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