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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The ability to test for continuity, amperage, and voltage, are all helpful in detecting various deficiencies in the electrical system.

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.

The Vaisala Hygrometer so quickly detects changes in realative humidity from room to room that it is possible to detect hidden moisture problems.

Is it on the level? Sloping or sinking floors, and concrete patios that direct rain water into the house,are all common discoveries.

To dig, remove, cut, scrape, pry, poke, pull, and punch, may be necessary on any home inspection to find out what is going on.

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.

The RoboVector laser level is especially useful for looking at grading problems. I have also taken it into crawl spaces and onto roof tops.

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.

An infrared (non-contact) thermometer, by DeltaTRAK, is useful in checking HVAC temperatures, air infiltration, and electrical connections.

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.

The Sun Nuclear Professional Continuous Radon Monitor is ideal for real estate transactions because of its' ability to provide a report immediately.

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.

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.

Books and literature on wiring, plumbing, roofing, foundations, moisuture, masonry, etc, are the necessary reading for the home inspector.