.png?width=250&height=48&name=spectora_full_logo_white%20(3).png "spectora_full_logo_white (3)"){kind=logo}
What Home Inspection Tools Do Inspectors Need?
Kevin
6/12/25 2:11 PM
Home inspectors need to have the proper equipment, tools, and gadgets to not only provide a safe and thorough home inspection but also to show their clients and agents that they have the Ultimate Inspector Toolkit to provide the most insight possible into a home. While it’s easy to get caught up in buying every tool on Amazon, the reality is you only need a few important ones to stand out.
Here is a list of the most essential home inspection tools, compiled from over 7,000 home inspectors from across the nation. Dive in to learn more about the top tools you should have in your home inspection toolkit.
A quick note: these are not affiliate links and we get no commissions from any products below. It’s just honest recommendations from real Spectora home inspectors!
Telescoping ladders are easier to store, transport, and carry around homes than traditional ladders. This option from Amazon fully extends to 15.5 feet and telescopes down to a mere 36.5 inches, which is perfect if you need to fit it in the trunk of your car or the back of a truck.
This model also maxes out at 36 pounds, making it light enough to carry, but still sturdy enough to support you while you’re taking a look at hard-to-reach areas.
A thermal camera is an essential home inspection tool that uses infrared radiation to identify areas that are abnormally cold or warm. This can help you see areas where homes may be poorly insulated. Using thermal cameras also gives you an edge over your competitors, who may miss critical defects without one.
The FLIP TG1650-X Thermal Camera is an excellent hand-held option for any home inspector hoping to add this technology to their toolkit.
Crawling around in a basement only to have your flashlight fail is the stuff of nightmares, and once it happens, you’ll never buy a cheap flashlight again.
Thankfully, with a rechargeable flashlight, you can plug it in to charge on your drive to every inspection, so you never have to worry about it running out of batteries in the middle of an inspection again.
Fenix PD40R v3.0 Tactical Flashlight is also waterproof and has a magnetic base so you can mount it for hands-free light.
Maybe you need a headlamp or a flashlight...this one is up to the inspector's personal preference.
Some inspectors prefer headlamps because it's a hands-free device, allowing them to better navigate a crawl space or tight attic.
Home inspection tools that allow you to detect issues in the home make you more valuable to your clients. Keeping a gas leak detector will help you detect any leaks that you can’t pick up through scent, so you can be certain a home is leak-free.
Amazon offers an easy-to-use sensor, small enough to pack with you for any inspection, so you can always offer your clients the most in-depth inspection.
Every home inspector needs a moisture meter to identify hidden water issues, such as leaks or dampness. A moisture meter helps to identify water issues by measuring moisture levels in materials like wood and drywall, which in turn helps the homeowner prevent long-term damage such as mold growth or structural issues.
If you're looking for an affordable moisture meter, Klein, which has a 4.5 rating on over 4,500 reviews.
An alternative model highly recommended by our inspectors is the Protimeter Surveymaster Moisture Meter.
"My clients always comment on that simple technology because they just understand what it says and [do] not just rely on my interpretation of the regular tester with just lights," home inspector Damian Prescod says.
Having all these tools is great, but without a backpack to carry and store them, you’ll constantly forget and misplace items.
With a backpack, such as the Dewalt Lighted Tool Backpack, you’ll not only have a place to keep tools for easy transportation but you’ll also be organized.
This backpack features 52 pockets, giving you plenty of room for all the essential items you need to complete your inspections.
A crawlspace robot (or a crawl bot, as they're colloquially referred to) isn't required to inspect a home. Having one can, however, make certain parts of the home inspection easier.
A home inspector may not always be able to access the crawl space (due to tight entrances, the presence of animals, or other circumstances). A crawl bot, small and designed for that exact task, allows the home inspector
While we don't have an Amazon link for any crawl bots, we've
Without the proper tools, your job is harder to accomplish. To see more essential items every home inspector should keep in their toolkit, visit our Amazon list. This list is filled with home inspection tools that will help you do more for your clients and give you an edge over your competition. And don’t forget, that home inspection software is one of the best tools you can use to run your business efficiently.
To get started with a free trial, reach out to us today! Enjoy!