How do I start??

[David Letkeman]

I have been a home inspector for a few years and am considering adding thermal imaging to my business for added income. The problem is I have no idea where to start. I have been all over the internet trying to see what my first step should be. Some questions I have are:
1. Is another license required?
2. Does Texas require a state specific license?
3. Is an energy audit and a RESNET/HERS rating inspection different?
4. Is there a standardized report for these inspections?

If anyone can shed some light on this, it would be much appreciated. I have a good FLIR camera, I just need to figure out how to make some $$$ with it!

Thanks,

[David A. Andersen]

Now that you have a camera, it's time for some training.

John will be along any moment. Stand by. And he is from Texas too.

[Linas Dapkus]

Originally Posted by dletkeman

I have been a home inspector for a few years and am considering adding thermal imaging to my business for added income. The problem is I have no idea where to start. I have been all over the internet trying to see what my first step should be. Some questions I have are:
1. Is another license required?
2. Does Texas require a state specific license?
3. Is an energy audit and a RESNET/HERS rating inspection different?
4. Is there a standardized report for these inspections?

If anyone can shed some light on this, it would be much appreciated. I have a good FLIR camera, I just need to figure out how to make some $$$ with it!

Thanks,

Which FLIR camera did you get?

[Charley L. Bottger]

Originally Posted by dletkeman

I have been a home inspector for a few years and am considering adding thermal imaging to my business for added income. The problem is I have no idea where to start. I have been all over the internet trying to see what my first step should be. Some questions I have are:
1. Is another license required?
2. Does Texas require a state specific license?
3. Is an energy audit and a RESNET/HERS rating inspection different?
4. Is there a standardized report for these inspections?

If anyone can shed some light on this, it would be much appreciated. I have a good FLIR camera, I just need to figure out how to make some $$$ with it!

Thanks,

No license required anywhere in the US what you do in IR depends on the type of camera you have I would say there is more of a standardized process to follow than a standardized reporting system and yes there are different levels of energy type audits. Everyone's opinion of a good camera is different what is your opinion.

[David Letkeman]

Thansk, I have the FLIR b50 camera. Seems to be a good camera but I don't know much about them. Is this enough camera or what are my options? Thanks

[Jason Kaylor]

Originally Posted by dletkeman

Thansk, I have the FLIR b50 camera. Seems to be a good camera but I don't know much about them. Is this enough camera or what are my options? Thanks

David L,

There is nothing wrong with a FLIR B50. It is a great camera for building diagnostics. You just have to remember that limitation. You will be able to also handle residential electrical.

I am not a big fan of starting in the middle when it comes to cameras. I think in the long run you do yourself a lot of justice by starting off with a little less camera and spending the extra money on training. Then in the future buy one of the big boys once you understand the industry. I know others will argue that fact here, but those "others" have a few years experience under their belt in the industry and most of them started with lower end cameras. What I mean by lower end is 160x120 minimum with no higher than 100mk thermal sensitivity (now a days it is actually hard to buy one this high). Your B50 is 140x140, which is basically the same as 160x120.

IR is a very profitable industry, providing you do not allocate yourself to residential only. Most that "struggle" in the industry have a build it and they will come mentality. That type of business model rarely works, unless you have a completely niche product or service that is a big break through. IE - Google in 1998.

If you do not mind doing a lot of client (potential or current) education, then even the highest levels of infrared training costs will pay off in a short amount of time. We do jobs now a days that will buy you just about any camera you want.....on just one job.

Jason Kaylor - JJ
AC Tool Supply
Arizona Infrared Services
877-207-1244

[John McKenna]

TREC approved infrared certified training.

Did the fires ever go out in west Texas yet? We had a few over here in east Texas.

[Charley L. Bottger]

Originally Posted by dletkeman

Thansk, I have the FLIR b50 camera. Seems to be a good camera but I don't know much about them. Is this enough camera or what are my options? Thanks

Nothing wrong with the B50 camera does residential just fine I started with the Bcam. My opinion is to get the best training available

[David Letkeman]

Ok sounds great...sounds like training would be the next step then. Where is the best place to go for theat? I live in a rural area in west texas, are there any good online courses available?

John- most of the fires have gone out now...just need to keep praying for rain over here...i think it's been close to 10 months since we've had any.

[Jason Kaylor]

David,

The only ASTM certified IR course that is offered online is via Infraspection Institute. http://www.infraspection.com/ give Perry a call over there. They are all really nice down to earth people over there.

Any of you guys can also take their Successiries series 101 and 102 course for free via webinar.

http://www.successiries.com/

It is suppose to rain here in Arizona for the next few days, maybe it will come your way next.

Jason Kaylor - JJ
AC Tool Supply
Arizona Infrared Services
877-207-1244

[Charley L. Bottger]

Originally Posted by jkaylor

David,

The only ASTM certified IR course that is offered online is via Infraspection Institute. http://www.infraspection.com/ give Perry a call over there. They are all really nice down to earth people over there.

Any of you guys can also take their Successiries series 101 and 102 course for free via webinar.

http://www.successiries.com/

It is suppose to rain here in Arizona for the next few days, maybe it will come your way next.

Jason Kaylor - JJ
AC Tool Supply
Arizona Infrared Services
877-207-1244

David as Jason linked a good starting place with infraspection they do a good job

[Nick Gromicko]

Some of the training out there is a little camera-centric. Remember, camera operation is not nearly as important as interpretation, and for that, you can't just understand what your pointing... you have to understand what your pointing at.

Let me suggest a few articles:

• IR Cameras: Electrical Inspections
• IR Cameras: Inspecting for Air Leaks
• IR Cameras: Inspecting for Moisture Intrusion
• IR Cameras: Inspecting Roofs

And a couple free, online courses:

• How to Perform an Energy Audit course.
• Moisture Intrusion Inspection course.

And a couple free, online video courses:

• Building Science and Thermal Imaging online video course.
• Thermal Imaging for Inspectors online video course.

And a couple free, online NACHI.TV episodes:

• Inspection with an IR Camera
• Introduction to Energy Audits

As for Jason's comment:

IR is a very profitable industry, providing you do not allocate yourself to residential only.

I agree. Here, this might help: http://www.nachi.org/comsop.htm#13 It is a commercial property thermal imaging inspection addendum.

Also, take John's webinar (learn from a real home inspector, not a scientist wannabe).

Also, get Infrared Certified.

Then perhaps, take some IR-related courses such as InterNACHI's roofing courses, commercial courses... oh, and here is a good one: http://www.nachi.org/stucco-eifs.htm

Also, read this article: http://www.nachi.org/doe-home-energy...ng-program.htm

[John E. Mullarkey]

An exceptional post Nick, well done.

[Charley L. Bottger]

Originally Posted by gromicko

Some of the training out there is a little camera-centric. Remember, camera operation is not nearly as important as interpretation, and for that, you can't just understand what your pointing... you have to understand what your pointing at.

Let me suggest a few articles:

• IR Cameras: Electrical Inspections
• IR Cameras: Inspecting for Air Leaks
• IR Cameras: Inspecting for Moisture Intrusion
• IR Cameras: Inspecting Roofs

And a couple free, online courses:

• How to Perform an Energy Audit course.
• Moisture Intrusion Inspection course.

And a couple free, online video courses:

• Building Science and Thermal Imaging online video course.
• Thermal Imaging for Inspectors online video course.

And a couple free, online NACHI.TV episodes:

• Inspection with an IR Camera
• Introduction to Energy Audits

As for Jason's comment: I agree. Here, this might help: http://www.nachi.org/comsop.htm#13 It is a commercial property thermal imaging inspection addendum.

Also, take John's webinar (learn from a real home inspector, not a scientist wannabe).

Also, get Infrared Certified.

Then perhaps, take some IR-related courses such as InterNACHI's roofing courses, commercial courses... oh, and here is a good one: http://www.nachi.org/stucco-eifs.htm

Also, read this article: http://www.nachi.org/doe-home-energy...ng-program.htm

One thing I can say about Nick he never fails to promote HIS venders

[Scott Gilligan, CMI]

Originally Posted by cbottger

One thing I can say about Nick he never fails to promote HIS venders

Even if it means trashing other people that know more about the subject. I am assuming Nick's little add on in parentheses was directed to Jim Seffrin and Infraspection Institute because JJ and some others recommended their course.

It is sad how many bridges are built and then later burned by this organization and Nick.