Building inspection is important for society as it is crucial for the safety of all who live, work, and play in the area.There are many aspects of the inspector's job that need to be covered in the certification process.The training is done in both the field and education.
Step 1: There are skills to look for in a program.
You want to choose a training program that will give you a variety of skills for the certification process and allow you to adapt to changing rules and technology in the architectural environment.Check to see if the program covers essential inspection items such as roofing, the foundation, interior work, electrical, plumbing, heating systems, cooling Systems, structural fatigue, and the like.Programs that teach you to inspect a wide variety of building types include condominiums, townhouses, apartments, skyscrapers, residential homes, and new construction projects.
Step 2: Choose between the two.
Engineering and architecture training is an asset in this field.Vocational schools may have more tailored courses than community colleges in this area.If you go with the community college choice, you should take additional courses in geometry, writing, and math to help you read blueprints and build construction skills.Try to get a good record of career placement if you choose a Vocational school, in addition to the program coverage from the earlier step.
Step 3: If the program works towards certification, you should check it out.
The proper certification is required for any building inspector training program.Ask your local government if the school's certification matches the requirements.Provisions for state licensing, field training, and preparation for the national and state exams should be included in the inspection program.
Step 4: Take a look at mentoring options.
You will be learning from experienced inspectors during your training.This is important for employment later in life.As you shadow your more experienced partner, some mentoring programs will lay out your schedule in detail.If you want your mentor to be hands on, ask for more attention or another partner.You need to shadow inspections, learning codes, techniques, terminology, and develop communication skills with other inspectors, customers, as well as subjects, in either the job or Vocational setting.
Step 5: Get some field experience.
The most important step to becoming a building inspector is this.There is no substitute for doing your own inspections under the supervision of a knowledgeable partner.You can ask your prospective program how they handle this aspect, if they have a mentoring program, and how many hours of this they give towards certification.If you want to apply for a license, you need to know how much field experience you can get on the job.
Step 6: There are major national building inspector exams.
There are two national test models.Similar categories of building inspection knowledge can be covered in any version of the test.The national exam is based on a test created by the American Society of Home Inspectors.The subjects covered in the exams include the building site, exteriors, roofing, garage, attic, interior structures, foundations, electrical systems, air and water quality, plumbing, codes of conduct and ethics.
Step 7: There is a course that you should look into.
This is a good idea for a national test, as it will help you focus on the questions and classroom knowledge you will need to pass the exam.It's possible that your chosen school also offers this.The courses can cost hundreds of dollars, so be sure to check them out.Do you want to ask about the test question types and what to expect from those that have taken it?
Step 8: Take practice tests.
Add a sample test to your training.Ask your training program if the test has relevant questions.A run through the test under test conditions can help you in the future.This test is usually computerized at this time, but practice questions and timing can be recreated.You can improve your timing and score by doing this a few times.
Step 9: It's a good idea to locate a testing facility.
If you want to take the test at a convenient time, make sure you choose a facility that is easy to reach.You can get a detailed set of instructions.You need to provide your full name, home address, social security number, telephone number and exam date if you want to take the test.You will need your application confirmation number, examination fee, and two forms of identification when you arrive at the test center.
Step 10: You should check with your state and local governments.
You should be aware of the additional regulations, codes, and licenses you need to acquire.You can find out how far your certification is valid.Different states require different levels of education, additional exams, and field experience.
Step 11: Prepare for the physical and mental demands.
This career involves a lot of movement through structures and explaining technical findings to others.Communication skills are important.Inspectors should expect to move frequently in and out of the structures they inspect.This job requires the ability to explain problems found during inspections to those that hired the inspector.Translating technical architectural terms into something non-specialists can understand is part of this.Being able to perform construction can help with inspectors certification.Being able to understand, use, and investigate complex mechanical systems is useful.You will have to look into the details of your assignments when using these systems in the field.Inspectors often have to look at several construction activities at the same time without overlooking any of their individual components.
Step 12: Look for openings in your area.
One of the paths that building inspectors take into employment is working for others.When you reach this stage of your career development, you should review your program's career links to see if there are any deals with existing companies or government agencies that could lead to employment.Local government departments, construction contractors, architecture firms, real estate businesses, and home owners are some of the categories of jobs for building inspectors.If they offer placement assistance, you should get a job through your original training program.There are other ways to get a job.Make sure the jobs you are looking for are valid.
Step 13: You can start your own building inspection business.
One to think about if you don't pursue inspection work with others.You would need to establish credentials in order to get work.There are many ways to start your own business.If you go this route, make sure you check your city and state laws.There are other business licenses you may need.There are Federal assistance programs for start up businesses.Networking, financing, and ideas for gathering clients are some of the things these can help with.If you want to improve your business's visibility and ability to get inspection contracts, join your local, state, and federal chambers of commerce.
Step 14: The budget should include the expected pay for building inspectors.
In 2012 the pay range for inspectors was between $32,000 and $84,000.If this pay range is suitable for you, you should take a look at it.Workloads can increase during periods of disaster, site accidents, or heavy construction months, but this pay reflects mostly full-time work during the business day.Roughly 11 percent of inspectors were self-employed.
Step 15: The career plan should consider the job outlook.
Entry is limited to those with field experience over education-only applicants for building inspectors.When applying for multiple jobs, take this into account.The government is in high demand for multiple-field experience inspectors.These inspectors have specialties in engineering, architecture, and electrical systems.Smaller areas favor inspectors who are more broadly skilled.