Seeing the Unseen: How Thermal Tech is Changing the Restoration Game

Let's talk about a tech combo that's shaking up the restoration world: FLIR's thermal cameras and magicplan's project management software. This isn't just another gadget-plus-app situation - it's a whole new way of tackling property assessments and repairs.

First up, we've got FLIR's One Edge and Edge Pro. These aren't your run-of-the-mill smartphone attachments. They're compact thermal cameras that let you see heat signatures, revealing hidden moisture, electrical hotspots, and insulation gaps. It's like super-hero vision for your job site.

Then there's magicplan. This app goes way beyond simple floor plans. It uses your phone's LiDAR to create accurate 3D models in seconds. But here's the kicker - it's also a robust project management tool where all your site data lives.

When you bring these two together, that's when things get interesting. As you walk through a property, your thermal scans automatically populate your digital floor plan. You're not just collecting random heat maps - you're building a comprehensive, visual story of the property's condition.

But let's break down why this matters:

1. Ditch the paperwork: Everything's digital, organized, and at your fingertips.
2. Cloud power: All your data syncs up, accessible from anywhere.
3. Custom workflows: Build your own forms and processes in magicplan.
4. Speak the insurance language: Export reports that play nice with tools like Xactimate.

For restoration pros, this isn't just about having cool tech. It's about setting a new bar for thoroughness and professionalism. Instead of telling a client you think there might be a problem, you can show them exactly where it is and how bad it's gotten.

As our industry keeps evolving, the folks who embrace tools like these aren't just keeping up - they're pulling ahead. It's time to see what you've been missing, both literally and figuratively. Trust me, once you start using this combo, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.

A big thank you to Ben Brown for sharing his insights on magicplan's capabilities and vision. His enthusiasm for the product and its potential to transform the industry really shines through. And a special shout-out to Valentina Valeravella behind the scenes at magicplan - her guidance has been invaluable in helping us understand the full scope of what this software can do. It's clear that magicplan isn't just a tool, it's backed by a team that's truly committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in field documentation and project management.

This was episode 2 in the evolving 'Beyond Red' series I am working on thanks to some great people at Teledyne FLIR. If you want to understand more about the FLIR ONE series, please check out episode 1: Thermal Imaging: Unveiling the Invisible.