brand new home inspection checklist app and online building inspector courses
Before you begin a new training, and pivot from your current career to become a home inspector, here is a checklist, and a rather brief explanation of what you can expect.
First thing first, here is a home inspection equipment and tools checklist of things you may need in your toolbox:
-Respirator
-Gloves -Moisture meters
-Digital infrared camera
-Safety glasses
-Telescoping ladders
-Infrared thermometers
-Electrical testers
-AFCI/GFCI tester
-Voltage indicator
-Flashlight
-Combustible-gas detector
-Moisture meters
-Carbon monoxide analyzer
-Continuous radon monitors
-Microwave testers
-High-traction roof boots
-Universal toolkit
What is the role of the building inspector?
Overall, the role of the building inspector is to help his client determine the condition, at the time of the inspection, of the building that the client wishes to purchase or refinance. The inspector shares his assessment in a detailed report that he gives to his client. Armed with this information, the customer will be able to make an informed decision.
Who can do this job?
Normally, the building inspector is a real estate professional.
It should be noted that this occupation is not subject to a particular professional code, the law that regulates the practice of several professions and defines the conditions of professional practice. However, professionals such as engineers, architects, and technologists may also provide building inspection services.
Since the job of a building inspector is not governed by a dedicated law, it is appropriate for the consumer to carry out some checks when choosing a home inspector.
In the case of an engineer, architect, or technologist, it is necessary to ensure that he is a member of his professional order. A membership in one of these organizations ensures that the inspector has professional liability insurance.
What is an inspection all about?
A pre-purchase inspection is primarily an inspection of the visible and accessible components of the various systems of a building. The purpose of the inspection is to identify any apparent major defects affecting the building. It also aims to identify defects that may reduce the use and value of the building.
During the inspection, the building inspector will use a checklist app or a digital form software to verify the building’s systems such as heating, ventilation, electricity, and plumbing, as well as the structure of the home and its exterior elements such as siding, roofing, windows, and doors. The auditor will identify signs of breakage, defects, or code violations that may indicate the occurrence of possible problems or the presence of a more serious hidden defect. The home inspector’s assessment report should highlight all the elements that may require repair in the near future and make it available digitally to the owner, the future owner and keep the data collected on a secure server.
Thermography, an advanced tool in building inspection
The role of a modern property inspector is not limited to pre-purchase inspections. By being certified, for example by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), the building inspector will be able to offer his services in thermography. Thermographic imaging, using an infrared camera, is a non-destructive analysis tool for detecting defects not visible to the naked eye. Thermography is useful for conducting inspections for the assessment of the condition of existing buildings, material quality control, preventative maintenance, and energy savings.
Skills, training, and job prospects
In order to successfully perform the role of a home inspector, you must know the Building Code and safety standards, but you also need to be rigorous and analytical. The practice of this occupation requires a certain versatility because the building inspector is called upon to evaluate all kinds of buildings and must keep abreast of changes in standards and techniques in the construction field. Something which a complete and custom construction site software can help with, but a digital form builder can also be used to document changes, comments, notes, and workflows as they come.
The necessary training can be given in several schools near you.
It can often be a three-year full-time program, at the end of which the graduate is awarded a College Diploma, either in Building Mechanics Technology, Architecture Technology or Civil Engineering Technology. However, there are shorter online building inspector courses available as well.
A Real Estate Education College can offer a building inspection training program leading to a College Education Certificate (CEA) from the Quebec Ministry of Education and Higher Education, each state or province can have its own processes, it is best to check your local schools and ask.
This occupation has good job prospects as a building inspector can be employed by municipal, provincial, and federal governments, as well as construction companies, civil engineering, and architectural consulting firms. Otherwise, a certified building inspector may be self-employed as well.