Blue River Home Inspections Blog

I started doing infrared scans in the spring and include them free of charge in all inspections.  I feel this adds  a lot more value to the inspection and gives me a chance to do a more thorough job.  What I find myself doing is using the scan to help verify some issue I already found using traditional methods.  Like if I see insulation missing in the attic I can verify minor heat loss with an Infrared Scan or if I'm testing outside snowmelt system in the driveway I can verify it is working correctly.   So I use infrared scans as a tool to do my job and benefit the buyer. 

Comments (1)     

In April 2014 some inspectors announced the use of infrared camera during home inspections.  You will see my earlier blogs on that subject.  In March of 2015 I surveyed about 90 realtors in Summit County to learn what impact the infrared camera had on determining roof leaks or substantial findings during a home inspection.  This was very objective.  No opinions.  Just facts.   I had about 80 replies and only three of those identified instances when drywall was removed or flooring had been removed to find water damage.  Three in an entire year. Many said it was good for looking at under floor radiant heat and insulation.  So there's knowledge out there.  However my survey revealed that the infrared scans are not really contributing a significant amount of information about the home during the inspection except that a system is working ok.  From the realtors I learned the buyer's seem to like it and it's a good way to finish off the inspection.  So I bought one!!  Infrared camera scans are included with every home inspection by Blue River Home Inspections. 

Comments (0)     

You would think that hiring a home inspector that used to be a Town code inspector would really be a benefit however one should keep in mind home inspectors are inspecting "used" homes.  Not homes that are in the process of being built or remodeled.  So all you're getting is someone who has been in a lot just finished homes that have been inspected over 12 months not 3 hours.  It's substantially different. 

Comments (0)     

From middle of November until late March in Summit County Colorado often the roofs are covered with snow and the shingles are not visible.  So how do we inspect the roof? Often I can't but I can look for signs there may be roof issues by what I see around and under the roof.  

Comments (2)     

I do not sample for asbestos in ceiling materials or walls etc. but as far as I know anyone can take their own samples to a lab to have the materials analyzed for substance content.  As far as I know you can take samples or even ship them to 

Comments (0)