Become A Building Inspector
Where do you want to work?
Working As A Building Inspector
- Getting Information
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Deal with People
Outdoors/walking/standing
Make Decisions
$63,730
Average Salary
What Does A Building Inspector Do
Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
DutiesConstruction and building inspectors typically do the following:
- Review plans to ensure they meet building codes, local ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications
- Approve building plans that are satisfactory
- Monitor construction sites periodically to ensure overall compliance
- Use survey instruments, metering devices, and test equipment to perform inspections
- Inspect plumbing, electrical, and other systems to ensure that they meet code
- Verify alignment, level, and elevation of structures to ensure building meets specifications
- Issue violation notices and stop-work orders until building is compliant
- Keep daily logs, including photographs taken during inspections
- Provide written documentation of findings
People want to live and work in safe places, and construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets codified requirements. Construction and building inspectors examine buildings, highways and streets, sewer and water systems, dams, bridges, and other structures. They also inspect electrical; heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR); and plumbing systems. Although no two inspections are alike, inspectors perform an initial check during the first phase of construction and followup inspections throughout the construction project. When the project is finished, they perform a final, comprehensive inspection and provide written and oral feedback related to their findings.
The following are examples of types of construction and building inspectors:
Building inspectors check the structural quality and general safety of buildings. Some specialize further, inspecting only structural steel or reinforced-concrete structures, for example.
Coating inspectors examine the exterior paint and coating on bridges, pipelines, and large holding tanks. Inspectors perform checks at various stages of the painting process to ensure proper coating.
Electrical inspectors examine the installed electrical systems to ensure they function properly and comply with electrical codes and standards. The inspectors visit worksites to inspect new and existing sound and security systems, wiring, lighting, motors, photovoltaic systems, and generating equipment. They also inspect the installed electrical wiring for HVACR systems and appliances.
Elevator inspectors examine lifting and conveying devices, such as elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, lifts and hoists, inclined railways, ski lifts, and amusement rides. The inspections include both the mechanical and electrical control systems.
Home inspectors typically inspect newly built or previously owned homes, condominiums, townhomes, and other dwellings. Prospective home buyers often hire home inspectors to check and report on a home’s structure and overall condition. Sometimes, homeowners hire a home inspector to evaluate their home’s condition before placing it on the market.
In addition to examining structural quality, home inspectors examine all home systems and features, including the roof, exterior walls, attached garage or carport, foundation, interior, plumbing, electrical, and HVACR systems. They look for violations of building codes, but home inspectors do not have the power to enforce compliance with the codes.
Mechanical inspectors examine the installation of HVACR systems and equipment to ensure that they are installed and function properly. They may also inspect commercial kitchen equipment, gas-fired appliances, and boilers. Mechanical inspectors should not be confused with quality control inspectors, who inspect goods at manufacturing plants.
Plan examiners determine whether the plans for a building or other structure comply with building codes. They also determine whether the structure is suited to the engineering and environmental demands of the building site.
Plumbing inspectors examine the installation of systems that ensure the safety and health of drinking water, the sanitary disposal of waste, and the safety of industrial piping.
Public works inspectors ensure that the construction of federal, state, and local government water and sewer systems, highways, streets, bridges, and dams conforms to detailed contract specifications. Workers inspect excavation and fill operations, the placement of forms for concrete, concrete mixing and pouring, asphalt paving, and grading operations. Public works inspectors may specialize in highways, structural steel, reinforced concrete, or ditches. Others may specialize in dredging operations required for bridges, dams, or harbors.
Specification inspectors ensure that construction work is performed according to design specifications. Specification inspectors represent the owner’s interests, not those of the general public. Insurance companies and financial institutions also may use their services.
Some building inspectors are concerned with fire prevention safety. Fire inspectors and investigators ensure that buildings meet fire codes.
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How To Become A Building Inspector
Most employers require construction and building inspectors to have at least a high school diploma and considerable knowledge of construction trades. Inspectors typically learn on the job. Many states and local jurisdictions require some type of license or certification.
EducationMost employers require inspectors to have at least a high school diploma, even for workers who have considerable related work experience.
Employers also seek candidates who have studied engineering or architecture or who have a certificate or an associate’s degree that includes courses in building inspection, home inspection, construction technology, and drafting. Many community colleges offer programs in building inspection technology. Courses in blueprint reading, vocational subjects, algebra, geometry, and writing are also useful. Courses in business management are helpful for those who plan to run their own inspection business.
A growing number of construction and building inspectors are entering the occupation with a bachelor’s degree, which can often substitute for related work experience.
TrainingTraining requirements vary by state, locality, and type of inspector. In general, construction and building inspectors receive much of their training on the job, although they must learn building codes and standards on their own. Working with an experienced inspector, they learn about inspection techniques; codes, ordinances, and regulations; contract specifications; and recordkeeping and reporting duties. Training also may include supervised onsite inspections.
Work Experience in a Related OccupationBecause inspectors must possess the right mix of technical knowledge, work experience, and education, employers prefer applicants who have both training and experience in a construction trade. For example, many inspectors have experience working as carpenters, electricians, or plumbers. Many home inspectors combine knowledge of multiple specialties, so many of them enter the occupation having a combination of certifications and previous experience in various construction trades.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsMost states and local jurisdictions require construction and building inspectors to have a license or certification. Some states have individual licensing programs for construction and building inspectors. Others may require certification by associations such as the International Code Council, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, and the National Fire Protection Association.
Similarly, most states require home inspectors to follow defined trade practices or obtain a state-issued license or certification. Currently, 36 states have policies regulating the conduct of home inspectors; a few states are considering adding licensure or certification requirements for home inspectors.
Home inspector license or certification requirements vary by state but may require that inspectors do the following:
- Achieve a specified level of education
- Possess experience with inspections
- Maintain liability insurance
- Pass an exam
The exam is often based on the American Society of Home Inspectors and National Association of Home Inspectors certification exams. Most inspectors must renew their license periodically and take continuing education courses.
Inspectors must have a valid driver’s license because they must travel to inspection sites.
Important QualitiesCommunication skills. Inspectors must have good communication skills in order to explain any problems they find and to help people understand what is needed to fix the problems. In addition, they need to provide a written report of their findings.
Craft experience. Inspectors perform checks and inspections throughout the construction project. Experience in a related construction occupation provides inspectors with the necessary background to become certified.
Detail oriented. Inspectors must thoroughly examine many different construction activities, often at the same time. Therefore, they must pay close attention to detail so as to not overlook any items that need to be checked.
Mechanical knowledge. Inspectors use a variety of testing equipment as they check complex systems. In order to perform tests properly, they also must have detailed knowledge of how the systems operate.
Physical stamina. Inspectors are constantly on their feet and often must crawl through attics and other tight spaces. As a result, they should be somewhat physically fit.
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Building Inspector jobs
Building Inspector Career Paths
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Building Official 6.0 years
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Building Inspector 4.0 years
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Code Inspector 3.8 years
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Maintenance Inspector 3.4 years
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Residential Building Inspector 3.1 years
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Control Inspector 3.1 years
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Housing Inspector 3.0 years
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Field Inspector 2.5 years
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Project Manager 12.2%
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Owner 9.7%
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Inspector 8.2%
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Carpenter 6.3%
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Superintendent 6.3%
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Construction Manager 5.7%
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Owner/Operator 5.0%
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Foreman 5.0%
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General Contractor 4.8%
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Plans Examiner 3.2%
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Sales Associate 3.0%
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Journeyman Carpenter 2.9%
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Building Official 2.7%
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Electrician 2.7%
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Project Manager 16.9%
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Construction Manager 8.3%
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Inspector 8.3%
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Owner 8.0%
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Building Official 7.0%
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Plans Examiner 4.5%
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Superintendent 4.0%
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Owner/Operator 3.8%
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General Contractor 3.2%
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General Manager 3.0%
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Supervisor 2.7%
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Technician 2.7%
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Consultant 2.1%
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Building Inspector
Top Careers After Building Inspector
Building Inspector Demographics
Gender
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Male
85.6% -
Female
13.1% -
Unknown
1.3%
Ethnicity
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White
80.5% -
Hispanic or Latino
10.8% -
Asian
6.1% -
Unknown
1.8% -
Black or African American
0.8%
Languages Spoken
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Spanish
54.5% -
French
12.1% -
Portuguese
6.1% -
Carrier
6.1% -
Italian
6.1% -
Chinese
3.0% -
German
3.0% -
Japanese
3.0% -
Mandarin
3.0% -
Russian
3.0%
Building Inspector
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Building Inspector Education
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Butte College
17.4% -
University of Phoenix
8.7% -
Eastern Michigan University
6.5% -
Diablo Valley College
5.4% -
University of Connecticut
5.4% -
Utah Valley University
5.4% -
Missouri State University
4.3% -
The Academy
4.3% -
Sierra College
4.3% -
Florida State University
4.3% -
Front Range Community College
4.3% -
Central Piedmont Community College
3.3% -
Columbia Southern University
3.3% -
East Carolina University
3.3% -
University of California - Berkeley
3.3% -
El Camino College
3.3% -
Davidson County Community College
3.3% -
Delgado Community College
3.3% -
College of the Sequoias
3.3% -
University of Florida
3.3% -
Business 17.8%
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Property Management 8.5%
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Civil Engineering 6.5%
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Education 5.5%
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Criminal Justice 5.5%
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Management 5.3%
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Engineering 4.3%
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General Studies 4.0%
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Drafting And Design 3.8%
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Architecture 3.8%
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Project Management 3.0%
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Liberal Arts 2.3%
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Political Science 2.3%
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Other
37.7% -
Bachelors
28.5% -
Associate
14.0% -
Certificate
8.5% -
Masters
7.9% -
Doctorate
1.4% -
License
1.0% -
Diploma
1.0%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Building Inspector
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Real Building Inspector Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction and Building Inspectors | Controlled Inspections Inc. | Elmsford, NY | Dec 27, 2013 | $72,696 |
| Construction and Building Inspectors | Twin Peaks Inc. | Islandia, NY | Mar 06, 2014 | $70,096 |
| Construction & Building Inspectors | Continental Construction Services, Inc. | Springfield, VA | Jul 23, 2010 | $65,000 |
| Construction and Building Inspectors | KCI Technologies, Inc. | MD | Apr 30, 2014 | $61,672 |
| Construction and Building Inspector | Project Control Associates | Morristown, NJ | Sep 09, 2016 | $55,349 |
| Construction and Building Inspectors | Pate Taraborelli Partners, LP | Pleasanton, TX | Jul 17, 2014 | $54,891 |
| Construction & Building Inspectors | SAV-On Homes | Beaumont, CA | Sep 04, 2008 | $53,219 |
| Construction and Building Inspectors | Flintlock Construction Services, LLC | Greenwich, CT | Jan 10, 2008 | $53,052 |
| Construction and Building Inspectors | McDougal Properties Ltd. | Midland, TX | Apr 28, 2009 | $45,000 - $49,800 |
| Construction and Building Inspector | Siding Plus Inc. | Charlotte, NC | Feb 09, 2010 | $44,871 |
| Construction and Building Inspectors | Professional Service Industries, Inc. | Salt Lake City, UT | Apr 21, 2010 | $42,640 |
| Construction and Building Inspectors | Beauty Mark Inc. | Tuscaloosa, AL | Jun 10, 2008 | $36,000 |
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Top Skills for A Building Inspector
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Top Building Inspector Skills
- Contract Specifications
- Safety Standards
- Local Ordinances
- Analyzed Contract Specifications, plans and County Standard Construction Specs to ensure contractor adherence.4.
- Communicate directives, instructions, and guidelines for implementation of safety standards, policies, requirements, and procedures.
- Performed zoning inspections for compliance with local ordinances affecting location, size, and landscaping of construction projects.
- Worked with business owners, real estate agents and attorneys in issues of zoning, planning and building code compliance.
- Prepare, present housing cases before the county code enforcement board.
Top Building Inspector Employers
McDougal Properties Ltd.
Institute for Building Technology and Safety
County of Riverside
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