Expect the Unexpected

October 1, 2021

In summer 2021, we also asked for your favorite unconventional tools, and wow, did we get some interesting answers. From a wire hanger to a selfie stick to, well, your brain, these are just some of the great responses we received.

Ken Moon Colorado Home Inspectors, Colorado Springs

“A plain, 97-cent Walmart kitchen knife. It’s the best tool for scraping out the screwhead slots on old electric panels that have been heavily painted.”

Ivan RodriguezAccurate Inspections of Atlanta

“I’m a longtime ASHI member and have been inspecting since the late ’80s. One of my favorite pastimes is bow hunting, which brings me to my interesting tool—an arrow with a field tip on it.

Most any arrow will work, but I prefer the slim carbon fiber variety. I use it to test something that, sadly, many inspectors overlook or don’t give a second thought to if they weren’t hired for a pre-concrete inspection; I use it to check for proper footings.
Many times I have found decks and patios that have structures above that are lacking proper footings. I stick the arrow in at an angle a few inches from the base, and if the arrow sinks easily below the support post, then obviously it is lacking the required footings for the load above! It’s incredible how many times I have seen patios on newly built homes with sunroom structures above lacking footings!”

Jameson MalgeriAnother Level Inspection, Gloucester, MA 

“Four tools I bring that are a little unusual are:

A selfie stick (at least six feet). I have a drone and ladders, but it’s amazing how often a six-foot selfie stick can help you see areas you need to get at. Simply add a cell phone mount, and you can take a little video of the roof or other areas. If you can get to the top floor you can probably get to the roof with a six-footer.

A mirror. A fellow ASHI member taught me how a mirror can be put under a boiler, down the ash dump, or next to the draft hood to identify issues.

A camping broom. We all make messes from time to time, and a small camping broom shows you care about people’s homes.

Lastly, a laser level. Great for your photos to visually see areas significantly out of level. Doesn’t take long to set up.”

Matthew StegerWIN Home Inspection, Lancaster, PA

“Besides my head being the most important tool, I find that my B&D cordless screwdriver is my favorite. Sure beats taking the screws off and back on manually when you have two or three breaker panels or plumbing access panels. A real time-saver.”

Anthony P. Kelly ProSpect Inspection Services, Northern Virginia and DC Area

“One-inch glass marble. Clients often seem to be convinced that a floor is sloping, or bulging, or otherwise not flat. The one-inch marble will confirm or correct their concerns, without a debate.”

Residential Property Inspections,
Greater Baltimore

“A wire clothes hanger. Almost impossible to test some sump pumps without one.”

Darcy HermanFirst Choice Home Inspections,
Jamestown, ND

“When trying to reach smoke detectors to test, some buttons are out of reach. I solved that problem by carrying a short wooden dowel. I can easily push the test button this way without having a step or ladder with me. A simple solution to a quirky problem while in the field.”

Darren AndersonAnderson Home Inspection, Tampa Bay, FL

“This is my favorite tool by far. It is never far away from me. I made a cushioned leather seat for comfort/typing and when reviewing with the client. (I never sit on other people’s furniture.) The leather outside pouch holds the client folder, a towel, some basic pliers, screws, etc., hand cleaner/soap, sanitizer, and moisture meter. The inside pouch is a tool belt pouch with a small drill and torpedo level. This two-foot ladder is perfect for seeing over items just out of reach and for typing without having to stand the entire time. Plus, it’s just high enough to reach most filter ports. I also strapped a spare flashlight/holder just in case my other one fails.”

Paul AndreassenAndreassen Associates, Malden-on-Hudson, NY

“Magnet with extension to pick up screws dropped from taking electric panel covers off. Often they fall in a trough, sump pump, or worst of all—kitty litter.”


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