Canadian Home Inspector Tools

Home Inspector Tools

Home Inspectors use a variety of tools to complete a thorough inspection. The tools home inspectors bring to your inspection can vary greatly. It is highly recommended that you question your inspector prior to contracting them regarding the specialty tools he/she may bring.

Inspectors often use:

Moisture Meters are used to help determine moisture levels behind shower and tub area walls. Not all inspectors will use such tools unless they suspect potential concerns. This type of meter is often used in finished basements that smell musty or other signs of suspected moisture exist. Also note that not all inspectors have and use moisture meters.

Combustible Gas Detectors are used to recognize gas leaks that may exist within the home. Inspectors often use these detectors around the furnace, gas fireplace, and other fuel fired devices. Using a combustible gas leak detector is probably the easiest way to determine if the furnaces control valve is leaking and defective. Also note that not all home inspectors have and use combustible gas detectors.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors are used to record and measure the homes carbon monoxide levels, some inspectors use this detector to help recognize if potential problems may exist at the furnace. Carbon monoxide detectors vary in quality and cost. A high quality detector will record in parts per million with fantastic accuracy. Most inspectors agree that this test alone may not fully recognize a potential crack within the furnaces heat exchanger. Also not that not all inspectors have or use carbon monoxide detectors.

Electrical Multi Meters and Circuit Testers are used by all home inspectors. Home inspectors test many electrical outlets throughout the home and gain a good sense of what to expect when they approach the Electrical Panel.

Most home inspectors use ladders, screw drivers, pliers, flash lights, cameras, specialty cameras...etc. The tools mentioned above is in no way a complete list of home inspector tools.