TOPIC: Infra red cameras

Great discussion topic!

In Illinois there is no restriction on specialized tools or equipment.  The addition of a thermal camera during a home inspection is completely up to the inspector. As I understand the SOP, they are just a minimum of required work which must be performed.  But...   

I agree with Dana in that the right client with the wrong perception and an aggressive enough lawyer could really make your life miserable for a while or at least waste your money having your lawyer duke it out by writing letters.  "Why didn't you get an image of that wall?" could become the battle cry of a disgruntled client with his eye on your insurance.

I plan on adding a thermal camera, but any services I provide with it will be separate and under a very clearly written contract or addendum to my contract. I tend to be a pessimist and I make my business legal decisions based on the theory that someone is out to get me.  I know...  paranoia will destroy ya...    but I think a small amount of healthy caution makes me a better inspector. 

What I haven't figured out yet is what services I want to offer, so hearing about some of the training options and how other inspectors use their cameras is really beneficial.

There are many options Cameron.
My primary business is moisture intrusion issues. I've tried to stir up interest in other areas but leaks seem to be the hot button here in SoCal where it does not rain that much.  When it does though, my phone rings like mad.  We just had a big storm and I've done 6 IR inspections already this week. I once wrote a blog article for ActiveRain titled "I hate nice weather!"

One of the other areas is energy evaluations but that takes even more training and an investment in more expensive equipment like duct blasters and air doors.

Industrial scans for PdM and NDT require a better camera and are usually done in-house.  I do the occasional electrical scan for a couple of big companies once a year for their insurance but its not a big part of my business.  Nice work though.  I make them provide me with an electrician on their dime and he opens all the panels etc.  I just shoot the panel and watch him work.  Sort of like a union job. LOL

California is a bit of an exception, but it a lot of other states there are a LOT of inspectors using IR during inspections. Like you said, I think it'll be like photos were for awhile then become the norm.

Why include it when I can charge for a separate $300 inspection? LOL
I actually offer it as an add-on for $150 if done with an HI since I'm already there.

The most common inspection is to find a specific leak they have been trying to track down but cannot find. With my 30 year trades background and the IR training, I have a pretty good track record at finding them. I get many referrals and get called back to find new leaks at the same house.
They are rarely a whole house scan fishing expedition.

My primary business is moisture intrusion issues. I've tried to stir up interest in other areas but leaks seem to be the hot button here in SoCal where it does not rain that much. 

I think I would initially lean toward those kind of problems where a specific component in the home needs the kind of evaluation only a thermal camera can offer. Roof leaks, overheating, moisture in hidden areas, etc.  Charge a small fee, have a contract and give a simple one page report with a few photos.

I would just add the service to my current HI and raise my price, but the mental hurdle I am trying to get over is the pricing and how to go about suggesting or offering the service.  I would feel a bit awkward doing the inspection and then offereing to shoot scans of 2-3 problem areas based on the HI results.  It's the whole ethics of finding a problem and then saying "By the way, for a little more money, I can give you more information on that issue". It just doesn't sound legitimate.  Alternatively, if I offer the service up front it still seems like my motives could be perceived as shady.

Yes, it's tricky.  That's why I keep it separate.
My regular HI agreement is very specific about the inspection being a "General Visual Inspection" and that it does not go into any great depth in any specific areas. Any significant issues are referred out to a specialist.

Most inspectors I talk to do exactly that Dana. They 'add' it for $75 to $150 per inspection. When you can add it to 75% of your inspectors the extra money adds up fast.