Construction and Building Inspector
Construction and building inspectors make sure that construction meets local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
Average Hourly Earnings
$25.85
Education
High school diploma and at least 5 years work experience
Tasks
- Review plans to make sure they meet building codes, local ordinances, and zoning regulations
- 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 make sure that they meet code
- Verify alignment, level, and elevation of structures to ensure building compliance
- Issue violation notices and stop-work orders until building is compliant
- Keep daily logs, including photographs taken during inspection
Work Environment
While 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. Most inspectors work full time during regular business hours and typically work alone. Non-government inspectors, especially those who are self-employed, may have to work evenings and weekends.
Key Traits
Realistic. Often involves work activities that includes practical, hands-on problems and solutions. Usually includes working with actual materials – many times in an outdoor setting.