What Tools Do You Need To Become A Home Inspector?
For a lot of potential home inspectors, the thought of buying thousands of dollars worth of tools keeps them from entering the profession. This doesn't have to be! As a former home inspector myself, and one who bought tools for my other inspectors, I came to understand just which tools a new inspector needs. So set back while I help you decide the very basic of tools and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how little you actually need.
For starters, you'll need some type of bag to carry most of your tools in. To be honest, I use to keep a few extra tools laying in my glove box of my pickup so that if I ever forgot my back, I could still perform a proper inspection.
The very first thing you'll need is a good step stool. I like the Louisville models. You can get them at a number of places. Chances are they have some at your local Wal-Mart, Lowes, Ace Hardware or Home Depot. A good step stool is worth it's weight in gold. Not only does it allow you to step up to new heights, but it can also function as a chair or a work table if your busy and need a place to lay something.
Next on my list is a good receptacle tester. I'm not talking about one of those little five dollar jobs. I want one that will test GFCI circuits as well. These types of testers run from twenty to forty dollars. The basic 3 wire testers do not alert you to several dangerous wiring conditions. In fact, they can show a 'Correct' situation when in fact, the receptacle is wired faulty. Never rely on them.
Next up is a good quality Multi-tool. I never owned a Leatherman until I got into the business. Then I never knew how I got along without one! These will come in handy time and time again. Not only are they a pocket knife, but they're a pair or scissors, screwdriver, pick and scraper all rolled into one! Don't think you can get a cheap one and get buy. Buy a good quality brand like Leatherman. A good multi tool will set you back about $80 or so.
The next thing you must have as a new home inspector is a flashlight. This is probably one of the most important things you can have. It's your eyes. Its what you'll be basing the entire outcome of the inspection on. If you can't see it, you can't report it! I like the small rechargeable types like Streamlight or Surefire. Which ever one you get, make sure you get extra bulbs and a car charger! You'll thank me later.
So there you have it. That's really all the tools you need. Yes, you can add a few more things such as a ladder and maybe a level. But really, the inspector tools I listed above will get you through any inspection you come across. And if you know what you're doing, they'll all you need!
