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Tools of the Home Inspector Trade

The Standards of Practice really don't require much more than a very good flashlight, screwdriver, GFCI circuit tester, mirror, ladder, and a keen eye. If my senses are telling me something I may confirm my suspicions with one of these "advanced" tools that go beyond the basic requirements. Following are some of the items you may see me use, how they are used, and what they will tell me. Keep in mind, that even with the use of these tools, a home inspection is not meant to be "technically exhaustive" or be an engineering study.

	GFCI Circuit Tester. Will use this in every accessible outlet I find. Checks for open grounds, open neutrals, open hots, hot/ground reversed, hot/neutral reversed (reversed polarity) as well as testing the important GFCI circuits/outlets for proper operation.
	Moisture Meter. Uses radio signals to penetrate up to 1/2 inch below the surface. Non-invasive meaning it doesn't leave pin holes behind. Here it is showing a very high reading as is senses what's under my skin. It can detect moisture below an apparently dry surface.
	Water Pressure Gauge. Check that household water pressure is between 15-80 psi. Attaches to exterior hose bib.
	Combustible Gas Leak Detector. If I smell gas somewhere I can likely pinpoint the location of the leak with this device. I only use it to confirm what my senses are telling me. It's beyond the scope of the inspection to check every gas joint.
	Digital Snap-around Volt-Ohm-Ammeter. Can be used to check electric furnaces, and for proper amperage or voltage on any given circuit. By enveloping a single conducting wire, you can tell if current (amps) is actually flowing.
	Non Contact Voltage Tester. Operates by sensing electromagnetic fields through insulation, and thus requires no contact with the conductor wire. Current flow is not necessary to locate voltage. This can be used to distinguish between "live" and "neutral" wires, or even a "live" appliance whose metal frame is energized due to a short. In a damp crawlspace and before touching a metal water pipe or suspicious wire I will test it first for voltage.
	Infra-Red Thermometer. Aim the laser beam at almost anything andyou get an instantaneous readout. Great for hard to reach HVAC registers to detect cooled or heated airflow or to check for overheated circuit breakers.