As a master electrician, I've been following infrared technology for many years. A couple of years ago, a good flir camera would cost $14,000 and came with a 40 hour course to learn how to use them. Now you can get hand held models by Flir and Fluke for around $1,200.
To see how they will help in you house hunting go to
http://www.flir.com/thermography/campaign/i5/emea/flirEmea.html
here you can check out walls and ceilings with a simulated camera
But wait.....there's more! An open source tech wizard is collecting money from insurance companies, real estate industry, construction industry, and other industries to develop an infrared app for your cell phone.
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/mu-thermal-camera-a-great-tool-to-save-on-energy-costs
The developer is projecting units to cost around $375. There is always the danger of Homeland security making these things illegal. Remember the role of thermal imaging from the helicopter as the bomber hid in the boat in Boston.
This is the exact same technology I'm talking about. I'm also an insurance adjuster. These things can pinpoint leaks in flat roofs as well as well as reveal insulation failures and opening. There are so many things this device could do to make real estate investment easier. It might be a little expensive today, but tomorrow it is coming. I may not wait. I may go ahead and buy one of the $1200 models.
