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Why your clients deserve Thermal Imaging Home Inspections

By Kevin Boyer

Home Builder with A Absolute Home Inspections

November 29, 2009 03:08 AM

Thermal imaging picture of the outside of a home Thermal Imaging used in home inspections

Picture shows heat (Red) escaping from the windows and door ways and also the sofits

Can your clients benefit from having a thermal imaging scan? The answer should be yes, this technology of infrared cameras, have changed the way home inspectors can see the home. Thermal imaging can save consumers Hundreds to Thousands of dollars on the purchase of a home. Though the inspection is not a deal breaker. Most Realtors will be thanked by there clients for being educated in there purchase of there new home.

Infrared cameras can spot:

electrical faults before they cause a fire.

overloaded and undersized circuits.

circuit breakers in need of immediate replacement.

missing, damaged, and/or wet insulation.

heat loss and air infiltration in walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors.

water and moisture intrusion that could lead to mold.

possible pest infestation.

hidden roof leaks, before they cause serious damage.

air conditioner compressor leaks.

under fastening and/or missing framing members.

structural defects.

broken seals in double pane windows.

energy loss and efficiency.

dangerous flue leaks.

damaged and/or malfunctioning radiant heating systems.

unknown plumbing leaks.

overheated equipment.

Most inspection costs for thermal run between $300- $500 depending on the size of the home.

*some information supplied by NACHI

Kevin Boyer owner of A-Absolute Home Inpsections in North Port Fl

Sarasota Energy Audits

North Port Home Inpsections

When I see red I can save you green

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Tom Schoenbeck

Keller Williams Realty at the Beach - Rehoboth Beach, DE

Kev, Great technology. However, this type of imaging could absolutely be a deal breaker for some buyers. Apart from what might be considered heat loss from a less than adequately insulated home, some of the other detections you indicated are actually safety defects that cannot be detected by the naked eye. For example, if this inspection detects electrical faults that can lead to a fire, that is a definate deal breaker if the seller refuses to make corrections. Overheated equipment can be a deal breaker as well for the same reason. Missing framing members can be a failure as well especially if the buyer is not overly concerned, but the lender is. Although I'm not sure thermal imaging is necessary for some of the things you pointed out, as a visual inspection would detect the same thing. A dangerous flue leak is a definate problem if the seller can't repair it. It sounds like wonderful technology and if we had it available here (although we might) I'd suggest it to my buyers, but with caution.

Nov 29, 2009 03:32 AM

Kevin Boyer

A Absolute Home Inspections - North Port, FL

Tom, infrared does let us know if there are any electrical faults. By showing us the overloaded area in red. I actually have had a great response from HO about thermal and Agents. This also protects use from the un-seen.

Nov 29, 2009 09:00 AM

Also, thermal imaging will pick out previous wet spots that the naked eye will not see. Especially in the foreclosure market where the homes have been sitting for awhile.

Nov 29, 2009 09:44 AM

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