Wolfwithin

I know I can smell gas leaks from like fireplaces but I haven't heard about refrigerant having a smell or not. I was told I needed a sniffer or detector whatever you call it for that. Is that even important to check or am is it really a waste of time? I want to make sure I can't get in trouble for something that I should have checked but I didn't because I didn't have the tool for it. This is one of the few things that bothers me with trying to understand this profession is that one source tells me I need a lot of tools and another says I barely need any. I looked at so many pages of the tools section and there seems to be a ton of tools I don't have but then some guys say I don't need anywhere close to that many. It is a bit confusing.

Actually I already have the thermometer and one inspection mirror but I am really wanting to get some of different sizes soon because the one I have now is a little big. I have been looking for a lot of the gas leak, carbon monoxide, and refrigerant sniffers and things but I can only seem to find the ones online. Is that the only place I can get them or do I need to look for a specific kind of store? I went to all the places that have everything but the sniffers. I figured if they sell things that can give off odorless and harmful gases then maybe they would see the detectors for it also but that doesn't seem to be the case around where I am right now. Also I am not worried at all by the real estate agents I am not one of those people that makes mountains out of mole hills. I know most don't like it when someone sees something tiny and minor and then recommends that a buyer or seller pays to redo all the plumbing because of one leaky pipe. Also they want to make sure I am not missing anything major. My job is to simply point out the problems of the house and let them know if a problem is major or if it is just something that can be fixed but won't bring the house down if it doesn't.

One I am not worried about the economy because it always comes back and it is better to be here on a down year when people are leaving a profession then when it is way up and I have to do all the work for nothing due to competition. Two I love knowing things anything period. So poking around a house to find out its story is exciting to me. Three I am good at writing but I don't plan on doing to much of it since I am also a tech geek so I will type everything. Given my typing speed reports won't take that long. Fourth what most people see as making bad money I see as making good money. Fifth it isn't an office job which I hate. It is something new every time out. It isn't sitting behind a desk looking at a bunch of numbers and seeing if they add up. Sixth have never failed at any challenge or risk I have taken in my life and I will not fail now. Also on the economy I know it is actually on the rise since most of my family is in high priced retail type businesses that depend on the money people don't like to spend when the economy is way down. They didn't do so good at the start of the economy drop but in the last 2 years it has gotten almost back to normal. It is only a matter of time before the housing market is booming again. Then again I would hope that as a professional that you would have a more positive attitude on the market. Besides I know the market is different in every area and some are booming and others are flat. I am also lucky enough that my family is everywhere so if the market here is to flat then I can just move to a different area where it is doing better. Not to sound naive or conceited but I don't take risks in anything just going for it. I plan and research and I really do my homework before I do anything. My numbers tell me I will be fine starting now instead of waiting till the market is flooded with home inspectors coming in because the market is up. I will have the experience over them and have more of my foot in the door then they will.

I know the lack of construction background is a concern but I actually know a lot more then that sounds. I just never had a job doing it. I have a basic knowledge of a lot of systems but not a lot of hands on experience. I am already planning on taking courses in another field just to add to my knowledge base. I know most inspectors tend to do the opposite and do it the opposite where they are already in a trade profession and then change. But that is why I was planning on going with a company. I would easily stay with a company for as long as possible as long as it meets my goals for my personal life.

Ok I am doing the training myself and I am in a situation where I can handle a little bit of time doing it myself but I figured a company would be more helpful for me and help with the early costs of things. I plan on doing this full time but will doing it with a company not be the best thing. I just don't have any kind of construction back ground so I figured it would be good to have a company to ask questions or maybe see a few inspections in action before I go out solo to do them. I am fine with giving up pay to a company if it means that it will help me out with the other costs. I know eventually I want to be out on my own but I had always planned working for someone else for a year or so till I really knew what I was doing. Also just checked US Inspects site and they are not hiring for any area near me or in one where I can start there and live with family till I can move.

I am unsure of what company right now but I have seen a few hiring lately here in MD and in VA so I am hoping that I can get in with one of those. I want to finish my certification before I start talking to companies. I was told from one company that I don't need a license if I work for a company but I was also told I need one from another company so I am not sure. I am waiting and will see what the companies that will hire me will have me do. I am thinking of getting one anyways just in case.

Hello, I am a future home inspector and I am one lesson away from getting my certification. My books are of no real help when it comes to exactly what I need for tools and looking online has issued the same results on some you need and some you don't. I was wondering if any pros could give me a basic start up list for tools that will help me do my job but not make me poor before I start it. I will list the tools I already have so someone can just tell me what to add. I have a digital auto ranging multimeter, a voltage pen, digital infrared thermometer, scratch awl, 3 light plug in tester, probe thermometer for water temp testing, tape measure, binoculars, flash lights of different sizes, and a couple different sizes of screw drivers both flat and phillips heads. I am not going to get any kind of roof ladder right now unless the company I work for wants me to get on the roof. I know that the roof topic is kind of a two schools of thought so I am going to wait on that till I know what I am suppose to do by my company standards. Is this enough to be good till I can afford the other things or should I get a cheaper version of the things I am missing till I can afford the expensive tools? Or are there companies that may help me with the tools? Thanks for any help. I am looking forward to joining the ranks of home inspectors soon.