Have you ever had your house assessed by a home inspector? Homebuyers hire the services of these professionals when thinking about purchasing a new home. The aim of home inspection is to evaluate the conditions of houses and apartments by checking gas lines, appliances, HVAC systems, plumbing systems, electricity, flooring, roofs, etc.
In order for these experts to perform evaluations in the best possible manner, they need the right set of tools for the job. Experienced professionals use gas leak testers, carbon monoxide detectors, moisture meters, awls, thermometers, infrared cameras, and other devices. Nowadays, there are numerous independent home inspection companies, such as http://www.coloradohomeinspector.com, experts in identifying household issues.
These are the main tools used in the process of inspection.
Gas Leak Testers
Gas leak testers are one of the essential tools home inspectors use in the course of an evaluation. Due to the high sensitivity levels, these devices are capable of detecting all types of gas leaks, regardless of how small they are. Gas leak testers usually inspect the presence of propane and natural gas, both of which are harmful to the health of household residents.
Moreover, home inspectors use such tools in houses where gas lines are present. There are plenty of appliances running on gas that need to be tested for leaks such as water heaters, furnaces, ovens, fireplaces, etc. Given the hazardous nature of gas leaks, home inspectors need to use testers to recognize their presence in residences.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Another indispensable tool of home inspectors is the carbon monoxide (CO) detector, designed to detect even the lowest carbon monoxide levels in houses and apartments. The presence of CO in the air is generally overlooked by homeowners, as this gas has neither taste nor smell. Nevertheless, once CO replaces oxygen in the bloodstream, it causes symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Additionally, household residents exposed to CO for a longer period start experiencing weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, breathing problems, blurred vision, confusion, vomiting, etc. In order to prevent such life-threatening poisoning, home inspectors use handheld CO detectors to check for a potential threat. Carbon monoxide is mainly released by central heating systems, as well as other appliances running on gas or coal.
Moisture Meters
Moisture meters are undoubtedly one of the most effective tools home inspectors in Denver use when assessing the condition of properties. These devices are used for diagnosing a wide range of issues, such as mold growth, roof leaks, plumbing system leaks, wall dampness, etc. Even though wall and ceiling stains are common in houses, only by using a moisture meter inspectors can figure out the exact levels of dampness.
In order for moisture meters to provide correct readings, they need to be placed on the right surfaces like drywall, wood, and masonry. When it comes to metal objects, these tools are likely to provide false results. Readings that show less than ten percent of moisture are mostly disregarded. Moisture levels higher than fifty percent are considered serious, which is when the light on the device turns red to signalize a problem.
The ability of moisture meters to detect electromagnetic signal changes is crucial in detecting dampness. Some of the best models are equipped with both pinned and pinless sensors. The former are suitable for hard surfaces such as drywall, whereas the latter are used for carpets and rugs. Click here to learn about the function of moisture meters.
Outlet and Non-voltage Testers
As far as electrical issues are concerned, home inspectors use the outlet and non-contact voltage testers to detect such problems. Outlet testers, as their name implies, are used to test the functionality of outlets. Their role is to detect any inconsistencies regarding voltage and power flow. Wiring issues are commonly detected by getting incorrect readings.
Non-contact voltage testers, on the other hand, are designed to test cables and wires to see whether electricity flows through them. Home inspectors use these tools when assessing the safety of electrical systems in both old and new homes.
Thermometers and Infrared Cameras
Home inspectors in Denver rely on thermometers when inspecting houses and apartments for diagnosing various issues. For instance, infrared thermometers are used for measuring HVAC system temperature in order to check the system’s efficiency. In contrast, probe thermometers are considered effective when measuring the temperature of household hot water and AC temperature.
Furthermore, infrared cameras are used for slightly different purposes. Their role is to determine the energy efficiency of homes by inspecting wall insulation levels. Even if there are no obvious insulation gaps when looking at walls, infrared cameras are capable of detecting such voids.
Awl
When it comes to rotten wood inspection, home inspectors use awls for this purpose. These tools with pointed ends are specially designed for the detection of rotten wood, one of the most frequent household issues. Home inspectors face trouble detecting such decay when using no awl in the process of detection.
In addition, most homeowners try tricking inspectors by painting over rotten wood, making floors look as good as new. Nevertheless, given the frequency of wood decay in houses, these professionals don’t rely on floor appearance. They apply little pressure when using awls on the surfaces suspected of decay. In the event of rot, the tool will penetrate the surface.
A Ladder
Ladders are a vital tool during house inspections, as these are necessary for accessing ceilings, roofs, and attics. The majority of inspectors use collapsible ladders, which can be adjusted to different heights depending on their requirements. The ladders these professionals use are not only collapsible but also lightweight. Hence, these are portable and convenient to use on any property.
A Flashlights
Apart from ladders, home inspectors also use flashlights for the detection of stains and other defects. Flashlights are an excellent tool for detecting drywall patches and water stains, which aren’t exactly visible to the naked eye. For example, many homeowners patch drywalls for the purpose of masking water stains. The best models of flashlights are those with rechargeable batteries in order for inspectors not to waste any time buying new batteries.
Tool pouch
Last but not least, a tool pouch is incredibly convenient in the course of inspections. By wearing a tool pouch, these professionals keep the most essential tools handy at all times. Imagine climbing to the attic only to find out you have forgotten your moisture meter. The pocket of these pouches is large enough to fit all devices one needs to keep at hand.
Final Word
Make sure the home inspector you hire is equipped with the necessary tools!
