I had an inspection that I did for a seller, about a month later, the buyers came with their own inspector who “killed the deal”. This buyers inspector stated that “The crawlspace was inspected via thermal imaging scanning and showed no moisture intrusion at the time of the inspection. The analysis showed the foundation has settle negatively over time due to poor grading and drainage.” According to the seller, he then took the clients outside to tell them how messed up the foundation was, and he didn’t ever enter the crawlspace.
He also evaluated the attic space and structure by “The inspector examined the accessible roof structure, including trusses, rafters, and sheathing, within the attic via thermal imaging camera. Functional.”. Again, without ever entering the attic space.
So the question I have is. How in the holy hell does one not enter or even open the crawlspace and attic hatches and do an inspection of these spaces with a thermal camera? I would love to learn this technique as it will save me so much time, effort and laundry.LMAO
Anyways, the guys website says that he was certified from the “Professional Association of Building Inspectors” (PABI). I’ve never heard of them, nor can I find anything about them at all. Anyone have a lead on this?
I’ve got a thermal imaging camera and I can’t find any settings that will show me a damaged or structurally compromised roof or floor system through concrete, block , brick , drywall or siding. Have you searched the state’s website to see his license? Have you posted this on Facebook? The only trick to his system is ripping people off! I probably have a conversation with the people that hired you. Maybe even the state!
We are in California, so an unregulated/unlicensed state. He owns a WINN franchise and his only certification, that I can find, is this Professional Association of Building Inspectors (PABI), might be a cracker jack box certification.
This is interesting. I’ve heard of the WIN franchise but not WINN. Also found some info about the National Association of Commercial Building Inspectors (NACBI) but not (PABI). I have to wonder how legit this guy is. Also this reliance on thermal imaging is disturbing. It can be a great supplemental tool when used properly by a skilled professional, but it shouldn’t take the place of a physical hands-on inspection by an actual human.
I noticed a few home inspectors on the Ole’ InterWeb saying that they graduated from the Professional Association of Building Inspectors (PABI) Training Institute, which I cannot find either.
The quotes from the buyer’s inspection report appear highly dubious / suspect.
This is exactly why I asked for his information. You provided incorrect information, which now makes everything you claimed as being ‘suspect’.
The Franchise is WIN not WINN. WIN is a well known, nationwide franchise, that also has their own in-house training programs. I believe this PABI is the name they go by for the benefit of their Franchisees. In effect, they are like an InterNACHI training program, just on a much smaller scale.
LMAO! Stick my head on a spike for a spelling correction. I guess that proves to me that he can see through walls and insulation and shifting foundation with a thermal camera due to my spelling. Tanks for the baluble inpormation jefry!
Putting aside the typo of the franchise name, can someone address the OP’s main concern? How can a thermal imaging camera detect foundation settlement? I still contend that there is an over reliance on these devices. Jason, I’m also curious about your assessment of the foundation during your initial inspection.
And I contend the OP (and others here on the MB) are over relying on likely BS information from the Buyer, Seller, and possibly other unknown sources!
Do you guys seriously believe this crap story from these sources?
I, for one, would like to see a copy of the FULL report, including photos!
Until then, this is all just a BS story!
Classic case of “last man in.” For the few seller’s inspections I’ve done I have stressed the fact that the buyer will likely get their own inspection believing that the sellers inspection is incomplete and misrepresents the property.
Plus the buyers inspector has the advantage of the latest “whiz-bang” technology which he probably doesn’t know how to use. 'Course the buyer doesn’t know that. He/She is simply blinded by the bright lights.
Ain’t America wonderful. Anybody can be a “Huckster.”
