A major leap in the home inspection industry was realized with the introduction of the infrared camera and Thermal Imaging sometimes referred to as the FLIR (a name brand of one of the leaders in the industry) Some detailed information on the "FLIR" (pdf file) and pictures from HomeSafe Home Services, one of the first national home inspection company to incorporate Thermal Imaging. Link to their site, notice the mice tunnels (sixth picture down, a must see!).
Aluminum Wire was used in homes in the mid 1960's to the early 1970's. Saving on copper and using the cheaper alternative, aluminum was later abandoned in the general wiring of homes. It was discovered the aluminum wire expanded and contracted. Over time this caused previously secured connections to become less secure thereby introducing a resistance in the connection. The resistance causes heat and in some cases enough heat to further cause combustion and a home fire. Aluminum wiring with good "tight" connections do not have this problem and Aluminum wiring is still used to provide electricity to higher voltage applications i.e. electric stove, HVAC, etc. In these applications proper connectors are used to maintain a good connection. More information on aluminum wire can be found on the Aluminum Wiring Information Site. Since most inspectors do not check for "loose" electrical connections, Thermal Imaging is a great way to determine connections which are producing heat and may be a problem in the future.
Thermal Imaging besides showing electrical over-heating, also shows insulation deficiencies, moisture intrusion, Insect and rodent activity, structural damage caused by wooden framing members and problems with air ducts especially if the duct system is allowing air to vent into the attic.
ASHI, American Society of Home Inspectors "is North America’s oldest and most respected professional society of home inspectors. ASHI’s goals have always been to build customer awareness of the importance of a quality home inspection and enhance the professionalism of home inspectors."
NAHI, National Association of Home Inspectors, "established in 1987 as a nonprofit association to promote and develop certified and licensed home inspectors in the professional home inspection industry. The National Association of Home Inspectors strives to promote excellence and professionalism in the Home Inspection industry; to provide a home inspector standards of practice and a code of ethics for home inspectors in the USA."
NACHI National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, "the world's biggest and best inspection trade association."
Alabama Licensure (Act 2002-517 enacted in 2002) Requires individuals performing home inspections to become licensed by the Alabama Building Commission and publishes an online list of licensed home inspectors.
The Alabama Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics (see Home Inspectors Rules and Applications) is adopted from the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. The Building Commission adopted the National Home Inspection Examination to assess minimum competence. The bill also outlines educational and experiential requirements to become licensed, sets license fees and insurance requirements, and defines penalties under which licensure may be suspended or revoked.
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