20 Tools Every Home Inspector Needs

When learning to become a home inspector, it’s helpful to have tools on hand to get a clearer scope of a home’s condition. Beyond the typical screwdriver and tape measure, here is a list of tools that you’ll want to have on hand to ensure a safe and successful home inspection.

The Basics

• Flashlight – and a powerful one at that. This is useful to guide you in areas that are too dark to see or too hard to reach.
• 4-foot Level – to measure any slope of walls, ceilings, appliances, etc.
• Telescoping Ladder – which is collapsible and easy to maneuver around a home without dinging a wall.
• Digital Camera – to capture shots of the property to provide detailed, visual information about the inspection.
• Tape – blue painter’s is great for marking cosmetic defects, and yellow electrical tape works well to precisely mark leaks or electrical issues.

Specialized equipment

• Electrical Circuit Testers – help to test and indicate any defects with ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices.
• Water Pressure Gauge – to determine excess pressure.
• Gas Leak Detection Solution – helps to detect any gas leaks.
• Water Hardness Test Strips – to test and identify water softeners.

For Your Safety

• Respirator – as some areas may contain airborne particles that represent biological hazards (viral, bacterial and fungal organisms).
• Safety Glasses – to keep your eyes safe from any dust or particles in the air, especially when you’re in an attic or a crawl space.
• Gloves – offer protection from rough surfaces or sharp objects.
• High-Traction boots – are a must-have when you’re on the roof.
• Coveralls – so you don’t have to pack a change of clothes after inspecting a crawl space.

In Case of Mess

• Towels for Clean-Up – especially to soak up any leaks.
• Sheets – make great floor covers to keep from damaging them when propping up ladders.
• Moist Wipes – are nice to have on hand if a mess happens.

Optional Extras

• Moisture Meter – to locate elevated moisture levels or plumbing leaks.
• Infrared Camera – to identify areas that are unusually hot or cold.
• Microwave Tester – to ensure a microwave is working properly.

By having these tools on hand, you will quickly be seen as a trusted source to past, and potential, clients; just one of the perks of becoming a home inspector. While it’s not mandatory to have every item on this list, these tools will simplify the home inspection process. If you’re learning to become a home inspector, now’s the perfect time to get used to utilizing these tools!