Thanks to our advanced technology, we offer a one-of-a-kind approach to the traditional home inspection process. This process combines a traditional visual inspection with a high-tech procedure unmatched by most other home inspection companies…
The Advanced Infrared Home Inspection
We begin with a thorough examination of the home’s walls, ceiling, floors, plumbing and wiring. Differences in temperature show up as thermal variations which provide us with crucial information that could range from energy loss and electrical problems to water damage, roof and pipe leaks, mold growth, pest and vermin infestations, and structural defects.
We combine the infrared scan with a traditional (visual) home inspection, paying special attention to the warning signs detected in the infrared scan. During this process we investigate “suspicious” areas, as indicated by the infrared scan, and seek to identify and confirm the problem or problems.
What We Screen For:
|
|
Traditional Inspection Includes:
|
|
Frequently Asked Home Inspection Questions:
We combine a traditional visual-only property inspection with our advanced infrared technology to provide a more thorough understanding of the true condition of a home you are about to purchase.
While BC Warner Inspections is considered to be one of the most thorough and detailed home inspections in the area, our included infrared technology also makes us one of the most advanced! We utilize the infrared camera to augment the visual inspection. Infrared helps us to identify otherwise hidden concerns that may often go undetected without its use.
Because a real estate transaction is time-sensitive, the inspection may not always occur under the most ideal conditions for infrared inclusion. However, we do the best we can under the conditions to provide accurate documentation, and use some of the most technically advanced and sensitive equipment in our service area. Combined with our experience and training, this ensures our clients receive the most accurate results possible.
YES!
Yes there is a difference between quality of equipment used, as well as amount of training.
Infrared technology continues to improve and change; however, not all thermal imaging cameras are created equal. As technology advances, equipment costs have come down. Consumer demand has created a market for low-end, consumer-grade infrared cameras which have enticed many unwary inspectors to jump on the thermal imaging band wagon. One of the more popular consumer-grade cameras is the FLIR brand C2 camera. It’s a neat device, and completely affordable to the average consumer at a cost between $300.00 and $400.00, but far from adequate for professional use in residential and commercial inspection applications. The resolution and some of the “gimmicky” features for the C2 make this camera a horrid choice for a professional inspector as seen in the composite image below:
The image depicts the difference in image quality as well as accuracy in documenting a known concern. These were captured under less than ideal conditions with merely a 7 degree temperature difference at the surface. The bottom right shows the visible light (digital) image where clearly a stain is visible. The top two images are from the consumer-grade C2 which are unclear and entirely fail to document active moisture in the stain. The bottom left is from the equipment utilized by BC Warner Inspections, A Fluke model TiX520 thermal imaging camera. It clearly indicates (through the dark amorphous spots in the center) that the stains are indeed active. Now admittedly, a thermal camera was not necessary to determine whether the stain was active or not. Any good inspector would have used a moisture meter to determine the same. But, the images clearly illustrate that low-quality equipment can miss concerns… especially if they aren’t visible to the naked eye first. Worse yet, a poorly equipped inspector with little if any training or experience may inaccurately claim a problem exists when it doesn’t.
Additionally, proper training and education for thermal imaging applications are expensive. Residential infrared inspection is one of the most complicated applications known to the infrared industry. It combines the knowledge of a building inspector with the advanced science behind infrared technology. Not fully understanding either is a disastrous combination for both the client and the inspector, but the client is the one who has the most to lose. BC Warner Inspections has obtained advanced training for infrared applications to include Level I and Level II infrared thermography and Specialist Infrared Residential Inspection Advanced designation. This combined with our years of inspection experience ensures clients an accurate and complete inspection service.
In the end… “ The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Yes!
Within 24-48 hours after the thorough inspection (which typically lasts around 3 hours itself for an average-sized home), we provide you with a comprehensive and detailed property condition report. The report includes our observations, recommendations, helpful maintenance comments, digital photos, and of course pertinent thermal images.
Any significant concerns or defects which are considered worthy of negotiation or seller concessions are prioritized in the report. While these suggested repair items are certainly subjective in nature, clients are encouraged to review the report in its entirety for any other items you may personally deem worthy of repair or seller concessions, and discuss these with your real estate agent.
I have devoted years of time and investment in quality training and equipment to provide our clients a truly unbiased and experienced infrared inspection service. BC Warner Inspections does not perform repairs, so our service remains truly unbiased and dedicated to your best interest and trust. My knowledge and experience in residential thermal inspections is surpassed by few. In fact, as the Educational Director for the National Association of Commercial Building Inspectors & Thermographers™, I find myself answering questions and providing technical support to many local and regional inspection companies, as well as to inspectors across the United States and Canada who actively seek advice from an experienced thermographer and inspector. Infrared technology and training varies dramatically in quality, specifications, and of course costs. Many providers, contractors, and individual inspectors unfortunately choose to enter this profession as cheaply as possible with little to no training and grossly inadequate equipment. When accuracy, quality, and experience matters in such an important application as an Infrared inspection, BC Warner Inspections & Thermal Imaging Services is the right choice for your next home inspection.