Online Home Inspection Degree Programs

Home inspectors are part of the larger field of construction and building inspection. The primary purpose of employees in this field is to ensure that buildings and other constructed areas follow building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications, and that they are safe for inhabitants and the environment. In addition to buildings, construction and building inspectors inspect streets and highways, sewer and water systems, dams, and bridges.

Home inspectors are retained by prospective home buyers to inspect a house's structural elements. Home inspectors look at roofing, foundation, interior, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, and ventilation. Home owners rely on inspectors to help them ascertain that a home is built to applicable safety and durability standards, and inspection has become a standard practice in the home buying process. Home inspectors play a vital role in the process of buying and selling homes. But although they can report building code violations, home inspectors do not have the authority to enforce code compliance.

Home Inspection Employment

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that many home inspectors are self-employed, and probably comprise the majority of the one in ten construction and building inspectors who work for themselves. Self-employment has many benefits, but has the disadvantage of not having an employer to look to for answers and guidance. Becoming affiliated with a nationally recognized inspection organization, such as the National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc., can provide you support if you become one of the many self-employed home inspectors in the United States.

Home Inspection Career Training

Some states require inspectors to be licensed or certified, a process that may include gaining education, experience, liability insurance, and/or the passing of an examination. While home inspectors often train on the job, they must learn building codes and regulations, contract specifications, and record keeping. Home inspector courses can teach you these things, and many are available online, meaning you will not have to leave your home or workplace to take classes. According to the BLS, home inspectors with career training in the field, including completing home inspector courses, should have the best job opportunities.

Home Inspection Job and Salary Prospects

The BLS predicts an estimated 18 percent increase in employment for construction and building inspectors from 2006 to 2016. They also forecast jobs for home inspectors to increase rapidly, but note there will be increased competition for home inspection work. This is due to an expected high number of construction workers wanting to move into the industry. For those who are certified, and for those who have a high level of skill, experience, and/or education, opportunities will be greatest. A college degree in home inspection can help you gain knowledge and credibility in the field.

Median salaries for construction and building inspectors were $48,330 in 2007, per BLS statistics. For those who work in larger metropolitan areas, salaries are often highest.

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