a little help from my friends.. good song! ;)

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1

Originally Posted By: dholland1
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Hey guys I’m a brand new green bean here…




Been doing construction for over 10 years and I am currently doing full remodels and additions just for a glimpse into my background.

That being said I LOVE tools... I have tools for my tools...

Anyway I pride myself on always having the right tool for the job and because of that I have 20k worth of sublime twisting turning cutting do hickeys that I love an excuse to break out and show off. I am a collector of sorts.

Ok to the point, I know everything I need to build a house from the dirt to the shingles and I have done it all. But as I enter this wonderful world of inspectorhood I am trying to be wise with my investment.


The question, if you had to say what you felt were the numero uno essential tools for residential home inspection what would they be? Also I would like to know brands for the best and medium grade options.

I am expecting my first little boy in a few months and therefore am trying to not be my normal self and buy everything at once. I want to ease into this business but don't want to buy redundantly or haphazardly.


Anywho! thanks in advance for the advice.

PS: I already have my 3D software inbound and I am planning to use my treo 650 pda as data entry point with my laptop as my report builder and do onsite printing/assembly of the reports. So I'm referring more to the inspection tool essentials at this point.

whew.. long email but hope to get to know you all!

![icon_rolleyes.gif](upload://iqxt7ABYC2TEBomNkCmZARIrQr6.gif)
God Bless,
/donny holland


www.inspectorholland.com

2

Originally Posted By: mboyett
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


This should get you started:


http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/viewtopic.php?t=16386&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=tools

–
Mike Boyett


Capital City Inspections


Austin, Tx


www.capcityinspections.com

3

Originally Posted By: dholland1
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


sweet. Thx…


Have most of that.

Don't have moisture meter.

Can I get by with 49 dollar harbor freight job or is that a bad corner to cut?


I pride myself on my construction knowledge but I haven't done much moisture testing...

Is there any universal uber gadgets I should look at?

Wish I could get my tablet PC but I must make money first or the wife will give me ugly looks... But I can justify a cool meter or two ![icon_smile.gif](upload://b6iczyK1ETUUqRUc4PAkX83GF2O.gif)

Oh what color laser printer do your recomend?

thanks,
/donny

4

Originally Posted By: mboyett
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Well, you will get all sorts of answers on the moisture meter. I use a Delmhorst BD-10 that I got at Amazon for $185. I use a TIF-8850 gas detector from N/W Tool W/H for $178 and my color laser printer is a Konica-Minolta Magicolor 2400 from Office Max for $482 (edited 11/10) less a $100 rebate.


If memory serves me correctly, someone on the board was proposing to put a semi-official spreadsheet together showing various tools and example costs. Maybe this was done and someone can point you to it.

–
Mike Boyett


Capital City Inspections


Austin, Tx


www.capcityinspections.com

5

Originally Posted By: dholland1
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


thanks for the help I’m looking at the minolta printer and I like it. As far as a moisture meter I’m hoping I can find a less expensive solution for the time being.



Oh and mboyett your the only person that has said anything to try and help me so I appreciate that!




God Bless,
/donny

6

Originally Posted By: bkelly2
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Donny I’ll give it a whack.


Not much moisture here so no moisture meter for me. No fancy leak detector as I think it increases my liability, and my nose still works.


Get a good ladder if you are going on the roof, safety first.
Couple of screwdrivers, couple of nut drivers, vice grips, tool bag, tool pouch, leatherman, mag lite, cheap 1,000,000 CP lite from target/wallmart, code check http://www.codecheck.com/ use your computer at home until you make it, cannon pixima 3000 inkjet printer(I like speed), dust masks, min 3 mega pixel camera, meat thermometer, 3 legged pack stool, liquid skin or super glue, sun hat, sun screen, gfci tester, water pressure gauge, what did I miss? Take some HI classes or go hang out at the book store and read all of their HI books.

Then when you are making money you can get the fun gadgets, ultra stinger flashlight, PDA, infrared thermometer, moisture meter, leak detector, etc.

--
"I used to be disgusted, Now I try to Be amused"-Elvis Costello

7

Originally Posted By: sspradling
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Donny, I got one for you. Small, rechargable screwdriver like the Black&Decker pivot driver. Something with an adjustable clutch so as not to overtighten. Great for panel screws, attic access hatches, etc.


Stu

8

Originally Posted By: rspriggs
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


sspradling wrote:
Donny, I got one for you. Small, rechargable screwdriver like the Black&Decker pivot driver. Something with an adjustable clutch so as not to overtighten. Great for panel screws, attic access hatches, etc.
Stu


Yep, I always wondered why those "toy" screwdrivers were still sold, as I was so used to using big 18V honkers.
Then I started HI, and saw an $8 job at WM, and understood the (handy, lightweight) value!

Donny, you are going to get all kinds of responses to your question; none of them wrong, all of them right for that particular individual.

As I firmly believe in sticking strictly to our SOPs, I bet I'm the inspector with the least amount of gizmos on the job. I may have them home, but I decrease my liability by referring questionable concerns out in my report.

Think carefully, after you re-read the SOPs, and make your own decision. And, welcome to the profession!

Russ

--
Exploring Planet NACHI . . . One house at a time.

Russ Spriggs,
Idaho Chapter Pres.
Coeur d'Alene, ID Home Inspectors
Coeur d'Alene Home Inspectors
9

Originally Posted By: dholland1
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Yes well…


I am a tool collector as I previously mentioned. hehe so I allready have many cordless screwdrivers including but not limited too 19.2v, 18v hammer, 12v, 12v right angle, 9.2 volt, 7.2 volt and prob a few I'm forgetting about...

lol


I have a sickness
/donny

10

Originally Posted By: rspriggs
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


can you Go?"


The little weenie one I use only takes 4 AA rechargeables





Russ

–
Exploring Planet NACHI . . . One house at a time.


Russ Spriggs,
Idaho Chapter Pres.
Coeur d'Alene, ID Home Inspectors
Coeur d'Alene Home Inspectors

11

Originally Posted By: rcooke
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


rspriggs wrote:
sspradling wrote:
Donny, I got one for you. Small, rechargable screwdriver like the Black&Decker pivot driver. Something with an adjustable clutch so as not to overtighten. Great for panel screws, attic access hatches, etc.
Stu


Yep, I always wondered why those "toy" screwdrivers were still sold, as I was so used to using big 18V honkers.
Then I started HI, and saw an $8 job at WM, and understood the (handy, lightweight) value!

Donny, you are going to get all kinds of responses to your question; none of them wrong, all of them right for that particular individual.

As I firmly believe in sticking strictly to our SOPs, I bet I'm the inspector with the least amount of gizmos on the job. I may have them home, but I decrease my liability by referring questionable concerns out in my report.

Think carefully, after you re-read the SOPs, and make your own decision. And, welcome to the profession!

Russ

Russ I am with you follow the SOP Not many tools required. A good ladder Little Giant is the best in my opinion 17 foot slides down to just over 4 ft. about 35 lbs good for 225 lbs

--
Roy Cooke Sr.

http://Royshomeinspection.com
12

Originally Posted By: rspriggs
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Yup-


Not many tools required.


True K.I.S.S.-


Keep It Smart & Simple.


icon_exclaim.gif


Russ

–
Exploring Planet NACHI . . . One house at a time.


Russ Spriggs,
Idaho Chapter Pres.
Coeur d'Alene, ID Home Inspectors
Coeur d'Alene Home Inspectors

13

Originally Posted By: gporter
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Welcome Donny.

–
Gary Porter


GLP’s Home and Mold Inspections LLC


Orlando, Fl 32828


321-239-0621


www.homeandmoldinspections.com

14

Originally Posted By: dholland1
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


thanks for all the welcomes…




I will review sop some more but I doubt I will not be using my tools. I will always defer and not give anything more than an opinion with a suggestion for some else to look at it but I believe my customers would like to know my opinion.


How do you inspect a service panel without taking it off?

Ok off to work... Doing full basement remodel.

![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif)


/donny

15

Originally Posted By: rcooke
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


dholland1 wrote:
thanks for all the welcomes...



I will review sop some more but I doubt I will not be using my tools. I will always defer and not give anything more than an opinion with a suggestion for some else to look at it but I believe my customers would like to know my opinion.


How do you inspect a service panel without taking it off?

Ok off to work... Doing full basement remodel.

![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif)


/donny

Please read the SOP close it is to keep you out of trouble .
Please read others post's on this Board and the lawyers section.
We need each other to try and always do the correct things.
Good luck stay in touch with us all .

--
Roy Cooke Sr.

http://Royshomeinspection.com
16

Originally Posted By: rspriggs
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.




Leave the panel, Donny.
Just take the cover off.

(Sorry, just had to make a W.A. remark!)
![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif)
Seriously, the panel was made to come off.
A caulked & sealed attic hatch, however, is not . . .

Russ

--
Exploring Planet NACHI . . . One house at a time.

Russ Spriggs,
Idaho Chapter Pres.
Coeur d'Alene, ID Home Inspectors
Coeur d'Alene Home Inspectors

17

Originally Posted By: jwilliams4
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Your best tool? A thorough inspection and an informative report.


Roy Cooke Sr says it best

"write hard and miss nothing"

Good luck

--
"not just an inspection, but an education"

18

Originally Posted By: wdecker
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Danny;


Above all, don't try to fix anything or tell the client how to fix anything. This is always a temptation for those of us who used to fix things.

Defer to experts. In this way you pass your liability (and your client's) onto them. Above all, bet rid of liability. If you don't know, say so and pass it to experts. If you do know, don't say too much, just pass on the liability.

I once explained an electrical problem and how to fix it. The client bought the house and tried for fix it themselves, based upon what the thought they heard me say. Really messed it up.

I allways used the phrase, "Recommend evaluation and repiar by a licensed and insured XXXXX contractor". If they do anything less (or the seller does), I am completely off the hook, liability wise.

Talk soft, write hard and miss nothing.

Will

--
Will Decker
Decker Home Services
Skokie, IL 60076
wjd@DeckerHomeServices.com

19

Originally Posted By: jsieg
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


One tool most don’t think about is slippers (house shoes). Here in the north we have a lot of snow and rain. I carry hospital booties (for everyone to put on over their shoes, NO high heals please) and disposable coveralls.


Home Owners love you doing an inspection after coming in from the rain, then inspecting the attic or craw space covered with mud, then walking across their hard wood floors. ![nachi_sarcasm.gif](upload://6HQh6KbNiD73gqTNQInjrR2zeJw.gif)

I saw that someone said a water pressure gauge... I bought a universal adaptor for mine so I could check the pressure at sink faucets as wall as at the hose bibs.

I also have a TPI 775 combo CO & Combustible Gas Leak Detector. Works great but when you turn it on it sounds like a cheep video game.

I also use the Xtend & Climb telescopic ladder. Fits into the truck cab nicely.

6,000,000 candle watt light bought at Big Lots (an overstock store) for the attics, crawspaces, basements & other dark places.

GFCI tester... AFCI tester later when you can afford one ( most houses don't have them yet, mostly new housing).

Inspection Mirror for hard to see places like furnace heat exchangers.

Ink Pens.... with contract.... never skip signing the inspection contract because your ink pen ran out of ink.

*** tape measure, large marble (or level) ... banister spacing & to check funny slopes.

**** The most important tools ****
Eyes
Ears
Nose
Touch

20

Originally Posted By: bkelly2
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


I carry an old Q-ball for a level.

–
“I used to be disgusted, Now I try to Be amused”-Elvis Costello