Residential Building Inspection Certificate of Specialization

Program Overview

Residential Building Inspection Certificate of Specialization

Related Degrees & Certificates

• AS Associate in Science Degree Program
  • Building Inspection | 60 units
• CA Certificate of Achievement
  • Building Inspection | 31.5 - 33.5 units
• CS Certificate of Specialization
  • Commercial Building Inspection | 13.5 units

Career Opportunities

Typical of real estate/construction related occupations, building inspection has some ebb and flow with economic cycles. However, this specialty area does not suffer the extreme peaks and valleys of employment found in general for real estate related industries. The need for building inspection services is not limited to new construction. Rather it is in demand for the great majority of remodel or updating projects, for re-inspection of properties that fall under new regulations and support of code violation enforcement. The employers are predominately government agencies and private firms that contract to government agencies, where the work is in consistent demand and is closely tied to the work of fire marshals, emergency preparedness services, etc. A snapshot of the employment demand in five Bay area Counties reveals that there were 2,215 jobs in 2016 (nationally there were 88,977 jobs), with a projected increase in the Bay Area of 15% over the next 7 years. The median hourly earnings are $42.18/hour. Our students are frequently hired into Building Inspection Departments in San Mateo County. The majority of our instructors graduated from the CSM program and are currently building inspectors in either San Mateo, San Francisco or Santa Clara counties.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Describe and discuss inspection standards for each of the critical areas of residential structures in California.
• Explain the intent of the code requirements for residential structure in California.

Program Overview

Building Inspection is a critical component in the construction and maintenance of residential, commercial, multi-unit and specialty buildings within California. Each area critical to the proper quality of construction, safety of operation and durability over an appropriate time, is separately inspected, tested and certified as compliant with the International Building Code.

The responsibilities of building inspectors are reflected in the importance of their role in ensuring the safety of inhabitants during earthquakes, floods, and other emergency situations. The safety of firefighters entering buildings is increased by compliance with the building code requirements for proper installation of fire sprinklers and other safety measures. Employment is primarily within city, county and state agencies with some opportunities with larger real estate or construction organizations and has remained steady during the last decade.

Program Requirements

Requirements:

• Required Core Courses: 15 units
  • BLDG 720 | Electrical Inspection I | 3 units
  • BLDG 730 | Plumbing Inspection | 3 units
  • BLDG 740 | Mechanical Code | 3 units
  • BLDG 760 | Energy Regulations | 3 units
  • BLDG 775 | Introduction to Residential Dwelling Inspection Technology | 3 units

Total Required Units: 15

Program Outline

Extracted Information from the Residential Building Inspection Certificate of Specialization Program:

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Residential Building Inspection Certificate of Specialization program equips students with the knowledge and skills to conduct professional residential building inspections.
• Objectives: Graduates will be able to describe and discuss inspection standards for each critical area of residential structures in California and explain the intent of the code requirements for residential structures in the state.
• Program Description: The program delves into the various aspects of residential building inspection, covering critical areas such as electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, energy regulations, and dwelling inspection technology.
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the International Building Code and its role in ensuring safety and quality in residential construction.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program focuses on the technical aspects of residential building inspection, covering topics such as:
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• Mechanical systems
• Energy efficiency regulations
• Residential dwelling inspection technology
• Building codes and standards
• Structure: The program consists of 15 units of coursework, including five core courses:
• BLDG 720: Electrical Inspection I (3 units)
• BLDG 730: Plumbing Inspection (3 units)
• BLDG 740: Mechanical Code (3 units)
• BLDG 760: Energy Regulations (3 units)
• BLDG 775: Introduction to Residential Dwelling Inspection Technology (3 units)
• Course Schedule: The specific course schedule and availability may vary depending on the academic year and semester.
Consult the College of San Mateo website for the most up-to-date information.
• Individual Modules: While individual module descriptions are not explicitly provided in the text, the titles of the core courses suggest the following modules:
• Module 1: Electrical Inspection:
This module covers the inspection of electrical systems in residential buildings, including wiring, fixtures, and safety devices.
• Module 2: Plumbing Inspection: This module focuses on the inspection of plumbing systems, including water supply, drainage, and waste disposal.
• Module 3: Mechanical Code: This module delves into the inspection of mechanical systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
• Module 4: Energy Regulations: This module covers the inspection of residential buildings for compliance with energy efficiency regulations.
• Module 5: Introduction to Residential Dwelling Inspection Technology: This module introduces students to the tools and techniques used in residential building inspections.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program likely utilizes a combination of assessment methods, including:
• Examinations:
Written exams to assess knowledge and understanding of course material.
• Assignments: Practical assignments and projects to demonstrate the application of learned skills.
• Presentations: Presentations to showcase understanding of specific topics and communication skills.
• Assessment Criteria: The specific criteria for assessment may vary depending on the individual course and assessment method.
However, general criteria might include:
• Accuracy and completeness of knowledge
• Application of skills and understanding to practical scenarios
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Communication skills and professionalism

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program likely employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures:
Providing theoretical knowledge and foundational concepts.
• Interactive discussions: Encouraging active participation and clarifying understanding.
• Case studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Hands-on training: Providing practical experience in inspection techniques.
• Faculty: The program is likely taught by experienced professionals in the field of building inspection, with relevant industry and academic qualifications.
• Unique Approaches: The program may offer unique approaches such as:
• Field trips to real construction sites for practical observation.
• Guest lectures from industry experts to share practical insights.
• Collaboration with local building inspection agencies for internship opportunities.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the program can pursue careers as:
• Building inspectors in government agencies (city, county, state)
• Building inspectors in private firms
• Residential building inspectors for construction companies
• Consultants for real estate and construction organizations
• Opportunities: The program prepares graduates for a stable career path in the building inspection field, with consistent demand and opportunities for advancement.
• Outcomes: Graduates are readily employed in the San Mateo County area, with many instructors themselves being program alumni currently working as building inspectors.

Other:

• Program Benefits: The program offers the following benefits:
• Strong industry connections with local building inspection agencies.
• Instructors with extensive experience in the field.
• Comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of residential building inspection.
• Preparation for professional licensing exams.
• Admission Requirements: The program likely has specific admission requirements, which can be found on the College of San Mateo website.
• Application Process: The application process for the program is likely detailed on the College of San Mateo website.

Additional Notes:

• The extracted information is based on the provided context and may not be exhaustive.
• Specific details such as course schedules, faculty information, and admission requirements may need to be confirmed through the College of San Mateo website or other official sources.