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.

Construction and Building Inspector

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.