Home Inspection Tools and Materials

Digital Camera

• An accurate record of the preexisting conditions in a home is essential to successful home inspection. A digital camera will record images that can be emailed or printed off for distribution to interested parties. Most digital cameras are small and portable, able to be used for even the tightest spaces found in a typical home inspection.

Ladder

• Often times the most serious home defects are in out-of-the-way places, not readily accessible. A good ladder, preferably an extension ladder, allows the home inspector access to roofs, gables, chimneys and other parts of the home that are necessary to be viewed in the course of a thorough home inspection.

CO2 Detector

• One of the most dangerous hazards in any home is the possible leaking of deadly gases, such as carbon monoxide. To ensure a home is safe from these dangers, a good gas detector is essential. Most are able to make nearly instantaneous readings of gas levels. Should the presence of a dangerous level of gas be detected, the detector will sound an alarm.

Notebook and Pen

• A traditional notebook and pen are essential tools for a home inspector. Because a home inspection requires some physicality, it is not feasible to carry a laptop computer for taking notes. In these cases, pen and paper are the best options for taking notes on what is discovered during the course of a home inspection.