DIY (Do-It-Yourself) inspections and professional inspections are two different approaches to evaluating the condition of…
The Difference Between a Home Inspector and a Building Inspector
When you’re buying or selling a property, it’s important to know the difference between a building inspector and a home inspector. While both professionals inspect properties, they have different areas of expertise and focus. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of the differences between a building inspector and a home inspector.
What is a Building Inspector?
A building inspector is a professional who is trained to inspect the construction and safety of commercial and residential buildings. They inspect the structure, mechanical systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and fire safety systems of a building. Building inspectors ensure that the construction of a building meets the local and national building codes and regulations. They also check that the building is safe for occupancy and use.
Building inspectors typically work for local government agencies, such as city or municipality building departments. They are responsible for issuing building permits and ensuring that construction projects comply with local building codes and regulations. Building inspectors conduct inspections at various stages of construction to ensure that the building is being constructed according to the approved plans and permits.
What is a Home Inspector?
A home inspector is a professional who is trained to inspect the condition of a residential property. They inspect the structure, foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling systems, and other components of a home. Home inspectors provide a detailed report of their findings, including any issues or defects that may need to be addressed.
Home inspectors work for private inspection companies or are self-employed. They are typically hired by home buyers or sellers to inspect the property before the sale of the home is finalised. Home inspectors do not issue building permits or enforce building codes.
Key Differences Between Building Inspectors and Home Inspectors
1. Areas of Inspection
Building inspectors focus on the construction and safety of commercial and residential buildings. They ensure the building meets the local and national building codes and regulations. Home inspectors focus on the condition of a residential property and inspect the structure, foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, and other components of the home.
2. Scope of Inspection
Building inspectors conduct inspections at various stages of construction to ensure that the building is being constructed according to the approved plans and permits. Home inspectors conduct inspections on existing homes to assess their condition.
3. Reporting
Building inspectors provide reports detailing building code violations or safety issues that need to be addressed. Home inspectors provide reports that detail any issues or defects found in the home that may need to be addressed.
4. Licensing and Certification
Building inspectors are typically required to be licensed by the local government. They may also need to obtain certification from a professional organisation, such as the National Home Builders Registration Council, (NHBRC). Home inspectors are presently not regulated in South Africa (2023), however, there are several international regulatory bodies like InterNACHI, SAHITA and ASHI that inspectors can be certified through.
Conclusion
In summary, building inspectors and home inspectors have different areas of expertise and focus. Building inspectors ensure that the construction of a building meets the local and national building codes and regulations, while home inspectors assess the condition of an existing residential property. It’s important to understand the differences between these two professionals and hire the appropriate one for your needs.
by Trevor Davidson
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