business on track and poised for success, so that they can better serve their clients with quality inspections.

2:50–3:00    Roundtable Discussions

3:00–3:10    Break

3:10–4:00    Session 6: Inspecting Masonry, Michael Bryan

Masonry issues can sometimes be challenging for inspectors to evaluate. This session will provide an overview of various types of masonry and their common defects. Discover how to identify and describe different masonry systems, as well as compatibility issues that might arise when specific materials are mixed. Mike will also address issues related to footings, cracks and their causes, and fireplace issues. Attendees will learn about how to address masonry defects and concerns in their reports.

4:00–4:10    Roundtable Discussions

4:10–5:00    Session 7: Deck Inspection for New and Existing Construction, Michael Wolfe

The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) estimates that 30 million residential decks are past their useful life and need 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 extend the deck’s service life. This session provides an overview of various standards and best practices for the condition of decks to ensure they are safe and strong, based on a knowledge of current codes.

5:00             Registration Sign-out

Meet the Presenters

Brian Deska, P.E. is a licensed professional engineer, owner, and Chief Engineer of Deska Services, a highly rated design-build firm with 28 employees that specializes in providing professional engineering consultation and contracting services to residential and commercial building owners, managers, and insurance companies.

Stanley Yeskolski has 40 years of combined experience in the building, construction, and inspection industries, with a focus on inspection since 1998. He is qualified in court as an expert in construction, EIFS, stucco, building inspection, mold contamination, and identification/ assessment of water damage. He has written certification standards, professional education curriculum, and assessment/ remediation protocols for numerous industry organizations. Stanley is a certified professional with the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industries, Exterior Design Institute, Moisture Warranty Corporation, Building Specs, Inc., Indoor Environmental Standards Organization, and American Indoor Air Quality Association.

John Cranor has been a home inspector for 25 years. He has evaluated many thousands of properties of every style and era, from historic 200-year-old homes to new construction and fixer-uppers to fabulous “mansions”. He also does consulting work including diagnostic investigations and litigation support. John is a past president of VAREI and has held leadership roles with ASHI. He currently serves on the  Virginia DPOR board that oversees home inspectors.

Scott Biller founded his general contracting firm Biller & Associates in 1995. Six 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.

Michael Bryan has 15 years in the masonry trade prior to becoming a home inspector. In 1993 he began to inspect homes and light commercial buildings and has conducted more than 16,000 residential and light commercial inspections. Mike serves as the current president of the Central Virginia Chapter of ASHI.

Michael Wolfe is the senior territory manager for Virginia and D.C. with Simpson Strong-Tie Co., a leading manufacturer of structural connectors in North America and Europe. Mike joined the company 23 years ago and frequently conducts training for building and deck contractors, educating them about best practices in their construction jobs, including deck construction.

Questions?

Email VAREI with your questions or comments and a VAREI board member will contact you.

info@varei.org