Home Inspection Class: Infared Camera Inspection Tips and Tricks

Learn from a Certified Master Inspector® how to perform an inspection with an infrared camera.

[@EthanBlakeProductions]

Thank you SO MUCH for making this video. GREAT info!

[@BenGromicko]

You're welcome, Ethan. For more information about using an infrared camera on a home inspection, we have a recent video at www.nachi.org/tv/2017/01/05/tips-on-using-infrared-during-a-home-inspection-2/

[@cine-air4490]

Love your explanation... very detailed!

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you.

[@rickanderson7557]

Thanks Ben, I do use the infrared Flir 8 and a surface moisture meter as all should. Great tips, thx.

[@BenGromicko]

You're welcome. You may enjoy watching this short video of the infrared camera on the iPhone: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ6zeGRma9iEosU

[@ningwang3022]

thank you so much for the video. It's 2021 now, but it's still very helpful.

[@BenGromicko]

Glad it helped! Visit kzbin.infosearch?query=infrared for more infrared videos.

[@robertyoung1592]

Nice work Ben. Keep it up.

[@BenGromicko]

Thanks, Robert. A lot more online videos at www.nachi.org/videos.htm

[@robertyoung1592]

Ben Gromicko Thanks as always for the support Ben. InterNACHI is and continues to be a leader in free continuing education for its members.

[@Raygilley10]

Very good video great inspection ideas

[@BenGromicko]

Glad you like them!

[@terryrigden4860]

Very interesting and informative, thank you

[@BenGromicko]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ehinspections]

Great video Ben! Thank you for sharing! Nice Thermal camera. What camera are you using?

[@BenGromicko]

Hi, Eric. In the video, I was using a Flir Bcam SD. I saw one for sale on ebay for $1,600. But I highly recommend watching kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIqog4edeZifmqM, a video class where we do some comparisons of the Flir C2 and E8.

[@ehinspections]

Ben Gromicko Thanks, for the response. I will take the class this year!

[@nlcwilson2017]

Great video. Good to review but there I had forgotten that electrical outlets are often not insulated and same thing with light fixtures

[@BenGromicko]

Great point!

[@georgetsetsakos6088]

Dope vid, thanks. At any point during this inspection did you have to consider target emissivity?

[@BenGromicko]

Not at all.

[@Jmatoon1]

Ben, I see this video was recorded or uploaded in 2015. now a lot of us use ipads or iphones for our reporting. would you recommend getting the FLIR that attaches to your device? how easy is it to include those images in your report?

[@BenGromicko]

I like the FLIR C2 myself. Affordable. From inspectorcoach.weebly.com/home-inspection-tools.html

[@3514488Dustin]

Hello Ben, I see this was filmed many years ago, and technology has developed quite a bit since then. I have the FLIR ONE Pro LT that connects to my phone. It is 80 pixels and resembles the quality of picture similar to the one you have in this video. Would you object to someone using this to do a home inspection paired with a moisture meter ?

[@BenGromicko]

I think all infrared cameras out there are great for home inspectors. I like the FLIR One. You can pick one up from the coach at inspectorcoach.weebly.com/home-inspection-tools.html#infrared

[@yousefaboushakra7602]

Very useful information....slow explanation for every detail

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you.

[@alabbas4533]

What is the brand/model of infrared camera and moisture metre that you use or would recommend?

[@BenGromicko]

Hello. I recommend the FLIR C2. Affordable. Low-entry investment. Raise your home inspection fee in order to get a return on your investment. Including an infrared scan during a home inspection is an excellent value proposition. And the Extec MO55 moisture meter is another recommendation. Both can be found at inspectorcoach.weebly.com/home-inspection-tools.html.

[@jameswhitley449]

Awesome info and well versed. Could I give you 1 suggestion. I would suggest wearing a shirt with the co logo and a hat. It really helps out with the 1st image 1 has of you and more importantly the company you represent. I know, it may not seem important but The customer may simply discount your review based on their 1st impression and attack your finding simply because you do not wear the uniform. Ex. If a "plumber" showed up to diagnose a problem and was wearing your outfit. What would you think? Otherwise- awesome video.

[@BenGromicko]

Good point, James. It's a good thing I'm just an instructor, not a home inspector.

[@jimmysanders3766]

Hello Ben, I don't remember how to inbox people here on You Tube so we'll start here. I saw your webinar on the NACHI and how we should sign up, will their program allow one to become certified to the level of being able to take the state exam for licensing or....? Thx

[@internachi]

Hi, Jimmy. Yes. InterNACHI help individuals prepare for state licensing exams all over the world. Email me at [e-mail], and I can provide you with details that will help you become a home inspector.

[@jimmysanders3766]

Just emailed you from adamexplorer.....maybe check your spam if you haven't received it. Thx

[@internachi]

Jimmy Sanders Okay.

[@BenGromicko]

Hi, Jimmy. My email is [e-mail]

[@rubensoto6231]

How long after the rain did you perform your inspections? Is the thermal camera effective at measuring moisture long after rain?

[@BenGromicko]

Days.

[@cruz1118]

In reference to the discovered moisture, how woiuld you recommend that the issue be written on the report and how would you recommend that it be fixed?

[@BenGromicko]

Good question. Because home inspectors are not required to measure moisture content levels, nor are they required to quantify the moisture intrusion, I would recommend that a home inspector report upon the visible indications of moisture intrusion and comment that the observations were confirmed using a moisture meter. And I recommend that the moisture intrusion be described as a major defect, which is something that should be further evaluated and corrected by a professional contractor. I would also recommend that the home inspector take pictures and video and include them in her inspection report. That ought to cover it. For examples of how some home inspectors write inspection reports, you may be interested in visiting www.nachi.org/home-inspection-report-samples.htm

[@earthman6700]

@@BenGromicko Two years later... I find your video exceedingly useful. If you get to read this, I saw the comment from another viewer stating uniform is important to give the right impression. (in the UK I'm not sure). How important would you consider the camera to be for impressing the customer? I'm interested in the Therm-app TH as it seems the best spec in reviews for my limited funds. It is a bolt on to a smartphone. Is this an issue in your mind? It comes with Reporting software as its aimed at your field of work. One issue concerning me is Report information and layout so your link is very welcome. Great work with your video and thanks. Robert. UK.

[@ol102jg]

he does magic tricks during inspection too, wow :)))

[@BenGromicko]

Yep. That's me!

[@mostlikelywedoitservices9743]

What is the reading in the dry areas vs the wetter areas?

[@BenGromicko]

Good question. Home inspectors do not measure to quantify moisture levels. It's not required by the Home Inspection Standards of Practice.

[@rubensoto6231]

You observed heat coming from a receptacle. Could that also be heat because of electricity?

[@BenGromicko]

Yes.

[@batts1532]

OMG THE MUSIC

[@BenGromicko]

Yeah, I know. Pretty good stuff. Right? :)

[@abacab87]

It's got a retro 70's vibe to it.