Property inspectors are responsible for reporting any safety hazards on or around a property.
The process to become a property inspector varies by jurisdiction; the type(s) of property you want to inspect; as well as if you want to work for yourself, a private company or a government agency. Educational requirements to become a property inspector depend on licensing laws and employer requirements. In some cases, you may be expected to complete a training program or even an academic degree, or you may learn the trade on the job. In some places, you must have a professional license or certification before working as an inspector.
Property inspectors look for repairable damage.
The job of a property inspector varies. If you become a home inspector, you will perform visual inspections of residential properties and then develop a report for a homeowner or prospective homeowner that describes the condition of the home and how its systems are working. On the other hand, she could become a property inspector for a government agency, assessing buildings and homes to ensure they are safe and meet established building codes. In many cases, having a history of working in construction or the construction industry is often helpful in finding a job and getting started in the profession.
You can become a property inspector after going through an on-the-job training program or an apprenticeship with an experienced inspector. An employer or the laws of the employer’s jurisdiction may prescribe a certain number of hours that you must actively spend inspecting homes under the supervision of a fully licensed inspector. During this training process, your supervisor will assign you specific tasks at the properties you inspect, and over time, you may take responsibility for completing inspection reports. That experience alone may qualify you for a license or certification as a property inspector, though you may also need to complete formal coursework.
Property inspector training programs are available online and in-person and may be required by some employers or licensing boards. Home inspector courses are taught at community colleges and vocational schools. The length and curriculum of these courses vary by jurisdictional law. Some professional property inspector associations may also require members to complete an approved training course and complete continuing education hours to maintain current membership or certification. Laws in some jurisdictions may allow licensed professional engineers and architects, who typically must have at least a college degree, to conduct home inspections without having to be licensed as a home inspector.