The use of lasers for appraisal inspections is essential for property valuations. Most appraisers use a laser to obtain the most accurate measurements of a home, although a measuring wheel may be used in some cases. It is essential to allow for the accurate measurement of various aspects of a property, such as basements, attics, and detached buildings.
In addition to using laser measures, appraisers also use digital cameras, appraisal software, and MLS access to accurately assess property values. These tools help appraisers accurately assess property values and produce 360-degree photos of the property. Appraisers typically take measurements of the property with a measuring tool (tape measure or laser measuring device), drawing an exterior sketch to highlight the layout. ANSI standards generally call for exterior measurements.
The calculation of property values is based on exterior measurements, which can be done using a laser or traditional tape. The use of laser tools allows appraisers to determine the accuracy of a property’s dimensions, and proper use of these tools can lead to more accurate measurements.
Home measurements can be done using various industry standard measuring devices, including laser tape measures, fiberglass/steel tape, and measuring rolling tape. In summary, using lasers for appraisal inspections is crucial for accurate property valuations and producing accurate reports.
📹 Laser Measurement for Appraisers
Tips, Tricks & Tools for Appraisers with Mike Mila – Laser measurement.
📹 How to Measure an Exterior Wall
Learn how to use the Add/Subtract function of the Leica DISTO ™ D810 Touch laser distance measurer. This is the first segment of …
Hello, I’m glad you’ve found the articles helpful. The D-8 has the ability. They refer to it as the 360 tilt sensor. My Disto has the ability but I have never needed it. I’ve found you can “back into” any measurement. Measure the 3 sides you can access and use the pop points to connect and close the last area. I do that all the time and it works perfect. I have not needed a tape measure since I started using the Disto. I don’t even have a tape in my car. I’ve used a wheel for a radius at times.
Hi Michael. I see from your article on your exterior measurements, you were able to use a door frame as a target and your iPad as a target to account for the difference for total length. My question is what if there is no target available and it’s a straight wall across? Or if the house is on a slope? Thank you for your time!
I think a big part of the appraisal inspection is missed by using a laser device because one fails to be able to walk and observe and take notes on the condition of the property which is the PRIMARY purpose of the appraisal inspection… what happens when you observed a physical defect such as termite or wood rot damages, does the iPad allow you take noted while sketching? NO!…. A good old roller tape be just as fast and is better because it work in all weather condition.
The ipad case is a Griffin “Airstrap” and can be found at Walmart. It is great. I use Alamode’s Total for Ipad and have never had a problem with sketching anything. I use it everyday and have not used paper since I implemented it into my business. I love it! It took me 2 full days to get it fully functional. It was time well spent. No more paper and I no more double enrty of data or sketches- once and it’s done. It saves me about one hour per day. Contact me at mikemila(at)gmail anytime.
Mike, I’ve been pulling a tape for nearly 15 years, but am considering a disto. Your first measurement across the front of the house shows 22.7, then subtract out the entry way cut out, leaves you with 14 feet across the front. That means the entry way should be 8.7, but when you measure it again, it comes out 8.5. I know the difference wouldn’t be statistically significant, but as I’m trying to learn everything about the disto, could you explain the difference? I would like to know as much as I can about any limitations before I buy. Thanks again for a great article explaining how to use the disto.
What do you do when there are bushes that are three feet wide and run the length of the wall. I often find that there are small trees, shrubs, plants, or something that prevents me from being able to reach out and touch a corner/end wall with my hand. That being said, I have yet to buy a laser for fear of shelling out $500 and still having to carry a tape on each job.
I would recommend the new Disto A5 . You can get it from alamode or on Amazon for $500. Apple does not allow a third-party Bluetooth like a Disto in. I understand the Bluetooth Disto does work on the android platform. The Disto I have has the capability to Bluetooth into a third-party device but I don’t use it and will not need that capability when I buy a new one. Using the disco in conjunction with the tablet is efficient and fast enough for me.
It does happen. There is landscaping that interferes with taking a measurement at times. I have found it easier to measure the other 3 sides and when using the iPad I connect the pop points on the unaccessible area. I confirm the findings by measuring the interior of the wall. I think if you tried the laser for a week, you would never use a tape again. It is worth the $500 investment. I promise.
Mike, thanks for the articles, they’ve been very helpful in making my decision to invest in a Disto and a tablet (just waiting for the deliveries now). Couple questions: 1) can you measure by triangulation by aiming at 2 points from where you are standing and getting a length of a wall from a distance (for a house with extensive landscaping or deep snow, etc) 2) are there areas that you just can’t measure with the laser that warrant carrying a tape measure just in case?
Good morning Joe, I’m glad you found the article helpful. All I can say about the Disto laser measuring device is I highly, highly, highly recommend getting one. I’ve been using mine over 10 years and it still works like the day that I bought it. I’ve been wanting to buy the D5 for a long time but have no reason to replace the one that works. I’m hoping someone will go in my car and steal my old one so I can get the D5. I would recommend buying it on Amazon (no tax no shipping).