Hello everyone,
I am a newcomer. Recently I’m getting ready to buy some tools to start my home inspector journey, but I don’t know what I need to buy, can you guys give me some advice. If you recommend a tool, it would be best to let me know its use and advantages, thank you very much.
David
Hi David and welcome to the forum. I found the below using the search feature in the upper right hand corner of this page at the magnifying glass…you might try that, too.
Edit:
Pretty crappy tool…LOL! Bert, has given you “fresh off the job real world tools” , in his post below.
Go thru your state’s SOP and decide what tools you will need to satisfy the requirements of the inspection.
For example, in Texas they have to measure the temperature at each HVAC register, but most places you don’t. In some states you don’t have licensing so you can use the INTERNACHI SOP.
At a bare minimum you should have a ladder long enough to get you where you need to go, a good flashlight, measuring tape (many building standards are measurement based), screw drivers, moisture meter, electrical receptacle tester, and a capable smartphone or camera for documenting what you see.
Each year I spend a portion of my profits on more and better tools and devices and attend classes to expand my knowledge. Some people would say that education is your most important tool, but I’m pretty sure you were asking about hardware.
Really? OK…
Over the years you will end up with all kinds of tools. It’s an addiction. Bert mentioned a measuring tape. We give those away. A Bosch laser measuring tape is much more fun and impressive! Floor out of level (many older homes) a self leveling laser cross line level fun. Moisture meters, Ferret camera, drone, pole camera, …etc. They sky is the limit! Don’t forget clean up equipment when you make a mess - mop and bucket, hand vacuum, paper towels… PPE (personal protective equipment) face shield , gloves, knee pads, coveralls, water proof boots.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a new need comes along.
Right…NACHI SoP requires a GFCI tester. I do not recall any additional tools.
What everyone else said and I’ll add good inspection software.
You’re report is the result of all the work you did during the inspection and a document most of your clients will keep for years to come.
Hi David. Welcome to InterNACHI forum.
When I started I wanted to purchase shiny tools and equipment but common sense took over.
I had not earned a single penny. What I really needed was work. and a few tools to get me up and running. Tote Bag. Waist Tool pouch. Flashlight. Tape measure. Good Compact Camera With Strong Optical Zoom. Non contact voltage detector. Simple but efficient moisture meter. Levels. 1 Torpedo 1 24: inch vile. Good comfortable shoes and sneakers.
That should start you off.
Good luck with your endeavors!
90% of inspections can be done with a good combination screwdriver/nut driver, flashlight, basic 12-14 foot ladder, tape measure, and outlet tester.
The other 10% is where you need the moisture meter, thermal cam, drone, towels, level, smoke pencil, gas leak detector, carbon monoxide detector, and 46 piece tool set.
But how much you get accomplished on that 10% sets you apart from the others that don’t care to dig that deep.