Bringing in the heat--or keeping it out!

Wow, Gregory, mine doesn't but I would love it!  Anything I can do to ensure that they are going to get the best home possible.  At times they would have to be warned first that their price range isn't going to look pretty, but I assume that we can always improve on the minor things that can cause higher utility bills.

I am an inspector and I DO NOT use thermography, and here's why.  Some people say that using thermography goes WAY beyond the national standards, and I agree, but that isn't why I don't do it.   Some people say that using thermography sets a new standard for home inspections and soon the regular inspector will need to use it to keep in business.  Maybe, but that's capitalism.  That's not why I don't use it.

I don't use thermography because there are at least 2 inspectors in my area that do it - and IT IS INCLUDED IN THEIR STANDARD PRICE.  Already, home inspections are under priced for the value they provide.  Why add MORE info (and work) for no more profit.  And, as a matter of fact it is very cost prohibitive to enter this realm of inspecting - especially for no more profit.  Several thousand dollars for the equipment and training? For that money, you could be trained in Radon testing, buy some really fancy equipment, charge for the extra service, and MAKE MORE MONEY.

The reason I don't do it is because I did the math, and for me, the cost exceeds the reward.  The inspectors that go above and beyond certainly provide more information to the client, but what is the benefit to you?

Greg, I have seen some of the InterNACHI videos, but I don't recall seeing that equipment being used, but I can't remember everything.  Now, don't get me wrong, I think this equipment is great and I would love to do this service to set me apart from the competition, however right now my money is better spent on advertising.  Now, if you charged extra for this service then there is no problem at all, but there are many inspectors that include it standard.  Personally, each of my inspections takes about 4 hours or so.  The one I did today took 5.5.  I'm not slow, but I'm VERY thorough.  I'm that notorious deal killer everyone talks about. 

Listen to this Realtors - If an inspector is hired that uses thermography and can complete the inspection and hand you a report in 2 to 2.5 hours, then I recommend for you to run away.  There is enough to inspect to fill up that time, and if you add thermography to the mix you have to wonder what are they missing in order to use that equipment during their inspection timeframe.

I personally feel that some people use this for the WOW factor.  You can add fancy tools to your arsenel, but that doesn't necessarily make you a better inspector.  Everyone has to ultimately make their own decision whether or not to use this equipment.  Eventually, when prices come down, I'll use it, but not now.

Great post Greg!  Keep up the good work and the thought provoking posts!

I went to a seminar and one of the sessions was on IR cameras given by an inspector (not a manfacturer). The gist of his session was that most homes do not benefit from an IR scan, 2) you better know how to read the scan because you are no longer doing a visible inspections and will be held to a higher standard 3) the technology is changing faster than one can breakeven $$$ on the camera investment 4) most of his profitable work is on commercial structures.

The IR camera manufacturers see the home inspection business as lucrative market but the reality is that most areas won't support the upcharge. I remember inspecting in Colorado and recommending radon testing. Radon is known to cause cancer and in some cases people just said not interested. We were charging only $125 at the time to tell them if the home would cause cancer or not. Although IR cameras are cool tech gadgets I don't think I could charge enough to see a payback in two years or about 700 inspections.
Rick Bunzel, CRI
Pacific Crest Inspections
NPSAR Affiliate of the Year 2006-2007
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