.jpg)
Tools List
One of the most common questions a new or soon to be home inspector will ask is, "What tools will I need?" Answers to this question can vary greatly and we recommend that you do your own research. There will also be a little bit of a "learn as you go" element to this question. On this page, we share our approach with the tools that we keep available for home inspections.
The "Essentials"
We wear a tool belt with these items at all times:
-
flashlight (rechargeable)
-
receptacle tester (X2 for verification purposes)
-
non-contact voltage detector
-
thermometer (dual IR and probe)
-
#2 flat head screwdriver
-
multi tool screwdriver
-
tape measure (16')
-
hand sanitizer
-
cell phone (not pictured) for photos and report building ("Pitch Gauge" and "Bubble" apps along with a link to the "Building Intelligence Center" can make your phone an even more useful tool!)
"In the Bag"
We bring a tool bag with these items. Be sure to set your bag somewhere out of the way yet somewhere that you won't forget and leave it at the home.
-
towel
-
electrician's gloves (with leather gloves for added protection)
-
indoor shoe covers
-
telescoping mirror(s)
-
headlight (rechargeable)
-
gas sniffer
-
moisture meter
-
CO detector
-
IR camera
-
circuit analyzer
-
twin probe voltage detector
-
needle nose pliers
-
channellock adjustable pliers
"In the Bag" cont...
-
long screwdriver (for probing and testing ceiling mounted smoke detectors)
-
assorted bit set for screwdriver
-
razor knife
-
torpedo level
-
electric screwdriver
-
extra batteries for electronics (including cell phone)
-
tissue (or toilet paper)
-
face mask
-
small cup (for testing water dispensers)
-
microwave tester
-
safety glasses
-
camera (for extending pole, including extra battery and memory card)
For Reaching "High Places"
One of the most common questions we hear is "What ladder do you use?"
-
articulating ladder (we carry a basic one for indoor access to attic hatches and a larger one with self leveling feet for the exterior / roof)
-
telescoping ladder (for those hard to fit spaces)
-
step stool
-
camera pole with (phone mount) - sometimes a ladder isn't the safest way to see things up high.
"In the Truck"
These are items that we keep in our truck at all times for use when needed:
-
outdoor shoe covers
-
extra indoor shoe covers
-
2' level (you might consider a 4' option)
-
binoculars
-
umbrella
-
hand warmers
-
water pressure guage
-
rubber mallet
"Just in Case"
You never know when you might need something in this list:
-
N-95 mask
-
nitrile gloves
-
hand sanitizer refill
-
portable vacuum
-
small broom and dust pan
-
paper towels
-
towels
-
first aid kit
"For the Crawlspace"
We keep these items in the small trash can for better organization. This also helps when the access is inside the home as a way to carry your items into the home while minimizing the mess.
-
gloves (we cut off the forefinger and thumb tip for phone and camera operations)
-
knee pads
-
Tyvek cover suit (these will last for about 10-20 crawls)
-
probing tool (this was the handle to a small garden tool)
-
headlight (rechargeable)
-
respirator
The "Ancillaries"
You will want to think about what ancillary services that you might want to offer. Check with your local agents and inspectors to see what the demand might be for your service area.
-
radon (we use continuous monitors and have enough monitors to cover the demand of our business)
-
radon testing hang tags and "leave behind" letters
-
mold (air sampling equipment and swabs)
-
tripod(s) (for the above equipment)
-
drone (this can be an ancillary, depending on your approach, or simply a safe way to see the roofs that are otherwise inaccessible)