In the world of property assessments, having the right home inspection tools can make your life a whole lot easier. Flashlights and intuition certainly help, but when you add specialized equipment, you’ll spot tiny issues that can become big problems later. Let’s walk through some must-have items, a few optional add-ons, and how remote video inspection can streamline your workflow.
Gather essential gear
Any thorough inspection starts with a solid toolkit. You want to be sure you can see, test, and document everything in a home.
- Flashlight: A bright, rechargeable flashlight is non-negotiable. It reveals what’s hiding in dark crawl spaces and attics. Bring spare batteries so you’re never caught off guard.
- Ladder: An adjustable ladder helps you safely explore roofs, attics, and high ceilings. Telescoping ladders are especially handy because they’re easy to carry through narrow halls.
- Electrical testers: Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) testers help you confirm the property’s electrical systems are working properly.
- Camera: Clear photos or videos of your findings will strengthen your final report and protect you if there’s ever a claim against your inspection. Today’s smartphones are often enough, but a separate digital camera works well too.
- Spare batteries: Don’t forget these for everything from flashlights to moisture meters, especially if you expect long inspection days.
Need a way to keep track of these essentials? You can rely on a home inspection checklist for an organized approach.
Protect yourself with PPE
Your safety is crucial, and personal protective equipment (PPE) helps keep you on the job without unnecessary risk.
- Respirators: High-quality respirators filter out harmful particulates in dusty attics or moldy basements. A simple dust mask probably won’t cut it.
- Gloves: A durable pair of gloves keeps your hands safe from sharp edges and contaminants.
- Coveralls and footwear: Coveralls protect your clothing while proper footwear (with anti-skid covers) keeps you from slipping on slick surfaces.
- Safety glasses or goggles: Flying debris or loose insulation can be an issue in older homes, so eye protection is key.
Go beyond basic tools
Although you can fulfill basic standards with a flashlight and an electrical tester, going the extra mile with optional devices adds real value to your inspections. Here’s a quick comparison of helpful tools:
| Tool | Purpose | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture meter | Detect hidden moisture behind walls | $350 – $550 |
| Infrared camera | Spot temperature anomalies (leaks, insulation gaps) | Around $550 |
| Combustible gas detector | Identify natural gas or propane leaks | ~$350 |
| Carbon monoxide analyzer | Measure CO levels from appliances | $250 – $500 |
Adding these items to your toolkit helps you spot conditions that aren’t visible to the naked eye. The result? More comprehensive inspections that leave your clients confident in your work. You can also track these findings in a property inspection app or property inspection software for easy data management and seamless reporting.
Explore remote video inspection
What is remote video inspection, and why are more inspectors exploring it? In simple terms, it’s a way to conduct parts of your inspection without physically being at the property. You or your team can guide homeowners (or contractors) through a live video feed, zoom in on problem areas, and even capture screenshots for later review.
Some inspectors find remote inspections incredibly efficient for quick follow-ups or spot-checks. Drones, artificial intelligence, and cloud-based software can further enhance remote capabilities, helping you identify property problems with greater accuracy. If you’d like to integrate even more advanced workflows, building inspection software can link your video feed with automatic data backups and secure file sharing.
Try Blitzz Inspect for remote video
If you want a ready-made solution for remote video inspection, take a look at Blitzz Inspect. It’s designed to facilitate real-time video assessments, letting you walk a homeowner or on-site rep through every important detail. This saves you travel time, minimizes disruptions for occupants, and still provides the thoroughness necessary for a professional inspection.
Review frequently asked questions
1. Do I really need advanced tools if I’m just starting out?\
Not necessarily. A flashlight and an electrical tester fulfill basic standards. However, optional tools like moisture meters or infrared cameras can help you uncover hidden issues, boosting the credibility of your reports.
2. Are moisture meters required by InterNACHI standards?\
No. InterNACHI Standards of Practice only require a flashlight and an electrical tester that can test GFCI devices. Moisture meters and infrared cameras are optional, though they can greatly enhance your inspection findings.
3. How does remote video inspection help me?\
Remote video inspection lets you review a property without physically visiting every corner. It’s especially useful for quick check-ins, occupied homes, or instances where time is limited.
4. Will I need special software for remote video?\
Yes. Platforms like Blitzz Inspect offer specialized features for real-time inspections. Plus, you can store findings safely with cloud-based solutions.
5. Where can I learn more about top inspection software?\
You can explore our home inspection software comparison or read home inspection software reviews to see which platform fits your workflow best.
Remember, your toolkit is the foundation of thorough and efficient inspections. When you combine the right equipment with safe practices and modern technology, you offer clients a priceless service. Good luck out there, and don’t hesitate to try new approaches that save you time and keep you safe!
