More than 88% of home buyers conducted a home inspection in their recent transactions. Additionally, house inspection requests increased by 17.5% in the past year. This indicates that home inspections are an essential part of the home-buying process.
To perform a thorough examination, inspectors use a variety of equipment. The home inspector tools help identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.
What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an examination of a property’s material condition. You can hire a home inspector to perform the property inspection and draw up a report. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the average cost of a home inspection falls between $300 and $500.
The home inspection report informs you about any defects or safety hazards present on the property. Depending on the inspection report, you can negotiate and bring down the sale price. Likewise, you can back out of the deal if the severity of the defects is high.
What Do Home Inspectors Look For?
In a general home inspection, an inspector checks the following to assess the overall physical condition of a property:
- Home’s Exterior: Involves examination of foundation, walls, garage, roof, grading, drainage, stairways, doors, windows, patio, deck, balconies, and fence.
- Home’s Interior: Involves inspection of the plumbing system, electrical system, HVAC, basement, ceiling, floor, kitchen, and attic.
15 Essential Home Inspection Tools
To get comprehensive results on the report, home inspectors rely on multiple tools. Here are some of the most important home inspection equipment and their functions:
Electrical Tester
An electrical tester checks voltage levels, continuity, and polarity to ensure safe electrical systems. It also verifies outlets and receptacles, tests circuit breakers, and detects faulty wiring or insulation issues. It identifies issues in an electrical inspection and adherence to safety standards.
Flashlight
A powerful flashlight helps in investigating certain crucial details. Flashlights can help check for signs of water damage in a plumbing inspection or inadequate insulation in basement corners.
Safety Glasses
A good pair of glasses protects the eyes from potential threats like dust, debris, or particles. Glasses are also essential when inspecting electrical panels or objects that may produce sparks while being checked.
Gloves
A pair of gloves shields the hands from splinters, sharp edges, and abrasive surfaces during an inspection. They reduce the risk of cuts or abrasions when examining electrical panels or HVAC systems. Gloves also protect against contact with harmful substances or chemicals.
AFCI/GFCI Tester
GFCI testers simulate ground faults to verify if the GFCIs trip correctly in case of a ground fault. Similarly, AFCI testers check whether the AFCIs respond to arc faults properly.
Respirator
Respirators help filter pathogens like dangerous mold, asbestos, lead paint dust, and other dangerous pathogens. Respirators are especially necessary when inspecting older homes, where exposure to lead is a concern.
Ladder
Ladders provide access to elevated areas like roofs and gutters for a roof inspection. They help inspectors identify leaks, damaged shingles, or structural defects.
Moisture Meter
Moisture meters detect leaks, water damage, and potential mold growth in a mold inspection. By assessing the moisture content in walls, floors, and ceilings, inspectors can pinpoint areas susceptible to structural damage or deterioration.
Infrared Thermometer
Infrared thermometers provide non-contact temperature measurements. They can be used to measure the temperature of electrical components like HVAC and insulation for overheating or inadequate insulation.
Digital Camera
A camera documents the condition of the property. It helps capture high-resolution images of structural elements, defects, and other potential issues. Likewise, it provides a visual record and helps prepare a comprehensive home inspection report.
Binoculars
Binoculars can be used to examine areas that are hard to reach, like roofs or chimneys, in a chimney inspection. They are particularly useful for assessing properties with challenging access, like those surrounded by dense vegetation.
Screwdriver Set
Home inspectors use screwdrivers to remove electrical outlet covers, access panels, and other fixtures. They are crucial for evaluating the condition of electrical outlets, switches, and light fixtures. They also check the tightness of such connections to avoid electrical accidents.
Plumbing Inspection Camera
Plumbing inspection cameras help investigate areas that are difficult to access visually. These include sewer lines, drains, and hidden pipe networks. The tool’s flexibility helps navigate pipes and identify blockages, leaks, or structural issues.
Combustible Gas Detector
This tool identifies the presence of potentially hazardous gases like propane or natural gas. The device triggers audio or visual alarms upon detection of combustible gases. By discovering such issues, homebuyers can prevent hazards like fire or explosions.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide detectors assess the functionality of CO-producing appliances like furnaces, stoves, and water heaters. The tools alert you with audible alarms upon detection of high CO levels.
Bottom Line
Home inspections play a vital role in the home-buying process by providing a thorough evaluation of a property’s condition. Whether it’s an electrical tester or a moisture meter, the use of home inspection tools helps inspectors identify potential hazards and defects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of tools or equipment might be used in a visual home inspection?
Some tools that are used during a visual home inspection are a flashlight, a ladder, an infrared thermometer, a gas detector, or a telescoping mirror.
How does a home inspection work?
An inspection of a house usually occurs when it appears for sale. As part of the home inspection process, a qualified professional assesses the home's essential systems like HVAC, plumbing, electrical, sewage, etc.
» Know More: Home Inspection Checklist
How much does a home inspection cost?
On average, a home inspection costs about $300 to $500, depending on the size of the property and the type of inspection.
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