Who To Hire: A Building Inspector vs. Building Certifier?

If you’re in the process of buying a home, you may have come across the terms “building inspector” and “building certifier.” What’s the difference between these two professionals? While both play an important role in inspecting homes, their focus and scope of work differ somewhat. Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between building inspectors and building certifiers.

What are Building Inspectors?

Building inspectors typically work for the government or for private companies that provide services to home buyers. Their focus is on ensuring that homes meet all relevant building code requirements. They do this by conducting visual inspections of homes and assessing compliance with code requirements. In some cases, they may also take samples of materials used in construction (e.g., insulation) to test for compliance with code requirements.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, it’s essential to have it inspected by a qualified building inspector to ensure that it meets all relevant safety and code requirements. Only a qualified building inspector will have the knowledge and expertise needed to identify potential compliance issues.

What are Building Certifiers?

Building certifiers are professionals who are responsible for issuing construction permits and certificates of occupancy. They also conduct inspections of homes during construction to ensure that they comply with all relevant code requirements. In addition, building certifiers play an important role in ensuring that construction projects meet all relevant planning approval requirements.

If you’re planning a construction project, you’ll need to obtain the necessary permits and approvals from your local building department before beginning work. Once construction is complete, you’ll also need to obtain a certificate of occupancy from the building department before you can move into your new home. A qualified building certifier can assist you with all aspects of the permitting and approval process, as well as with obtaining the necessary certificate of occupancy.

As you can see, there are some major differences between building inspectors and building certifiers. Building inspectors focus on ensuring that homes meet all relevant building code requirements, while building certifiers play a more broad role in overseeing construction projects from start to finish. If you’re thinking about purchasing a home or undertaking a construction project, be sure to consult with the appropriate professional to ensure that everything is done properly and in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.