We sat down with Paul Lamson and he gave away all his secrets. For a very low investment (see the links below) you can easily expect a 25% increase in productivity.
Watch the Video of the Webinar here
The picture of the camera on the handle with the light is what I use for interior work, I take the light off for exterior work. The handle is a selfie stick that extends out about 30 inches. It is equipped with a Blue Tooth remote that pairs to the camera/phone. That phone is just a dead cell phone I use only for pictures. It has WIFI that I slave off my regular phone to upload/download.
The advantage to the selfie stick is you have something to hold on to and it makes it easy to mount the light. The selfie stick also allows me to mount it on the roof photo pole which allows me to get it about 14 ft in the air and take pictures with the remote. Works good if you need good roof shots. Also it will clip to my lanyards around my neck when I need a free hand to work.
The light is a Lume-cube mini. It's rechargeable and with the spring clip it hooks right to the camera for interior work. It gives much better, even light than a flashlight.
Next is the roof pole, it extends out to 8 ft and with the adapter is great for roof photos. I have to use it for the other company, but I use it for your jobs a lot also. Plus it has a benefit as a stabilizing pole when on uneven terrain
I use the Laser measurer to 90 99% of my measuring. Its accurate within 1/16 th of an inch. It also displays the last 4 measurements you took, so you can shoot several distances and the write them down. Mine is a green laser version as opposed to a normal red one as the green shows up better during daylight. It is way faster than a wheel. It goes 165 ft so if I am in a barn doing a farm I can shoot the whole length in 10 seconds from one spot.
If you see the picture of the hi-vis vest. That’s what I wear all the time, it helps when you have to step out in the road to not get run over. Also on the vest you see the 3M device, that a retractable tether. The laser is clipped to it so it is always at my hand level and I and not digging it out of a pocket or trying to juggle more things in my hand. Plus the pockets in the vest is where I keep an extra pen, shoe covers, batteries and my lights.
Other things I use
Umbrella
Snowshoes(great for walking around yards in winter)
I also use a ½ size clipboard. This clips to my lanyards, and if you fold your ticket in half it fits perfectly to use the back for sketching.
Tools of Trade
Lumecube PanelMini, $69.99
https://lumecube.com/products/panel-mini
Smartphone Clip for Lighting, $19.99
https://lumecube.com/products/smart-phone-mount
Apexel 2-in-1 Extendable Selfie Stick Monopod, $22.49
https://www.amazon.com/Apexel-Extendable-Bluetooth-Monopod-Wireless/dp/B071FD4KTK?th=1
3M 1500156 Retractable Tool Lanyard 5 lb., $42.50
https://www.amazon.com/3M-DBI-SALA-Retractor-1500156-Yellow/dp/B00JESILFU
Bosch GLM165-25G Green-Beam 165 Ft. Laser Measure, $113.06
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-GLM165-25G-Green-Beam-Laser-Measure/dp/B0931YY9LZ
JKSafety 9 Pockets Class 2 High Visibility, $16.99
https://www.amazon.com/JKSafety-Pockets-Visibility-Reflective-Standards/dp/B01LRVX4AS
Here is just a random collection of additional ideas that you may find helpful. Remember, as an insurance inspector, we are not opening electric panels, testing circuits, climbing ladders and any thing that requires dismantling or deconstructing. The items listed below have suggested by home inspectors and others and you may find the information interesting.
Measuring
Best Laser Distance Measurer for 2021 | Pro Tool Reviews
https://www.protoolreviews.com/best-laser-distance-measurer/
The Best Laser Measure Options of 2023 - Tested by Bob Vila
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-laser-measure/
Aerial Imagery & Data for Insurance | EagleView US
https://www.eagleview.com/industry/insurance/
Measuring Wheel
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Measuring-Wheels/zgbs/hi/3753421
Tool Tips
21 Home Inspector Tools of the Trade
https://www.ahit.com/home-inspection-career-guide/21-home-inspector-tools-of-the-trade/
Home Inspector Tools to Carry with You
These are for home inspectors but some good ideas to consider. We do not do dis-assembly of equipment, electrical testing, etc, but it is good to know about them
#1 – Tape Measure
A good tape measure, whether it’s a well-functioning manual tape measure or a laser measure, helps you quickly measure specific areas and note them in your inspection report.
#2 – Telescoping Mirror
A lightweight telescoping mirror helps you easily and safely see into confined areas and higher areas. I also use one to check for dangerous down-drafting with atmospheric gas water heaters.
#3 – Voltage Tester
A non-contact voltage tester helps you identify live electrical wiring, such as old knob-and-tube wiring that might be present in an attic.
#4 – AFCI/GFCI Circuit Tester
This type of electrical tester tests and ensures arc-fault and ground-fault circuit interrupter devices are working.
#5 – Two-Prong Outlet Tester
While newer homes usually have 3-prong GFCI outlets throughout, you might still come across two-pronged circuits in older homes. A two-prong tester helps you quickly test and confirm the voltage.
#6 – Rechargeable, Battery-Powered Screwdriver
Using a rechargeable, battery-powered screwdriver speeds up the process of removing electrical panels. These panels often have six screws that are time-consuming to remove and can hurt your wrist when removed with a regular screwdriver.
#7 – 11-in-1 Screwdriver
I typically carry an 11-in-1 screwdriver as a backup. This type of screwdriver has interchangeable parts and functions as 11 tools in one.
#8 – Dual Probe Digital Thermometer
A dual probe digital infrared thermometer takes quick temperature readings of HVAC ductwork outlets, air return vents, water temperature, and surface temperature.
#9 – Non-Invasive Moisture Meter
This type of moisture meter is ideal for checking moisture stains. You’ll need to determine if the stain is the result of an active moisture issue (and mold issue) or not.
#10 – Pocket Knife
Occasionally, I find a service panel that is painted around the edges. While I’m not required to, I will carefully trace around the edges of the panel using my X-ACTO Knife and neatly remove it.
#11 – Small Infrared Camera
I mainly use this camera in homes that have radiant floor heating, baseboard heaters, and/or radiators to confirm they are working properly.
#12 – Carbon Monoxide Detector
I have a pocket-sized carbon monoxide detector that clips onto my shirt. I’ll turn it on before I walk into a home for an inspection. If the device goes off, I’ll know that there are unsafe levels of carbon monoxide present.
#13 – LED Flashlight
I use a high-powered rechargeable LED flashlight to get a good look into dark spaces. My flashlight attaches conveniently to my belt clip. An LED headlamp is also helpful for hands-free inspections in attics and crawl spaces.
#14 – Gas Leak Detection Solution
For many years, I used an electronic combustible gas detector to identify natural gas leaks in pipes, but I’ve since found a more cost-conscious tool. Now I use a gas leak detection solution that produces large bubbles when it detects a leak. An entire bottle is $8 compared to $150 for an electronic version that needs to be calibrated yearly.
#15 – Binoculars
A good pair of binoculars helps you see the blind spots on a roof and around chimneys without walking the roof.
#16 – Tool Pouch
I keep my tools in a tool pouch that attaches to my belt and allows me to be hands-free. It’s a good idea to use one that has a strap to close the pouch, so you don’t lose any tools when you’re climbing up a ladder or moving through a crawl space.
#17 – Ladder
I use a 17-foot ladder and it’s the only ladder I carry. Other types of ladders—like telescoping, extending, articulating, and combination ladders—are popular with some home inspectors. It’s all up to you.
#18 – Drop Cloth
Things can get messy when inspecting attics. I keep a drop cloth on hand to catch dirt and loose insulation that may fall to the ground or get on my clothes.
#19 – Level
I keep both a 6-foot level and a 4-foot level on hand to check if walls or floors are level or bowing at any point.
#20 – Protective Gear
Protective gear is important. I usually have knee pads with me to help with comfort, as well as a respiratory mask, latex gloves, and safety glasses.
#21 – Indoor Shoes
I always have clean, indoor-only shoes with me so I can minimize the dirt I’m tracking inside a client’s home. You can also use shoe covers instead.
#22 - Rubber Boots
For farms and muddy weather
#23 - A Laser Measure
Checking for clearances and answering homeowners’ questions about the space is lightning fast when you have a laser measure. You’ll get accurate measurements without having to ask someone to hold the other end of an old-fashioned tape measure.
#24 - A Tool Vest
Once you’ve completed your collection of useful home inspector tools, it’s time to invest in a handy carrying case. While a standard tool box is fine, a tool vest will allow you free use of both your hands, and you’ll never have to worry about accidentally leaving a tool behind at the job site.
#25 - Stylus…..for phone
Programs
ViewSketch: http://34.226.224.209/#
Apex
Apex Sketch v7 supports Bluetooth connection with DISTO Laser Meters (Leica GeoSystems)
Rapid Sketch
Imagemate
I sent you the link. This is the official source for assessment data in most of NY. It tells you
a lot of info you need like SF, age, utilities, and what fire department services the property.
OnX Hunting program
It has digital property maps with address and landowner’s names. Plus it has a
real time location pointer that accurate to 3-5 feet. This is useful when looking for rural properties that may not have a mailbox or house number. So if I am looking for a camp property, I know when I am there.
Digital tax maps
Almost every county now has digitized the tax maps and they are available free on
line. Useful when researching to make sure of where you are going.
Mapping, Routing, Mileage Tracking
17 Best Free Route Planners with Unlimited Stops
https://www.badgermapping.com/blog/free-route-planner-with-unlimited-stops/
Google Maps - Multi-purpose
Badger Maps - Field Sales
RouteXL - Delivery
MapQuest - Road Trips
Plotaroute - Outdoor Activities
TruckRouter - Trucking
Waze - Multi-purpose
MyRoute - Logistics & Trucking
Speedy Route - Delivery
RAC's Mapping Service - Focus on safety
Maps.me - Offline Navigation
LogiNext Mile - Logistics & Trucking
The Dyrt - Camping Trips
Apple Maps - Multi-purpose
inRoute - Road Trips
Flightmap - Tailored Maps
Roadtrippers - Road Trips
RouteAde - $15/month