Home Inspections Go High Tech With Infrared Cameras
Global TV recently reported on a new tool that professional home inspectors now have at their disposal — a camera that uses infrared thermal imaging to see what would normally be hidden. Ryan Wiebe of Star Home Inspections has been using this technology in the Kelowna area to help potential homeowners find any hidden flaws within a property’s walls. The home inspection would carry out as normal but also be aided by a camera aimed at certain areas which exposes potential pitfalls such as water leaks, missing insulation, overheating circuits in electrical panels, and the list goes on.
What a great idea! Many times have I heard of someone hiring a licensed home inspector that had missed many hidden problems within the house. This camera, when operated with a trained eye, could eliminate the surprises that many homeowners deal with shortly after purchasing a home. The fact that it has the ability to find water damage could save someone from purchasing a mould infested home, cutting down on the potential health risks. Also no longer would someone have to worry about potential fire hazards from poorly done electrical in the house. In my mind this technology could save thousands of dollars in potential repair costs for the first time homebuyer who is normally stretched for cash in the first place.
Mr. Wiebe believes that an inspector can see approximately 30% of the home on a traditional walk through, but with his camera he believes that he is seeing approximately 60% now. Also, since it is being recorded he can share these images with his clients, ensuring that they are truly seeing the property that they are about to purchase.
I say that this technology should be in the hands of all home inspectors, giving the homebuyer the most amount of information possible to guide their decision making.
