Ever wonder what was actually inside those old black doctor’s bags? Well, home inspectors also carry “bags” full of intricate and important stuff, what they call the tools of their trade. Dave Park of Advantage Inspections, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been in the business for decades, and talks here about what important gadgets home inspectors rely on.
For today’s modern home inspector, the tools of the trade go beyond the ladder, a flashlight and a few screwdrivers. In fact, before the inspector steps into your home, he may well have several hundred to several thousand dollars invested in his tools. And these aren’t simply the types of tools you’d find around your cluttered garage, or under your car’s back seat.You can bet that your inspector is a “gadget guy.” Yes, a gadget guy who loves what he does and has a tool for every job, phase, item, appliance and system.
Let’s look at what might be in the inspector’s bag:
Binoculars. The better to see a roof with. Some roofs either can’t be walked on or the inspector won’t walk on due to their condition or weather.
Digital Camera. Pictures are often needed to both explain and identify issues.
Ground Fault Testers. They plug these devices into everything to make sure they are properly wired.
Flashlights.Usually home inspectors will have several sizes.
Gas Leak Detector/Carbon Monoxide Tester. These test for gas leaks and carbon monoxide.
Inspection Mirror. It is like the one your dentist has, but larger.
Ladder. One that is enough to reach most roofs and another for inside.
Level. To check pipe slopes and floors.
Mallet. Should be plastic to check for loose tile and flooring.
Moisture Meter. Measures moisture in wood, ceilings and dampness.
Paintbrush. Great for removing spiderwebs and dust.
Pocket Knife. The Swiss one has numerous built-in tool.
Screwdrivers. Flat and Phillips. Power and hand-driven.
Tape Measure. Measures clearances, inches of insulation, room measurements, and more.
Thermometer. Water and HVAC temperatures.
There are also computers, faxes and Blackberrys. Water pressure meters, shovels and cotton swabs. This list can go on.
