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

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.

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 Much of our formal training is based off of codes but we do not cite codes in our reports, we use them as a guide for calling out certain situations.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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

In what state do you practice as a building inspector?