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Qualifications
The quality and usefulness of any inspection depends upon the knowledge and experience of the person who conducts the inspection.
While Pennsylvania has established some minimum standards for home inspections, the building inspection industry is still largely unregulated. The extent and quality of the site inspection, report, and follow-up assistance vary significantly. So do the expertise and credentials of the inspectors. CRITERIUM-YINGST ENGINEERS exceeds the minimum state requirements and is a member of two national organizations - the National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
All of Criterium-Yingst Engineers' inspections are supervised by Professional Engineers. The P.E. license is awarded by each state and is your assurance that the engineer is knowledgeable, ethical, and accountable. Accountability is a true measure of commitment to one's profession and clients. At a minimum, Criterium-Yingst's Professional Engineers:
- Have completed an accredited, degreed engineering program, have worked for four years under the direction of other engineers, and have passed a comprehensive state board exam. This is your assurance that they are properly trained to evaluate your property.
- Are bound by a code of ethics that requires that they limit their practice to areas in which they have expertise.
- Have completed a training course sponsored by Criterium Engineers in Portland, ME.
In addition to their professional qualifications, Criterium-Yingst's engineers participate in:
- Continuing education programs
- Intensive seven-day training programs sponsored by Criterium Engineers
- Regular peer reviews
Our Staff
Stephen M. Yingst, P.E., CBIE is the President and Owner of Criterium-Yingst Engineers. Mr. Yingst's special expertise is in the evaluation and analysis of commercial and residential properties. As a Professional Engineer, he has personally inspected thousands of commercial and residential buildings. His experience ranges from a 750,000 square foot shopping mall, to a 100-unit apartment building, to primary residences and houses at every stage of construction. He provides in-depth consultations with building owners on specific problems such as basement water infiltration, EIFS (Exterior Insulated Finish System) water infiltration, mold and mildew issues, structural repairs, roof certifications, and design/build assistance. He is distinguished as an expert in the field of investigative engineering and frequently testifies in court as an expert witness.
 Mr. Yingst is a licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University. (Go Lions!) He is a member of the National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE), the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE), the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association (PSMA), and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Mr. Yingst is a continuing education instructor for the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS, and his technical articles have appeared in numerous publications. Mr. Yingst has also received a Certified Building Inspection Engineer (CBIE) designation through a program established by NABIE.
 As Vice President and Accountant of Criterium-Yingst Engineers, Kathy E. Yingst is responsible for management of the company. In this capacity, she oversees the scheduling and secretarial functions, coordinates report review and delivery, and performs the firm's accounting and bookkeeping functions. In addition, Kathy coordinates the firm's marketing efforts and public relations through meetings with potential customers, marketing surveys and mailing of quarterly newsletters. Kathy received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pennsylvania.
 Andrew D. Dionne, R.S. is an Environmental and Building Inspection specialist with over 10 years expertise in Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), Transaction Screens, and Building Evaluations. He also performs Transition and Reserve Studies for large and small townhouse and condominium association. Andrew is a skilled commercial and residential property inspector, having completed hundreds of inspections encompassing single family homes and commercial buildings. Andrew is also a Certified Radon Specialist in accordance with the standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. As such, he coordinates radon testing for the company. Andrew received his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Southern Vermont College in 1995. Recently, Andrew earned the Community Associations Institute's Reserve Specialist (RS) designation, which is awarded to experienced, qualified professionals who help condominium, cooperative and homeowner associations plan for the long-term repair and replacement of major components.
 Kirk B. Knappman is an engineering graduate of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in chemical engineering. His training combined with his knowledge of structural and mechanical systems provides Kirk with the background necessary to inspect and evaluate residential and commercial buildings for our clients. Kirk is a Certified Radon Specialist in accordance with the standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. As such, the company now has two certified individuals able to test for radon. Kirk is also a certified Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) inspector, and as a result, we are able to offer clients a warranty on the performance of a stucco system through MoistureFree Warranty.
 Dave Hoffsmith is our CAD designer and drafting technician with a background in architectural technologies and design. Mr. Hoffsmith has more than seven years of experience in a variety of projects ranging from residential design and remodeling to light commercial design. Dave is well versed in statewide building codes required to perform his design tasks. In addition, he has many years of hands-on construction experience and is well versed in various construction trades. Dave's responsibilities include the preparation of all phases of a project's building plans including site work and computer-aided drafting (CAD). Dave attended the Pennsylvania College of Technology, affiliated with Penn State University, where he completed courses in drafting and architectural design.
Our office at 421 W. Chocolate Avenue in Hershey just wouldn't run as smoothly without the efforts of Heather Kegerise, our Client Service Manager, and Kimberly Walker, our Secretary/Receptionist. Together, they have direct contact with our customers, schedule appointments, proofread and edit reports, and keep the rest of the staff on track. Their pleasant voices, knowledge of the services we provide, and dedication to providing quality customer service greatly enhance the professionalism of our firm. Heather has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Kim attended Lehigh County Community College, Allentown, PA, and has completed various computer certification courses.
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