The
Home Inspector's Toolkit
Don't
make the mistake that so many new home inspectors make of buying
lots of tools that you do not need and will not use on a home
inspection. These are your essential tools.
1.
Flashlight
At least one good flashlight and a back-up 2. Ladders
A folding ladder
works well. Either 17' or 21'. The ultra compact expandable
ladders are also very handy. You will need a medium size (5'-6')
step ladder too.
3. Digital Camera
There are very few
inspectors who do not take pictures these days. A basic camera is
all you need. Don't fall for all the megapixel hype. Pictures
taken at half a megapixel or one megapixel are adequate. Look for a
camera that is sturdy and easy to operate. Many of the compact
cameras that produce great pictures have controls for dainty
fingers. Don't underestimate the benefit of big easy to use
controls. You will appreciate them when you are in tight or awkward
positions in attics and crawl spaces.
4. Wiggy
If you only own ONE electrical tester, it should be a Wiggy.
A Wiggy is the versatile tester you will ever find. They are
inexpensive, easy to use, and very reliable. 5. Screwdrivers
A small collection
of standard mechanics tip and electricians tip screw drivers. 6. Knee pads
If you have crawl
spaces in your area, knee pads are one of the best investments you
will make.
7. Face Masks
At a minimum you
should have disposable masks on hand. Non-disposable masks are more
expensive and require fitting but they have disposable cartridges
for specific purposes. 8. Hard Hat
A nice thing to
have. Crawlspaces and attics can be dangerous. Nails can be
sticking our from places where you would least expect them.
9. Inspection Report Software and Laptop
You may not think of
your inspection report as being a tool but it is. Your
inspection report is your legacy. Many of the people who see
your report may never meet you face-to-face or talk with you.
Their first, and lasting, impressions of you will come mainly
from your report. Your report needs to be comprehensive but
easy to read and understand.
A
laptop works best for doing inspections. You may want to start
by doing your reports after the fact but if you want to be
competitive and maximize your income, you will need to do your
reports in the field. Get a good solid performing laptop that
is dedicated to doing inspections.
10. Coveralls
Carry two pairs of
coveralls. You won't always need them but you'll be glad you have
them when you do need them.
11. Awl
For probing wood.
12. Telescoping Inspection Mirrors
A small assortment
of telescoping stainless steel inspection mirrors inspecting hard to
reach places such as inside furnaces and under water heaters.
13. Safety Glasses or Goggles
They come in handy; especially in crawlspaces.
Optional but
not necessary for standard inspections:
CO Meter (such as the
Bacharach 19-7060 Snifit 50
Carbon Monoxide Analyzer)
Clamp on ammeter (such as the Amprobe RS-3)
Natural gas detector
Moisture meter (such as the GE Protimeter
Aquant Moisture Meter)
IR thermometer (such as the fluke 62)
Not needed:
GFCI tester (use a Wiggy instead. They are more realiable)
Anything to do with construction codes
Probably anything not listed above - If we missed anything write to
us and let us know!
