Thermal Imaging Next Steps

[Jim Seffrin]

Dear Tom:

Since 1984, I have worked as a professional thermographer providing infrared inspection services to commercial, industrial and residential clients. During that time, I have also provided training and certification for others seeking to engage in this exciting and dynamic technology. With interest in thermal imaging at an all-time high, there are many opportunities for professional infrared thermographers.

Presently, many home inspectors utilize thermal imaging as either an adjunctive tool to their basic inspections or for the purpose of detecting excess energy loss. While adding thermal imaging can allow a home inspector to command a higher fee, this is often quite small compared to dedicated infrared inspection services for commercial properties. Furthermore, residential infrared inspections tend to be one-time inspections lasting a few hours or less.

For home and building inspectors with appropriate training and experience, commercial properties offer inspection opportunities including, but not limited to:

• Electrical Distribution Systems
• Motors and Rotating Equipment
• Low Slope Roofing Systems
• HVAC Systems
• Building Envelopes
• Thermal Insulation Systems

Unlike one-time residential inspections, commercial facilities often require multiple inspection days per year. These inspections are typically repeated annually as part of condition based monitoring or predictive maintenance programs. It is this repeat business that allows one to build a client base thereby increasing the value of their inspection business as an ongoing venture.

In the US, typical fee structures for commercial infrared inspections range from $800 to $1200 per day depending upon services offered and project location. Based upon 250 working days per year, a single thermographer can gross up to $300,000 per year.

With respect to infrared equipment, there is no single imager that will perform all types of inspections. With this in mind, you must consider what types of inspections you wish to perform in the future when selecting your imager. For commercial imaging, purchasing the lowest priced imager may severely limit your inspection capabilities and revenue potential.

For those new to thermography, it is often best to complete formal training BEFORE you purchase a thermal imager. Plan to carry your training to the highest level possible to ensure your success and enhance your credibility.

In addition to appropriate training and certification, a professionally designed brochure along with a properly designed website are key elements for successful sales. Tapping existing client bases is often the best place to start your sales efforts. Networking and referrals are also extremely powerful.

For those interested in realiziing their full potential, Infraspection Institute offers a course module titled, 'Starting, Marketing & Managing an Infrared Consulting Company'. Although this module is normally included in our application course, IR Inpsections for Home & Building Inspectors, NACHI members can take this individual course module online for only $99.00.

For more information on infrared training and certifcation visit www.infraspection.com or call us at 609-239-4788.


Jim Seffrin
Infraspection Insitute

[Kevin A. Richardson]

Originally Posted by jseffrin

Dear Tom:

Since 1984, I have worked as a professional thermographer providing infrared inspection services to commercial, industrial and residential clients. During that time, I have also provided training and certification for others seeking to engage in this exciting and dynamic technology. With interest in thermal imaging at an all-time high, there are many opportunities for professional infrared thermographers.

Presently, many home inspectors utilize thermal imaging as either an adjunctive tool to their basic inspections or for the purpose of detecting excess energy loss. While adding thermal imaging can allow a home inspector to command a higher fee, this is often quite small compared to dedicated infrared inspection services for commercial properties. Furthermore, residential infrared inspections tend to be one-time inspections lasting a few hours or less.

For home and building inspectors with appropriate training and experience, commercial properties offer inspection opportunities including, but not limited to:

• Electrical Distribution Systems
• Motors and Rotating Equipment
• Low Slope Roofing Systems
• HVAC Systems
• Building Envelopes
• Thermal Insulation Systems

Unlike one-time residential inspections, commercial facilities often require multiple inspection days per year. These inspections are typically repeated annually as part of condition based monitoring or predictive maintenance programs. It is this repeat business that allows one to build a client base thereby increasing the value of their inspection business as an ongoing venture.

In the US, typical fee structures for commercial infrared inspections range from $800 to $1200 per day depending upon services offered and project location. Based upon 250 working days per year, a single thermographer can gross up to $300,000 per year.

With respect to infrared equipment, there is no single imager that will perform all types of inspections. With this in mind, you must consider what types of inspections you wish to perform in the future when selecting your imager. For commercial imaging, purchasing the lowest priced imager may severely limit your inspection capabilities and revenue potential.

For those new to thermography, it is often best to complete formal training BEFORE you purchase a thermal imager. Plan to carry your training to the highest level possible to ensure your success and enhance your credibility.

In addition to appropriate training and certification, a professionally designed brochure along with a properly designed website are key elements for successful sales. Tapping existing client bases is often the best place to start your sales efforts. Networking and referrals are also extremely powerful.

For those interested in realiziing their full potential, Infraspection Institute offers a course module titled, 'Starting, Marketing & Managing an Infrared Consulting Company'. Although this module is normally included in our application course, IR Inpsections for Home & Building Inspectors, NACHI members can take this individual course module online for only $99.00.

For more information on infrared training and certifcation visit www.infraspection.com or call us at 609-239-4788.


Jim Seffrin
Infraspection Insitute

Thanks Jim!!

I'll see you at Level III next month

Kevin

[Kevin R. Weiss]

I have been working on the same. Feel free to call me some time if you wish to discuss.

[Peter W. Bennett]

Originally Posted by krichardson

Thomas,

Call or email anytime. I would be glad to help if I can

Kevin

Kevin, I would like to call you also.
Peter

[Kevin A. Richardson]

Originally Posted by pbennett1

Kevin, I would like to call you also.
Peter

Call me on my cell tomorrow after 2:00pm. I sent you a PM with the number.

Kevin