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Construction and Building Inspectors

Construction and building inspectors examine the construction, repair or alterations of buildings, dams, bridges, sewer and water systems, highways and streets and other types of structures to make sure they comply with building codes and ordinances, contract specifications and zoning regulations. Building codes and standards are utilized to assure the health and safety of the public. Many inspectors investigate the construction or alterations being performed without the necessary permits.

Construction and building inspectors make their first inspection during the initial phase of the construction project. They perform additional inspections throughout the construction process to check for compliance with regulations.

Building inspectors evaluate the structural quality and safety of buildings. Inspectors visit the project site before the foundation is poured. They visit throughout the construction process and make a thorough inspection after the project has been completed. Building inspectors also check for fire safety. Some building inspectors have a speciality such as structural steel buildings.

Home inspectors perform inspections of newly constructed homes, previously owned houses, apartments, condominiums and manufactured homes. They are often hired by potential home buyers to evaluate the condition of the house. They evaluate structural quality and all the systems and features of the home. They check for and report violations of building codes, however home inspectors do not have the authority to enforce compliance with codes.

Plumbing inspectors evaluate piping systems to ensure the health and safety of the drinking water system. They also inspect the sanitary disposal of waste and chemical process piping for industrial uses.

Electrical inspectors evaluate the installation of electrical systems and equipment to make sure they are in compliance with electrical codes and standards and function properly. They visit project sites and examine items such as appliances, heating and air conditioning systems, lighting, security systems and sound systems.

Public works inspectors make sure that local, state and federal government highways, streets, water and sewer systems, bridges and dams comply with contract specifications. Some pubic work inspectors have a specialty such as reinforced concrete.

Elevator inspectors evaluate lifting and conveying devises including elevators, escalators, ski lifts, amusement rides and moving sidewalks.

Mechanical inspectors examine the installation of mechanical components in structures such as commercial kitchen appliances and heating and air-conditioning equipment to make sure they are installed and functioning properly.

Responsibilities

  • Make sure building sites adhere to building codes, safety standards and specifications
  • Review and interpret plans
  • Issue violation notices and stop-work orders
  • Inspect structures and ensure they comply with regulations
  • Ensure installation of systems and equipment comply with regulations and function properly
  • Provide approval and sign plans that meet specifications
  • Keep inspection records

Job Characteristics

Construction and building inspectors typically work alone. However, large projects may be evaluated by several inspectors. Although they spend a lot of their time at construction sites they also work in a field office evaluating blueprints, writing reports and other tasks. They may have to crawl around in tight spaces and climb ladders. Inspectors usually have standard work hours. Non-government inspectors, particularly self-employed inspectors may have a varied work schedule.

Employment Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecast a 17 percent growth in employment of construction and building inspectors from 2008 to 2018 which is faster than average for all occupations. Issues including green and sustainable design will also increase the demand for construction and building inspectors.

The median annual salary for construction and building inspectors in 2008 was $50,180. The highest paid 10 percent earned more than $78,070. Regarding the sectors employing the largest number of construction and building inspectors, the federal executive branch had the highest median annual salary. Building inspectors, including plan examiners, usually earn the highest salaries.

An applicant's employment opportunities may be enhanced by becoming a member of a nationally recognized inspection association. The International Code Council and many other professional associations provide certifications in a variety of specialties. Supervisory positions often require a degree in architecture or engineering.

Education, Certification, and Licensing

Employers prefer applicants that have experience as an electrician or a plumber or in another trade and also have formal training. Most employers require candidates to have at least a high school diploma, including applicants that have extensive experience. They typically seek candidates that have studied architecture or engineering.

Those with degrees from community colleges that have completed courses in home inspection, building inspection, drafting and construction technology also have opportunities for employment. A number of community colleges provide associate degree and certificate programs in building inspection technology.

The training requirements vary by the state and the type of the inspector. Typically, inspectors acquire much of their training on the job. They're trained by an experienced inspector.

Many local jurisdictions and states require some type of license or certification for construction and building inspectors. Requirements may vary by local municipality and state. Requirements for licensure or certification usually require a minimum education level, such as a high school diploma, previous experience and passing a state approved examination. Home inspectors, in some states, are required to obtain a state issued license or certification.

Resources

Major Employers

The top employers are municipal and county building departments and architectural and engineering firms.

Schools for Construction And Building Inspectors are listed in the Browse Schools Section.

Construction and Building Inspectors Skills

Below are the skills needed to be construction and building inspectors according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest) and competency level on a scale of 1 to 7 (1 being lowest and 7 being highest).

   
Skill NameImportanceCompetence
Active Listening3.883.62
Reading Comprehension3.884
Critical Thinking3.754
Speaking3.623.75
Complex Problem Solving3.53.25

Construction and Building Inspectors Abilities

Below are the abilities needed to be construction and building inspectors according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest) and competency level on a scale of 1 to 7 (1 being lowest and 7 being highest).

   
Ability NameImportanceCompetence
Inductive Reasoning4.124
Problem Sensitivity4.124.12
Deductive Reasoning44
Oral Comprehension3.884
Oral Expression3.884

Construction and Building Inspectors Knowledge

Below are the knowledge areas needed to be construction and building inspectors according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest) and competency level on a scale of 1 to 7 (1 being lowest and 7 being highest).

   
Knowledge AreaImportanceCompetence
Building and Construction4.755.54
English Language4.044.46
Customer and Personal Service3.835.12
Engineering and Technology3.754.38
Law and Government3.53.33

Construction and Building Inspectors Work activities

Below are the work activities involved in being construction and building inspectors according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest) and competency level on a scale of 1 to 7 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest).

   
Work ActivityImportanceCompetence
Getting Information4.624.29
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material4.584.58
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.294.17
Documenting/Recording Information4.084.25
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.045.13

Construction and Building Inspectors Work styles

Below are the work styles involved in being construction and building inspectors according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest).

   
Work StyleImportance
Integrity4.88
Attention to Detail4.48
Dependability4.48
Independence4.25
Analytical Thinking4.21

Metro Areas Sorted by Total Employment for
Construction and Building Inspectors

Listed below are the 10 largest metro areas based on the total number of people employed in Construction and Building Inspectors jobs , as of 2019

   
Metro AreaTotal EmploymentAnnual Mean Salary
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land4,060$69,690
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington3,430$60,190
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim3,270$92,230
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach2,650$61,930
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood1,960$71,010
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson1,790$58,760
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue1,670$79,890
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell1,600$50,690
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale1,600$58,650
Pittsburgh1,570$58,980

Compare Total Employment & Salaries for Construction And Building Inspectors

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Total employment and salary for professions similar to construction and building inspectors

Source : 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov; O*NET® 24.3 Database, O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development, Employment & Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, onetonline.org

We have some additional detailed pages at the state level for Construction and Building Inspectors.

Numbers in parentheses are counts of relevant campus-based schools in the state; online schools may also be available.