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Building Inspector and Home Inspector

Building Inspector and Home Inspector is a field of study in business focused on the assessment, analysis, and communication of a building structure’s compliance and safety.  Both the Building Inspector and Home Inspector courses assess a building or home and render a professional judgement on the degree to which it adheres to applicable building code requirements.

A Building Inspector is often employed by a municipality, township, or county entity and frequently certified with an area of specialty.  The possible specialties of a Building Inspector include residential, commercial, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, rough-in, and final inspection to name a few.

Meanwhile, a home inspector is an independent, private contractor hired by a homeowner, developer, or community association to ensure compliance with CCR’s, building codes, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and specialty codes for a given municipality or planned community.

The Building Inspector and Home Inspector courses prepare students to prudently manage, inspect, and supervise a wide range of projects from small construction projects, high rise buildings, and a variety of associated projects.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$58,480

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

36.63%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

101,200

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Building Inspector and Home Inspector Courses

San Diego State University is the first and largest college in San Diego, California, and known as an esteemed research university that started out as a teacher training institute established in 1897. SDSU has more than 200 research fields and is committed to emphasizing the great role of higher education in the community.  SDSU’s top ranked Home Inspection Certificate covers all the necessary information a student needs to start their career as a home inspector. Having been approved by the American Society of Home Inspectors, this program helps learners understand the importance of home inspection, acquire knowledge on the methodologies involved in creating a report, identify defects found in residential constructions, and learn the use of personal protective equipment used in home inspection. There are no prerequisites for this procedure.

Acceptance Rate

34.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

Located in Juneau, Alaska, the University of Alaska Southeast offers liberal arts education, along with certificate and degree programs for the residents of Alaska and beyond. Some of the programs that the university offers include: accounting, general education, business administration, and environmental science, among others.

UAS’ Construction Technology covers courses related to construction including introduction to construction trades, construction safety, home maintenance, building inspection, home inspection, and several more. The university has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) indicating that it fulfills the criteria for the evaluation of the quality of institutions. 

Acceptance Rate

60.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

North Bennett Street is a non-profit vocational school dedicated to training learners to acquire industry and vocational skills. The school has empathy for the intensive training of handicraft and hands-on skills to improve global capabilities.  At North Bennett Street, students with traditional occupations and skills can choose from a variety of options and courses. This includes plans for building construction and house inspections. The course contains a lot of hands-on training for commercial and residential construction.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$50,150 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Diablo Valley College is a 2-year college that provides vocational and professional and associate’s degrees training that will lead to certificates of accomplishment and achievement upon completion. Originally established as East Contra Costa Junior College, it operated in banks, churches and high schools, and finally had its own campus in 1958 and was renamed Diablo Valley College.

Students majoring in Architecture and Building Inspection will be required to take 11 elective subjects to provide them with the necessary knowledge for their careers. They will be taught to explain regulations related to the construction industry, use construction terminology, identify buildings that comply with regulations, etc. Diablo Valley College offers financial aid to students who are able to meet the requirements of the program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Irvine Valley College is a community college known for its small college environment. It started as a satellite campus in 1979 and later became an independent institution in 1985.  Irvine Valley College offers a flexible certification program for home inspections through online registration. This is a course, approved by the American Society of Home Inspectors and many other agencies and organizations. It provides a comprehensive set of 11 in-depth modules so that students can adapt to the methods needed to become a home inspector.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

31:1

Founded in 1929 through the sponsorship of the city council, Savannah Technical College provides a wide variety of programs that grant their students diplomas, certificates, or degrees. The institution sees to it that their graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce upon completion.

Savannah Technical College’s Home Inspection Certificate Course teaches its students the methodologies involved in formulating a home inspection report, identifying construction materials, applying techniques, and recognizing defects found in home construction. Although there are no prerequisites specified, possessing knowledge on residential construction will be helpful. This program is endorsed by the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Saddle College is located in South Orange County, California. It is a two-year community college founded in 1968 and provides vocational training, academic transfer programs, and certificate and associate degree programs. In addition to these, they also provide study abroad programs, online learning and various art courses, from which students can choose to study music, photography, speech and other art-related courses.

Saddleback College's Building Inspection Associate of Science was established to provide theoretical and technical knowledge in construction to students admitted to this course. They will be required to study 23 main subjects. After graduation, they will be able to apply inspection techniques, demonstrate their knowledge of the International Building Code adopted locally, and demonstrate knowledge about building materials and equipment.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Canyon College is a two-year community college located in Santa Clarita, California. Having expanded from being a small community college, the institution now offers a wide range of associates' degree programs, professional certificates in more than 65 programs and academic programs ranging from biotechnology to theatre arts and is now one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the nation.

The building inspection program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to interpret building codes and apply them to buildings and other structures. They will be shaped to become individuals who are prepared to meet the requirements for employment upon joining the building inspection profession. Program requirements include 18 required units taken.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Founded in 1924 as Pasadena Junior College, Pasadena City College is a two-year community college which offers academic study programs, such as business, urban studies, and French, distance learning, continuing education, and workforce training. Students will be introduced to many involvement and leadership opportunities at the college which will help them grow not only as learners of the school but also as employees and employers in the future. 

Building Construction and Construction Inspection program is designed to prepare individuals who are seeking to join the construction industry, specifically as construction inspectors. It focuses on teaching students the duties and responsibilities of building inspectors to make sure that construction projects fulfill the architect’s plans and code requirements. On full completion of the program, they will be able to explain residential print reading, understand the process of construction inspection, explain the purpose of legal requirements and code enforcement process, and live up to the roles of a construction inspector.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Gwinnett Technical College is a public technical institution with a wide array of technical and career-focused programs and courses. It focuses on practical application and training for students and applicants.

The core of the Gwinnett technical course is the online program of the home inspection program. It consists of 11 outlined themes, divided into different parts of the online inspection. Applicants shall pass the qualifications and standards as provided by Gwinnett Technical College’s department for home inspectors.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Santa Rosa Junior College offers more than 170 career skills certificate programs, along with study programs for students who are planning to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Their campus takes pride with its planetarium, other beautiful architectures such as their gallery, repertory theatre, and museum.

Amongst Santa Rosa Junior College’s program is Construction Management that will provide its students not only the knowledge but also the skills needed as they enter the construction industry. They will be prepared to inspect, manage, and supervise construction projects. To learn more about the agency, please visit.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The goal of the Interactive Technology Institute is to cultivate individuals whose goals are to succeed in the future and provide better careers. The core values of ICT revolve around the values of high performance, originality and honesty. 

ICT not only provides industry professional training for individuals, but also enables them to learn courses such as house inspection techniques. Students learn through classroom activities, involving the participation of special speakers and trainers. Overall, it promises to provide 9 guaranteed program priorities, while also providing certification credentials.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

Butte College is a public community college well-known for its outstanding academic assistance and programs. Butte is a diversified learning and training program for trade schools and technical courses. 

Butte offers an outstanding program in Home Building Inspection. It is aimed at outstanding teachers and has been recognized by the country’s housing construction organization. Moreover, Butte College’s program for Home Building Inspection is at par with the leading programs available for students.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Bellingham Technical College has more than 8,000 students admitted to campus each year and is a community college located in Bellingham, Washington. They pride themselves on producing high-quality graduates in degree applications, so they can find a job within 6 months after graduation.

The residential building inspection training program has a wide range of guidance to help students prepare for work in their chosen industry. The program’s content includes plumbing, electric, HVAC, insulation, ventilation, and interiors. Interested learners must have computer skills, physical strength and willingness to work in various weather conditions.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Established in 1941, Utah Valley University is an institution offering 57 bachelor’s degree and 3 master’s degree programs. Along with Mountainland Applied Technology College, the institute also offers various career and technical training.

Building Inspection Technology is a program of the Ministry of Building Technology that aims to provide learners with opportunities to promote innovation and academic work. The program is administered by the Department of Continuing Education in the fall of 2019; however, once these courses are completed, students will receive credits after receiving ICC certification. The department will continue to provide the BIT courses required by the construction management degree program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

The mission of Fullerton College is to build a community that promotes curiosity and appreciation for learning. It is a 2-year community college that offers a wide range of courses. They are part of the North Orange County Community College District, an art home with more than 20 musical performance groups.

Construction inspectors ensure that new buildings repair and changes in the infrastructure comply with laws, regulations, and specifications. The purpose of creating this program is to enable students to become inspectors of all types of buildings, whether residential or commercial. Upon completion of the program in FC, students will receive an Associate of Science Degree – Construction Inspection and a Construction Inspection Certificate.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Palomar College is located in North San Diego County, California. It is a two-year community college that offers a variety of academic degree programs, non-credit courses, and certificates of achievement and proficiency in certain fields. Although the institution is not divided into colleges and schools, it has more than 100 academic programs and course offerings.

A construction inspector’s job is to examine not only buildings, but also highways and streets, water systems, bridges, and other structures. Palomar College’s top rated building inspection program is a 26-unit certificate program, and students can earn a Bachelor of Arts degree by completing another 34 general education units. They are hired by public agencies to ensure that buildings and other infrastructures comply with the codes, specifications, and other regulations.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Sequoias College is a public community college located in California, which enjoys a high reputation for its courses and faculty. It was established in 1926 and currently leads to enrich the educational experience of students.  Students can access COS’ Association of Science in Inspection which prepares them for entry-level employment in the construction trade. It aims to provide students with the main tool to become a qualified building inspector. In general, applicants for this program hope to acquire the competence and knowledge of the profession.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Edmonds Community College offers more than 30 research fields, more than 50 professional certificates, and 75 different sub-degree programs to meet the needs of individuals seeking to prepare for a four-year university. ECC also provides unparalleled sports opportunities including baseball, men's and football, softball, men's basketball and volleyball.

The top tier Building Inspection is a part of ECC’s Construction Management program that is established for individuals who are seeking to join the construction industry. In the program, after successfully completing at least 48 credits, they will receive a building inspection certificate. Most courses offered by Edmonds Community College are in the evening.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The College of the Desert is located in Palm Desert, California, and is one of 110 colleges that make up the California Community College System. Since the opening of the application school in 1962, the institution has continued to grow and expand, and new facilities and programs have been added.

College of the Desert’s Building Inspection Technology programs grants its learners a certificate of achievement upon completion. They pass the 26 compulsory course units of the course to prepare students for careers in the public and private sectors in the construction field. Through these courses, their shapes will be able to meet local and national building codes, statutes and contract requirements.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

28:1

San Diego Mesa College is one of the leading and successful community colleges in San Diego, California. San Diego Mesa College is known for its excellent methods and the help it provides to students and staff.

This institution provides excellent opportunities and training grounds for students interested in building inspections. At the end of the training and study, the applicant will receive an associate science degree or postgraduate certificate. Anyone wishing to transfer to a four-year course should complete the course as recommended by the institution.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Riverside Community College is a high performing public community college of today. It actively participates in certification programs and activities, so it has been recognized and recognized many times.

Among the various options sought by Riverside City College, students have access to its building inspection technical program. This program aims to polish students' understanding in the comprehension of the interpretation of building codes. As a result, graduates are expected to obtain five secured learning outcomes.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

McHenry County College is a two-year public school offering an extensive list of programs designed to cater the needs of their students. With nearly 8,000 attendees each year, MCC believes in giving their students high quality education and guiding them in meeting their goals both personally and professionally.

McHenry County College is an open enrollment institution and all interested applicants may apply if they are any of the following: must be 16 years old and withdrawn from high school, a high school graduate, or have a GED. They offer financial assistance to their students in the form of work study programs, scholarship grants, and student loans. The institution also has a number of clubs and organizations from which students may choose from. A full list of their courses and programs is available online.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The College of Menominee is a private endowed land-grant institution for the tribal community. It puts the culture of the Indian people at the core of its core values and mission.  Menominee Academy provides a series of skills and industry education for a technical school to train people to master various skills. It issues national certificates to all applicants who will pass and complete each course. In these programs, students can sign up for outline plans for home inspection and management.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Cabrillo College is located in Aptos, California and offers more than 70 courses of study, as well as technical and vocational training and transfer courses. After completing this type of course, students will receive a certificate, diploma or associate degree in the major of their choice. 

Cabrillo College’s Construction and Energy Management program has three different options, namely; Construction Management, Building Inspection, and Energy Management. After completing 34-37 units of the building inspection plan, students will be awarded a certificate of "Building Inspection and Building Code". Graduates of this course are employed in the public and private sectors.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

What Does a Building Inspector Do?

A building inspector is trained to thoroughly evaluate and examine the structural integrity, quality, and overall safety of buildings. Inspectors ensure buildings adhere to local, state, and international building codes while complying with applicable zoning and ordinances.

Building inspectors may be called upon to help assess large and small-scale buildings along with new construction reviews and existing buildings. New building projects may require inspectors to review site plans and blueprints to verify it meets requisite building codes and ordinances.

Existing buildings would necessitate inspectors to address code issues, perform an inspection prior to a sale, or assess an urgent building situation. Building inspectors can work independently or with a larger organization, typically on a full-time basis. They will work in the field and in an office providing diversity to the job week over week.

What Does a Home Inspector Do?

A home inspector is a certified, trained professional that assesses a homes overall condition and functionality. Home inspectors investigates a homes mechanical and electrical systems, plumbing, structural integrity, living spaces, exterior envelope, signs of pest intrusion, and overall aging of a home.

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) helps to establish a set of uniform standards to be used as a valid baseline for home inspectors. Home inspectors are hired by homeowners, real estate agents, real estate attorneys, and home buyers to assess a home.

A summation of the inspection is put into a standard report and provided to interested parties albeit the homeowner, bank, lender, real estate broker, closing agent, underwriter, and/or buyer. Deviations from standards can be addressed by interested parties as part of a sale or used as terms of negotiations by either party.

How to Become a Building Inspector or Home Inspector

Step 1: Degree and Course Completion

To maximize your opportunities for success in the field as an inspector, earning a college degree is your best bet. Inspectors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, however many employers favor candidates with a degree, targeted courses, and work experience in the field.

When selecting a degree or certificate program in home inspection or building inspection, seek program that offer a comprehensive curriculum. Students learning the basics of home construction, building systems, architectural design, building codes, local ordinances, construction technology, and drafting will have an advantage over basic programs.

Step 2: Work Experience

Students with work experience in the field of inspecting are more likely to successfully transition into the workforce after graduation. Gain work experience before college and during college, if possible.

Apply to help inspectors with commercial and residential jobs, electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, general contractors, or volunteer if work is not available. The repetition and exposure to variations in inspecting will help meld academic work with pragmatic skills needed to succeed in the field.

Step 3: Local Training Inspections Course

Building inspector and home inspector training programs will vary by local municipality and state. If your college or university is outside your home area, make sure to register for local training.

It is critical to your success to know the basics of buildings and home systems along with local codes, ordinances, and standards to accurately complete inspection reports. Training will likely include time management, organization, legal contracts, zoning, ordinances, documentation, and techniques to efficiently complete a variety of inspections.

Step 4: House Training Certification Courses

Depending on your state of residence, you may be required to sit for a state-specific license and/or certification. Your state will establish a set of educational standards, training requirements, work experience, and insurance requirements.

Some states will allow third-party examinations like the NAHI or ICC while other states curate their own tests. Even if your state does not require certification, you may be well served to earn additional certifications to add heft and credibility to your resume.

Step 5: Continuing Certificate & Advanced Training

After finding work as a building inspector or home inspector, it is important to know that you will need to keep your certificate and/or license active perpetually. These can be achieved by taking tests or continuing education credits as prescribed by your state.

In addition to continuing education, it may be worth your time and energy to earn a bachelors degree in home inspection or building inspection. An advanced course can help expand your knowledge base and set you apart from other inspectors in your region.

Top Degrees in Building Inspection & Home Inspection

Earning an online home inspector degree or certificate in home inspection and/or building inspection can help set you up for success in your career. Choosing the best course for you will take research and organization. Take the time to establish a priority list before selecting a degree program.

Our college admissions guide will help you organize your thoughts and establish what is important for you prior to making a final decision on your college degree program. A summary of programs in building inspection and home inspection includes the following list.

Certification & Home Inspector Licensing

A certificate program in building inspection and home inspection can come in a variety of flavors. In some cases, a certificate program can be a 10-12 credit program touching on the essentials of codes and inspection while other programs are more comprehensive lasting 2-3 years.

To determine which program is best for you, simply connect with a number of accredited colleges and universities found on this resource page. Students earning a certificate in home inspection and/or building inspection can expect to begin a career in an entry-level position and grow into the career over time.

Online Home Inspector Associate Degrees

An associate degree in inspecting is conferred as an Associate of Science (AS). Online associate degrees in building inspection and home inspection are designed to last 2-years for full-time students. The AS course will mix general education courses with core building courses to provide a well-rounded education to students of all backgrounds. Liberal arts classes will generally include a combination of history, communications, philosophy, art, and psychology.

Core classes found in a home inspection or building inspection course will generally include similar curriculum. Schools will provide key class material in the following type of courses: international building codes, residential blueprint reading, commercial blueprint reading, local codes and ordinances, framing, concrete, foundations, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, residential building codes, and architectural drawing basics.

Bachelor Degrees in Building Inspection & Home Inspection

Bachelors degrees in inspections are conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS). Degrees at this level will typically take 4-years of full-time study dependent upon core requirements and transfer credits allowed by the school.

Much like the associate course, the bachelor's degree will meld liberal arts education courses with core building classes. Both the general education and core class will be broader and deep providing students with an even greater level of expertise and understanding.

Students can expect to take upper-level classes in construction materials, construction design, home systems, commercial building systems, building envelope inspection techniques, building codes, and uniform standards of home & building inspecting.

Home Inspector Exam

A home inspectors exam will vary from state to state. In fact, a state exam may differ by county or township. Obtaining a home inspector license requires students to pass the required home inspector exam. State home inspectors may or may not be able to do work across county or state lines depending on the reciprocity agreement in place. The American Home Inspectors association helps lobby and communicate changes in the industry. Training courses and field training are highly encouraged if not required to obtain necessary approval for inspections.

Students looking to start a home inspection business are required to complete key course material from accredited school training programs. Home inspector licensing and a number of initial inspections are mandated by each regulatory body. Home inspector training as various types of inspections can be managed by school staff for home and building inspections.

Home Inspector Course Requirements

In terms of educational requirements, Building Inspector and Home Inspector course will have typically studied a number of class disciplines in school. A home inspections course will likely include the following courses while in college:

Employment in Building & Home Inspection

For students that earn a college degree in Building Inspector and Home Inspector, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue. The options range from superintendent, general contractor, specialty contractor, certified home inspectors, civil engineer, budget analyst, electrician, architect, engineering manager, cost estimator, landscape architect, and project manager in the public or private domain to name a few possible career tracks.

Home Inspectors & Building Inspectors Careers

The job growth in the greater Building Inspector and Home Inspector domain are above average.  For example, the rate of job growth for building inspectors is expected to rise 8% through 2024 and for electricians a 14% growth rate is expected during the same period.

Given the broad nature of the Building Inspector and Home Inspector degree, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location.  Related fields include maintenance, repair, manager, project manager, equipment operator, engineer, and equipment repair.

Resources for Inspectors

Associations such as the NACBI and the ASHI provide seasoned professionals and recent graduates with membership benefits, tools, and resources not found in any other organization.  Well-respected organizations such as these helps promote the field of building inspectors and provide professional networking opportunities that help advance inspectors both regionally and nationally.

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