17 Tools for The Home Inspector’s Tool Kit

Whether you’ve done home inspections for a day or a decade, you’ve surely picked up several great tools of the trade. But it seems like the home inspector’s tool kit never stops changing or upgrading. (Remember when it was unheard of to use drones for rooftop inspections?)

So, with the tech that’s available today, how do you know which things you truly need? Especially when you’re a thorough inspector who takes pride in your work, but doesn’t want to collect more tools than necessary?

Let’s go over the essential tools, why they’re needed, their cost, and where to find them. We’ll break down:

• What to consider when choosing tools
• Must-have inspection tools
• Specialized tools
• Safety tools
• Bonus tools
• What’s next on your home inspection journey

First, let’s take a big-picture overview of an ideal tool kit.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Home Inspection Tools

Choosing the right tools often comes down to experience, preference, and regional rules.

But it also depends on the types of inspections you do most:

• Visual inspections: You don’t move, dismantle, or damage anything—requiring fewer tools.
• Four-point inspections: You’ll need tools specific to roofing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
• Full inspections: The works. We’re talking plumbing, electrical, exterior, interior, structure, attic, etc.
  Or a mix of all three

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (or InterNACHI) sets standards of practice for home inspections. But they don’t dictate which tools are best to use.

Some tools are a given, like your flashlight.

And you’re certainly welcome to stick with the legal bare minimum. But what if you want to build your tool bag beyond the basics?

Think about it from the customer’s perspective:

Would you rather cross the Pacific Ocean on an airplane that has just enough fuel to make it? Or on the one with enough fuel to go the extra mile?

The best home inspectors consider what tools they need for a thorough inspection, not just to cover the minimum requirements.

So let’s go through the general tools every inspector needs, then talk about a few specialized tools that help you go the extra mile.

Must-Have Home Inspection Tools

If you’re brand new to the home inspection business, getting a starter kit isn’t a bad way to go. Over time, you can add, subtract, or upgrade as you get familiar with your needs and preferences.

InterNACHI even includes a home inspection starter kit with their one-year membership.

But let’s review seven tools that make up the backbone of most home inspections.

1. Flashlights and Headlamps

Every home inspector has LED flashlights. And it’s hard to have too many—especially with all the time spent in dark basements, attics, and crawl spaces.

But it’s smart to have at least two: A go-to and a backup. And having a headlamp is handy for hands-free work in dark, tight spaces.

Features to consider:

• Water and dust resistance
• Lumen output
• Rechargeability

Cost: $10–$100+

Where to buy: Inspector Outlet and more

2. Non-Contact Voltage Tester

This electrical tester helps you do a quick safety check for live wires or outlets. It’ll keep you from getting a shock when you inspect further.

Cost: $10–$100+

Where to buy: Lowe’s and more

3. GFCI Tester and AFCI Tester (Circuit Testers)

Both testers verify if outlets trip like they’re supposed to.

GFCI testers check the ground-fault functionality of kitchen, bathroom, garage, and outdoor outlets.

AFCI testers check the arc-fault functionality in bedroom, hallway, and living area outlets.

You can get them as separate tools. But for convenience and cost, most inspectors get a combo.

You can also get basic receptacle or outlet testers, but GFCI/AFCI testers are crucial.

Cost of AFCI/GFCI Combo Tester: $40–$100

Where to buy: The Home Depot, Lowe’s, ACE and more.

4. Tape Measures

Most inspectors keep a 25-foot tape measure handy. But if you measure many property lines or vaulted ceilings, you might also want a 50-foot option.

Cost: $8–$40

Where to buy: The Home Depot, and more.

5. Moisture Meter

Excess moisture is one of the sneakiest culprits of home damage. That’s why most home inspectors keep one to two moisture meters on hand.

They help you:

• Check for hidden moisture in floors, walls, ceilings, and foundations.
• Detect excess moisture in wood, drywall, and concrete—critical in new homes.
• Check for leaks or water damage—and confirm repairs.
• Identify mold or high-risk areas.
• Prevent future damage.

Two main types exist—pinless and pin-type moisture meters. But most inspectors prefer pinless moisture meters. Here’s why—they’re faster, cover more area, and don’t damage the structures with pinholes.

Cost: $30–$600

Where to buy: Bessemeter and more

6. Screwdrivers

Every home inspector needs a good set of screwdrivers in their tool kit. How else would you access electrical panels, crawl space hatches, HVAC vent covers, etc.?

Features to consider:

• Rechargeable (cordless and electric)
• Multi-bit (like an 11-in-1)
• Specialty sets (like for thermostats or smoke detectors)

Cost: $3–$50+

Where to buy: The Home Depot and more

7. Ladders

Height preferences vary by inspector. But most have at least one ladder in the 17 to 24-foot range.

• Telescoping ladders: Great for general indoor use or single-story homes. They’re also compact and fit in most vehicles.
• Articulating ladders: Handy for one to two-level homes, vaulted ceilings, or mixed heights. It does dual-action as a step ladder and extension ladder.
• Extension ladders: Bulky, but helpful if you often work on multi-story homes.

Cost: $100-$500+

Where to buy: The Home Depot and more

We’ve covered the top seven general tools that most inspectors carry.

Now let’s look over some specialized tools of the trade.

Specialty Home Inspection Tools

These more advanced tools lie outside the scope of typical home inspections. While some inspectors might use these every day, several others might not even carry them. And some
might keep these tools on hand as an added service.

8. Infrared Camera (Thermal Camera)

This can streamline your inspection. It allows you to find hidden issues like insulation gaps and air leaks without moving a thing.

Cost: $150–$5,000

Where to buy: Flir and more

9. Combustible Gas Detector

This tool detects dangerous natural gas leaks from pipes, appliances, and ventilation systems. It’s important because natural gases can cause explosions.

Cost: $30–$500

Where to buy: Grainger and more

10. Carbon Monoxide Detector

This tool matters for health and safety (including yours). The carbon monoxide (CO) detectors that inspectors use aren’t the same as the plug-in CO detectors that homes have.

These can:

• Help you detect dangerous levels of CO (which is odorless and deadly)
• Test in-home CO unit functionality to make sure they’re up to code
• Level up your inspection report by highlighting potential safety issues

Features to consider: Portability, data logging, multifunction testing

Cost: $20–$150

Where to buy: InspectorTools and more

11. Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM)

CRMs are pricey and have legal regulations, but many home inspectors use them. Here’s why:

• They’re a popular add-on service
• Radon remains a problem in many areas of the U.S.
• Some states require CRMs for inspections

Cost: $750–$2,500+

Where to buy: SunRADON and more

12. A/C Refrigerant Sniffer (or Leak Detector)

Inspectors use these to check for refrigerant leaks in HVAC systems. This helps you ensure safety, efficiency, compliance with regional regulations, and more.

Cost: $30 to $300

Where to buy: Amazon and more

13. Camera Drones

Drones have picked up in popularity. They make it safe and efficient to inspect difficult areas.

For example:

• Steep, oddly-shaped, or unsafe roofs
• Chimneys
• Gutters
• Outdoor property issues

Cost: $400–$2,500

Where to buy: DJI and more

Now let’s talk more about how to enhance your safety during home inspections.

Safety-Related Home Inspection Tools

Some of these sound like no-brainers. But they protect the most valuable asset in every inspection: You. The inspector. That’s why this category of tools is called “personal protective equipment” (or PPE).

14. Respirators and Masks

Masks are vital for your health—both short-term and long-term. That’s why most inspectors keep at least a couple types on hand.

Let’s cover what they are and when you need them:

• Disposable Dust Mask: They give you basic protection against light dust. But they’re not rated for toxic debris or mold.
• N95 Respirator: These filter out 95% of air particles, like insulation fibers, dust, and mold.
• P100 Respirator: These filter out 99.97% of particles, like asbestos, heavy mold, and lead.
• Half-Face Respirator: They’re your shield against gases, vapors, and particulates. You’ll also want to buy replacement filters or cartridges.
• Full-Face Respirator: These cover your eyes, nose, and mouth. You need them when facing things like strong VOCs, pesticides, and animal droppings. You’ll also want replacement filters and cartridges.

Cost: $5–$250

Where to buy: Grainger and more

15. Safety Glasses

Glasses protect your eyes from dust, debris, splashes, spores, pests, and pokes. And they’re 100% worth having.

If you’re working around any UV (like a UV flashlight), it’s also smart to have a pair of UV safety glasses.

Cost: $2–$40

Where to buy: Safety Glasses USA and more

16. Gloves

Gloves provide comfort and grip. But with mold, animal waste, electrical wires—and who knows what else—they also enhance safety.

These are the main types of gloves inspectors might have on hand:

• Disposable nitrile gloves
• Cut-resistant gloves
• Rubber gloves
• Electrical gloves
• Leather work gloves

Cost: $5–$50
Where to buy: Gloves-Online and more

17. Disposable Coveralls and Shoe Covers

Yes, these count as tools! They’re crucial for avoiding cross-contamination between homes. The last thing you want is to carry mold, asbestos, or pet dander into a clean home—including yours.

These tools also add a clean and professional touch that homeowners will appreciate.

Cost for coveralls (pack of 10): $20–$70

Cost for shoe covers (pack of 10): $10–$25

Where to buy: The Home Depot and more

Want to go the extra mile for your safety (and comfort)? You could also consider the following:

• Knee pads
• Hearing protection
• A hard hat
• A first aid kit

Bonus Tools

We’ve covered the top tools in each category. But the list could go on. So, as a bonus, here are 17 other helpful tools that can be super helpful in specific situations, or that can give you an additional edge on your inspection effectiveness and efficiency.

• Telescoping mirror (or inspection mirror): To check areas that are difficult to reach, like behind appliances
• Pressure gauge (or water pressure gauge) : To measure the force of water within a system
• Microwave tester:  To identify potential issues with a microwave oven
• Infrared thermometer: To detect temperature differences that reveal underlying problems, like moisture issues or air leaks
• Digital camera (including a thermal imaging camera): For visual documentation
• Utility knife or pocket knife: For a variety of uses, like cutting through paint
• Laser distance measurer: For measuring room dimensions, inspecting hard-to-reach areas, and more
• Sewer scope camera: To inspect the condition of the property’s main sewer line
• Levels (bubble or torpedo): To check the evenness of floors, walls, and foundations
• Appliance tester (or clamp meter): To test safety and function on appliances
• Dual probe digital thermometers: To detect issues with the HVAC, insulation, water temperature, and more
• Lead paint test kit: To detect the presence of lead-based paint
• Binoculars: For inspecting dangerous-to-reach spots, like roofs and chimneys
• Smoke pen: For finding air leaks, testing smoke detectors, and more
• Telescoping magnets: To reach narrow areas and retrieve fallen fasteners (like screws), locate metal, and more
• High-traction roof boots: For increased safety while inspecting roofs
• Danger signs and road cones: For the safety of both the inspector and others present

Keep Up Your Reputation As a High-Quality Home Inspector

Now you’re up to date on the key tools home inspectors and InterNACHI recommend.

This might’ve helped you confirm that you already have a solid home inspection tool kit.

But if you found any gaps in your collection—whether general, specialized, or safety-related—don’t stress. Now you know what you need and where to find them.

Wondering why moisture meters matter to home inspectors? Here’s what makes them a tool kit essential.