HOUSE & PROPERTY INSPECTION

When you buy a pair of jeans, you probably find it pretty easy to figure out whether the price is fair and reasonable. There willl notbe any hidden surprises; you can tell the seams are strong or the pockets have holes in them. But what about buying a house or a commercial building? How would you know that the wiring is safe or that the roof is not going to leak in two months?

House & Property inspectors are trained to make visual inspections of structures and their related systems. They look at mechanical, electrical, plumbing and heating systems. They examine the structure, roof and interior for defects.

As a house orproperty inspector, you use moisture meters, pressure meters, electrical meters and other investigative tools and techniques to determine soundness and viability of a structure and its systems.

Where Will You Work?

As an inspector, you do much of your work on-site, making visual assessments of buildings. The hours are flexible, although they depend on hours suitable to your clients. You may need to work evenings and weekends. Generally, it takes three to four hours to complete a residential inspection and one to three days for a commercial property.

You may work independently, for an inspection company or for municipal government.

How Much Will You Earn?

Inspectors are generally self-employed, so how much money you may earn is somewhat dependent on how much you work and how much you charge.

Average annual salary: To be updated

How Does the Future Look?

With many national initiatives in the works, the employment outlook is exceptionally good.

How Can You Get Started?

In high school be sure to take English, drafting and business courses. Industry recommends inspection courses offered at BCIT. Additional code and communications courses would also be beneficial.

For More Information

British Columbia Institute of Property Inspectors, ph: 585-2770, bcipi.asttbc.org

What Will You Need?

Currently, there are no mandatory regulations in this area. You do not require experience in the trades or specific education to become a house or property inspector. However, in BC, accreditation is available through the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC). ASTTBC will certify you as a House or Property Inspector which you can use to help market yourself and your skills.

Knowledge of construction, electrical, plumbing and drafting is an asset. You should have an interest in construction techniques, an ability to communicate well, and possess good English language skills.

Post Secondary Possibilities

BCIT offers an evening program in house and property inspection. A certificate or diploma of technology in fields such as building or civil is an excellent foundation.

• Check with your career facilitator or counsellor for other sources of information applicable to education options for this technology.
• A prerequisite to becoming certified as a Property Inspector requires registration with ASTTBC in the applicable technology area as an AScT, CTech or Associate member.
• The TechWORKS! web site is an important online resource and provides links to career information that will be of interest to students pursuing a career in technology.