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Tools Can Make For An Easier Life

By
Home Inspector with King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. Home Inspector Lic #207

The bulk of a home inspection is a visual examination of the structure and components and systems at a home. However, sometimes tools are a real blessing -- and save on the knees. I am always surprised, because it seems so basic to me after all the years, how many people have never seen a laser thermometer.

 

I use this device for so many purposes, from reading the temperature in a hot attic to reading the water temperature from the hot water heater to checking the heat supply registers -- in progress here. When the furnace is running, you can make sure that heat is coming out the ducts from several feet away, without having to get down and feel for air.

Thanks for stopping by,

Steven L. Smith

GeoLogo207

Posted by

Steven L. Smith

If you enjoy nostalgia and music of yesteryear, click on Elvis' gold record to visit This Day In History. To explore The Stories Behind The Music blog posts click on the electric guitar. 

 

        

 

 

 

 

Ralph Brady
Brady Home Inspection - Eureka, CA
The premier inspector in Humboldt

I think I need to put my receptacle tester on a pole, so I don't have to bend down to test those!  I mostly use my laser thermometer for the registers in the ceiling that are over 8 feet off the ground.

Dec 12, 2009 01:49 PM
Gary Coles (International Referrals)
Venture Realty International - Las Vegas, NV
Latin America Real Estate
Steven, I have a laser thermometer just like yours and I use it a lot. It is one of my favorite tools. I've even used it to test for poorly insulated areas and drafts in my home. I'm glad that your telling others about it.
Dec 12, 2009 02:16 PM
Eldon Hendrix
Hendrix and sons Home Inspections - Holiday, FL

Thanks Steven.  It is a very useful tool indeed.

Dec 12, 2009 05:55 PM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

Steve, I know what you are talking about. Sometimes I feel like "Inspector Gadget". Now to get a trained rodent squirrel to do the attics and crawspaces...

Helping you live your American dream...

Dec 12, 2009 08:48 PM
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector

I am surprised as well how many folks have not seen the laser IR thermometer. Usually the inquiry comes from a real estate agent. It always makes me pause and wonder how many inspectors are not using "basic" inspection tools.

Dec 12, 2009 10:09 PM
Lizette Fitzpatrick
Lizette Realty - Richmond KY - Lexington, KY
Lizette Realty, Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes

What would we be without all these fancy gadgets? I use the bubble level and flashlight on my G1 phone a lot.

Dec 13, 2009 12:48 AM
David Helm
Helm Home Inspections - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham, Wa. Licensed Home Insp

Us older inspectors swear by our laser thermometers.  Another use is determining if heat is happening in radiant floors (hot water systems).

Dec 13, 2009 04:49 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Mine is so old the battery cover is missing!

Dec 14, 2009 09:55 PM