Originally Posted By: Danny Armstrong This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Flashlights, batteries, powerfull rechargeable lights for crawl spaces and atticks. Standard small tool pouch (screwdrivers, pliers, etc.). Ladders, extension and step ladders or folding compact ladders. Volt meter, moisture meter, themometer(s), coveralls, boots, shoes to wear inside if you get your boots muddy. Dust masks, knee pads, elbow pads. Binoculars. Some inspectors have lots of other gadgets, just depends on how much you want to spend!
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Gerry wrote:
my tongue is planted firmly in cheek whilst writing this, any you are entering the area of an old gag between freinds
I would not trust the opinion of a guy who thinks he can perform open heart surgery with 2 maglites and a Swiss army knife (Dull) the absolute minimum inspectors tool kit should contain:
and this picture does not show my 7 different ladders, combustion analyser, sure tester and increment borer.
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Larry O'Connor wrote:
Robert, can you amputate an arm or a leg with your tools?? 
Of course ... ... thats why it's always good to have a decent multi-tool with a sharp mini saw ... 
Dont pay any attention to Gerry's ramblings about heart surgeons ... home inspectors are not "specialists", they are "generalists". Like the family doctor who will use simple instruments like a stethoscope, tongue depressor, reflex hammer, ear light, etc. and his own senses to get an overall handle on your condition, and whether you need to see a specialist ...
gbeaumont wrote:
... the absolute minimum inspectors tool kit should contain:
Hmmmm ... quite a list of "minimum tools" for someone on a tight budget (maybe you missed that part ... lol). Plus add at least $1,500 for training seminars for the specialized equipment. And you are on a very slippery slope with that "increment borer" my friend ...
My guess would be the pry bars are to remove access panels for crawl spaces and attics that have been closed up and are not "readily accessible" ... ... but, could someone please print out a copy of the NACHI SOP for my friend Gerry ... I notice there is no printer there (duck).
Quite an array of "absolute minimum tools" ... ... Well raise my rent! Gerry Beaumont has actually admitted he would be unable to do a decent property inspection without a wide array of specialized testing equipment, including a laptop computer. I need to go lie down now ...
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
All kidding between Gerry and I aside, you should have at least a good set of basic tools to start, and can add more specialized testing equipment over time as you gain more experience if thats what you decide to do. There are a few other topics on this issue too.
Also don't skimp on good training, keep learning, and try to work with an experienced inspector at first ... or at least do ride-alongs with some ... you could trade doing the crawl space and/or attic inspections for the help ... 
(P.S. Gerry ... where is the SureTest? I have to go lie down again ... lol)
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
One last thought, ifyou do go into the specialized tool area, get specialized training, and make sure that if needed your equipment is serviced and recalibrated as required by the manufacturer on an annual basis, my combustion analyser and Larger CO meter cost $200 per year in re-calibration and new oxygen sensors. (I send them to the same place that Rob uses to get his Swiss army knife honed and recalibrated)   
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
gbeaumont wrote:
Expensive tools do not make a good inspector, they make a good inspector better, there is no substitute for training and experience.
As much as it kills me ...  ... I have to agree with Gerry there. There really is no substitute for training and experience.
There are times doing an evaluation of a building with highly sophisticated and very specialized testing equipment when the readings just rub me the wrong way based on what I can see and suspect. Like doing an evaluation on a concrete structure once with impact echo equipment (don't even go there Gerry ... lol) and the readings just seemed off. I went to my truck and got out a masons hammer to check things out for myself, and it turned out the equipment was WRONG. And that was some of the best equipment money could buy.
The point is ya need to develop a gut instinct about any type of inspections, and trust your gut instinct and look at things closely if it tells you something is wrong.
P.S. Gerry ... I prefer M&M (Maglight and Multi-Tool) ....
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: jrooff This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Larry, it maybe in your best interest to do the or ask for the ride along after you have been through the AHIT training class. You may find when you offer to help, your tour guide knows you have at least an idea you know what your looking for and your help could be worth the ride along.
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Larry … First get some good training, read up on crawl space and attic issues, and consider joining and going to some local chapter meetings to get your foot in the door for some ride-alongs …
– Robert O’Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: Ronald Reedy This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I see the flash light in the picture, I also have one with a head strap Energizer makes this one and several other companies on the market, takes two double A"s I find it handy in an attic were I can use both hands to swing from the trusses
– The best place to start your real estate transaction is with the home inspection
