It’s holiday time, and home inspection pros have plenty to wish for. The industry keeps getting stronger, and tools keep getting better. And that means your holiday wish list might be a bit longer this year.
Inspectors only need the most basic of toolkits. As long as you have a flashlight and an electrical tester, you’re in business. But what fun is that? The better your tools and equipment, the better your inspections and the easier you professional life.
Here are some that you’ll wonder how you lived without.
#1: Folding, Telescoping, Customizable Ladder
A telescoping combination ladder turns into whatever you need for the job. It can be a 2-foot stepladder, a 6-foot A-frame ladder or an extension ladder. Customization on the fly means less bulky equipment to haul and fewer risks of damaging drywall and doorways with a bulky ladder.
Look for incremental height options for more precise control. Independent leg extensions let you choose the right height for each leg for sure footing in areas with steps or stairs in the way.
#2: LED Portable Sun
Once upon a time, a traditional Maglight was the best that you could get. And the classic flashlight will probably never outlive its usefulness. But a portable sun is something different. As the name implies, it turns the darkest areas as bright as day.
Everyday Carry says some portable suns pack as much as 4800 lumens and can reach hundreds of yards. They can brighten every corner of a dark attic or crawlspace. Look for portable suns with a multi-direction adjustable head. A stand or built-in legs give hands-free operation.
#3: Infrared Thermal Imaging Mobile App
Infrared technology takes your home inspections to the next level. But a high-quality infrared camera isn’t exactly cheap. The perfect middle ground is infrared for your mobile device. And it actually works!
Infrared for mobile comes with a thermal device that plugs into your phone and works with the phone’s camera. Paired with the proprietary mobile app, you get a basic thermal imaging device that’s hundreds (even thousands) less than a high-end thermal imaging camera.
Drones are the way of the home inspecting future.
#4: Drone / UAV / UAS Technology
Drones are revolutionizing the home inspection industry. They give you a bird’s eye view of the highest roof peaks, but with your two feet planted firmly on the ground. There was a bit of a rocky start as the FAA first had to figure out safe operation regulations. But now that’s sorted, and home inspectors can move ahead with safety and compliance.
Drone operation isn’t something you can learn overnight. That’s why home inspection educators such as ICA School have recently added modules on how and where to use drones safely. Drone equipment can be as budget-friendly as a few hundred dollars or as expensive as tens of thousands. But there’s a middle-ground that suits the budget of most pros.
#5: Combination Moisture Meter
Some moisture meters have pins and some don’t. Combination moisture meters pull both tools into one, so you have less to carry in your tool kit.
A pinless moisture meter lets you detect moisture such as plumbing leaks behind drywall without any pin hole damage and it can scan a larger area at once. A pin-style meter has more precision. Both tools have their place, and a combination moisture meter simplifies your routine.
Tools are an investment in your home inspection business. So even the fun ones, such as drones and thermal imaging apps, are worth it. They make your inspections better, more competitive, safer and more convenient.
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