Building inspectors typically work for a municipality, a state agency, or a private inspection company. They will evaluate the safety of buildings and construction sites, which includes examining their structural integrity, interior layout, and electrical systems.
With this in mind, there are several services a building inspector can offer:
1. Evaluate building design and structure to identify potential hazards and potential solutions
Building design and structure can create a variety of hazards for its inhabitants. One such hazard is the presence of toxic substances in the building.
A survey done in 2013 by the Environmental Protection Agency found that about 20% of commercial buildings have one or more toxic substances present in at least one room. These hazardous materials can be as small as asbestos fibers to as large as lead paint chips.
Another concern is structural. In other words, if there are any structural problems with a building, then there is a possibility that the building will collapse at any moment.
Hence, not only must building inspectors look for toxic substances, but they must also inspect the foundation and structure of a building to see if there is any damage.
Their first step is to identify what type of building it is – residential, commercial, industrial – so they know how they will be inspecting the building. They then conduct a visual inspection of the foundation and structure looking for any signs of structural damage or deterioration.
2. Conduct property inspections in compliance with local codes
The purpose of a property inspection is to identify any existing violations of the building code that could lead to the loss of life, fire, or injury.
The inspector will be looking for problems with the structure and/or mechanical systems. They will also be inspecting any common areas that are used by tenants. The inspector will also be looking for any signs of pest infestation or mold growth and moisture problems.
Inspection is a process that is required before renting out your property as it ensures safety and livability standards are met.
3. Offer consultation services
Building inspectors often offer consultation services for their customers as well as potential customers who are considering whether or not they should invest in a new home or business space. Building inspectors are known for providing excellent customer service by explaining all the steps of their process and answering any questions or concerns you may have related to your project. They will go out of their way to make sure that you understand everything and can make a fully informed decision about whether or not they are the right fit for your needs.
4. Conduct forensic investigations for insurance claims involving damaged property
It is important for insurance investigators to have a deep understanding of the property and its surroundings. They need to be able to determine the cause of damages, any possible suspects, and if there are any witnesses that can be questioned.
In order to carry out an investigation, the investigator must know where to start. The first step is gathering all available data about the case, including photos of the damaged property, victim statements, forensic evidence from the damaged area(s), etc. The investigator should carefully analyze all this data in order to understand what happened and how it happened.
5. Investigate unlicensed contractors who have performed home repairs
The more time passes, the more we realize that roofing contractors, plumbers, and other tradesmen are not licensed to provide these services. This is a serious problem – especially in places where the weather is always changing.
For example: in Houston, Texas, it is estimated that 40% of home repairs in 2017 were performed by unlicensed contractors. Homeowners should protect themselves from this threat by getting their work verified and authorized ahead of time and always asking for a license before they hire someone to work on their home.
At the end of the day, homeowners have two options when it comes to building and pest gold coast inspections. They can either hire an inspector or they can do the inspection themselves.
When homeowners hire a professional to inspect their homes, they are paying for peace of mind. They know that there will be no surprises and that their home is being inspected by somebody who knows what they are doing.
Autobiography
Eric Reyes is a passionate thought leader having been featured in 50 distinguished online and offline platforms. His passion and knowledge in Finance and Business made him a sought-after contributor providing valuable insights to his readers. You can find him reading a book and discussing current events in his spare time.