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There is no substitute for a good truck that is packed full of equipment and "tools of the trade". Also, the 4-wheel drive option on the Pathfinder has been useful several times. |
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From tall to short, a variety of ladders are essential to doing a good inspection. Also, I am one of the few inspectors that carries a ladder that is tall enough for accessing the roof of a full two-story house. |
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It takes more than just a flashlight to do good inspection work. My carry-in bag contains over $4,000 worth of inspection equipment, with a similar amount being kept in the truck. |
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The Streamlight UltraStinger flashlight is in a class by itself. (I keep two of these handy.) It is small and lightweight yet delivers 75,000 candlepower. When you shine this into a large dark attic or crawlspace, it is amazing what you can see. |
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A digital camera is the life of the inspection report, and the old adage certainly holds true: "A good picture is worth a thousand words." |
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Good inspection work is hard on the cameras, and with the dust & the bumps they eventually quit working. This is just part of the "camera graveyard." |
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A good moiture meter is essential to doing good inspection work, and the Protimeter SurveyMaster fits the bill. The pin-type probes measure wood moisture content, and the non-invasive radio frequency mode finds internal moisture. |
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The TORO Water Pressure and Flow Gauge measures both pressure and gallons/min. These measurements help indicate the health of the home's water system. |
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The BACHARACH Monoxor III is a state of the art carbon monoxide detector, that measures the output of CO at gas furnaces and other appliances. A low CO level is an indicator of both safety and efficiency. |
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The BACHARACH Leakator Jr is a combustible gas detector that is small and portable, and is used for finding large and small leaks in a home's gas line piping. Occationally, I have discovered serious explosion hazards with this device. |
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This simple Digital Wireless Thermometer can have a major impact on the inspection. A problem in the temperature output and differential in the HVAC system can indicate a simple repair or a complete replacement of the system. |
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This Anemometer, or air-flow meter, has been mounted on an enclosure with a foam edge to check the HVAC system. Improper air flow or disconnected ductwork, can have a major impact on utility bills and comfort level. |
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The ability to test for continuity, amperage, and voltage, are all helpful in detecting various deficiencies in the electrical system. |
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The SureTest Circuit Analyzer is a multi-feature test device for electrical receptacles, which very quickly gives insight into the quality or lack-of-quality of the electricians who have installed the system. It also tests GFCI and AFCI protection devices for functionality. |
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The Vaisala Hygrometer so quickly detects changes in realative humidity from room to room that it is possible to detect hidden moisture problems. |
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Is it on the level? Sloping or sinking floors, and concrete patios that direct rain water into the house,are all common discoveries. |
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To dig, remove, cut, scrape, pry, poke, pull, and punch, may be necessary on any home inspection to find out what is going on. |
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The use of a full Tyvek suit, gloves, kneepads, headlamp, and a good respirator are a must when the crawl space is tight, wet, and full of critters. |
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The RoboVector laser level is especially useful for looking at grading problems. I have also taken it into crawl spaces and onto roof tops. |
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They may be a simple tool, but there is no substitute for a water hose. When checking out a "critical-need" floor drain, a suspicious clothes washer drain, or the drainage on a concrete patio, the discoveries can be very surprising. |
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An infrared (non-contact) thermometer, by DeltaTRAK, is useful in checking HVAC temperatures, air infiltration, and electrical connections. |
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A pair of Bushnell 16 x 50 binoculars are helpful for examining extremely steep roofs, and for looking at other details that are out of reach. |
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The Sun Nuclear Professional Continuous Radon Monitor is ideal for real estate transactions because of its' ability to provide a report immediately. |
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Building code enforcement is not the job of a home inspector, however, having a general knowledge of the codes is essential to providing adequate protection to a client. The authors of Code Check Complete provide very informative seminars, and their book is a must. |
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Ongoing education and instruction-seminars are a requirement for ASHI inspectors. This helps us keep-up with new developments in the field of home inspection. |
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Books and literature on wiring, plumbing, roofing, foundations, moisuture, masonry, etc, are the necessary reading for the home inspector. |
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