How To Become An Inspector For Building Inspection?
Building inspection is an important profession for society as the task involves inspecting the stability and suitability of a structure for the occupants. If each and every building undergoes a thorough inspection, one can feel safe and secure within their house as well as the community. People can live, work and play within the area. The professional behind the task of building inspection is an inspector, who needs to go through a process of certification to carry out the task of inspecting a building. He needs to be trained and certified in the field.
Essential Education for Building Inspection Inspector
In order to become a building inspector, one needs specific preparation and education. Building inspectors can have different specialties and can differ in their experience. Most building departments require these inspectors to ensure that any new construction or renovation projects adhere to the local building codes and comply with the zoning safety guidelines. Before the building inspector can get licensed and certified, he needs to have hands-on and classroom training.
The building inspection Inspector must have a degree or higher, although the state and local licensure requirements can differ. The average salary he can earn is around $60,000. These inspectors can work full-time, part-time, during weekdays or weekends. They need to wear protective clothing and gear when on their work site. They can be called to carry out a pre-sale inspection, go on a site that violates the codes or for any other related emergency, at any time.
Steps To Become Building Inspection Inspector
If you want to become a building inspector, then there are certain steps that you need to take.
- The first step is to get a high school diploma or college degree. U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics reports that employers prefer people with an associate degree in building inspection technology.
- The second step is to get practical experience and training. Building inspection inspectors with an in-depth knowledge and experience about building safety and fire prevention codes are more in demand. Additionally, they should have training on contract specifications, record-keeping, and inspection techniques.
- The third step is to get enrolled in a course for Building Inspection, and those courses may again vary between states. However, one must ensure that the course they take meets the demand of the market and educates them about local building codes and expectations.
- After completing your education, the next step is to apply for an apprenticeship program. The purpose behind this is to enhance the knowledge gained in the classroom with hands-on training in the inspection. Employers always look for building inspectors with prior experience.
- The last step to becoming a certified building inspector is to meet the certification requirements for building inspection inspectors, and these may again vary from state to state. There are specific exams for building inspectors, and some need certification from organizations like the National Fire Protection Association and the International Code Council.
The above are just the mandatory steps that you need to follow to become an inspector for building inspection. It is essential to have the requisite knowledge and skills as well as a degree and certifications to work as a building inspector. There is a growing demand for building inspectors because of the growing awareness and stricter laws and regulations. Communication skills are also necessary as these inspectors need to meet so many different people from various fields.
This is a rewarding career with good prospects of future growth. One can look for openings in their locality or at a regional level. After a certain stage in your career, one can even set up their own business of building inspection. However, before you can do that, you need to establish commercial credentials and build a wide network of links.