Do home inspectors typically use infrared technology to detect air leakage?

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: We use thermal imaging based on customer request. There is an additional charge to do the whole property.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Infrared technology is a specialty service that has its own certification.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared inspections are not included in a typical inspection, but can be added for an additional cost.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: I will reply what can be seen visually.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: We use Infrared Technology as the situation arises.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Many home inspectors use infrared technology to detect air leakage.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: IR cameras are very expensive the training needed to use them properly is very expensive. If an inspector is not charging extra he may not have invested the time and money in the training needed.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared technology is normally not part of a normal home inspection, but can be added as an additional charge.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: We do

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Indicators may be discovered. A more technical inspection should be performed focusing on energy usage issues.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Energy efficiency is outside the scope of a home inspection. Pointing out obvious problem areas, such as minimal attic insulation or older windows and doors should be included.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Although some will do so, it is not normally done.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: inspectors that do not use infrared will almost never find an air leak.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: i do not use the camera unless there is a big red flag on insulation and air movement.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Yet I do to find hidden problems, moisture, rot, or insects etc.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: However, it is a real good idea to make sure that they have that capability. Here at Royalty Home Solutions, we have that capability.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Some do

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: depends on temp. differential

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Always

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Some inspection sev espana offer for additional fee.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: I am not qualified to perform those inspections.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Well the good ones do. This brings another issue though. Not all infrared equiptment is the same and not all inspectors are trained to use it. For example in September of 2016 I was inspecting a property in down town Houston (new 3 stroy town home). The nieghboring property was also being inspected and the buyers were there before the inspector. We had a small conversation about home buying and they told me what sold them on their inspector was his use of thermal imaging. Fast forward a few hours and I notice their inspector performing his infrared scan...with an attachment on his iphone. Now while it is a cool novelty to have a thermal camera on ones phone it is not a professional grade instrument. I personally have several thousands of dollars invested in my thermal training and equiptment. Also, I feel as though many inspectors use infrared as a "short cut". Many say they can see moisture inside walls. Well I will be totally honest and tell you thats not true. The insepctors using infrared as a shortcut will decide that because the camera shows no difference in temperature there is no moisture. A more experianced inspector will go back over areas they suspect with a deep sensing moisture meter. Ask your insepctor questions about their equiptment and training.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared technology is a great tool but is not usually part of a home inspection. Home inspectors that are using Infrared usually charge for the service due to the expense of the training and cost of the proper equipment. Air leakage test are usually done as part of a home energy audit.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: This is a extra cost for most inspectors

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: We use infrared for much more than just air leakage issues. Great for detecting water and moisture problems.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared scanning is not part of a standard home inspection.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Inspection companies may offer many extra types of inspections. None are right or wrong and if the buyer has any concerns about something in particular than additional inspection services are a good idea. A good standard inspection should exposed any major issues.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: This is not generally included as part of the basic home inspection.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: This is a newer aspect of home inspections and not generally included as part of the basic home inspection. We offer it as an additional inspection, for an additional charge.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: I include this and would recommend regardless of who you use, require it be done by someone who know how to use the equipment.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: This is fairly new to the industry and it takes time to learn and perfect.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Not at this time

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: A Balance Home Inspection does use infrared technology, but this is offered at an additional service.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: This service is considered an ancillary service.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: This is not usually provided in a standard inspection.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: some inspectors charge extra for this service. We included it in the service and the report

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Some inspectors use them to find moisture problems without an additional fee. Some inspectors charge extra for more in-depth use of infrared cameras. These cameras cost thousands of dollars and expensive training.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: most do not have the technology

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: We use infrared thermometers to detect temperature differentials.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Not usually done, but some inspectors do that.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Infrared (IR) or thermography inspections are great for detecting moisture, missing insulation and air leakage especially when used in conjunction with a "blower door". There is an additional charge for this added service.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: See website for thermal imaging options.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: It is not required that a home inspector have any training in infrared technology in AZ. The cost of this service (if offered) would most likely be an additional charge to the client.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Energy audit is an specialty inspection and it's not part of the comprehensive home inspection.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Many companies have the capability and at an additional charge can use infrared technology.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Infrared technology is beyond the scope of a home inspection.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared photography is a specialized type of inspections and the inspector who uses it should be certified and have the appropriate level of training and education.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared technology can be done for additional fees normally.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Usually costs more for this service

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: We use infrared technology for finding moisture and other defects. Air leakage is usually part of a energy audit

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Thermography is the latest technology being used to find insulation gaps, hot wires in double taps, water leaks, and of course air leakage. It is a bonus to the buyer for an inspector to include this in their report.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: As an emerging technology I can see it being used more in the future.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared is not typically included in a home inspection.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: But we do use this and do not charge additional.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: not part of home inspection

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: The inspector should have training in infrared technology before using to inspect a house system. This is an should be an additional fee.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared scanning is typically for energy inspection.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Combustible gas, CO, Temperature and moisture meters are use in all standard inspections

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Thermal imaging can be used to indicate deficiencies in insulation at an additional fees.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Buyers discression

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: This is usually conduted by a Building Performance Analyst.The ThermalImaging/Infrared Test is also conducted by a Certified Level 1 Thermographer WHICH I AM. This is a Very Unique area of Expertise as some home inspectors think that by pointing the camera they can actually undersatnd what they are veiwng for an additional cost to the home buyer. The fact is you need to go to school and learnb how to not only use it but interprete its findings onto a report. An Individual that really Does NOT know anything and pertennds he/she does comes in with a $1500 or less camera. The Camaeras we use start at $8,500 and are the best out there to date.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: this is usually in an energy audit.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared technology is new to the industry, and quite expensive, but can usually be done for an additional charge through various components, not strictly limited to air leakage.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: this would be an example of a secondary service. With that said, an inspector with a building background should be able to educate the buyer relative to leakage issues.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Ask questions of what is included in an inspection, lead paint testing, radon, water quality, septic inspection, heat efficiency etc are all extra services for additional fees

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Thermal Imaging is not required by the Standards of Practice in Texas, but some inspectors do have the equipment and training to offer this service. Be sure to ask if the inspector is certified to operate and interpret thermal imaging equipment. Knowing how to accurately diagnose thermal images is a unique skill set.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: We offer it at an additional charge.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: I do perform Infrared (Thermal) Inspections for an additional fee.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Some do for an additional charge but a close look at items such as windows and doors can tell me if air leakage/ heat loss will be significant. The age of the home is also a factor. Older homes, 50+ years will have a noticeable amount of air leakage, newer homes can be very air tight.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: It's a good service to offer.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Home inspections are visual. It is beyond the scope to use infrared. Generally old homes were built without wall insulation so they do leak. Fancy equipment isn't needed to determine that. A water leak inside the wall would have other less technical evidence like wet or stained drywall.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: The cameras are $20,000 and up. Not really worth the costs for a basic inspection since SC does not require this. Worth about $500.00 per infrared report.