Building Inspector Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a building inspector. Feel free to use our building inspector job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a building inspector.
Who is a Building Inspector?
Building inspectors are responsible for inspecting buildings to ensure they comply with the building code and that they are safe to be used. A lot of inspectors work for local governments or planning offices. They inspect and approve new construction and remodel projects. You can also hire an independent inspector to inspect real estate purchases or give advice about building and remodeling.
The inspector’s primary objective is to enforce the building code. The code is intended to ensure safety and quality construction. In some areas, it may address aesthetic concerns. Building codes are subject to frequent changes. This means that building inspectors have to keep up with the latest additions, modifications, and removals to ensure that buildings are judged to the correct standard.
The building inspector must be allowed into a structure to verify that it is safe before it can be used. The building can be occupied, or sold if cleared by the inspector. Plans for new construction are also checked by inspectors. This allows for the early identification of problems, which saves time and money.
A building inspector is required to inspect any building permits that are being applied to allow the construction of a new or renovated structure. Inspectors may also flag violations such as when someone adds an unapproved addition to a house or when the structure is a danger and should be condemned. Most people are given a time limit to correct or address violations or they face penalties.
Most of the jobs for building inspectors are provided by local governments, including counties and cities. These jobs are particularly common for building inspectors in cities. These inspectors are available at the municipal building department. They are responsible for inspecting public buildings as well as filing inspections of private residences within the city limits. The city’s building inspector inspects structures to ensure compliance with building codes and city ordinances.
Private contractor building inspectors inspect structures for builders, lawyers, real estate agents, homeowners, and other people who require the services of building inspection. Private contractor building inspectors inspect new construction and houses being sold to ensure safety and compliance.
Individuals who are skilled in specific types of safety issues or structures may be able to get a job as a building inspector. You can choose to specialize in electrical systems, fire safety systems, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), sewage systems, or any combination thereof. You can also specialize in certain types of structures, such as public works and elevators. Building inspectors with specialized training can work for government agencies, private firms, or as self-employed. Specialized training can often lead to better job prospects for inspectors.
Building Inspector Job Description
Below are the building inspector job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a building inspector job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a building inspector include the following:
- Reviewing plans for new constructions and providing feedback
- Inspecting elements such as drainage, elevation, and building location on construction sites
- Conducting land surveys before construction
- Examining blueprints and building plans.
- Checking the foundation depth and strength of construction materials.
- Inspecting building structure, electrical, plumbing, and heating systems to ensure safety and compliance with specifications.
- Checking out cranes and other lifting equipment.
- Maintaining daily construction logs, and ensuring that all safety codes are adhered to at construction sites.
- Taking measurements to confirm alignment, elevation, leveling, and stability of the building.
- Monitoring heating, plumbing, and electrical installations.
- Issuing of violation notices or stop-work orders.
- Signing and issuing construction permits and occupation permits
- Providing detailed measurements to prove that the project meets specified specifications and conforms with applicable building codes
- Notifying the supervisors of any anomalies, discrepancies, or problems that may relate to the equipment, building, or anything else following predetermined guidelines
- Making detailed comparisons of each section of your building, including differences in the color, weight, size, and grades of the materials.
The following are other important tasks:
Examining the structural quality
A building inspector inspects the soil and other conditions on the foundation site before major construction can begin. This is to ensure that the blueprints for the building are compliant with local building codes. Before concrete is poured onto the appropriate areas, a building inspector inspects the soil to determine the location and depth of the beam footing.
Checks Fire Safety
Another concern of a building inspector is to inspect the fire safety conditions of buildings to ensure that people living or working within the building can escape from a fire efficiently and quickly. The building inspector will inspect a building’s fire escapes, smoke control systems, fire sprinkler system, and fire protection equipment to determine if it meets safety standards.
Inspects Electrical Systems
The building inspector will check all electrical wiring systems and generator equipment to detect any potential electrical fires. Building inspectors also inspect heating and air conditioning systems on a regular schedule to make sure they are properly maintained and pass inspections.
Issues violation notices
A building inspector will issue a violation notice to a building owner if he finds that certain safety conditions have not been met or the building has suffered major structural damage. After issuing the notice, the inspector will discuss the specific violation with the owner and explain the regulations to the owner as needed.
Qualifications
An applicant for building inspector must hold a high school diploma. A minimum of two years of experience in the construction trade is required. Sometimes, college courses in architecture or engineering are required. These courses cover blueprint reading, building inspection, stress analysis, and mathematics. Many inspectors are plumbers and electricians.
Most building inspectors learn the basics of inspection, code, ordinances, records keeping, reporting, and other duties by working with an experienced inspector. They should be able to communicate clearly and accurately. Inspectors must pass a civil service exam. This is required by the federal, state, or local governments. These examinations require at least three years of experience in the construction trade.
After applicants have passed the civil service examinations, they can check the government job listings at public libraries and state employment offices. Information about building inspector jobs can also be found in classified ads in local newspapers and job banks online.
Essential Skills
- Problem-solving skills
These skills are beneficial to building inspectors as they will help you examine the structural and technical aspects of a building. You can also use technical problem-solving skills to assist you in identifying any modifications that may be needed to the building.
- Attention to detail
A building inspector must be precise in their reports to ensure the safety of structures and residents. It is important to pay attention to details when identifying and writing reports. Report writing can be made easier by being thorough in inspections.
- Communication skills
Employers might require you to communicate your findings or recommendations in different formats. You may be required to create detailed reports with clear instructions for building improvement. It may be necessary to speak with clients, contractors, employers, and construction teams.
- Computer literacy
To accurately document the condition of a structure, building inspectors use meters and other testing equipment. These tools can be used by those who are familiar with computers and other technology. To complete your project, you can use many software programs and online resources such as the automated permit system software.
- Management skills
Strong time management skills are required to inspect multiple buildings and construction projects simultaneously. This is especially true if there are tight deadlines or time constraints. This position may require you to keep individual records about the project details. If requested, these records can be produced later.
- Fitness
You may need to be moderately fit for this job. While inspecting buildings, you may be required to walk and climb ladders or stairs a lot. You can be efficient and comfortable while performing inspections if you are in good health.
How to Become a Building Inspector
Step 1: Find out about the requirements for becoming a building inspector in your area
The requirements for building inspectors vary from one state to the next. According to the National Association of Home Inspectors (www.nahi.org), you must have completed high school and 140 hours of education. You also need to have completed 100 hours of supervised inspections. Texas, however, only requires 90 hours of education and 25 supervised home inspections. Illinois requires a high school diploma and 60 hours of education. You also need to pass an inspector exam to get qualified.
Step 2: Sign up for a Building Inspection Program
At community colleges, you can find associate and certificate programs in building inspection technology. Two types of bachelor’s degrees related to building inspection: those in construction management or architectural engineering. You can earn certificates in one year, an associate’s degree in two years, and a bachelor’s degree in four years. Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees require that you complete general education courses in English and the humanities.
These programs will help you to assess the interior and exterior conditions of buildings as well as their mechanical systems. You might be able to learn about wood frame inspection, steel inspection, and masonry inspection. You might be able to gain experience in inspection through some programs.
You will learn construction techniques, how to manage a site and what the phases of a project look like. These programs will also teach you skills in math, analysis, problem-solving, and business administration. The courses cover scheduling, cost estimation, construction materials, blueprints reading, and site safety. Some programs might also include an internship.
The Architectural Engineering program teaches you how to apply fundamental engineering principles to construction. It also equips you with the practical skills to manage projects from beginning to end. Course work covers topics such as structural engineering, lighting design, electrical systems, and environmental systems.
Step 3: Completion of an Apprenticeship Program
A majority of states require that building inspectors complete an apprenticeship program. To gain practical experience and to learn the documentation process, an apprentice may ride alongside certified inspector supervisors or field inspectors. It is important to be familiar with the local building codes and ordinances relating to safety systems such as fire alarms, fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, fire escapes, etc. While you spend most of your time in the field, there will be some administrative and clerical duties. This includes writing reports, scheduling inspection appointments, reviewing blueprints, and holding in-office meetings.
Step 4: Pass the Certification Examination
After you have completed the training requirements of your state, you will need to pass a certification exam. Some states have their exams. Other trade associations administer exams such as the International Code Council, the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org), or the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. The ICC is a major organization that creates codes for residential and commercial construction in most of the United States, including all counties and cities.
Step 5: Find Employment
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 129,300 building inspectors and construction workers were working in the U.S.A as of 2020. The largest employers were local governments, followed closely by engineering and architectural services firms. Fewer building inspectors were working for state and federal agencies, as well as architectural and engineering services. Between 2020 and 2030, the employment rate is expected to fall by 2% to approximately 125,600 workers.
Where to Work
Local government departments, local government councils, and real estate firms can all employ building inspectors. They can meet with clients or builders via phone, email, or in person. Building inspectors must drive a lot to get around the building sites and back. Building inspectors are required to wear protective clothing while on the job and use various tools to measure and take samples. They usually check blueprints and create reports in an office setting.
A building inspector typically works 38 hours per week and often works full-time and has regular business hours. Others may work extra hours on weekends or evenings. Work hours can be determined by the workload. Weather conditions and construction schedules can also impact work hours.
Building Inspector Salary Scale
The average annual salary for a building inspector in the United States is $83,972. Your level of experience and company may affect the salary. The income of a building inspector can also be affected by his or her geographic location.