You’ve passed your exams and secured your home inspector license — now, you just need to acquaint yourself with the tools of the trade. To get started, it’s important to look to organizations with strong standards, like InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice, to get a sense of industry best practices in regard to training, business management, necessary equipment, and more. Although these standards will provide a great jumping-off point as you shop for equipment, keep in mind that inspectors are free to use the equipment of their choice and have a wide variety of tools to consider. Scroll down to learn more about the home inspector equipment you need to complete the job successfully.
Basic Home Inspector Equipment
As a newly licensed home inspector, building your toolkit doesn’t have to be complicated. The following basic equipment is enough to get you started:
- Flashlight: It’s generally not recommended to rely on your phone flashlight during home inspections. Inspectors need to see clearly in dark, cramped spaces, which requires a powerful, dependable flashlight. Most home inspectors also travel with a backup flashlight to ensure they don’t miss a thing.
- Ladder: Home inspectors should feel safe and secure when examining areas high off the ground. With that in mind, it’s recommended to travel with a multi-functional, telescoping and/or folding 15-foot ladder. A sturdy, reliable ladder will go a long way toward preventing injury on the job.
- Screwdriver set: Screwdrivers are an incredibly versatile tool, perfect for quick tasks like removing electrical panels and prodding areas of the home for moisture. If you’re just starting out, you’ll want to purchase a set of screwdrivers in varying sizes to tackle a variety of jobs.
- Tape measure: A good home inspector is precise, and a tape measure is a great way to ensure a high level of precision in your reports. With a tape measure, you’ll be able to report specific dimensions alongside any safety concerns — whether stair risers are up to code, for example.
Safety Equipment for Home Inspectors
No home inspector toolkit is complete without the following safety equipment:
- Respirator: This key piece of safety equipment is absolutely essential for home inspectors, who may encounter harmful particles like mold and asbestos on the job. In these cases, a dust mask simply isn’t enough. Make sure you purchase a certified respirator capable of filtering out carcinogens as well as bacterial and fungal hazards.
- Safety glasses or goggles: From falling debris to electrical sparks, home inspectors may come face-to-face with all sorts of unpleasant surprises. Protective eyewear will keep you safe and comfortable regardless of the circumstances.
- Gloves: A sturdy pair of work gloves will protect your hands from splinters, insect bites, and other occupational hazards.
Other Equipment to Boost Your Business
If you’d like to boost your business and offer customers increased value, consider going beyond the basics. Below are a few examples of equipment that can take your inspection business to the next level:
- Moisture meter
- Infrared thermometer
- Infrared camera for heightened detection
- Voltage sniffer
- Handheld carbon monoxide detector
- Handheld gas detector
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Ultimately, a home inspector’s toolkit is a personal choice — as personal as your unique approach to inspection. As long as you meet state and federal guidelines, you’re free to expand your toolkit as much as you’d like.
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