TOPIC: Who makes the best home inspector ?

I think Bruce is nailing it, although I knew this was a joke in the making.

To me:

30% construction knowledge
30% ability to educate
30% reporting
10% people skills

The best home inspector gets as close as possible to each of those 30's and that 10. 

Keep in mind, each of those 30's means trying to hit a moving target, particularly construction knowledge, which is always changing.  Construction knowledge also involves tools - and the INDIAN with a quiver full of the most different kinds of arrows hits the most targets when he's hunting down problems.

I think Jay hits it with the "most different arrows" analogy.  There are so many things for us to catch in a single inspection, and nothing is ever the same or safe to assume on.  The ability to examine situations from several different angles is a key too.  I think more folks would be open to inspections if they actually understood what goes into what we do and look for.  The education is so valuable to them...good question, it's made me think more about what I do, how valuable it is, and how important it is to keep myself educated and "fill my quiver"!