Home Inspections

If you have ever purchased a home or are thinking of buying your first house, you no doubt already know that it is wise to have a home inspection as a condition of your agreement of purchase and sale. You may, however wish to consider adding a thermal imaging inspection also.

Relatively new to the residential real estate market thermal inspections may become a permanent fixture to every real estate transaction in much the same way as conventional home inspections have been for the past 25 years or so.

What is a Thermal Imaging Inspection?

Unlike a conventional home inspection which is visual, a thermal imaging inspection will uncover problems that are hidden to the naked eye. Using infra-red cameras thermal imaging will provide with invaluable information with issues such as water leaks in basements, energy loss, electrical faults and wood destroying infestations.

Mould Growth

Conventional home inspectors will usually tell you they have no knowledge in mould issues beyond what is apparent on the surface. If mould growth has started behind paneling or tiles for example it may not be visibly noticeable on the surface and go undetected. A thermal inspection will reveal the problem to you.

Water Leaks

Often conventional home inspectors will find surface evidence of water leaks in basements or ceilings, and the good will of sellers is relied upon when asked if the problem has been fixed. Want to know for sure? A thermal inspection will reveal if the issue still exists and where the source of the problem exists, giving you the peace of mind that only certainty can bring.

Energy Loss

The efficient use of energy is high on a home buyers mind these days. A thermal inspection will show you where heat loss is occurring around windows, doors, ceilings and attics.

The following are some other areas where a thermal imaging inspection will detect problems not easily seen by a surface inspection: -

• Hidden electrical faults that are possible fire hazards
• Overloaded electrical circuits
• Missing insulation
• Hidden roof leaks
• Hidden plumbing leaks
• Air conditioner compressor leaks
• Structural problems and defects

If you are close to buying your first home or your second, it is probably a good idea to include a conditional home inspection clause, but you may also want to consider adding a thermal imaging inspection. For most, a home will be the single largest investment of a lifetime. Wouldn't you like to know the true condition of the home you will be living in?