Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging is a scan of your home using a special infrared thermal imaging camera.  This infrared (IR) camera detects very small temperature variations in your home’s components, even in hidden areas such as behind the walls, above the ceiling and beneath the floors.  These very minor temperature differences often reveal ‘invisible’ problems which cannot be seen with the naked eye, and would not be found with just a traditional home inspection.  Some people refer to this technology as "seeing through walls" or "X-ray Vision".  While neither of these analogies are technically correct, in many cases a thermal imaging scan can help the Inspector "see" problems that would otherwise not be visible.
Why do I need Thermal Imaging
Thermal Imaging takes your home inspection to the next level!  While a good home inspector can detect a wide variety of problems without "seeing inside the walls", a standard home inspection has limitations because it's a visual inspection.  Thermal Imaging is an inexpensive, non-invasive and non-destructive method of finding hidden problems that would otherwise go undetected.  Often times Thermal Imaging can find a problem in its early stages before there are visible symptoms, making it easier and less expensive to repair.  Much like a medical x-ray can help a doctor to diagnose a problem inside your body without doing exploratory surgery, Thermal Imaging is a quick and painless way to find certain types of problems that can be hidden within your home’s walls, floors and ceilings.  But even Thermal Imaging has limitations, and it takes much more than a special IR camera to "see through walls".  Just like it takes a trained Radiologist to properly interpret your medical x-ray, it takes a trained Thermographer to properly interpret your Thermal Imaging scan.  Rest assured that when you order Thermal Imaging from Solid City Home Inspections, your Inspector is also a trained and experienced .

The U.S. Dept. of Energy recommends having an infrared scan done before purchasing a home because even new houses can have defects in their thermal envelopes.

Thermal Imaging of a ceiling reveals an area with no insulation.       
 

What types of problems can Thermal Imaging reveal?
Thermal Imaging can find several different types of hidden problems, including:

• Plumbing leaks, moisture intrusion and water damage
• Missing insulation and energy loss
• Heating, cooling and ventilation problems (HVAC), including ductwork leaks
• Roof leaks, structural issues and foundation cracks
• Faulty wiring, breakers and fuses 
• Pests such as termites, rats and mice

Common Reasons for a Fallout with the Buyer and How to Avoid It!

It has happened many times before and may continue to happen, but why should you be the one who suffers? Even on closing day, a buyer may suddenly pull out from the deal. From the moment a buyer puts in an offer, the seller has to handle the whole situation tactfully lest he loses the buyer. More importantly the seller should not have to suffer the consequences of a buyer who withdraws last minute. There can be several reasons why a buyer and seller may fallout. But some of the most common ones are explained along with the remedies for them.
Rushing through a process may not be a good idea. If either the buyer or seller pushes the other person, you may put someone under pressure. Home buying and selling are major decisions; just because you are in a hurry it does not mean that the other person has to feel the same. Rushing through and skipping over details may come back to bite you later. Pay attention to the necessary details and move at a decent pace.
Some owners do not detach themselves emotionally from their homes. This can lead to problems if the buyer makes a critical remark about some aspect of the home. If the seller loses his cool, it may result in drama and jeopardize a good deal. So remember to keep your emotions in check.
Some buyers may be waiting for their home to sell before closing in on this offer. If the home does not sell on time, you may be required to wait unnecessarily. You should not wait for this to happen unless the other home is already in escrow. But you will have to put in a contingency clause in your agreement regarding this.
During negotiation, a lot of issues may be brought up. One is related to the contents of a home to be sold. When debating the purchase price, the buyer may bargain for some extra items or insist on a lower price. Make sure that if you do not want to sell some items, you either take these items out before showing a home or you make it very clear in the beginning about the items which are for sale. Having your dearest items on display will just give the buyer a chance to pick on them during negotiation.
Financing can be a major reason for the failure of a deal. The reasons could be many: the buyer cannot actually afford the home, or the lender may not approve the loan, or even if he does the buyer may not stick to the conditions of the approval letter which may result in the lender pulling out etc. For your protection, ask to see a pre-approval letter from a lender early in the process. Your sales agreement should also include a clause stating that financing should be obtained within a certain date or you are allowed to pull out from the deal. 
If an inspection does not get an all clear, the buyer or seller may choose a course of action decided in their agreement. But sometimes it may not be all black and white, and both parties may disagree on some point. For instance if there is a major defect which was not anticipated, the buyer may choose to back out of the deal. Again a clause regarding inspections should be clearly stated in the agreement. The survey of land may indicate some defects or encroachment on the property. This may also be a reason for the buyer to pull out if the flaw cannot be easily fixed.
There are probably several other reasons why a buyer and seller may fallout. It is recommended that the whole process is handled carefully and ethically. You should move with caution when accepting an offer and make sure that you see potential in it. Ensure that your home is in good condition and all defects are fixed or at least disclosed early. This may prevent the buyer from pulling out last minute. Most importantly, make sure the agreement includes clauses about inspection, financing, moving out (may be you need a few extra days), etc. Once you accept an offer, you have to move cautiously to avoid a fallout which may damage the deal.
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Sellers Should Inspect their Homes like Professionals Before Putting it up for Sale

Generally the buyer has a right to get an inspection on a property before purchasing it. The sales contract may specify details of the condition of the various aspects of the property. If the results of a home inspection report are unfavorable, the necessary repairs may need to be taken care of by the seller. Or the buyer may agree to do the same but offer a lower price. The solution may vary and depend on the contract.
The seller should make the necessary repairs ahead of time so problems which may delay a transaction can be avoided. The seller can either get a home inspection done or choose to closely scrutinize his own property. But make sure to be brutal and objective while examining your property.
A home inspector will examine the foundation and structure, electrical, plumbing, cooling and heating systems, roofs, chimneys etc. So go through each of these and check to see what repairs are required. Examine your home for mildew and mold, look at damp walls or ceilings and get them fixed. The electrical panel and circuit breaker configuration will be examined to check if it is sufficient for the home’s requirements. Make sure all your lights and air conditioning/ heating system are working properly and filters are in decent shape.
Your oven, disposal, dishwasher, burners should all work properly. All taps, faucets and showers should be in good condition. Open all simultaneously to check the pressure in each. Your septic system should work properly and there should be no drainage problems. Fireplace and chimney should be clean and functioning well.
Your roof is going to be carefully examined so make sure that it does not leak, there are no damaged shingles, etc. Clean gutters; ensure that downspouts have diverters under them, drainage downspouts should point away from the house; trim trees or branches which may touch the roof.
Pay attention to your garage and attic. Clean them out as the inspector is going to visit these places and poke around. See if the lights and garage door are working. Check for damage by water, rodents, insects, etc. In some states, specific checks regarding radon gas, termite infestation etc. need to be conducted and the results revealed to the buyer.
Ask a friend to come home and point out flaws that you may not be able to objectively see. If you detect any problems get them fixed unless you are prepared to settle for a lower purchase price. If your home is in very poor condition, then you may consider selling your home “as is” but settle for a comparatively low price.
Before the home inspection, carefully check your home and keep it clean. The home inspector is going to look for problems and may even find some. You probably missed a few things or he just picked on minor details. The point is to not get flustered; prepare yourself ahead by making the necessary repairs. All other minor details can be dealt with later and may not even affect the sale.