Seems like the more I learn about the various home systems, the harder I have to work to not get sidetracked into doing what are essentially specialist inspections.
I know how you feel, I spent most of my life troubleshooting and repairing things so I am always wanting to fix things during inspections.
I believe that we’re all heading in that direction and that, ultimately, the whole generalist/specialist thing will break down. Our clients, and certainly the courts, regard us as specialists, and that’s just the way it is. And that’s why I now carry thousands of dollars of specialized equipment to help me do a better job and, most of all, avoid litigation and petty nuisance calls.
The fact that you have recognized this is a problem is a success on your part. Many never do. Knowing what NOT to do (and what not to write or say) is just as important as knowing what to do. Another area I had to pull back in in my early years was not to get too absorbed or focused on all the “techie” side of the business. You will find you can strike a balance. You will be happier, calmer and a better inspector for it.
What do you carry, Keith?
Indeed.
Ooops, see what I mean?
Just about everything except the thermal imaging gun, and I’d love to have one of those, but $8,000.00 is a bit much. However, I’m very seriously thinking about it. The truth is, I’ll do darn near anything to make my clients happy and keep myself out of the clutches of unreasonable and nasty people. Anyway, and just to name a few goodies: Little-Giiant ladder, Sure-Fire, military style, rechargeable flashlight (my favorite–so small and yet so powerful–110 lumens),self-leveling laser-level; the same moisture meter that the mold guys carry; infra-red temperature reader, illuminating probe, and last but certainly not least, my computerized report writer (I’m not selling my software, I’m just answering a question). PS I’ll think of more as I’m falling asleep.
This may sound dumb, but can you give me a few examples of when to use a laser level. Also, how much should I spend? They range from 10 to 500 dollars.
Have any of you inspected a home that you inspected two or three years ago? I bet it would be really embarrassing if we did. Most of us probably dont even realize it, but we double or knowledge every two or three years (sometimes sooner) from experience and organizations.
Very True
Dylan, you can get a torpedo level for about eighty bucks. Like a spirit level, you have to bring the bubble between the lines before you note where the laser beam is hitting, substract half an inch for the height that the laser beam leaves the level, and the difference is the degree that the floor is out of level. Sounds complicated when written out, but it’s really easy to use. I would never do an inspection without one. Good luck.
Wednesday. Did it three years ago. Still had the FPE panel (really bad), a screened attic scuttle in the garage, wood rot, other various items, but a new roof. At least one thing was done! 
Very understandable Kenton, for just like myself after 40 years in the hands on Industry, to find your self Inspecting and knowing how to fix it or repair it is somewhat difficult to stand down and operate to a level as we should as HI’s.
All this continued Education and the fact that we are not getting any younger, but wiser, all factors in on how we will distinguish ourselves in Inspecting and reporting on Home Inspections.
The Post’s below yours really show some distinction as to the proper execution of how and why we do what is necessary to show the common Public the Expert Inspections that we do. I guess we have to put all our years of expertise technical assistance to the proper Protocol of the Industry Standards and bite the bullet, as one could say.
We do have one advantage over some others, EXPERIENCE= delegate the work and recommendations for proper execution of repairs and/or replacements.
See what I mean.?? Now we know that we don’t have to go shingle a house in -20 degree weather, we delegate it. Sounds good to me anyways. ha ha.
Marcel 
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Doug, one of the most intelligent posts (IMHO) to come down the pike in ages.
Stay within the SOPs, don’t carry anything that won’t fit inside a fanny pack (incl a .380).
FWIW-
Russ
I when I think back to some of my very early inspections it makes me cringe. This message board is still a great way to learn from other inspectors sometimes you learn just by reading someones question. It is a shame a lot of threads are going the way they are.
NACHI does have some bad points but education is most certainly not one of them.
Russel,
Thank you for your kind words Sir! Appreciate them.
Carl, ref. your point about cringing. Here a true story. Many years ago, I hurried home to show off an outlet tester to my wife. After looking it over, she turned to me and said: “What’s reverse polarity?” “I’m damned if I know, sweetheart,” I replied honestly, “but it’s not good.” I’d like to believe that with a little help from my friends I’ve become a better inspector since then. Take care, Mate.
i just gotta say it…
That’s what she said…