Home inspector vs. building inspector: what’s the key difference?

Some homeowners think home inspection and building inspection are the same. If you are one of them then you must understand the difference between the two. In Michigan, the home inspector and building inspector play a vital role in making a home healthy for you and your family. Home inspectors work with a certified home inspection company like Total House Inspections, while the building inspectors work with a local government agency.

If you construct or renovate your home, the building inspector has the authority to check the validity of your  permit and ensure that you are following all the local codes and regulations. They also ensure your house has proper ventilation and all other critical factors meet the state recommendations. The home inspector ensures that there are no cracks in the walls or the  roof. Further, they also check if your house has proper electrical and plumbing systems that extend the lifespan of your building.

If you are curious to know more about the key difference between the responsibilities of a home inspector vs building inspector, then this blog is for you. Here, we will discuss their responsibilities in detail, which will help you to understand their role deeply.

The role of a home inspector

The home inspector plays an important role in the real estate market. They examine the home thoroughly and identify the problems that you may face in the future. No matter if you want to sell or buy a new home. A home inspection is your best bet helping you make an informed decision. Home inspectors pay attention to checking the roof condition, HVAC system, electrical system, plumbing system, and sewer system. These are the crucial parts of a home that draw special attention from homeowners. Minor issues in these systems can lead to major problems in the future, thus needing timely remediation. Also, the first step to remediation is identifying the problem, which is where home inspectors come in. 

If you want to enlist your home in the real estate market, a pre-listing inspection helps you in detecting problems early. You can address the identified problems to attract a potential buyer. An inspection report creates a lasting effect on the buyers, and they feel comfortable making an offer. It will increase your marketability and build the trust level for buyers.

Further, if you want to buy a new home and don’t know the important components, the home inspector will help you. After checking all the important components, they provide an inspection report which helps you invest your hard earned money wisely. The inspection report makes you (the buyers) confident to communicate with the realtor or seller and discuss the identified problems.

The role of a building inspector

A building inspector is a government employee who plays a key role in the construction process. No matter whether you want to construct a domestic or commercial building, you need to get permission from the concerned department. With a valid permit, you can start the construction. They make sure that you follow the codes and regulations in the building.

The inspector occasionally visits on the construction site to check the following things:

Wires inside the electrical system

The inspector makes sure that you use high quality wires for electrical connections. The insulation of the wires must be high grade and must be able to bear the load of your home without any hazards.

HVAC system

They make sure that there is proper ducting for an HVAC system in a home. When installed, it may not damage the foundation of a home.

Foundation of the home

The foundation is the base of your home which should be strong enough to bear the load of the building. The building inspector ensures that the foundation is constructed according to regulations, capable of withstanding minor shocks and preventing potential collapse. 

The roof of a home

They examine the roof also, it must be constructed as per the codes and regulations, ensuring the strength and durability of the building. 

Safety standards

Inspectors ensure that the home must follow the safety standards that are recommended by the local bodies and department.

The contractor must be familiar with the codes

The contractor plays a significant role in the home’s construction. When he knows the construction rules, he can help  you stay away from facing any problems or violations in the future.

Key difference between the home inspector vs building inspector

Below are some key differences between home and building inspectors:

Purpose of hiring

The home inspector is hired when you need to buy or sell your home. In the real estate market, the home inspector plays an important role by identifying any problems in the building. They check the foundation, roof, look for any water leakage in the plumbing system or the sewer system. Through a home inspection report, the sellers can ensure a well-maintained home and get potential customers.

Whereas, the building inspector plays a vital role in the construction procedure. They make sure that the home is constructed as per the local Michigan rules and regulations.

Involvement of Home and Building Inspectors 

A home inspection typically occurs during the home buying process. It plays a vital role in the transaction of property. While a building inspection oversees the construction procedure and makes sure that the home follows the local codes.

Legal Authority

The home inspectors identify all the hidden problems, helping buyers and sellers reach a mutual understanding during the home buying process, and facilitating a smoother transfer of ownership.  

The building inspector is a government employee and has the legal authority to approve or deny the building project on the basis of code compliance.

Final words

A home inspector and a building inspector are not the same profession. A home inspector examines the home thoroughly and identifies the problems that can cause trouble. They play a vital role in the home-buying process, by identifying issues beforehand and recommending remediation steps. If you want to sell or buy a new home, then we strongly recommend you hire a professional home inspection company like Total House Inspections, to gauge the home’s current condition. Also, building inspectors play a key role in the construction procedure. They have a legal authority to approve or deny the building project if you don’t follow the codes and regulations. Building inspectors ensure that every building is safe, strong and follows local construction regulations.