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Are house inspectors equipped with infrared imaging device better inspectors than those using only conventional home inspection devices?

This question probably arises when you are choosing among recommended house inspectors and you are being convinced by a particular home inspector that he is better than the rest because he uses a top-of-the-line IR imaging device that can diagnose the conditions of parts of the house that are not easily accessible.

An IR inspection device is a customized camera that takes thermal images of hidden parts of the house or parts behind surfaces.

These thermal images show spots that indicate possible problems in the structures of the house or in the components of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, ventilation and water systems.

The IR camera uses the technology of thermography, which enables people to see and gauge images of heat emitted by any material.

Among the defects that can be easily diagnosed by an IR camera are damaged insulation or lack of insulation, faulty mechanical or electrical systems, leaking roofs, constructions defects, damages from previous fires that were already repaired and presence of pests such as termites.

In electrical and mechanical systems, the IR camera can diagnose defects in heat furnace exchanges, flues, motors, wirings, circuits, pumps, refrigerants and HVAC components.

In insulation systems, the IR camera can point out damages or moisture in walls, windows, access plates and crawlspaces.

Nevertheless, no matter how efficient the features of the IR camera are, mere possession of the IR camera by home inspectors is not an assurance that your home inspection will be adequate and well-done. This is because the usefulness of the IR camera depends on the skill and training of the house inspectors and their understanding of thermography.

Experienced home inspectors trained in thermography will know when to say that a hot or cold area in the thermal image represents a problem. Sometimes, thermal images show heat coming from materials other than the parts being diagnosed.

In the home inspection and thermal imaging industry, there are thermal imaging camera operators, thermographers and house inspectors who are also good thermographers.

Because of the high cost of thermography devices, home inspectors using them would most probably increase their fees to cover the acquisition of the device.

In conclusion, not all house inspectors using the IR camera are better than those who do not use the device. There are talented inspectors that can perform better without the device. But good house inspectors who can also use the IR camera well will be able to help those seeking more thorough home inspections.

Home Inspection, Home Inspectors

Both home buyers and house inspectors would benefit from the home inspection provision of the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, which is expected to get priority treatment from the House this year.

The home inspection has been lauded by the American Society of Home Inspectors, praising the House Financial Services Committee and Representative Nydia Velazquez for enhancing consumer protection.

The home inspection provision aims to educate first-time home buyers and other home buyers not familiar with the complexities of home buying.

According to a study conducted by the General Accounting Office, there are many home buyers who are not familiar with home inspection and whose views about home inspection are not congruent with reality. A lot of home buyers do not know that house inspections are not done automatically; that valuations are not house inspections; that the HUD recommends voluntary house inspections; that the FHA does not do home inspection; and that they should initiate a home inspection.

ASHI President Bill Richardson said the bill would help home buyers make smart decisions when purchasing a house. He said the effort to educate prospective home buyers before they make wrong decisions is a victory for home buyers across the country.

Under the bill, which was championed by Velazquez with help from Representative Judy Biggert, HUD is required to accomplish a set of activities, such as publishing a home inspection advisory; creating a home inspection booklet for homebuyers; and publishing a FAQ on home inspection.

The HUD is also required to publish the advisories in both Spanish and English, distribute the materials widely, ensure that low-income and first-time home buyers are reached, and include information on both FHA home sales and non-FHA sales.

To ensure that home inspection counseling is provided to everyone that needs help, FHA lenders and HUD counselors were given certain responsibilities to accomplish. Lenders approved by the FHA will be instructed to give home inspection information at first contact to help prospective home buyers think about home inspection early in the house buying process.

HUD-certified counselors will receive training in providing advice on home inspection and on choosing home inspectors. They will also be instructed to provide home inspection brochures to prospective home buyers.

Home Inspection

In an ironic way, the glut of foreclosed homes has presented opportunities for many Americans to buy homes at affordable prices and in many instances, at prices so low even those who have saved just enough can buy a home.

But prospective home buyers must conduct a home inspection before they buy foreclosed homes to ensure that the home buying opportunities do not turn into nightmares of repairs.

These foreclosed homes, although attractive opportunities, can also become deep pits that consume all your money for repairs.

If you buy from banks, remember that they just want to have their money back. They do not care if later on, you find that there are major parts to be repaired. Unlike many owners of FSBO homes whom you can negotiate with personally for repairs before the actual purchase, real-estate-owned homes from banks are typically sold in the condition they were repossessed.

This is why you need to hire a licensed and experienced house inspector to conduct a home inspection, so you can compute whether the house is a good buy.

With a home inspection report, you can ask home repair contractors for cost estimates and see if the sum of the home price and repair costs is still equal or less than the prevailing home price for similar foreclosed houses in the area.

Kylene Golubski, an executive at home inspection firm Inspect-It 1st, said that after banks repossess foreclosed homes, they send their personnel to disconnect utilities and lock the houses without repairing the properties. They sell their foreclosure properties as REO properties in current conditions. Oftentimes, the banks also do not reduce their asking prices even if they know the foreclosed properties are defective.

Golubski said a professional home inspection conducted by a licensed and experienced house inspector can be obtained for a few hundred dollars and the result will save the prospective home buyer thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.

Golubski advises potential home buyers not to buy foreclosed homes that have a lot of defects, especially major defects, and especially if the asking price is above average in the area.

She added that you can only determine the true extent of defects in a foreclosed home if you hire someone trained and experienced in thorough home inspection.

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