As you start your Home Inspection business it can be overwhelming with all the different Home Inspection Tools available. Although the tools required for a Home Inspector are very limited, in order to complete a great inspection a few more tools should be used. Here is a list of tools that we recommend you start out with. As you get more experienced and complete more Home Inspections you’ll find which Home Inspection Tools you want to add to this list.
- Camera – Documenting your findings with pictures in your home inspection report helps your client visualize your recommendation. Some inspectors use their cell phones, and others have separate cameras. If you are going to use a separate camera we recommend getting one that is waterproof and shockproof. To use your phone, make sure you have a good protective case.
- Respirator – A good respirator with filter out both particulates that represent biological hazards and hazards caused by material lodging in the respiratory system.
- Flashlight – A powerful flashlight will obviously help to see in dark areas such as the attic and subarea, but they can also be used throughout the inspection to illuminate under sink cabinets, behind furniture or appliances. We recommend purchasing an LED rechargeable flashlight.
- Ladder – We use the telescoping ladders, they provide an easy way to carry them through the house, or any location you need to place them. They also fit easier in the trunk of a car instead of needing a ladder rack on the top of your car or truck.
- Measuring Tape – When writing your home inspection report you will want to include specific measurements with a picture of the measurement. Measuring stair treads, or window openings are some good examples of when you would use a measuring tape.
- Voltage Detector – You will want to be able to test exposed wires to verify if they are live or not.
- GFCI Receptacle Tester – You may want to test GFCI plugs on inspections. These will test that the trip breaker is functioning. You can also get some GFCI testers that will detect wiring faults such as open ground, open neutral, open hot, and reversed.
- Rechargeable screwdriver – Using a small rechargeable screwdriver will speed up your inspection when removing and replacing electrical panel covers, and furnace covers.
- Pinless moisture meter – You will want to verify the moisture content in areas where you notice some discoloration or staining. A pinless model is good because it won’t leave any damage to the home.
- Headlamp – To keep your hands free while crawling in the sub area a head lamp can be worn.
- Boot covers – When entering the home good boot covers should be used to eliminate you tracking mud and dirt inside.
- Crawl suit – There are many different types of crawl suits on the market, but whatever type you decide to use you will want to wear one when you are crawling the sub area of the home.
- Gloves – You will want to wear gloves when crawling in the sub area. You may also want gloves when inspecting the exterior of the home.
- Level – A small level can be used to check if various areas are not level such as floors, basement walls, outside condenser, or gutters.
- Putty Knife – A putty knife can be used to check if the siding is flashed properly, and can also be used to check for sealant or caulking in various areas.
- 8” Phillips Screwdriver – A screwdriver can be used to probe wood that you suspect might have wood rot or deterioration. It can also be used as a size guide for pictures in the sub area to show how much clearance is available when crawling.
- Water pressure test gauge – Used to test if the home has an adequate water pressure reading.
- Infrared Thermometer – Using an infrared beam, these give a digital reading of the temperature of whatever you point it at. We use these to check the heating or cooling system in the home, and to check the temperature of the water at the faucets.
- Tool bag – Some inspectors use a tool vest, others use a tool belt. Whatever your preference you will need a convenient way to carry all of these around with you through the home. Check out our video series on the different tools our home inspectors use and links to purchase those tools.
