Home Inspector Vs Building Inspector | What's The Difference?

It can be confusing what the difference is between a home inspector and a building inspector. They both inspect homes but for different reasons. In this video I will dive into the differences as well as some of the career path pros and cons for those looking to make a change.
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I hope this was helpful!

[@TrunkyDunks]

As a Master of Special Inspection (ICC-MSI mostly commercial). This is a very solid breakdown of how the industry works.

[@buildingcodetips]

Thanks for the comment!

[@AmB39]

Thanks for these. 38 years old, 3 years in construction and renovation and am just about to start the online course to become a home inspector in Ontario. A bit worried about passing and the fact that it’s 330 hours of study over a year but also very excited.

[@buildingcodetips]

Good Luck! I bet you will do great. One question at a time!!

[@prightmier]

I can only currently speak to being a home inspector but the two are very similar but different. Home inspectors follow a standards of practice either by state and/or home inspection organization. We report based on safety, operation, and condition of inspected items. We are generalists meaning we are trained on what to look for and what type of contractor to recommend for all systems in a residential or commercial structure. Much of our formal training is based off of codes but we do not cite codes in our reports, we use them as a guide for calling out certain situations. We have the ability to call items out if they appear unsafe, whether they meet codes or not. Like certain size stairways may not require a railing per code but if the area appears unsafe for any reason, we may recommend a railing for improved safety. If I know a buyer has little kids then items that may meet codes but we feel might still be unsafe for little kids living in the house just as an example.

[@buildingcodetips]

Thanks for the comment! This provides some great insight into the home inspector world.

[@Leotheconstructionguy]

Great info as always, I’m slowly but surely work on getting certified to become a building inspector

[@buildingcodetips]

That's awesome! I look forward to you becoming a building inspector and hearing some of your thoughts.

[@Leotheconstructionguy]

@@buildingcodetips thank you

[@shadeiland]

It always amazing to me that often people have an unrealistic expectation that as an inspector that we can’t miss things. Another is that there is so much information that it is impossible to know everything. I always tell folks that if you think I’m wrong then have that conversation and where in the code supports that position.

[@buildingcodetips]

For sure! The IRC alone is something like 4" thick in the binder bound book. I encourage anyone who has reservations about a specific code requirement to look it up. Sometimes I will even look up items for them. Not only for my own knowledge but to reinforce the idea that we as building inspectors don't know everything.

[@samuelalley7331]

Upon request, you delivered my friend. Thank so much for taking the time to do this video. It certainly answered many questions I had. It seems just starting out, it would seem a safer route to get the feet wet as a building inspector first. I feel as though your fending for yourself in some areas as a home inspector like working to build your reputation or self-marketing. Maybe another important question I would have is; what should the approach be in becoming a building inspector? What I mean is, should I possibly do an apprenticeship or pay 1,500 for classes and certification? An apprenticeship seems appealing to me because I learn best by doing and I do not need to get paid alot starting off; this being that I don't have a family to provide for. I am willing to pay for classes in all, but anything where I can show up and do the work aquiring the skills in the process seems much more helpful to me. 🤷‍♂️ Thanks again for taking your time to deliver this great vid.

[@buildingcodetips]

I would always argue that hands on experience is the best. If it was me I would gain knowledge by being out in the field and then pick up a code book to start studying on my free time. Many times you don't have to be certified to get a job as an inspector so the hands on experience out in the field should get you an interview at least. If you are able to get certified as a residential or commercial building inspector it would be the cherry on top for your resume. I wouldn't discourage you from looking into home inspector positions as well. Getting on with a home inspector company that will train you might provide some income and knowledge as well. I do believe there are some franchise type home inspector companies out there.

[@AustinCoulson]

Question: I know there are a ton of variables here, but on average who would win in a fight? Most of the building inspectors I have dealt with seem to be more focused on one aspect like plumbing, electric, general construction, etc, while the home inspectors I have known seem to be more broad, but with less specific knowledge. Only similarity i've noticed is that both inspectors will often have their one little favorite thing to look for in houses. One guy I knew had this obsession with electrical box labelling, while another guy was nuts about exterior vacuum breakers and backflow preventers.

[@buildingcodetips]

Ha, I would agree with that assessment. All inspectors seem to have their thing that they look for. Human nature I guess. Since I am a building inspector I would pick the building inspector to win the fight!! haha. Any inspector that works for a government such as a city, county or state would have more authority in my opinion.

[@AustinCoulson]

@@buildingcodetips plus the govt trains you to fight I'd imagine

[@stepuptoexcellence]

In what state do you practice as a building inspector?

[@thederpifiknorhino]

After 6 years supervising maintenance for apartment complexes, I’m interesting in transitioning into an inspector role for homes our buildings in the state of Washington, I just don’t know where to start. Would you have any advice?

[@buildingcodetips]

Are you leaning more towards being a home inspector or a building inspector? I believe that the home inspector path requires a certification through a training of some sort. Depending on how demanding your current job is the home inspector path may be something that can be started on the side and see how it goes. As for being building inspector, start watching your local city and county websites for inspector opening. Many times there are no certification requirements at the time of hire with the understanding that you will get your certifications within a year. It never hurts to start working on certifications now though if this is the path preferred. Spend some time on the iccsafe.org web page. This is where code books can be purchased as well as study material and exam scheduling. Washington is working under the 2021 code cycle so the International Residential Code and International Building Code would be good places to start under that year. Hope that helps a little - let me know if you have any more questions!!

[@thederpifiknorhino]

@@buildingcodetips thank you!

[@everegenx]

In your opinion, whats the highest paying inspection type job out? & how does it compare in difficulty & education?

[@buildingcodetips]

That's a hard one since it depends on your experience. My guess is that a licensed engineer would be paid the best for their services to inspect projects. In my area I am paid the same as the mechanical and electrical inspectors that work for the city I work for. Our elevator and boiler inspectors make more than I do but are more of a specialty inspection. All in all though, think the benefits and wage I get is pretty good for the effort given. Good question!!

[@everegenx]

@@buildingcodetips thanks for the response! Might be a bit out of left field but ive been hearing crazy good things about elevator techs lately, you think the inspection side of things would follow suit? Thanks again!

[@buildingcodetips]

@@everegenx Oh ya, our elevator inspectors do pretty well for themselves and are able to stick to one component (elevators) vs us building inspectors who deal with all kinds of different scenarios.

[@everegenx]

Also, what was the timeframe of you first hearing about inspection careers to getting certified and starting? Appreciate all your help tenfold!

[@buildingcodetips]

I was working for a home builder as a superintendent and started to get to know my inspector. Once I realized what a great career it could be I started working on my resume, while also bugging the inspector that came to my job site. Eventually a position came open and I applied for it. The whole process probably to 6 to 18 months as I had to wait for a position to become available. I didn't need to get certified to get the job. It was just required to get certified within a year. Getting certified prior is never bad though, only helps your chances. You might want to start checking local city and county websites wherever you are at and keep an eye out for inspector positions.

[@everegenx]

@@buildingcodetips thank you so much. Can’t believe more people arent talking about this as a career choice but hope it stays that way lol