What other types of inspectors are there?
When it comes to inspectors there are many different types. Below we will explain the most common types of inspctors and explain what each of their responsibilities are.
Building Inspectors:
Building inspectors inspect the structural quality and general safety of buildings. Some specialize in such areas as structural steel or reinforced concrete structures. Inspectors visit the worksite before the foundation is poured to inspect the soil condition and positioning and depth of the footings. Later, they return to the site to inspect the foundation after it has been completed. The size and type of structure determines the number of other site visits they must make. They also inspect structures’ fire sprinklers, alarms, and smoke detector systems, as well as fire exits. Inspectors assess the type of construction, building contents, adequacy of fire protection equipment, and risks posed by adjoining buildings.
Electrical Inspectors
This type of inspector examines the installation of electrical systems and equipment to ensure that they function properly and comply with electrical codes and standards. They visit worksites to inspect new and existing sound and security systems, wiring, lighting, motors, and generating equipment. They also inspect the installation of the electrical wiring for heating and air-conditioning systems, appliances, and other components.
Mechanical and Plumbing Inspectors
Mechanical inspectors inspect the installation of the mechanical components of commercial kitchen appliances, heating and air-conditioning equipment, gasoline and butane tanks, gas and oil piping, and gas-fired and oil-fired appliances. Some specialize ventilating equipment and boilers. Plumbing inspectors examine plumbing systems, including private disposal systems, water supply and distribution systems, plumbing fixtures and traps, and drain, waste, and vent lines.
Home Inspector Career Advice
As you have already read home inspectors conduct inspections of newly built or previously owned homes. Home inspection is becoming a standard practice in the home purchasing process. Prospective home buyers hire home inspectors to inspect and report the condition of a home’s systems, components, and structure. They typically are hired prior to a purchase offer on a home, or as a contingency to a sales contract. Home inspectors inspect all home systems and features, including roofing as well as plumbing, electrical, and heating or cooling systems.
Also, details concerning construction projects, building and occupancy permits, and other documentation generally are stored on computers so that they can easily be retrieved, kept accurate, and updated. Inspectors may use laptop computers to record their findings while inspecting a site. Most inspectors use computers to help them monitor the status of construction inspection activities and keep track of issued permits. Many inspectors also use a paper checklist to detail their findings.
It is common for an inspector to use a tape measures, survey instruments, metering devices, and test equipment such as concrete strength measurers. Most inspectors keep a log of their work, take photographs, file reports, and, if necessary, act on their findings. For example, construction inspectors notify the construction contractor, superintendent, or supervisor when they discover a code or ordinance violation or something that does not comply with the contract specifications or approved plans.
Top Home Defects That Will Cost You Big Money When Buying
Buying a home is an expensive investment but it can easily become a nightmare if you don’t find out what is wrong with the house prior to purchasing. Even if you do know of the damage you need to get a full estimate on what it is going to cost you to get it fixed. A big mistake people make when looking at home is to think they can fix any problem or think they will fix the problem at a later date. Below is a listing of top defects you need to look at that might be the reason you should pass on the home you are looking at and find another.
- Roof – A typical roof can run $10-25K depending on the makeup of the materials and size. Regardless, this is a very costly repair that can’t be overlooked and the longer the house has a bad roof the more expensive it will be later to fix. It can cause big damage to the home if not done properly.
- Water Damage – The problem with water damage is that it leads to bigger problems such as mold. Water damage to a home can be fixed but it is a major expense. This defect needs to be fixed asap and is typically caught by a home inspector
- Mold – As mentioned above this is a big problem but might not be caught by a home inspector. Unless the inspector opens up the walls they have no idea the home doesn’t have mold and mold can cause severe illness if not removed.
- Foundation Problems – Does the home have any foundation problems might include cracks or the house has shifted off the foundation? If so then this can be expensive and will be caught by the home inspector.
Buying a home is very exciting but some defects are extremely serious and you need to be aware of the defects and what they will cost to fix before you sign the dotted line. The blow shows the median annual earnings for inspectors:
Median annual earnings of construction and building inspectors were $43,670 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $34,620 and $54,970. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,760, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $67,380. Building inspectors, including plan examiners, generally earn the highest salaries. Salaries in large metropolitan areas are substantially higher than those in small jurisdictions.
Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of construction and building inspectors in May 2004 were:
Local government $43,960
Architectural, engineering, and related services $43,880
State government $39,310
