Building your dream home is an exciting project, but it can be risky if local ordinances or federal regulations aren’t followed. That’s where a building inspector comes in.

It wasn’t a career Williams initially pursued, but he found himself in it anyway. He’s not alone. The industry is rife with corruption charges. For the most trusted building inspector, check this out!

Professionalism

A building inspector must communicate well with clients, contractors and construction teams. They need to be able to read blueprints and diagrams and write accurate reports. They also need to be able to use meters and other testing equipment to evaluate a structure’s condition. They often walk and climb often during their job, so they must be physically fit. They also need to be able to keep up with the demands of their work, including meeting deadlines and keeping detailed records.

Most trustworthy building inspectors are dedicated to their profession and take their jobs seriously. They are observant and attentive during inspections, ensuring all safety standards are met. The government often employs building inspectors and must know all local and national regulations. They will review and inspect projects to ensure they are up to code and will shut down or delay a project if it is not meeting the proper standards.

Some specialty building inspectors are required by law to inspect certain types of buildings and structures, such as bridges, tanks, water towers, piers, elevators and amusement rides. These inspectors are often certified by the International Code Council or a state agency and have extensive knowledge of codes and other relevant issues. They also have specialized training and expertise in inspecting specific components and systems, such as roofing, plumbing and electrical.

While many people confuse building inspectors with home inspectors, the two jobs differ. A building inspector is a government employee who has the power to enforce city codes and ordinances, including shutting down projects that are not up to code. On the other hand, a home inspector is a private third party who performs a more thorough home inspection.

A good building inspector can find even the most subtle problems. For example, they will notice if a foundation is cracked or uneven or if the roof leaks or is damaged. They will then provide the client with a report and recommend a solution to the problem. For the most trusted building inspector, check this out!

Customer Service

The best way to find a good inspector is to ask friends and family for recommendations. You can also check online reviews and local online community sites such as NextDoor or Patch. A reputable inspector will check a project before building work starts, such as floor and ceiling joists, insulation levels, fire-safety necessities, staircases, and more. BrickKicker also offers a cloud-shared report after inspections that homeowners can access to make selling their homes more accessible.

Experience

A good building inspector is experienced and familiar with various tools and software. They also can communicate clearly in writing and speak with construction teams, employers, and clients. Their job requires walking, climbing, or descending stairs, so they must be in good shape. In addition, they often have to use meters and other testing equipment to evaluate buildings.

Building inspectors are hired to perform a pre-purchase inspection on residential and commercial structures. They examine the system to determine its condition, safety issues and other factors that might affect the price of a property. They may also provide recommendations on how to fix problems or improve the home’s resale value. Depending on the property type, an inspection can cost between $200 and $1,500. Choosing the right inspector can save a potential homeowner from massive structural or systemic problems that could cost thousands of dollars to repair.

The best building inspectors have a vast knowledge of the various elements that comprise a structure, including foundations, plumbing, heating, electrical systems and insulation. They can detect hidden problems and defects in these elements that might be overlooked. In some cases, this information may help a prospective home buyer to renegotiate the terms of a promise to purchase or cancel the transaction altogether.

To qualify as a building inspector, one must pass background and criminal record checks and have professional liability insurance covering errors and omissions. Some states also require a license to practice, while others only regulate the profession by setting standards and training requirements. Some states also offer certification to building inspectors to ensure they are qualified.