BusinessHABConstruction/Building Inspector: Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
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.
Construction/Building Inspector
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.
1. What Construction and Building Inspectors Do
2. Duties of Construction and Building Inspectors
Construction 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
Construction/Building Inspector
3. Work Environment
Construction and building inspectors hold about 117,300 jobs.
The largest employers of construction and building inspectors.
Although construction and building inspectors spend most of their time inspecting worksites.
They also spend time in a field office reviewing blueprints, writing reports, and scheduling inspections.
Some inspectors may have to climb ladders or crawl in tight spaces to complete their inspections.
Inspectors typically work alone.
However, some inspectors may work as part of a team on large.
Complex projects, particularly because inspectors usually specialize in different areas of construction.
4. Work Schedules
Most inspectors work full time during regular business hours.
However, some may work additional hours during periods of heavy construction activity.
Also, if an accident occurs at a construction site.
Inspectors must respond immediately and may work additional hours to complete their report.
Some inspectors—especially those who are self-employed—may have to work evenings and weekends.
This is particularly true of home inspectors.
Who typically inspect homes during the day and write reports in the evening.
Construction/Building Inspector
5. How to Become a Construction or Building Inspector
Most employers require construction and building inspectors to have at least a high school diploma and work experience in construction trades. Inspectors also typically learn on the job. Many states and local jurisdictions require some type of license or certification.
6. Education for Construction and Building Inspectors
Most employers require inspectors to have at least a high school diploma, even for workers who have considerable related work experience.
Some employers may 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.
7. Construction and Building Inspector Training
Training 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.
Construction/Building Inspector
8.Work Experience in a Related Occupation for Construction and Building Inspectors
Because 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 obtain experience in multiple specialties so that they enter the occupation with a combination of certifications and previous experience in various construction trades.
9. Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Construction and Building Inspectors
Most 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, more than a half of states have policies regulating the conduct of 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
Exams are often based on the American Society 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 to travel to inspection sites.
Construction/Building Inspector
10. Important Qualities for Construction and Building Inspectors
Communication skills. Inspectors must explain problems they find in order 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 thoroughly examine many different construction activities. 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 climb and crawl through attics and other tight spaces. As a result, they should be somewhat physically fit.
11. Job Outlook
Employment of construction and building inspectors is projected to grow 7 percent over the next ten years, faster than the average for all occupations.
Public interest in safety and the desire to improve the quality of construction are factors that are expected to continue to create demand for inspectors. Employment growth for inspectors is expected to be strongest in government and in firms specializing in architectural, engineering, and related services.
Construction/Building Inspector
12. Job Prospects
Certified construction and building inspectors who can perform a variety of inspections should have the best job opportunities. Inspectors with construction-related work experience or training in engineering, architecture, construction technology, or related fields are also likely to have better job prospects.
Those who are self-employed, such as home inspectors, are more likely to be affected by economic downturns or fluctuations in the real estate market.
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