Thermal Imaging...
As a Franklin TN REALTOR® who works with many home buyers, I want to make sure that a complete home inspection is performed. The more comprehensive the inspection the better. I am not concerned about squelching the deal. My allegiance is to my clients and insuring they are happy with their new home purchase.
As long as a home inspector is properly trained in the use of thermal imaging, I am all for whatever provides a thorough examination of a property.
If you are buying a Franklin TN home, contact Tammie White at (615) 495-0752.
Thermal Imaging...
In an attempt to lessen liability and to provide more accurate inspections, it appears as if the home inspection industry is leaning towards the useof infrared cameras to detect concealed defects that would not normally be visible during the "visual" inspection process. Once again, the real estate industry is developing a love/hate relationship with this new process. Personally and professionally, I feel this is due to the "fear factor" and that the unseen and unknown may "blow the deal".
In our respective industries I feel that it is paramount to lessen liability as much as we can. We all have this huge target on our back and the bull's-eye says, "Sue me!". In the hands of a skilled prosecuting attorney, minute details can be spindled, folded, mutilated and misconstrued in such a way, that it makes the defendant looked like a complete imbecile.
But is thermal imaging the end all in the arsenal of tools in the home inspector's bag? No, not really. As with any tool, the skill lies in the knowledge of the user. There is the misconception that infrared cameras can see through walls. This is not the case! Thermal imaging cameras can only read surface temperatures. It is the home inspector's job to know how to interpret the data and back up their findings with moisture meters.
There is also the misconception in the industry that in order to obtain "accurate results" one must be a Level I, Level II or Level III thermographer. Once again, another myth that is floating around. While this may be a great marketing tool on behalf of the inspector, I don't know of any state that requires one to be "licensed". Anybody can purchase an infrared camera and scan a house. However, it is best to take some courses on how to interpret the data and use the tool.
I will expand upon this in future posts. My goal will be to help educate real estate agents and the general public that in the hands of a skilled, knowledgeable inspector that this can be a tool to find otherwise concealed defects and lessen the liability for those involved in the real estate industry.The Complete Home Inspections Team
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