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Home inspectors do a lot more than just inspect residential properties. In fact, these professionals are often called "construction and building inspectors" because they inspect commercial buildings, bridges, highways, and numerous other structures. Many inspectors do specialize in one area, such as home inspection or new construction inspection, but there are also others who branch out in order to make themselves more versatile, and thus, more employable. Building inspectors are typically called upon to inspect homes to estimate any damages or needed repairs. They check all electrical, plumbing, pipes, and structural damages. Many people back out of contracts they may have placed on a home if the inspector reports major foundation or other problems that may be expensive to fix.
The primary role of the home or building inspector is to ensure the safety of a building's inhabitants. In order to do this, they check for potential fire hazards and other areas that could potentially be problematic down the road. In addition, inspectors make sure that the building is up to code, meaning that it passes the basic city codes for wiring and structural aspects within the building. Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will write a report of his or her analysis of the property and sometimes provide an estimate of the costs to fix it.
Inspectors work in a number of areas such as new home construction, fire, home, plumbing, mechanical, and public works inspections. Each one has their own set of criteria and educational standards. Some inspectors work in just one area while some combine their skills so that they are able to get more work. Many home inspectors are self-employed, while other types of building inspectors work for local and federal government agencies.
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Career Specializations
- Home inspection professionals typically focus their skills on inspecting homes before people purchase them.
- New home inspection specialists work primarily with new home construction to make sure that it meets city codes before the home is sold to an individual.
- Plumbing inspection specialists examine the plumbing in residential or commercial buildings and discover where leaks may be coming from or find other issues in need of repair.
- Fire inspectors check homes and other building structures to make sure they meet city fire codes and to ensure the safety of those dwelling in the structure.
Degree Levels
- Certification: 1 year to complete
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
Education & Certification Requirements
Many states do not have a specific educational requirement for home inspectors, but potential job candidates typically need a high school diploma and a certificate in home inspection. There are some positions, however, that require candidates to have an associate or bachelor's degree in architecture or building construction. Those who wish to advance into management positions often need a master's degree in construction or architecture. Every state has its own criteria for home inspector certification, but most require the passage of an exam so that the student shows competency in various areas of building inspection. The common certification is obtained through the American Society of Home Inspectors. (BLS)
Salary Information
The median annual salary for all building inspectors was $50,180 in 2008. However, half of all inspectors earned $39,070 to $63,360 with the top 10 percent making over $78,070 and the bottom 10 percent making approximately $31,270 annually. Those who worked for federal government averaged $62,120 per year. Accurate statistics for self-employed home inspectors are difficult to obtain, as salaries vary depending on the size of the company, experience level, and demographics. (BLS)
Job Outlook
Home and building inspectors can expect more career opportunities, as the field is expected to grow approximately 17 percent through the year 2018. The growth in the field is a direct result of heightened public safety and the desire to improve today's construction, wiring, and plumbing systems to reflect what we have learned and experienced from older construction. In addition, it was not until recently that home inspections were required prior to the sale of a home. As the housing industry improves, so will the need for qualified home inspectors. (BLS)Related Careers
Building maintenance professionals often work to fix common items and structures that need replacing or repair. Many people that work in this field know a little bit about everything and are often called upon to fix a wide variety of problems in a building. This means that they can typically fix carpentry just as easily as they can fix plumbing, supplying them with a wide variety of work and challenges. (BLS)
Interior designers are concerned with making interior spaces functional, aesthetically pleasing, and legal. In addition to following building codes, they utilize color, furnishings, paint, and window treatments to make small spaces look larger, or to make the inside of a room or office safe while still being functional. (BLS)
Engineers look for ways to use technology to make the lives of consumers easier. Engineers are creative, highly technical, and detail-oriented, and they use their skills in a wide variety of disciplines. (BLS)
