The qualifications necessary to be a home inspector has been discussed many times by me and others on this forum. These discussions usually revolve around home inspector training, certifications, licenses and even personality. It used to be, in the early days of home inspections, that if the inspector had a screw driver, a flash light and could walk around the home with a heartbeat they could call themselves a home inspector. Now with the presence of home inspector associations, licensing and a huge increase in the education of home inspectors, coupled with increased consumer expectations of, the inspector must be better trained and have more tools in his bag of tricks. So here are a few questions that one could perhaps consider as to whether the inspector is up to the "physical" demands of the job. 1. Can the inspector crawl through an opening 12" by 16?" Some times we must actually get through openings even smaller than this, but given that 16" wide is the minimum width of a crawl space opening and 12" is the minimum depth required under wood beams----this seems like a reasonable "minimum" size that an inspector should be able to get through without too 2. Can the inspector climb three sets of stairs with a full tool belt at least four times during the course of the inspection----with one of the trips to include a ladder for getting into the attic? Resting between trips should consist of performing the normal functions of inspecting whatever is necessary between trips. Sitting on the top step and resting in a pool of sweat and tears may be an indication of a problem. 3. Is the inspector too afraid of spiders, rats, snakes or other common 4. Ditto #3 for Attics. 5. Can the inspector suppress claustrophobia long enough to crawl down a narrow tunnel, 18” high or less, between ductwork and the foundation, for a minimum of 20' and then back their way out because there is not room to turn around? Or will they leave the inspection wondering what was at the end of that tunnel? 6. Does the inspector have a good sense of balance? If not, they may minimize the importance of meandering through elaborate roof structures to check out that b-vent, chimney or bird nest at the far end of the 7. Is the inspector afraid of heights? Traversing roofs, when safe, should be considered part of the job----being afraid of heights may 8. Can the inspector haul 50-70 pound extension ladders all around the exterior of the home? If not----they again may provide even less information about the roof they had deemed too unsafe to walk on or were too afraid to walk on in number 7. Some inspectors, that are not able to do some of these physical aspects of the inspection, may limit their inspections to homes where they don’t have to go in crawl spaces, on high roofs etc. In general, I find the majority of successful home inspectors to be a fairly fit bunch that know their limitations, and that know how to take care of themselves-----but if your inspector is not, or you are thinking of becoming an inspector, this may be a good list to think about. So while this may be a pretty accurate list of necessary physical attributes, it does not even touch on some of the other things necessary to be a good home inspector such as, good typing skills, good computer skills, being internet savvy, being willing to work nights and weekends, and did I mention basically agreeing to not have a life until the report goes out?. Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector 
Today, however, I want to talk about what it "physically" takes to do the job and perhaps create another set of questions one might consider in determining if one's choice of a home inspector is the right one.
much trouble. If they cannot----how much information are they missing or deferring until proper access can be made-----or someone else can inspect the area?
inhabitants of crawl spaces, to adequately inspect the space?
attic.
limit an inspector's ability to give adequate information about the roof.
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Jeff, All I can say is that I am glad I didn't take training to be a home inspector. First sight of a spider or having to crawl in small dark spaces....yikes scares the crap out of me :) My hat goes off to all the home inspectors...a job I couldn't wouldn't want to do....
One of the poorest inspection I ever had was when an inspector arrived at the scene and with binoculars, inspected the roof before he even got out of his car. It got worse after that. Thank heavens for licensing laws.
Well, I gotta tell ya.....my home inspector is female. She is just as cute as a bug, a little petite thing, who grew up with five brothers who were all in construction with their dad. And, she is married into construction. With all that said, she is quite the tomboy of sorts, and KNOWS HER STUFF. She ain't afraid of nothin, either! Her inspections typically take about three hours, and when she takes my buyers around to explain all her findings, I could not be more proud of myself for finding her. She is the best......oh, and YES, she can fit thru a 12" by 16" opening....lol
Charles - I'd want my inspector to inspect, to look at everything; sometimes that's not so easy. That's why I'm glad there are dedicated professionals like you!
Rebecca, I have been called a lot of things but never "Jeff" :)
Glenn, another "physical" requirement----can your inspector lift a heavy pair of binoculars? :)
Jean, that is so cool----I bet she can. We had a woman in our last Home Inspector Training class and she too was not afraid of anything and went everywhere necessary on the inspection. There is absolutely no reason that women can't be the best of inspectors.
John, thanks----can you imagine a fire-fighter that wouldn't go up a ladder to get your kid of a bedroom window?
I was in a crawl just last week that was no more than 12" high! And as to openings, the smallest I have ever seen was 18x20", and I got into it. Typically arm one, then arm two!
I have three on my preferred list in my area Charles and yes, they would all pass your test. Although I have met some that would not.
Charles, My partner and I have a guy we suggest to buyers all the time and he fits what you've posted here...In all honesty I couldn't do your job....I'm claustrophobic and afraid of heights too...Enjoy the day.
As I don't choose the inspector, I often measure home inspectors to much the same criteria. Most of the time my clients will choose an inspector that I have worked with before sometimes you get what you pay for. On one occasion the inspector showed up in a ice cream truck with a very cold ladder!
I have met inspectors who would not pass most of these criteria and my thought is; how does this guy go into attics or crawl spaces? I have no trouble moving around a house...or a condo :)
Jay, since code requires minimum access of 18 x 24 (not specifying which direction is the 18) there are lots of crawl spaces that are smaller than that. I hate those 12" x 20-30 feet :)
Tammy, sometimes going to inspector meetings is like going to a convention of "thin-men"
Ernie, isn't it great that there is a job for everyone?
Paul, did he give everyone ice-cream?
Jim, I have seen guys that need an EMT on standby while they do the inspection :)
Mr Charles,
I think that I rate 110% for sure. I am as fit as a fiddler.
Nutsy
Charles - what a wonderful set of questions and the answer to some of them is not so obvious based purely on the physical appearance of the person. I love everything to do with the "guts" and operations of a house. I can hardly keep my nose away from what the home inspector is doing. I would have loved to be an inspector but (and here is the big but) cannot handle heights. I get dizzy just thinking of climbing a tall ladder. Your photos are excellent and tell the story. Good job.
Charlie,
I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head, versus your thumb, this time.
It is a good thing you are independent contracts otherwise you might get sued for discrimating against fat clumsy people.
Nutsy, why does it look like there is a massive hot dog on top of you and you have eaten your way through the end?
Valerie, it is good to have a healthy respect for heights :)
Steve, yup----but my thumb still hurts
Gene, and then there are those blind inspectors too.
Great list of physical requirements. I noticed the flashlight photo - did you break down and buy one of those? I have the Fenix TK11 and love it. I also liked the part about not having a life until the report goes out; you really nailed it with that one.
Reuben, yes on the TK-40----love it----600 lumens, awesome light
Charles, according to this set of rules, I'll bet very few people qualify. If you do all those things, you deserve every cent you make. plus!
Barbara, actually the vast majority of inspectors I know---both men and women----can do all of these things. This list is actually more aimed at those thinking of taking up the profession.
I recall the inspection school covering this in the Inspector training class did they? It's a physical job and I am grateful to be able to be constantly on the move and not be behind a desk.
Hank, I too like the built in exercise----although the other day I had a 4500 sq ft crawl space that was shall we say "plenty" :)