Construction and building inspectors examine the construction, alteration, or repair of buildings, highways and streets, sewer and water systems, dams, bridges, and other structures to ensure compliance with building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. They make the initial inspections during the first phase of construction, and make followup inspections throughout the construction period to monitor continuing compliance with regulations. In areas with severe natural hazards such as earthquakes or hurricanes inspectors monitor compliance with additional regulations. Inspectors generally specialize in one particular type of construction work.
Building inspectors inspect the structural quality and general safety of buildings. Some may specialize for example, in structural steel or reinforced concrete buildings. Before construction, plan examiners determine whether the plans for the building or other structure comply with building code regulations and are suited to the engineering and environmental demands of the building site. They visit the worksite before the foundation is poured to inspect the soil condition and positioning and depth of the footings. Then they inspect the foundation after it has been completed. The size and type of structure and the rate of completion determine the number of other visits they must make. Upon completion of the project, they make a final comprehensive inspection. In addition, inspectors may calculate fire insurance rates by assessing the type of construction, building contents, availability of fire protection equipment, and risks posed by adjoining buildings.
Electrical inspectors inspect the installation of electrical systems and equipment to ensure that they function properly and comply with electrical codes and standards. They visit worksites to inspect new and existing wiring, lighting, sound and security systems, motors, and generating equipment. They also inspect the installation of the electrical wiring for heating and air-conditioning systems, appliances, and other components.
Elevator inspectors examine lifting and conveying devices such as elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, lifts and hoists, inclined railways, ski lifts, and amusement rides.
Mechanical inspectors inspect the installation of the mechanical components of commercial kitchen appliances, heating and air-conditioning equipment, gasoline and butane tanks, gas and oil piping, and gas-fired and oil-fired appliances. Some specialize in inspecting boilers or ventilating equipment.
Plumbing inspectors examine plumbing systems, including private disposal systems, water supply and distribution systems, plumbing fixtures and traps, and drain, waste, and vent lines.
Public works inspectors ensure that Federal, State, and local government construction of water and sewer systems, highways, streets, bridges, and dams conforms to detailed contract specifications. They inspect excavation and fill operations, the placement of forms for concrete, concrete mixing and pouring, asphalt paving, and grading operations. They record the work and materials used so that contract payments can be calculated. Public works inspectors may specialize in highways, reinforced concrete, or ditches. Others specialize in dredging operations required for bridges and dams or for harbors.
Home inspectors conduct inspections of newly built homes to ascertain adherence to regulatory requirements. Some home inspectors are hired by prospective home buyers to inspect and report on the condition of the home's major systems and components. Home inspectors typically are hired either immediately prior to a purchase offer or as a contingency to a sales contract.
Construction and building inspectors increasingly use computers to help them monitor the status of construction inspection activities and the issuance of permits. Details about construction projects, building and occupancy permits, and other information can thus be stored and easily retrieved.
Although inspections are primarily visual, inspectors often use tape measures, survey instruments, metering devices, and test equipment such as concrete strength measurers. They often keep a daily log of their work, take photographs, file reports, and, if necessary, act on their findings. For example, construction inspectors notify the construction contractor, superintendent, or supervisor when they discover something that does not comply with the appropriate codes, ordinances, contract specifications, or approved plans. If the deficiency is not corrected within a reasonable or specified period of time, government inspectors have authority to issue a stop-work order.
Many inspectors also investigate construction or alterations being done without proper permits. Violators of permit laws are directed to obtain permits and submit to inspection.
Construction inspectors ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
Construction and building inspectors usually work alone. However, several may be assigned to a large, complex project. They may spend much of their time in a field office reviewing blueprints, answering letters or telephone calls, writing reports, and scheduling inspections. The rest of their time is spent inspecting construction sites.
Inspection sites may be dirty and cluttered with tools, materials, or debris. Inspectors may have to climb ladders or many flights of stairs, or may have to crawl in tight places. Although the work is not considered hazardous, inspectors often wear hard hats for safety.
Inspectors normally work regular hours. However, if an accident occurs at a construction site, inspectors must respond immediately and may work irregular hours to complete their report.
Construction and building inspectors held about 66,000 jobs in 1992. Nearly 6 of every 10 worked for local governments, primarily municipal or county building departments. Employment of local government inspectors is concentrated in cities and in suburban areas undergoing rapid growth. Local governments employ large inspection staffs, including many inspectors who specialize in structural steel, reinforced concrete, boiler, electrical, and elevator inspection.
About 15 percent of all construction and building inspectors worked for engineering and architectural services firms, doing inspections for a fee. Most of the remaining inspectors were employed at the Federal and State levels. Many construction inspectors employed by the Federal Government worked for the Department of Defense, primarily for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Other important Federal employers include the Departments of Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, and Interior, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Construction or building inspectors need several years of experience as a construction contractor, supervisor, or craft worker before becoming inspectors. Most employers also require an applicant to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. High school courses in drafting, algebra, geometry, and English are also useful.
Workers who want to become inspectors should have a thorough knowledge of construction materials and practices in either a general area like structural or heavy construction, or in a specialized area such as electrical or plumbing systems, reinforced concrete, or structural steel. Many construction and building inspectors have recent experience as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, or pipefitters.
Employers prefer inspectors who have graduated from an apprenticeship program, have studied engineering or architecture for at least 2 years, or have a degree from a community or junior college, with courses in construction technology, blueprint reading, mathematics, and building inspection.
Construction and building inspectors must be in good physical condition in order to walk and climb about construction sites. They also must have a driver's license. In addition, Federal, State, and many local governments usually require that inspectors pass a civil service examination.
Construction and building inspectors usually receive most of their training on the job. At first, working with an experienced inspector, they learn about inspection techniques; codes, ordinances, and regulations; contract specifications; and recordkeeping and reporting duties. They begin by inspecting less complex types of construction such as residential buildings. They then progress to more complex assignments. An engineering degree is frequently required to advance to supervisory inspector.
Since they advise builders and the general public on building codes, construction practices, and technical developments, construction and building inspectors must keep abreast of new building code developments. Many employers provide formal training programs to broaden inspectors' knowledge of construction materials, practices, and inspection techniques. Inspectors who work for small agencies or firms that do not conduct training programs can broaden their knowledge and upgrade their skills by attending State-conducted training programs, by taking college or correspondence courses, or by attending seminars sponsored by the organizations listed below under Sources of Additional Information
Certification enhances construction inspectors' chances for higher paying, more responsible positions. Some States and cities require certification for employment. Inspectors with substantial experience and education can attain certification by passing stringent examinations on construction techniques, materials, and code requirements. The organizations listed below offer many categories of certification for inspectors and plan examiners, including the designation CBO, Certified Building Official.
Employment of construction and building inspectors is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Increases in the level of construction activity and a rising concern for public safety and for improvements in the quality of construction should spur demand for construction and building inspectors. The trend of government particularly Federal and State to contract out construction inspection functions to engineering, architectural and management services firms is expected to continue. In addition, a growing volume of real estate transactions and a greater awareness and emphasis on home inspections will add to employment requirements for home inspectors.
Despite the expected rapid growth in demand for inspection services, most job openings will arise from the need to replace inspectors who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Because of the trend toward the establishment of professional standards for inspectors, job prospects should be best for highly experienced craft workers who have some college education or who are certified as inspectors.
Employment of construction and building inspectors is not always directly affected by changes in the level of building activity. Unlike most construction occupations, inspectors particularly those in government seldom experience layoffs when construction activity declines. During these periods, maintenance and renovation which usually require more frequent inspection than new construction generally continue, enabling inspectors to continue working full time year round. In an upturn, new jobs for inspectors increase but not to the same degree as construction activity.
The median annual salary of construction and building inspectors was $31,200 in 1992. The middle 50 percent earned between $25,000 and $40,900. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,700 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $51,100 a year. Generally, building inspectors, including plan examiners, earn the highest salaries. Salaries in large metropolitan areas are substantially higher than those in small local jurisdictions.
Construction and building inspectors combine a knowledge of construction principles and law with the ability to coordinate data, diagnose problems, and communicate with people. Workers in other occupations with a similar combination of skills are drafters, estimators, industrial engineering technicians, and surveyors.
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Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor