Property inspections aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal. There are different categories with professionals who have different backgrounds and credentials. Whether you’re considering pursuing a career in the inspection industry or you’re a buyer or seller of property that needs an unbiased survey on its condition, it’s important to determine if the right area you’re seeking is in home inspection or building inspection. Knowing the difference between the two can save you a lot of time and unnecessary headache. Here are some major factors that’ll help you differentiate these kinds of professionals and get you started on the right path.
The Reasoning behind the Process is Dissimilar
One of the main ways to tell home inspections from building inspections is finding out the purpose for the process, as well as who the process is being done for. The majority of building inspections are also referred to as code inspections and are performed for a municipality. Home inspections, on the other hand, are carried out for the sake of a seller or potential homebuyer.
The Level of Liability isn’t the Same
Those in home inspection have higher obligations hanging over their heads than those who perform building inspections. This means inspectors who survey residential property can suffer legal consequences if they don’t adhere to all principles or don’t accurately report conditions. Some of those who are independent professionals, rather than business owners, choose to forego inspection insurance but this is always a risk. Code inspectors typically have minimal liability.
There’s a Time Difference
There’s also a difference in timing for both processes. Professionals who complete building inspections are usually required to do their jobs during construction. On the other hand, home inspectors examine houses way after construction unless they’re assessing a newly built residence. Also, most building inspections only take about 30 minutes while home inspections can run anywhere between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the size of the house.
Property Conditions are Judged Differently
Varied elements are surveyed in these two types of inspections. For one, building inspections indicate the conditions of a place when it was originally built. Professionals in home inspections tell clients the present state of the property in question. This helps seller and potential homebuyer understand what needs to be done, in terms of repair work.
Education and Expertise aren’t Identical
Perhaps the biggest difference between home inspectors and building inspectors is the scope of their knowledge concerning the field. Although they must all be familiar with restrictions and equipment, the former typically must have some kind of a background in construction or engineering to be successful in their trade. The latter doesn’t require, and usually doesn’t encourage, additional skills in construction or engineering but familiarity with real estate processes is helpful. Most requirements related to licensure and certification varies by location. It’s highly recommended that professionals in both lines of work join an organization with like-minded individuals so they can get the resources and occupational support needed to thrive. Popular belief is that home inspectors are generally paid well and their workload is more balance, but they’re also subject to be under more pressure due to fluctuating guidelines. Building inspectors may have smaller salaries but also aren’t required to spend as much time investigating a property as their counterparts.
