Construction Inspector Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a construction inspector. Feel free to use our construction inspector job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a construction inspector.
Who is a Construction Inspector?
A construction inspector is a person who works for a city or town and is responsible for inspecting buildings, streets, and highways to ensure that they are up to code. As a result, a construction inspector verifies that structures are safe to use. Construction inspectors spend most of their time on construction sites, evaluating everything for compliance with the building code, either alone or in groups. A construction inspector examines building structures for structural soundness, safety, and regulatory compliance. A construction inspector inspects projects before, during, and after they are completed. A building inspector is another name for a construction inspector.
A construction inspector checks a developer’s designs, building structures, and electrical and plumbing systems to ensure that they all meet local and national safety laws and standards. Construction inspectors also check that the blueprints comply with zoning restrictions and contract requirements. They provide correction notifications and building code reports after the review is completed to indicate what adjustments the developer has to make. You can work as a construction inspector in either residential or commercial construction, but the tasks are the same in both fields. Construction inspections are typically undertaken as a contractual obligation by contractors to offer the client or a third party an independent perspective of the construction work and progress. The following are typical construction inspection activities:
The building process is inspected to ensure that all materials and techniques adhere to the design and specifications.
All contractor actions are inspected and documented.
On-site inspections are reported on a daily basis.
Assess the quality of installations to see if they meet the required standards and specifications.
Examining and reviewing drawings and specifications for deviations and non-conformities.
Keeping and maintaining comprehensive, accurate, and organized inspection checklists and records.
Attendance during project meetings.
Keeping an eye on the contractor’s schedule.
Paint and coatings inspections.
Soil, concrete, and asphalt, among other materials, are subjected to field testing and material sampling.
Change orders are reviewed and completed.
Monitoring and recording the delivery and use of materials in the construction process.
Following the completion of a building, conducting semi-final and final inspections.
Preparation of punch list/s and oversight of work completion.
For a flawless project close-out, conduct a handover inspection.
During the construction period, the majority of inspections are carried out, but they are not limited. However, specific inspections are required as part of the general contract administration process before you can examine and report on a project’s progress. Inspections may be conducted as part of the contract review and signing process, as well as pre-contract meetings and client onboarding. Construction site inspectors can be the project manager, a member of the contractor’s current team, or a separate consultant. A site inspection may require a team with dedicated inspectors for each department of the project, depending on the scale of the project. Periodic inspections are also aided by design consultants. Specialist inspectors may be required for specific components of a project, such as environmental policy, waste management on site, accessibility, and so on. Site inspectors keep daily construction records or a site diary, attend construction progress meetings, and compile and submit regular reports to the contract manager or project manager because they provide an objective appraisal of the construction activities and their progress. Here are some examples of types of construction and building inspectors:
Building inspectors: These professionals inspect the structural integrity and overall safety of structures. Some go even further, evaluating only structural steel or reinforced-concrete constructions.
Coating inspectors: Coating inspectors look at the paint and coating on bridges, pipelines, and huge storage tanks from the outside. Inspectors inspect the painting process at various stages to ensure adequate coating.
Electrical inspectors: These inspectors look at the installed electrical systems to make sure they’re working properly and that they’re up to code. The inspectors inspect sound and security systems, wiring, lighting, motors, solar systems, and generating equipment at work sites. They also check the electrical wiring for HVACR systems and appliances that have been installed.
Elevator inspectors: Inspectors of elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, lifts and hoists, inclined railways, ski lifts, and amusement rides evaluate lifting and conveying devices such as elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, lifts and hoists, inclined railways, ski lifts, and amusement rides. The mechanical and electrical control systems are both inspected.
Home inspectors: Home inspectors are professionals who check newly constructed or previously owned homes, condominiums, townhomes, and other structures. Home inspectors are frequently hired by prospective property purchasers to assess and report on a home’s structure and overall condition. Before putting their house on the market, some homeowners employ a home inspector to assess its condition. Home inspectors check all home systems and features, including the roof, external walls, attached garage or carport, foundation, interior walls, plumbing, electrical, and HVACR systems, in addition to structural quality. Home inspectors check for infractions of building codes, but they don’t have the authority to compel compliance.
Mechanical inspectors: Mechanical inspectors assess the installation and operation of HVACR systems and equipment to ensure that they are correctly installed and functioning. Commercial kitchen equipment, gas-fired appliances, and boilers may also be inspected. Quality control inspectors, who inspect goods at manufacturing plants, should not be confused with mechanical inspectors.
Plan examiners: These inspectors check to see if a building’s or other structure’s plans are compliant with building codes. They also analyze whether the construction is appropriate for the site’s technical and environmental requirements.
Plumbing inspectors: These construction inspectors look at how well systems are installed to ensure the safety and health of drinking water, the sanitary disposal of waste, and the safety of industrial piping.
Public works inspectors: Inspectors of public works guarantee that water and sewer systems, highways, streets, bridges, and dams built by the federal, state, and municipal governments are built according to specified contract requirements. Excavation and fill operations, concrete form placement, concrete mixing and pouring, asphalt paving, and grading operations are all inspected by workers. Highways, structural steel, reinforced concrete, and ditches are some of the areas where public works inspectors specialize. Others might focus on dredging activities for bridges, dams, or harbors.
Specification inspectors: These construction inspectors make sure that the job is completed according to the plans. The interests of the owner, not the wider public, are represented by specification inspectors. Their services are also available to insurance firms and financial organizations.
Fire inspectors: The safety of fire prevention is a concern for certain building inspectors. Buildings are checked for compliance with fire codes by fire inspectors and investigators.
Construction Inspector Job Description
Below are the construction inspector job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a construction 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 construction inspector include the following:
- Examine all of the blueprints and specifications for the project.
- Ensure that all plans are feasible throughout the construction phase.
- Ensure that all actions are carried out in accordance with the Quality Assurance processes.
- Prepares a detailed schedule for the entire project’s progress.
- Supervise, analyze, and generate a cost estimate for all quality assurance tests.
- Inspect all construction projects.
- Assign activities and ensure that all specifications are met.
- Analyze and comprehend all contract specifications and blueprints.
- Ensure that all procedures are followed.
- Maintain a daily progress diary in order to prepare reports.
- Monitor and check all contractors on a regular basis.
- Inspect work progress, stay up to date on all project requirements, and make sure all grading permits are in order.
- Ensure that all construction activities adhere to all local and federal regulations.
- Maintain a range of employee performance logs and creates a salary estimate for all employees.
- Keep a close eye on all construction activities and their progress.
- Ensure that all processes and standards are followed.
- Examine all contract proposals.
- Maintain safety in all construction operations in accordance with building codes is essential.
- Analyze all work locations and makes necessary changes and modifications to optimize all procedures.
- Oversee the effective operation of all construction projects in collaboration with project engineers and inspects all completed work.
- Evaluate all project specifications on a regular basis.
- Prepare estimates for all procedures and create a client-friendly contractor proposal.
- Monitor work progress to ensure that all issues are resolved on a daily basis.
- Keep an eye on all contract difficulties.
- Evaluate and interpret all contract specifications and material requirements.
- Maintain and store all construction-related documentation and equipment.
- Ensure that the highest quality of customer service is provided at all times.
- Maintain positive interactions with all employees and government authorities.
- Ensure all local, state, and federal laws are followed.
- Take charge of cad files and plotting activities as a manager.
- Use a line locator to find unmarked pipelines, then use a Trimble device to GPS them!
- Ascertain that all thrust blocks are installed according to job specifications and PennDOT road standards.
- Carry out all API and NDE piping inspections for this facility.
- Perform the required ACI tests and check that all construction and materials are in accordance with the plans and specifications.
- Keep an eye on new field inspectors’ progress and lead them into Bechtel’s management program.
Qualifications
- GED certificate or high school diploma
- Engineering or construction management bachelor’s degree (preferred)
- Construction experience, either residential or commercial
- Confined space and OSHA construction safety training.
- Knowledge of fall prevention and work zone safety is essential.
- Certification by the American Concrete Institute (ACI).
- Communication skills in two languages (preferred)
- It’s crucial to verify with your state’s licensing authorities to see if registration or licensing is required.
- A Construction Induction Card is required to work on any construction job. Being a member of a professional building inspection organization may also be advantageous.
- Demonstrable knowledge of the Australian building industry, as well as competency in mathematics and/or engineering, are required to become a Building Inspector. A Construction Induction Card is also required, as is vocational training.
- Because inspectors must travel to inspection sites, they must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Essential Skills
- Communication Skills: Inspectors must have solid communication skills in order to explain any problems they identify and to help individuals understand what is required to solve the problems. They must also submit a written report detailing their findings.
- Craft experience: Inspectors with craft experience conduct checks and inspections during the construction project. Inspectors with experience in a related construction occupation have the appropriate background to get certified.
- Detail Oriented: Inspectors must inspect a variety of building activities in great detail, frequently at the same time. As a result, they must pay special attention to detail in order to avoid missing any objects that must be checked.
- Mechanical knowledge: When inspecting complicated systems, inspectors employ a variety of testing equipment. They must also have a thorough understanding of how the systems work in order to execute tests appropriately.
- Physical stamina: Inspectors are on their feet all day and must frequently crawl through attics and other cramped locations. As a result, they should be physically fit to a reasonable extent.
- Computer literacy: Building inspectors utilize meters and a variety of other testing equipment to carefully document the status of a structure. Knowledge of computer systems and other technology can help these professionals when using these tools. They may also use a range of tools and online resources to do their duties, such as automated permit system software, to complete their work.
- Organization: They must be organized because they may be inspecting many buildings and construction projects at the same time, which necessitates excellent time management skills. They must also retain separate records of the project’s specific details and requirements.
- Available to work a variety of shifts including weekends.
- Ability to work in confined spaces is a necessary skill.
How to Become a Construction Inspector
What does it take to become a construction inspector? Construction and building inspectors are often required to have a high school diploma and extensive understanding of the construction trades by most employers. Inspectors learn on the job most of the time. Many states and local governments demand that you obtain a license or certification.
- Education
Even for professionals with extensive related work experience, most firms need inspectors to have at least a high school education. Employers are also looking for applicants who have studied engineering or architecture, or who have a certificate or associate’s degree that covers building inspection, home inspection, construction technology, and drafting courses. Building inspection technology is taught at many community colleges. It’s also a good idea to take courses in blueprint reading, vocational topics, mathematics, geometry, and writing. Those who want to start their own inspection company should take business management courses. A growing number of construction and building inspectors have a bachelor’s degree, which can often be used to replace relevant professional experience.
- Training
State, locality, and inspector type all have different training requirements. Construction and building inspectors get a lot of their training on the job, but they also have to understand building rules and regulations on their own. They learn about inspection methodologies, codes, ordinances, and regulations, contract requirements, and recordkeeping and reporting duties while working with an expert inspector. In addition to classroom instruction, supervised onsite inspections may be required.
- Previous Work Experience in a Related Field
Employers prefer applicants who have both training and experience in building trade since inspectors must have the correct blend of technical knowledge, work experience, and education. Many inspectors, for example, have worked as carpenters, electricians, or plumbers. Many house inspectors have a mix of certificates and past experience in various building trades, thus many of them begin the profession with a mix of certifications and experience.
- Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Construction and building inspectors are required to hold a license or certification in most states and local jurisdictions. Construction and building inspectors are licensed separately in some states. Others, 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, may demand certification. Similarly, most states require home inspectors to follow specific trade practices or receive a license or certification from the state. Currently, 36 states have regulations governing the behavior of house inspectors; a few states are considering requiring home inspectors to be licensed or certified. The requirements for a home inspector’s license or certification vary by state, but they may include the following:
Attain a certain degree of education
Inspection experience is a plus.
Keep your liability insurance current.
Exam success
The exam is frequently based on the certification exams of the American Society of Home Inspectors and the National Association of Home Inspectors. Most inspectors must renew their licenses and complete continuing education courses on a regular basis.
Where to Work as a Construction Inspector
Construction Inspectors work in Construction Companies and Engineering firms. Most of them have self-employed establishment and works solely on contracts.
Construction Inspector Salary Scale
Building inspector pay varies depending on the sector, type of job, and geographic region. Potential earnings may also be influenced by a candidate’s degree of education, experience, and necessary certifications. As of, the average Construction Inspector’s salary in the United States was $53,882, with a salary range of $44,348 to $65,188. Salary ranges rely on a variety of things, including schooling, certifications, supplementary talents, and the number of years you’ve worked in your field. A building inspector in Nigeria earns roughly 137,000 NGN per month on average. Salaries range from 69,900 NGN to 211,000 NGN (lowest to highest) (highest). This is the monthly average pay, which includes housing, transportation, and other benefits. Salary for a Building Inspector varies greatly depending on experience, abilities, gender, and region.
