What tool do you use for propety inspections?

I need some advice before I make another shop investment. I need to measure the exterior of buildings during daylight hours. What would be the best tool to purchase; measuring wheel or laser? I like the idea of the laser; small and compact. But, I worry about the sun being an issue or what if the building is longer that 65 ft.

Shopping up and down the Colorado Rocky Mountain front range.

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Keep it simple. I don't do these inspections, but why not just use a basic tape measure, if you're not using one already?

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A laser will be pricey, even if you find a good deal on clearance... I'm talking $40+ for 60+ feet.

Shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado. 33 year old male and willing to travel!

I actually have a 50' Stanley professional measuring tape thingy. But, if the building is say 40 feet long, what would I use to hold the end of the tape measure as I walk to the other end of the building? I guess I could bring a brick with me. I'm not too worried about the investment as it would pay off over time. I've avoided taking the comprehensive inspections because of the measuring and drawing requirements. But, I'm ready to try them out now.

Shopping up and down the Colorado Rocky Mountain front range.

Uline has a measuring wheel with a long handle, you just roll it along the area you're measuring and it will give you measurements in feet and inches. You don't have a measuring tape to hold down, A real godsend.

Her Serene Majesty, Cettie - Goat Queen of Zoltar, Sublime Empress of Her Caprine Domain

With a laser, it has to hit something at the linear end, so you will be better off with a tape measure.

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton

Artie Honny. But an traffic officer pointed out that I could place a cone at one end of the bldg. if you do that you might as well use the wheel and only walk the distance once? The wheel seems like the cheapest option and the option with less possibility for any failures.

Shopping up and down the Colorado Rocky Mountain front range.

As a long time real estate agent, I know that appraisers, who all have to measure buildings, use that wheel gizmo for outside measurements, and the laser for inside rooms, etc. Those pros know.

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I agree with Cettie, use a measure wheel. It would take too long with a measuring tape. A measuring tape is more for audits like the gas station where you have to measure distance between pump and column. For measuring dimensions of a building, the wheel is super easy. I cannot compare it to a laser, because I have not tried that.

I bought a wheel from Home Depot and works fine. Only problem is on uneven ground or when obstacles are in the way. Sometimes I run the wheel on the wall instead of the ground.

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What tool do you use for propety inspections?

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