Technological advancements have changed standard procedures for home inspections. Virtual inspections have become increasingly popular for homeowners, real estate agents, and inspectors alike. But what exactly is a virtual inspection, and how does it work?
Let’s explore these questions to help you understand how virtual inspections are changing the game for home buying, selling, and maintenance.
What Is A Virtual Inspection?
A virtual inspection is a type of inspection that allows a property to be evaluated remotely, usually using a smartphone or other digital tools. Modern technology enables home examination through real-time video broadcasts and pre-recorded property footage instead of requiring property inspectors to visit in person. Either the homeowner or real estate agent gives the inspector a virtual tour of the property areas and responds to their queries during the inspection.
Virtual inspections became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing and lockdowns made traditional in-person inspections almost impossible. The pandemic is gone, but virtual home inspection continues. It offers convenience, time and money savings, and faster evaluation, which contribute to its popularity.
Types Of Virtual Inspections
There are several types of virtual inspections, each serving different needs depending on the situation. Let’s look at the main ones.
Live Video Inspections
This is the most common type of virtual inspection. A real estate agent or homeowner can guide inspectors through their property using apps like Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Meet. When conducting virtual inspections, the inspector requires footage showing specific areas such as the roof’s structure, the basement’s condition, and plumbing and electrical systems. This allows inspectors to identify problems and alert customers of any impending issues.
Pre-Recorded Video Inspections
The inspector sometimes requests homeowners or real estate agents to produce video recordings that show various parts of the property. The property owner and their real estate agent can create video recordings showing all essential home sections while pointing out problematic areas. The inspector conducts an analytical review of recorded material and provides feedback. This inspection method is used under two conditions: when inspection personnel cannot meet or when live assessments are not feasible.
Drone Inspections
Drones have taken virtual inspections to the next level, particularly when it comes to assessing areas like roofs or large properties. The drone creates high-definition visual documentation of difficult-to-access spaces by flying over the property. Drone inspections are excellent for inspecting steep roofs, tall structures, and demanding terrain.
3D Virtual Tours
Some advanced virtual inspections use 3D mapping technology to create virtual walkthroughs of properties. A complete home model emerges through specialized cameras or apps, and inspectors gain remote access to walk through them digitally. Many property buyers use this method to examine real estate properties while staying at home.
Benefits of Virtual Inspections
Virtual inspections offer a wide range of benefits for homeowners and professionals in the real estate and home inspection industries. Below, we have listed the main benefits of such inspections:
Convenience And Flexibility
A virtual home inspection brings great convenience to everyone. Homeowners, sellers, and buyers do not need to synchronize their availability or interrupt their work hours. You can schedule a virtual inspection at a time that works for you, and it can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Time And Cost Savings
A traditional property inspection requires the inspector to physically visit the property, thus extending the inspection costs and duration. Virtual inspections eliminate the need for travel, reducing both time and expenses. The elimination of travel expenses is significant when house buyers operate in different states or cities. It enables them to save travel time.
Increased Access
Virtual inspections make it easier to get expert opinions, even if the inspector is far away. Remote community members can contact professional inspectors who cannot visit them because of geographical isolation. Quality inspections become easier and more accessible for every region through this method.
Safety
During uncertain times like the pandemic, virtual inspections offer a safer alternative to traditional in-person visits. Remote inspection saves you from any contamination risks because you complete the process virtually.
Real-Time Communication
Virtual inspections allow real-time communication between the inspector and the homeowner or agent. Questions receive instant answers during real-time communication, which lets the inspector guide the person filming toward important issues, producing a more detailed examination.
Challenges Of Virtual Inspections
While virtual inspections offer numerous benefits, they are not without their challenges. It is important to understand their limitations to get the bigger picture.
Limited Scope
Although a virtual inspection can cover many aspects of a property, it is not a substitute for a full in-person inspection. Some underlying issues, structural problems, mold, and pest infestations cannot be identified without a physical examination. Also, some factors may escape detection, which could be easily spotted using traditional methods.
Technical Difficulties
Virtual inspections depend heavily on technology, which means that technical issues can arise. The inspection process may be negatively affected by weak internet connection, poor video quality, or technical problems with the devices. It can also slow down the process, leading to inadequate information sharing between the inspector and other parties.
Inaccurate Information
The reliability of performing a virtual examination relies heavily on a homeowner’s ability to implement the inspector’s directions accurately. Missing some property areas or not filming them properly can lead to inaccurate information.
Limited Expert Analysis
A comprehensive home examination requires a physical assessment. Virtual inspections can’t fully replace the expertise of an inspector who physically goes through the home and tests different systems.
Conclusion
A virtual inspection is a convenient and effective way to assess a property without the need for physical presence. Online inspections are particularly useful when people require flexibility, save time, and cut travel costs and time if the property is located remotely. However, it’s important to understand that while virtual inspections are a great way, they do have limitations. Traditional property inspection paired with a virtual one can give a comprehensive evaluation of the house’s conditions.
Elite Inspections provides customers with three essential elements: convenience, safety, and thoroughness. Our expert team offers traditional and virtual inspections, ensuring that you get the best possible assessment for your property. Contact us for your next inspection appointment.
