Becoming a Building Inspector
The first thing to consider when becomeing a building inspector is whether you want to leave the private sector to do inspections for a public entity. While the pay is almost invariably lower, there are things on the "plus" side of the equation: the hours are steady; there is more job security; you will probably be offered benefits such as health insurance and a retirement plan; and the work is less physically demanding.
There are many people who work for themselves or for a corporation doing "pre-sale" inspections, often called a "home inspector", and usually working very closely with realtors. These are a different question. Although you can be licensed and join national organizations such as ASHI, they are more entrepreneurial than being an inspector whose job it is to check construction for code compliance and will not be addressed in this article.
There are many different levels of inspectors in various jurisdictions, from the "all-in-one" positions that check not only structural components but everything from the plumbing and wiring to zoning compliance. The requirements for this type of job are tougher because they require a much wider knowledge base. Such positions often occur in smaller jurisdictions or on a county level because the budget and population will not support inspectors for each trade or discipline.
Some cities have positions for different systems or sub-contractors as well as plan reviewers and rental housing inspectors. Some good resources for job openings are the International Code Council (ICC) web site at http://www.iccsafe.org and the respective sites of your nearby cities and counties. It will help to take a look at local web sites to determine what codes they are using as well.
Job requirements are varied but will generally include a certain amount of experience in construction and/or a degree from a technical college or trade school. You will obviously need a valid driver's license, as that's the only way to get to the inspections in a timely manner! A working knowledge of the code requirements is a must. It may help you get an edge on the competition to take certification classes, if not to actually become a certified inspector. There are several different places to take the courses on-line, including the ICC web site, or to order CDs with the courses on them.
You'll want to do some research on the different sites to look for reviews of the various courses. Costs for these can be anywhere from $50 to $200. You'll need at least one code book for such a course, depending on what you will cover, and the prices range from fairly minimal to $100 (or more) depending on which book you need. These can be ordered on-line or through a local book store. There will, of course, be local rules and laws in addition to the basic code, but most jurisdictions understand that those will have to be taught to any applicant who does not already work for them.
Many jurisdictions have difficulty finding applicants who can meet all of these qualifications. Taking steps before you begin applying for such jobs will quickly pull you to the top of the heap. Good luck!
