I've had my Fluke TIR camera for a little over a month now and it is paying off indirectly. Since there are only a few home inspectors in this area that have one and many Realtors don't know about this type of camera; I give a little 15 minute presentation, then show them some interesting things the camera can do (have a little fun with the Realtors), then answer any questions. I have gotten a few jobs from Realtors just from this presentation already (cheap advertising).
The IR camera does make looking for moisture, missing insulation, electrical problems, etc a lot easier. About a week ago, I was doing a quick scan of the basement when I found at water leak at the corner of the finished basement wall. I tested with the moisture meter to confirm and with the IR camera, I was able to include that picture in with the report. The moisture meter & IR camera showed the moisture but visually there was no evidence of a problem. After showing the client and their Realtor that area with a moisture meter and the IR picture, they had no doubts that a problem existed.
Is a Infrared camera needed to do home inspections? NO. Once you have one and start using it, you will be telling stories like I just am.
In my opinion, cost is the only thing holding home inspectors back from buying one. Once the cost drops enough ($4,000 is not bad for a tool you can write off on your taxes and maybe save you from a lawsuit), then you will see most home inspectors buying one and talking great things about it.
For me, the longer other home inspector wait to buy one, the more I can take advantage of this technology when it comes to advertising.
If you can afford it, buy one!