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Inspection Tools
Fundamental Inspection Tools
The following is a list of tools essential for doing home inspections.
These instruments are directly related to deciphering defects in
a house.
A rechargeable high-intensity light with a minimum 30,000 candlepower
is basic to a comprehensive home inspection. If you can't see it,
you can't inspect it. The
MAG-Lite rechargeable flashlight
includes a 12 volt car charger so the flashlight recharges
between inspections.
A moisture meter is used to confirm whether a water stain is 'active'
or wet, to track down leaks, to quantify the percentage of moisture in
wood or non-wood products and more. Also, a stain may appear dry visually
and to touch but when tested has a high level of moisture content.
Click here for most Frequently Asked Questions
and the use of moisture meters in home inspections.
The Delmhorst BD2100 is preferred by many inspectors.
You will use it to detect toxic gas leaks in gas lines and as an aid
in inspecting heat exchangers and checking a flue draft. Any time
a house has gas fueled appliances or furnaces it is imperative an
inspector check the presence of gas leaks for the safety of the
occupants. The TIF combustible gas detectors are the industry standard.
Used in almost any situation where combustible gasses, vapor or residues
need to be found
Click here for Frequently asked questions about combustible gas detectors.
Test for carbon monoxide levels in the surroundings and in furnace
flues. The TIF8500A is a professional grade service tool for accurate
measurements of Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels in any environment or
application, including ambient, appliance surroundings and furnace
flues. The TIF8500A has an industry first, Voice feature which
allows the unit to actually speak out the measured reading.
This tool should have an AC voltage range of 24 volts to 220 volts.
Use it to determine if power supply at the main board is 208 or 220 volts.
One used for voltage only should not be very expensive.
Buy two. Use one on the return and one on the supply duct to determine
the temperature differential in cooling and heating systems. Buy one
with a range of +25 degrees to +125 degrees F and one with a range of
0 degrees to 200 degrees F.
You will need a large and small one. Used for inspecting interiors of
oil burners while off and while operating. After inspecting the interior
of an operating oil burner, the mirror is hot and it holds the heat for
a long time. You will also use this with your flashlight to check gas
furnace heat exchangers, read name plates installed on the bottom of
equipment, etc.
It detects live electrical circuits of voltage present, even if no
current is flowing. It will not work on BX or wiring in metal conduit.
Use it to check Edison Fuses in the box, to tell if knob and tube wiring
is live, etc. Once you use one, you will not be without it again.
ETCON CT101 tester or equivalent.
These are used to check remote roofs, windowsills, sofits, etc.
To inspect a roof a dependable ladder is a must. The length should
give you access to at least the edge of the roof. The weight of the
ladder is a factor because you will be raising and lowering it yourself.
This tool is used to probe for dry rot and termite damage in floor joist.
If you are going to test built-in microwaves, then a tester is necessary.
One type is passed around the door gasket to see if there is any leakage
of the microwaves. Another kind is placed inside the microwave and
indicates it whether or not it is radiating.
Additional Inspection Tools
Additionally there are some items listed inspectors have found to
aid in the job of inspecting houses however, these are not crucial.
This is good making the report clearer by using exact measurements.
Amprobe or similar meter to read amperage.
It is desirable to have all the tools used on an inspection with you
inside the house. A case with a foam interior where each tool has a
particular spot may keep you from leaving a tool behind.
Pelican cases
are durable, professional, and will last years.
These two sizes will disassemble most sheet metal work. Magnetic preferable.
If you are going to promote your service and give talks to real estate
firms, etc. you will need a slide library. Computer technology gives
inspectors the opportunity to do professional presentations using
MS PowerPoint, etc.
There may be times when you need to produce a picture immediately for
clients, etc. These can come in handy.
If you.re not positive of the directions, a compass can come in handy.
Sometimes in describing the location of a defect specific directions are useful.
On rainy days an extra pair of shoes to wear inside will keep you from
tracking in mud.
Battery or rechargeable ones make the inspection go quicker.
Has two blades. One is a standard knife blade. The other is a locking
screwdriver blade. You will use it on every inspection.
Buy the best you can find.
These are good for handling sheet metal and dirty items.
Purchase one with a pigtail for the ground. This tester should specify
grounded or reversed polarity.
Very handy for testing outlets for power where polarity and grounding
test are not needed.
If your camera, flashlight, multimeter, tic-tracer, etc. isn't
rechargeable then be prepared with extra batteries.
This item is for your safety in attics and crawlspaces.
You can probe remote areas for rot, termite damage, etc. by extending
the awl and other tools.
Useful for those few times when you need to uncover a small area.
For determining if floors are level.
On rainy days you will need one for yourself and your client.
Used for inspecting crawlspaces. There are washable types, or disposable
ones. Have a size that you are able to use and an extra pair for your
clients (extra large size) to use if they are entering the crawlspace
with you. Some clients will want to go with you.
These are good in snow and rain. Also needed in wet crawlspaces at times.
Whether it is raining a 'gully-washer' or not the inspections still go on.
You'll appreciate some rain clothing.
Be prepared because the office may be an hour away, when you suddenly
notice you're in need.
You may want to highlight something in the report.
Two gallon size is convenient. Mark the bucket at the 1 gallon and 2 gallon
capacity level. When you are inspecting a house on well water, you can fill
the bucket and check the length of time it takes to fill one gallon and then
two gallons. Leave the faucet running at that rate for 20-30 minutes and
you have made a rough test of the well's ability to provide a 4 gpm flow as
well as the ability of the septic system to accept a large amount of water
without backing up. Don't leave the bucket in the tub. It will float over
the drain and block it, possibly leaving you responsible for flooding a
bathroom.
Be prepared for everything. A roll of paper towels is also good to have.
Despite your planning and care, you will turn on a dishwasher one day,
turn your back, and find that the gasket leaks and there is water all over
the kitchen floor. With a bucket and sponges, you can clean up a lot of water.
Always have spare bulbs available.
If you can't see it, you can't inspect it. Be professional and always
have a spare. See
www.hreporters.com/Catalog/flashlights.php.
An inspection is not an ideal place for children. However, if there are
children at the inspection you will be happy you have some things to keep
them occupied.
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Checklist & Contract
- Try a Sample Set!
- 1 inspection report checklist
- 1 std. contract
Start-Up Pkg
- 2 inspection report checklists
- 2 std. contracts
- 100 Ways to Market a Home Inspection Business
- Brochure samples
- 100 Article series
- Home Inspections: "The Nuts & Bolts"
- Forms to assist in appointment scheduling
Pro-Sample Set
- 1 inspection report checklist
- 1 standard contract
- The Home Reporter Home Inspection Manual
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