FAQs – Infrared Inspections | Residential & Commercial
We are buying a brand new home; do we really need to pay to have an inspection?
The definitive answer is “YES”. Though you are building a new home, you have no way of insuring that all areas were built to code without a complete, professional, independent inspection. This is a very important phase in which our trained and experienced inspectors will rapidly identify and document construction errors, faulty materials, and imperfect cosmetic issues.
My builder sales agent says since it is a new home, an inspection really isn’t needed?
To start with, a builder sales agent should not offer such advice as they are not licensed in the area of inspections. If they were, then they would tell you what we tell all our clients – “An inspection is needed before you purchase any real estate structure to protect you and your investment.”
What is involved in a Pier & Beam Crawl Inspection?
Our goal is to crawl all four corners under the home to ascertain the condition of this space. Our inspectors take digital photos of areas you are unable to view. Photo’s for your viewing will reveal conditions of any plumbing leaks, electrical wiring issues, rotted wood, girder and sill beam damages, ponding water conditions, termite infestation -previous or active and quality of ventilation in crawl space.
Why is an infrared inspection helpful?
Imagine if you could see behind walls and ceilings of your home and identify unique temperature differences. And what if you had an expert in Building Science diagnostic knowledge to know what an unexpected area of cold or hot temperatures meant?
With the ThermaCAM EX320 camera our trained inspectors can do just that. Infrared technology allows them to diagnose your home quickly with a non-invasive camera minimizing the need for building dis-assembly. Your entire home is thoroughly examined visually and utilizing the infrared camera. The inspector uses their thorough knowledge of building construction to determine the likely cause of each thermal difference and provides suggestions to correct the problem. This helps identify:
- Moisture and Structural issues quickly
- Heating and Cooling loss with pinpoint accuracy
- Heat generated from overloaded electrical components, panels, breakers, etc.
- Energy Saving opportunities to building envelope and energy use efficiency
- Missing insulation and inadequate seals around windows and doors.
It should also be noted that these benefits are generated with minimal disruption to occupants, ongoing activities and operations.
See the section on Infrared Imaging for more information on this powerful tool.
Can you tell me more about why it is important to inspect for termites and other wood-destroying insects?
Most areas of Texas are home to termites. The Texas Agricultural Extension Service reports that there is an over 70% probability that wooden structures in Texas will be attacked by termites with 10 – 20 years. In some cases termite problems are discovered within a year after construction.
Termites aren’t the only wood-destroying insects in Texas. Carpenter ants can do as much damage as termites. The difference between these two insects is that carpenter ants don’t eat the wood, as the termites do, they just excavate it.
Wood-destroying insects that remain undetected inside a home can do serious damage to the wooden components. Our inspectors are trained to identify the signs of active or previous subterranean or dry wood termite infestation as well as look for signs of carpenter ants, wood borer beetles, carpenter bees or any wood destroying insects. During the inspection they also identify conditions, which can be corrected, that could make your home attractive for a future infestation of wood-destroying insects.
What do you inspect with a pool?
The pool-limited visual above ground inspection covers the existing conditions of the items listed below:
Construction type, pool surface, coping, pool deck, diving board/slide, steps and benches, drain/drain covers, skimmers, control valves, pool light, GFCI protection, pump and strainer, motor/timer, wiring and circuit protection, heater, external grounding, filter tank/fitting/gauges, plumbing/visible leaks above the ground leaks, backwash valve drain line, fencing/gates, fill water/anti-siphon, handrail, in-line chlorinator, blower, water clarity, overflow drain, anit-entrapment, drain covers, and pool cleaner.