Construction and Building Inspectors

Career summary

Construction and building inspectors may also be called construction inspectors.

#review 3/20/19 lh

Before construction begins, plans examiners determine if plans comply with codes and regulations. They approve plans that meet codes and reject those that do not. They also issue building permits for approved plans. Construction cannot begin until permits have been issued.

Building inspectors visit the work site before workers pour the foundation. They inspect the soil condition to ensure it can support the foundation. They also check the position and depth of the footings. Later, they return to the site to check the completed foundation.

The number of other visits depends on the size and type of the structure. In general, inspectors visit to check systems, such as plumbing and electrical, before they are covered by additional construction. Inspectors make a final inspection when the project is completed.

Inspectors often do visual inspections to check structures. Their experience enables them to spot problems. They sometimes measure dimensions and compare them to those specified in building plans. Inspectors also check safety systems for correct installation. Inspectors witness tests of the smoke control and fire systems along with the fire marshal.

When inspectors find problems, they note the code violation. They notify builders and city building agencies. Inspectors confer with these groups to explain regulations. If builders do not agree, inspectors may need to explain their decision to the building codes division. Inspectors review builder complaints and gather evidence for their opinion.

Inspectors maintain daily logs and inspection records. They also prepare reports.

There are many types of inspectors:

• Electrical inspectors check electrical installations to be sure they operate properly and safely.
• Mechanical inspectors check heating, ventilation, and cooling systems.
• Plumbing inspectors examine pipes, fixtures, water supply, and waste systems.
• Public works inspectors inspect sewers, dams, bridges, and highways.

Some inspectors conduct tests for environmental hazards like mold, asbestos, or poor air or water quality.

Related careers

This career is part of the Government and Public Administration cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Aircraft Mechanics
• Blue-Collar Worker Supervisors
• Compliance Officers and Inspectors
• Construction Managers
• Elevator Installers and Repairers
• Energy Auditors
• Environmental Engineering Technicians
• Fire Inspectors
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
• Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
• Safety Engineers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to construction and building inspectors.

• Inspect structures to ensure they follow plans, codes, and environmental regulations. This includes bridges, highways, homes, and sewer systems.
• Inspect systems inside structures to make sure work meets standards. This includes plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Approve plans that meet codes, environmental regulations, and specifications. Issue building permits.
• Test areas for environmental hazards. These include toxic materials, toxic mold, and poor air or water quality.
• Examine elevators, escalators, lifts and hoists, and other lifting mechanisms to ensure they meet codes and safety measures.
• Use tape measures, circuit testers, and other tools during inspections.
• Issue correction memos when find code violations. Notify builders and authorities of violations.
• Confer with owners, builders, and authorities to explain regulations.
• Monitor correct installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, and appliances.
• Approve and sign plans that meet specifications.
• Maintain daily logs and inspection records. Prepare reports.
• May train and supervise other inspectors.

Common work activities

Construction and building inspectors perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Evaluate information against standards
• Document and record information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Perform for or work with the public
• Process information
• Use computers
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Analyze data or information
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Schedule work and activities
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Perform administrative tasks
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, construction and building inspectors:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium to high level of social interaction. They meet with owners, contractors, and others as part of the inspection process.
• Are placed in conflict situations weekly. People often disagree with their evaluations and may be rude or unpleasant.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others. This is especially true for inspectors who evaluate health and safety conditions.
• Write letters and memos daily.
• Have face-to-face discussions with people everyday.
• Use the telephone and e-mail everyday to schedule inspections and communicate with others.
• Are often part of a team of inspectors. Some inspections need to take place before others. It is important that they work together on a schedule.

Physical work conditions

• Work from a car or truck. They drive to inspection sites. They may make phone calls, write reports, or conduct other business while sitting in their vehicle.
• Often work around hazardous equipment, such as large construction equipment.
• Work outdoors everyday and may often work indoors also.
• Often wear hard hats and other safety attire, depending on the work site.
• Encounter contaminants sometimes during inspections.
• Work somewhat close to other people, such as when sharing office space.
• Must sometimes work in cramped places and in awkward positions.
• Are often exposed to bright or inadequate lighting.
• Are sometimes exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures. This depends on the season and the type of inspections being conducted.
• Sometimes are exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could have serious consequences for public safety.
• May need to repeat the same physical or mental activities during inspections.
• Meet strict inspection and permit deadlines daily.
• Rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision.
• Can set most tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor.
• Make daily decisions that affect others.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a standard 40-hour week.
• May work irregular schedules. Inspections increase during good weather and construction booms.

Physical demands

Construction and building inspectors frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for construction and building inspectors to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for construction and building inspectors to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.

Skills and abilities

Construction and building inspectors need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Construction Inspection

Other programs of study to consider

• Architectural Engineering Technology
• Building Construction Technology
• Carpentry
• Construction Engineering Technology
• Construction Management
• Construction Trades
• Electrical and Power Transmission
• Fire Protection Technology
• Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology
• Plumbing and Water Supply

Training

To work as a construction and building inspector, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have more than five years of related work experience; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

You can prepare to become a construction and building inspector by taking courses. Some community colleges have certificate or degree programs in building inspection technology. In these programs you study building inspection, construction technology, and drafting. You also take courses in algebra, geometry, and English.

Work experience

You need several years of work experience to get a job as an inspector. Many construction and building inspectors have worked as carpenters, electricians, or plumbers.

On-the-job training

Most construction and building inspectors learn additional skills on the job from an experienced worker. During training, you learn:

• inspection techniques;
• codes, ordinances, and regulations;
• contract specifications; and
• recordkeeping responsibilities.

Training may last up to six months.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. Construction and building inspectors use advanced math. Try to take math through Trigonometry.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Carpentry
• Construction
• Electricity
• Industrial Arts
• Woodworking

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire inspectors who have formal training and experience. Most require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. More often, employers look for applicants who have studied engineering, architecture, or construction technology. Employers may also prefer to hire inspectors who are certified.

Federal, state, and local governments may require inspectors to pass a civil service exam.

Tips

Participation in distributive education is helpful. College courses in building inspection, engineering principles, blueprint reading, and math are helpful. Computer skills are needed to keep permit records and track building activity. Since studying for the certification test can take a lot of time, some people recommend trying for certification as early as possible. Continuing education courses are important to keep current in this field.

Costs to workers

Washington State does not require building inspectors to become certified in their trade area (building, plumbing, mechanical, or electrical), although it is required by employers in some jurisdictions. Workers may have to be certified by the International Code Council or the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, both of which are listed in the Other Resources section of this description. Workers may need to pay registration and exam fees. Some employers require certification at the time of hire. Workers may also need to pay for continuing education to keep up with changes in the field and for certificate renewal.

Workers may also have to pay dues for membership in a union or professional association.

#Certification still offered by associations mentioned above 3/29/16 cj.

Licensing/certification

Many states require construction and building inspectors to be licensed or certified. Requirements vary by state.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Construction and Building Inspectors 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. In general, wages are higher in large urban areas.

Most full-time construction and building inspectors receive benefits. Typical benefits include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. 

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the number of new positions for building inspectors is largely controlled by the level of new housing and commercial building activity. Construction activity is sensitive to ups and downs in the economy. 

Other factors which significantly influence outlook are changes in construction methods and materials to meet the demand for lower costs and more safe and energy-efficient buildings. Employers will increasingly look for workers with training or experience in energy conservation, indoor air quality and ventilation, water conservation, and barrier-free access codes.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Almost half of all construction and building inspectors work for city or county building departments and other local government agencies.

Major employers:

• State and local government agencies
• Engineering and architectural firms

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will continue to grow as home construction and other types of construction pick up after the recession. Public safety and sustainable, energy-efficient construction also creates more demand for inspectors.

Job openings will grow as agencies begin to fill inspector positions lost due to budget cuts during the recession. The best prospects will be for inspectors who have training and certification in many areas of construction.

Other resources

American Construction Inspectors Association 

American Society of Home Inspectors 
932 Lee Street, Suite 101
Des Plaines, IL 60016
847.759.2820

American Wood Council 

Explore Health Careers: Built Environment Specialist 

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials 
4755 East Philadelphia Street
Ontario, CA 91761
909.472.4100

International Code Council 
500 New Jersey Avenue NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20001
888.422.7233

National Association of Women in Construction 
327 South Adams Street
Fort Worth, TX 76104
800.552.3506
817.877.5551

National Fire Protection Association 
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169
617.770.3000

Washington Association of Building Officials 
PO Box 7310
Olympia, WA 98507-7310
888.664.9515
360.628.8669

References

Career cluster

• Government and Public Administration

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Construction and Building Inspectors (47-4011.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Code Inspector (168.367-018) 
• Construction Inspector (182.267-010) 
• Gas Inspector (168.264-018) 
• Inspector, Boiler (168.167-026) 
• Inspector, Building (168.167-030) 
• Inspector, Electrical (168.167-034) 
• Inspector, Heating and Refrigeration (168.167-046) 
• Inspector, Plumbing (168.167-050) 
• Plan Checker (168.267-102) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled