Getting A Closer Look.

Bob "RealMan" Timm - Outstanding!

This is a very informative and educational post! 

Good morning, Bob... I recommend a pre-drywall and final inspection to all my new construction clients. For resale homes, if they don't want an inspection they sign off on a document that states I recommended it and it was their choice not to inspect.

Gracias, Señor Bob - after finding whole walls and ceilings devoid of insulation (in new construction!!), I have had a builder's supervisor look me in the face and say, "Home inspectors should not be allowed to use thermal cameras."  What stupidity.  So I said, "Builders should not be allowed to sell homes without insulation in the walls or ceilings!"  A thermal camera's view of insulation, or missing insulation, is definitive.  If it's winter, and the wall is 36F, and looks cold when compared to indoor walls, gee, it must be cold!  Could it be devoid of insulation?  I've gone to do a one-year inspection on houses, where I did not do the initial inspection, and the owner has met me at the door.  "The baby's room is hot and cold.  Can you figure that out?"  Um, yes!  So, we go upstairs, look at the ceiling, and behold, no insulation.  A thermal image proves that.  Going into the attic and taking a photo from above solidified that finding!  Zero insulation.  She was so impressed she did a happy dance!  "They told me I was crazy, that of course there was insulation!!"  Uh, you know, like, I mean, yeah, um, wow, like - no!  And that wasn't the only thing I found with my camera that day!

I got into thermal imaging about 16 years ago when my son was on his first trip to Iraq.  He emailed me and said I should start using thermal cameras in my inspections.  I said, "Um, whuuut?"  So I looked into it, got a lot of training, bought a good unit, and it's been a gentle uphill and over the rainbow ever since!  Most home inspectors don't do it because, frankly, it isn't cheap.  But I think it's worth it.

Good Morning Bob "RealMan" Timm 

In my opinion, home inspections performed by a licensed and competent home inspector should be mandatory. People need someone that can "eyeball" the situation 

Thank you very much, Bob, for sharing your experience and advice.

A home inspection is a very important part of the home buying process.

Do not forget that the majority of houses are built by the lowest bidder. The Builder hires the rough in crew , the insulators , the plumbing crew , the electrical contractor and others. They all want to maximize their profit, they all have have inexperienced, lazy, or tired employees that miss or skip things. This sets up an ongoing battle between the Builder and all the subs they hire also as a final check the buyer must be aware of what they are buying. None of us would buy a car without a test drive and or an inspection. We don't even buy from Amazon without at least glancing at the reviews.

House inspections are very important, do not buy because it's painted a nice color.

Good morning Bob,

An excellent post! I always tell by new construction home buyers to have a pre-sheet rock inspection because once it's buttoned up with sheetrock you won't catch anything going on behind! Then do a final inspection..the builders will fix things they find so it's worth it!

Hello Bob,  I had a new built homes that I insisted on a inspection and one room was missing a heat vent.  It happens.

Great insights, Bob "RealMan" Timm! 👀🔍 It's a powerful reminder that we can't catch everything with the naked eye, and a home inspector's expertise is worth every penny. Thanks for highlighting the importance of looking beyond the surface! #HomeInspectionMatters #StayInformed 🏡✅

Excellant post with great information about using an inspector. Thanks for sharing it.

Have a super fantastic week!

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

I once listed a home for sale and during a home inspection, it turned out that there was no insulation in the attic crawl space!

The home was relatively new. We contacted the builder. They sent workers to blow insulation into the crawl space...at no charge...which was the right thing to do.

Hi Bob,
I once had a pending sale on a new construction home where the inspection revealed the roof was installed improperly. That was an expensive redo for the builder!

HI Bob- well done. Home inspections are a must!  Larry always worked for large home builders. His first company put the onus on their Sales Consultants to fully inspect the home before it was turned over to the buyers. The feeling was that the Consultant would be very thorough because he was the one his buyers would call if issues came up. It was to his benefit to minimize the number of calls he would receive. 

Whoa, seeing somethings eyes pop out like that would certainly spook me, haha.

Hello, Bob "RealMan" Timm the operative word I read is competent! Like any other profession, home inspectors are not one size fits all. 

Infrared devices are a game changer. 

I've seen new construction homes with foundation issues.  All homes need an inspection by a competent home inspector!