Infrared Licensing

While attempting to publish an article for ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), and talking with their Chicago office editor, I learned that there is a company that feels they have the right to tell all home inspectors the proper way to inspect a home with infrared cameras. Not only do they have the right, but they have a patent on it. In other words, they are trying to tell me how to use my own infrared equipment, which I have been properly trained to use by the camera manufacturers. They claimed to have a patent on the procedures to inspect a home with infrared, which of course included their own specific infrared camera and software.
Needless to say, I was amazed! I have spent the last three years inspecting with infrared. This person in Alabama is not a member of ASHI, the governing body for home inspectors nationwide, nor is he a licensed home inspector. He came up with a technique to perform an IR inspection, and is trying to force me, and all other home inspectors nationwide, to buy their license, use their equipment, and get their permission by virtue of paying their fees.
I must state for the record that nobody, short of the authorized licensing entity for this state (Nevada Real Estate Division) has the right to tell me how to do my job. That includes the company in Alabama, who thinks they can have all inspectors pay homage to them, or we cannot use our tools of the trade. Its like selling me a car then telling me where I can drive it.

People never cease to amaze me.

Self-inspecting your home

I have a lot of realtors and home buyers telling me that they decided to inspect their own homes, or worse, have their Uncle Bob inspect it for them. Having experience in one or two construction fields does not qualify you to perform a professional-level home inspection. And let's face it, if you're going to have a home inspection done, do you really want a non-professional inspection?

A professional home inspection is a GENERAL inspection, which means we look at everything as a "generalist." The difference between a generalist inspection and a technical inspection is the difference between telling you there is a problem, and telling you exactly what the problem is, then making the necessary repairs. In most states, home inspectors are not permitted to perform technical inspections, only general inspections.

As a licensed, professional home inspector, I walk through a home room by room and test everything, wall to wall, ceiling to floor. Outlets, switches, doors, drawers, windows and smoke detectors, all are specifically tested for function and defects. All mecahnicals are tested, such as plumbing and HVAC. Electrical panels and fixtures are all tested, and all installed appliances are functionally tested one by one.

Structure is a main inspection point, and, in fact, home inspectors are licensed structural inspectors. We see the structure in attics, basements, and openings in the walls. Settlement is common and expected, however knowing the difference between a "common" settlement crack and a significant one is what makes us special. We understand how to read cracks, informing you whether they should be repaired as cosmetic, you should have an evaluation by a structural engineer. We understand cracks!

The exterior is also inspected, including site and drainage. The cladding on the home is an important part of the integrity of the waterproofing and weathersealing. Do you think Uncle Bob is trained to provide professional insights on every aspect of a home? Well, if he's a licensed homne inspector, he would be.