Home Inspector Tool Box Breakdown - The Houston Home Inspector

[@tonyd.4430]

Like the list & shirt suggestions. I’m a 15 yr long inspector, have & use almost every tool mentioned. Just a few more that I use that might be a consideration for inspectors in the Mid-west area. Knee pads, gloves, & a couple Tyvek overalls for those crawl space areas. Also a decent hard hat, boots, & neon safety vest for those new builds if you ever inspect them. Just a word of mention on a ladder. There’s of course times when a 20’ ladder is needed. A drone can verify items of concern if you have one, (which I do), but you need the time and be proficient in using it. Time is money. Anyway, I found that a good telescopic ladder 12-15’ is a time & space saver. It goes everywhere with me on every job. Has never let me down and is one of my absolute must have tools. Right up there with a circuit tester, screwdriver, & flashlight! It’s honestly a must have! If mine broke? I’d buy another one tomorrow. It’s that important to me. Thanks for the other tips. Keep up the great inspection work.

[@TMoz311]

Great points 👍

[@Rosecrane_sear]

This was very insightful, do you have any advice to a 23 year old looking into becoming a home inspector? Also if you don’t mind me asking how much does one make ?

[@tonyd.4430]

For beans, I’d suggest that you invest in some formal training (the more the better) knowledge is invaluable in this business & maybe try to mentor under someone, or maybe work for an inspection company if possible. That would give you more hands on experience & knowledge into the business. As far as money goes; it depends on how much you apply yourself, networking, & contacts that you have in order to gain business. Generally inspectors charge around $300 for each inspection. Somewhere between 3-7/wk is possible. 5/wk is a reasonable amount to expect. You can do the math. Good luck

[@jstorey6226]

Teleliscope ladder is great, I also have a crawler for the crawl space

[@cheeseheadfiddle]

Where I come from, that “plumbers wrench” is called “Channel locks”

[@ManerCollective]

Great video! Future home inspector, here! So it was nice to see other tools and brands that I’ve been wanting to look into.

[@gpdewitt]

Bold attempt. Missing a few possible tools, depending on your area. I see a lot of tile roofs, so a drone is a must. I know how to walk tile and concrete, the problem is, the cracked tiles I find wind up being "your fault!" so, no, I do not walk tile/concrete roofs. When my drone is "excluded" from some extremely dangerous airspace, like within 100 feet of the roof, I use a tall painters pole with a wifi enabled camera. When the FAA figures out that ANY airship less than 100f altitude has much bigger problems (like a crash, maybe? hmmm?) I'll get licensed. Merrell shoes have a plain brown walking shoe with a very flat sole, think NOT tracking a bunch of mud into the house. Interestingly, the sole is very sticky, so I have trusted it on roofs (6/12 and below) for years. I'm still here and still working.

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

Thank you for watching

[@miguelbartelle6911]

Thank you for these extremely helpful videos. 👍👍

[@boyinblueca8554]

Hey Chris, I personal use the Fenix PD36R. It has a tactical switch on the tail alleviating the issue of the flashlight turning on in your pocket.

[@wquon2007]

i may swap out the long neck lighter with a plasma lighter. they last longer and can be recharged. i believe you can also put logos on them.
with all those batteries a storeacell caddy would be helpful.
you might like to try a 230 degree headlamp. many brands make them. they're often rechargeable and come in multipacks.
they're are some razor knifes that let you carry a few extra blades in the handle (Milwaukee fast back is one of them). saves a truck trip.

[@crdaboi8889]

You failed to mention a very important tool or gear. Eyewear and footwear. A good pair of shades to help us see in our Texas sun and a great pair of shoes for roof climbing.

[@crdaboi8889]

Opps my sun did not log out of my PC. Fernando from San Antonio

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

CrDaboi Good point, I have gone through a lot of shoes and sunglasses to land on the ones I have chosen. I will add that to our list.

[@darianlopez7490]

@@AActionHomeInspectionHouston which shoes are those ?

[@justinbowman4591]

Awesome! Lots of great information as always. Definitely LIKE and have already SUBSCRIBED ! Thank you for all of your videos. Please keep up the good work.

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

Justin Bowman definitely , we are currently working on a better pre pour video for the next one.

[@BrigCommander]

Great video. What pants are those? I really want to buy a few

[@aaronpaul5114]

Great Info! The tool list link doesnt seem to work

[@MrDarren81]

Love the content! Thanks so much for sharing!!

[@echols2010]

Could you out a list of all the tools you have like name brands and all??

[@elsathedemonwolf1035]

Operating plumbing fixtures is always a canna worms waiting to be opened just like operating windows especially PVC ones that are old they crumble when you try to open them I’m thinking noting plumbing was not tested due to severely deteriorated condition referred to a plumbing professional to cya

[@excellenthomeinspectionsrv5854]

I carry a master key too :)

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

Excellent Home Inspection Srv always ask permission first right 😉

[@jerrysweany278]

Did not see a shower pan tester in your list?

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

showerpantester.com/

[@justinbowman4591]

I'm watching this again and wondering about the bolt cutters and having to open up a "tool box" ? what tool box do you mean? I want to be prepared 😃

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

Every now and then you might need to chop an old lock off. With permission of course

[@JeanMarcMasson1]

Great stuff thanks man

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

Thank you for watching!

[@chipstone4296]

Use the blind man walking stick to reach smoke alarms!!

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

I definitely need to add that in to my next review.

[@gpdewitt]

Please explain what you hope to accomplish by pushing the smoke alarm test button. Unless your misguided lawmakers are requiring you to do it.

[@HURTURFEELINGS]

As a new home inspector - just how much (approx) will all of these tools cost? I want to have EVERYTHING when I start out.

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

Our full set up is around 7k

[@HICarolina]

Great Video Chris

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

Thanks Brother!

[@davegamerguy]

I dig that style of shirt. Which model is it. I need to get some more done with my logo and that one is really professional looking.

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

www.amazon.com/Columbia-Offshore-Protection-Moisture-Wicking/dp/B071FP1CMX/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=homeinspect0d-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=55c4a6478e3096e85c2a83fd4665e6c5&creativeASIN=B071FP1CMX

[@velosiped135]

New would-be inspector question...If I've already picked up a FLIR C5 thermal imaging camera, do I still need and IR spot thermometer? If so, what for exactly?

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

You can do with out one, I just like it because it is easier.

[@mehrdadalavi7308]

Thank you for video. If we believe that vehicle is a tool also, what vehicle do you recommend for a beginner?

[@ATMoore]

You mention "your guys". Are they all home inspectors or just helpers? If they're inspectors, what's the benefit of working for a company as opposed to doing their own thing? Thanks!

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

Sorry old habit, I do my best to refer to everyone as a team. The benefit of working for us is we take care of everything but the actual completion of the inspection. Building a Buisness from ground up is difficult.

[@karmagreatdane6259]

Im just getting into the biz. Whats everyones thoughts on report writing software??

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

A lot of people use HIP and Whisper Reporter

[@MtrMnc02]

Where’d you get your shirt? Good looking.

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

I believe the link is on our Homeiw.com tool list

[@markygrove6311]

How did you get training??

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

I learned under my father and several specialty schools.

[@TheBarbersurgeon]

Where is your drone? I use the Mavic Mini. Thanks Pro Home Inspection Services Decatur, AL.

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

We have the sparks but upgrade to the mavic mini as they go out or break. I should have added the basic drone in there.

[@moisesdxful]

quick question, I have a regular sedan would it be necessary for me to switch up to a truck once I start doing inspections and do some companies provide a vehicle ?

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

Oscar Urias no you will not need a truck. I did inspections out of a VW golf for 2 years. As long as your ladder fits you will be fine. Some companies do provide vehicles but your pay will reflect dramatically.

[@mehrdadalavi7308]

@@AActionHomeInspectionHouston I had this question too. Thank you for asking but I am wondering what size of ladder?

[@mehrdadalavi7308]

Correct me if I am wrong. You introduced tools but perhaps ladder is a kind of a missed tool in video, car also is a tool so why not if you make a video with regard to sedan car + ladder for home inspector as beginners. Actually truck is an expensive ( F 150) compare to a same year Sedan.

[@motophile5127]

Oven thermometer?

[@Rhonda858]

I want to become a home inspector also and i live in Houston as well...where would you suggest i get the training from? Can you refer me to a good training program?

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

Champion School of real estate is a good place to start.

[@frankiedigioia]

No drone?!!

[@shay5129]

What brand or type of shoes do you reccomed for the roof climbing?

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

Shay the under armor boots have always been my favorite.

[@chipfornaris]

Hey Chris, I am torn between the Flir One Pro for My IPhone 12 ($345)...or I can get the Flir C3 x with WiFi for $499....the C5 is over $600 which is a little too much for me ...which would you go with?

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

C3 is a good start but I have heard of them crashing. You are ok to start with out one and save for an E series. The E series last forever

[@boyinblueca8554]

I run a home inspection business in Seattle, I personal use the Flir one pro, I find it has the resolution and all the tools you'll need as a home inspector. It may not be ideal for a full on energy audits but it would get the job done pretty easily, but for home inspectors it's perfect as you can place your the thermal images directly into your report if you are using repoting software such as Horizon or Home guage. Hope that helps.👍😊

[@GrahamSalisbury1]

Do you carry any backup tools in case it breaks?

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

Most of the time with this set up, the extra tools are in this kit for what you need. An extra camera is never a bad idea. Your number one tool

[@FranciscoRodriguez-zi8qi]

What is the software you using I’m interesting and how much was it

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

We use whisper reporter now. It seems to work the best for the type of report we like to produce.

[@paullindgren190]

Who do you use to customize your shirts?

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

We use a local embroidery place

[@WEALRO]

Christ all mighty , plumbers wrench really there channel locks homie 🤣

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

Minorca Home Solutions yeah I am forever scarred because I had a brain fart on camera a few months ago lol!

[@WEALRO]

@@AActionHomeInspectionHouston I get man just busting your chops ✌️

[@Alexway3]

why is there no crack monitor? forgot?

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

Алексей Безродных Honestly never heard of one. Can’t tel if I am being trolled right now lol! That skill normally comes from experience IMO.

[@Alexway3]

@@AActionHomeInspectionHouston Perhaps I do not exactly understand the specifics of your work. But in Russia we also have organizations that carry out an assessment of the technical condition of buildings. Cracks can be dangerous. And installing a crack monitor on a crack is important. Often, experts put crack monitors on cracks just as a gift to the homeowner. Our crack monitors are also bought by specialists from the USA. I thought it was a common practice with you.

[@AActionHomeInspectionHouston]

That isn’t exactly what we do but that is a good marketing idea. I will sit on that one for a minute and think about it.