All Forum Posts by: Mark Wallis

@Chris T. I bought the Flir 1 for my phone and was not impressed. It will show obvious temp differences (like waving a hand in front of camera) but didn't show any detail in drywall like my roofer's camera. I wasn't expecting the same results as my roofer's camera but this didn't show any readings in known damage areas. Maybe I need more training on the unit...but I think a more expensive unit will be a better choice.

Hey Cal C.

There are a couple things that we do on most of our flips. If it has a pantry we change out 6 panel door to a full lite frosted glass door. We also look for ways to add a wine cooler or even wine bar area. Here's the latest project we finished.

@Jerry Powers Thanks for that link! I found the FLIR C2 compact thermal imaging system for about $700. Appears to be a scaled down model of what I saw for a fraction of the cost.

@Justin Tahilramani The roofer told me unit was around $7500 and he traveled to Texas for training. So the total expenses for his unit was close to $10K. I believe the training included some type of certification that he can use to sell his service when using the camera.

Had my roofer come do an estimate for a leaky deck and scupper over master bedroom. While showing him where the leak was in bedroom he pulled out his new infrared camera and showed me how it works. WOW!! This tool pointed out areas inside drywall that have had moisture issues. Not only did it show the extent of water damage inside the wall and baseboards he also scanned the room and found another spot. That spot didn't have any visible signs of water damage on surface but his camera showed a lot of moisture has been in that area. When we went on roof there was a hairline crack in the area indicating water was coming in during heavy rains. 

So the boy in me wants an infrared camera (a new toy) to aid me during inspection of future fix/flips. The price tag is steep and probably a bit of learning curve to understand what you're looking at on screen. However, knowing whats behind walls before purchase or during renovations could save a lot of time/money.

Anyone else thought about adding infrared camera to their toolbox?

Sounds like you are a smart guy with goals. Good job!

They meet at Tucson Association of Realtors at 2445 N. Tucson Blvd.

Google  AZREIA and you will find lots of information and meeting days/time.

Good job Matt!

Hope you continue posting photos.

Hi Colin,

In the beginning it's probably a good idea to use inspectors. Get yourself a few experts on your team...GC, electrician, plumber, termite/pest, home inspector etc. Try to shadow them and ask lots of questions. Use the internet to educate yourself in areas that you don't feel confident. When you sell your property the buyer will have an inspection and that will also be a learning experience for you. 

I don't use an inspector when I purchase properties. However, I like to have my GC, HVAC and maybe plumber or electrician view properties with me if I have doubts.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

HI Adrian,

This is a great site for sure! Another great source of information and networking is AZREA. They have a meeting here in Tucson on the 2nd Tuesday each month. There's one going on tonight.