It certainly is not a fad. Lots of things to read here in AR. It's a great thing I think.

I have been a certified thermographer for 14 years.  It is fabulous technology.  Using my camera I have found unseen and hidden problems that have saved hundreds of clients thousands of dollars in problems they would have otherwise inherited.  Yes, a wall without insulation, or a serious foundation problem, or an electrical issue, many things that cannot be found in any other way.  Why not use it?  I used to charge for the service but in the last few years simply use the camera as a part of my inspection at no charge.  After finding the problem in the link below the custom builder looked me in the face and told me home inspectors should not be "allowed" to use thermal cameras!  I looked back and him and laughed.  He was serious!  It deserved a laugh.  One-year warranty inspections so often find ceilings and walls devoid of insulation which answers room-temperature questions the homeowners had all year.  And under the warranty the builder is still responsible!  In one neighborhood many people found out that I use the camera and in many houses I found a WHOLE LOT of walls and ceilings missing insulation!  I was a rock star.  It saved my clients many headaches and unending issues.

 https://activerain.com/blogsview/5340099/what-happens-when-a-spring-is-found-under-new-construction-

Enjoy...

Great opportunity to REALLY see what's happening in a structure.  

Moisture detectors / infrared / thermal imaging has been used for years. They can detect moisture behind walls, loss of heat, missing insulation, cold spots, etc.    http://www.jaymarinspect.com/home-inspector-virginia-thermal-infrared-imaging-Ashburn-Virginia.html                                                                                   

This technology is becoming a must for home inspectors. It is not a fad.

Units can be checked out at our local public library...they connect with your smart phone.

Have not seen it locally, but do remember seeing a few using it on AR a few years ago.

I haven't seen home inspectors using infrared technology in our area

1. Infrared technology has been available for years. I would not consider it a fad. It's not a question of inspectors using it, it's a question of home buyers willing to pay for it. 

2. If you are representing buyers, don't you want your buyers to know the good, the bad, and the ugly about the home they are purchasing? I don't think in terms of "blowing up transactions." Would you rather they had issues down the road after they purchased a home without knowing issues that could "blow up" in their faces one day?

A good source would be Jay Markanich! 

My inspectors always use infared, I had one last week and he showed my client and I part of the ceiling that was the wrong color, but he educated us that this is where the AC duct is so the color was normal. As long as inspectors know how to use them, tools are great!

Sounds like it's a good thing to me.....

It's not new and not a fad; and if presented correctly, deals don't blow up!

9 times out of 10, the repair cost is 1/4 of what buyers & sellers think it will be. You just need to be educated on the process and EDUCATE YOUR BUYERS!

I agree with Lyn Sims infrared technology is something every home inspector would be wise to use.... 

as far as blowing up a deal, I'd rather a deal die if there's a serious issue.... the purpose of a home inspection is to detect mechanical and structural defects....if there are any, let's have it up front not after closing!!

Though no a home inspector, the ones we use do utilize this technology. If it should 'blow-up' a transaction, 'Ce la vie'. We represent our principals first.

Christopher Murphy does.

Only one of three inspector was using it when I was active Jason Nenadov and frankly I believe they all should be required to use it. I don't see it as a fad but as a very valuable tool.

We purchased a home in KY and the inspector used it. It didn't tell me anything which I suppose was a good thing. I'm not seeing inspectors here in the Metro Raleigh area use it yet. 

This tech is useful to the buyer/seller/agent relationship...

Some inspectors in my area use it, some don't.  

I've used it once for a specific home.  As others have stated, the technology has been around for a long time. It is not a standard for most inspectors in my area. 

I saw a need for it when we were looking for moisture intrusion behind walls. 

It is not in Oklahoma City but should be.

Parked and reading

It's been around awhile, not a fad. It won't always be applicable but when it is it's good to have! I've seen it used to detect mositure behind walls.

That's been a thing for a long time, at least 15 years in my area. And a good thing. The more we know, the less liability for us and longer-term happiness for a client.

As for blowing up deals, this is where setting and managing expectations is important. Homes that have been standing for a few years may be less than perfect. LOL

I have seen some inspectors here in NH using it but there is more that dont than do. Whether they do or dont, i always hope they are not ALARMISTS and blow up my sale any way that  some seem to do

I've seen two or three inspectors out in my area advertise it.  Only once have I seen it used and the inspector misread something and blew the deal.  My investors won't touch it and I don't recommend it to buyers.

Not a fad.

Using such tools is certainly not a fad.

I own a IR temperature meter and a moisture probe.

Nearly ALL inspectors use IR meters to measure differential for HVAC.

A agent needs to educate themselves regarding these devices and technologies because I assure you, many inspectors don't read the operation manual AND have no mechanism for calibration.

If we as professionals have a duty to protect our clients do we do so at a cost to them or should be be prepared for the predictable and questionable report from the inspector.

There are two other 'technology' concerns that will also need to be measured and used as a criteria for home purchase.

What is a good resource?  Use Big G to each device then visit the seller or manufacturers website for the detains. 

HINT: Non-contact IR technologies have a focal point for optimal reading. The best meters have two lasers that pinpoint the precise area being measured. This is important. Standing on the floor with a IR meter and measuring a intake 15 feet high is well outside the focal range.

I have not heard any of the inspectors I use have one.

It can creat a problem when they say water damage but none to  be seen.

My home inspector has the ability to do IR scans on things if you want or need him to do so. He has not done it on one of mine before, but I'd love to see it performed.

Yes I do. . . the inspector found the downstairs finished walls to be moist. . .  there was a leak from the downstairs window foundation frame which we would not of noticed without the infrared technology.  Come to find two of the other walls were moist and come to find out the windows downstairs all needed to be replace because of a shift in the foundation.  This home was a turn key home so we canceled the transaction because the seller did not want to remedy the window situation. . .  

Our inspectors do!

Don't take my word for it but if you're interested in the build quality of your customers puchase you had better embrace the technology. Infrared is one that's very difficult to hide from. A good resource here is Jay Markanich!

Cracks, leaks like looking through other people with your trained X-rayed eyes. They stay.

All my recommended inspectors use it.  It's the best way to know what is behind the wall.

Our home inspectors are great.