property inspectors visit homes and commercial real estate to make an unbiased, professional assessment of the structures’ overall condition. They also evaluate and identify structural problems, safety hazards, and potential risks. They work for governments, private companies, and insurance agencies.

When it comes to buying a new home, most buyers are able to use the results of a property inspection as leverage when negotiating with the seller. Depending on the nature of the issues, the seller can choose to make repairs or lower their asking price. The same is true for a landlord who wants to rent out a property. A property inspection can highlight any damages beyond normal wear and tear that are worth addressing before the next tenant moves in.

Why You Need Home Inspection Services: Protecting Your Investment

Some municipalities require a property inspector to inspect properties before issuing certificates of occupancy or habitability. This is especially common for apartment buildings or other multi-unit dwellings. These types of inspections can be used to identify fire-safety hazards, and make sure that a building has adequate smoke alarms and functioning fire sprinklers.

As a property inspector, your job duties may include evaluating residential properties for compliance with regulations, interviewing homeowners, and preparing inspection reports. While a postsecondary certificate or bachelor’s degree in construction inspection technology, property management, or a related field can help you excel in this role, many property inspectors start out with just a high school diploma or GED certificate and learn on the job. Regardless of your qualifications, you should carry errors and omissions (E&O) and general liability insurance in order to protect yourself and your business from claims arising from inaccurate or incomplete inspections.