What tools does a new home inspector need?

Very little, on paper. Washington's standard of practice describes a home inspection as "visual observations, simple tools and normal homeowner operational controls." The InterNACHI Standards of Practice name one tool outright. It is a tester for ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), the outlets and breakers that cut power when current leaks to ground.

Most other gear is the inspector's call. InterNACHI says the inspector is not required to operate "moisture meters, gas detectors or similar equipment." The approved 2026 ASHI text lets an inspector use reasonable and appropriate tools. It then lists specialized equipment the inspector does not have to use, from moisture meters and gas detectors to thermal cameras, tall ladders, and drones. That text is not in force yet. The 2014 ASHI Standard stays current until ASHI sets the date.

Both standards also set limits that shape the kit. Neither requires the inspector to move belongings, take systems apart, or do anything the inspector judges dangerous. Both say the inspection is not technically exhaustive. ASHI defines that kind of work as dismantling and the extensive use of advanced techniques, measurements, and instruments. So a starter kit is for seeing, reaching, and simple tests.

Many licensing states write their own standard, and there the state rule is the one to read. For the side-by-side comparison, see home inspection standards of practice.

Light comes first, because most of a home inspection is looking. Russ Motyko, who has done more than 3,000 inspections around Portland and Southwest Washington, carries a bright flashlight and a backup. In crawlspaces he adds a headlamp. For pools and spas, his kit includes a flashlight rated for wet areas.

The ladder is next. His habit is a fiberglass extension ladder. OSHA's ladder rule calls for nonconductive side rails where the worker or the ladder might contact exposed live electrical equipment, and aluminum conducts. The 2026 ASHI text does not require a ladder that reaches surfaces more than one story up. InterNACHI does not require climbing a ladder or walking a roof the inspector judges unsafe. Russ adds binoculars for a roof that stays unwalked.

Add a screwdriver for panel covers. The 2014 ASHI Standard has the inspector inspect the interior components of service panels. The 2026 text names removing those covers as the one exception to its no-dismantling rule. InterNACHI does not require it. For ladder setup and the rest of the safety habits, see how home inspectors stay safe on the job.

A starter kit has five small testers. This table gives what each one is for and what the standards say about it:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics names moisture meters as a tool inspectors use to check for leaks and flood damage. Russ puts his on the framing he can reach, especially at beam ends and sill plates. He uses the voltage tester on any wiring he meets in a crawlspace.

The CO detector has a plain job. The CDC calls carbon monoxide an odorless, colorless gas that comes from burning fuel. Nobody can see or smell it. A detector can.

In Russ's view, every electrical panel gets treated as live. The standards keep tools out of it too. The 2026 ASHI text does not require putting any tool, probe, or testing device inside a panel, or measuring amperage, voltage, and impedance. InterNACHI does not require measuring the main service amperage or voltage when it is not labeled. A meter for those jobs is not starter gear.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says some inspectors climb ladders or crawl in tight spaces as part of the work. Russ's published crawlspace kit:

• An N95 at minimum, or a half-face respirator with P100 filters where mold, rodents, or suspect pipe insulation show up
• Disposable coveralls, gloves, and knee pads
• A bright flashlight and a backup
• A combustible gas detector and a CO detector
• A charged phone

For his own crawlspace entries, he wears a full-face respirator with cartridges. Some inspectors also use a wheeled crawlspace sled to take weight off their knees.

The respirator letters and numbers come from NIOSH. Its filter class explainer says N means not resistant to oil and P means strongly resistant to oil. A 95 filter removes at least 95% of airborne particles. A 100 filter removes at least 99.97%.

A tight-fitting respirator only works if it seals. OSHA's respirator rule calls for a fit test before first use and at least once a year after that. The rule binds employers, not an inspector working alone. The reason behind it applies to both.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says inspectors keep daily logs that can include digital images. Russ shoots photos and video on his phone in crawlspaces. Many inspectors enter notes in the report software as they move through the house, on a phone or a tablet.

Russ's advice for choosing it: write two or three real reports on each free trial, then show them to a client or an agent. His night-before prep list includes charging the thermal camera, the moisture meter, and the flashlights.

Three tools come up early and can come later. The 2026 ASHI text lists each one as equipment the inspector is not required to use.

Thermal camera. In Russ's view, it is worth it for an inspector who learns to read the images. It reads surface temperature, not moisture. A suspect spot still gets checked with the moisture meter. For training and what a camera can and cannot show, see is thermal imaging worth it for home inspectors.

Drone. A paid inspection flight falls under the FAA's Part 107 rule, and the pilot needs a Remote Pilot Certificate. Russ walks a roof when conditions allow. For the certificate steps, see do home inspectors need a Part 107 certificate.

Radon monitors. Radon testing is an add-on, and InterNACHI does not require the inspector to determine whether radon is present. In Russ's view, radon is the add-on to start with. Check the state first. The EPA points people to each state's radon program to find qualified professionals, and some states license radon testers.