American Building Inspection and Training Co. Inc. (ABITCO) was started in 1984 by Joseph J. Mahr as a residential home inspection company. Subsequently, through additional training and experience additional features were added to the residential service. Radon testing, water purity evaluation, water flow, septic dye testing, pest inspections and mold investigations were also provided. Commercial inspections became a part of their offering in 2003.
Mr. Mahr is a former New York State Code Enforcement Officer and Veterans Administration Compliance Inspector. His experience in the Home Inspection business combined with his previous teaching at Union County College in New Jersey led him to develop a Home Inspector Training program in 1995 with Ralph DeMasi a home inspector with similar experiences. Together they authored a book on Defensive Home Inspection techniques. This book is used as a principal part of the Home Inspector Training program.
As of March 9, 2005 ABITCO was provided with the only Home Inspector Training License to teach potential Home Inspectors in the state of New York by way of a 140 hour classroom instruction program. Mr. Mahr is a graduate of Newark College of Engineering (New Jersey Institute of Technology) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has completed more than 8,000 home and building inspections in New York and New Jersey. He has been a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) for more than 20 years. Currently an active member of the National Association of Certified Home inspectors (NACHI) and the International Code Council. He is a former member of the board of directors of ASHI and Council of Representatives. He has also held a position as local Chapter President of Central New York ASHI.
The Home Inspector Training program, as it exists today is the result of hundreds of trips across the country, from California to Massachusetts, Florida, Illinois, Arkansas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Missouri and many other states, providing Home Inspector Training from two and three day sessions to where it is today, a 140 hour Licensed Home Inspector Training program recognized for its excellence in providing quality Training to all who have attended the program. Feedback from the many seminars and students has resulted in the expansion of the initial 16 hour program to a full 140 hour program that presents the most in-depth knowledge to all who attend. The training is recognized by New York State Department of State as an authorized Home Inspector Training School.