Construction Inspector Job Description

The Education Required to Be a Construction Field Inspector

The education required to become a construction field inspector can be different depending on the program you choose. A growing number of people are entering the field of inspectors with a four-year degree, despite the fact that most employers require a high school degree. Students can choose to enter a three to four-year apprenticeship program that includes on-the-job training and classroom lectures.

Regardless of the training program, construction field inspectors must have the knowledge of building codes, materials analysis, building structures, construction processes and industry standards. They must have a valid driver's license and have knowledge of engineering principles and legal codes. Construction field inspectors plan, monitor and direct construction projects, including inspecting each construction phase, analyzing materials, examining techniques and ensuring that the structure follows industry standards.

They review building codes, local laws and approve blueprints. Construction field inspectors can specialize in a particular area of inspection, such as electrical inspection, plan examination, or plumbing inspection, or they can be well versed in all areas of construction inspection. Construction inspectors look at streets, water systems, dams, foundations, bridges and other structural steel or concrete reinforced structures when inspecting the construction of buildings.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that the employment opportunities for construction inspectors would grow by 18 percent from 2010 to 2020. While concern for public safety and the need to improve construction quality will spur growth, staff cuts will create strong competition in the field. The bureau said that those with good skills in multiple inspections will have the best prospects.

The bureau stated that construction and building inspectors earned an average wage of $55,230 in May of 2012 Construction inspectors must obtain national certification or state licensure in most states. To get a certification or licensure, you must pass an exam and have specific education requirements.

Construction Inspectors: Benefit Package and Experience

Construction inspectors inspect construction sites and materials to make sure they meet quality standards. Construction inspectors are hired by building and construction companies to work full-time and report to the foreman. Construction inspectors may travel to construction sites that require overnight stays or even longer periods away from home to perform their duties.

Construction inspectors work flexible shifts that include nights and weekends, as well as some overtime hours, and work outdoors in all weather conditions. Construction inspectors who have experience in construction and have the skills to do their job are the only ones who receive training. Construction inspectors go through a brief orientation period to get to know construction workers and ongoing projects.

Most construction inspectors have complete benefits packages from their employers. Retirement benefits, life insurance, and short-term disability are included in benefits packages. After three months to one year of employment with the same employer, construction inspectors receive paid sick days and vacation.

Building Inspections

The level of safety and construction quality is what the building code is designed for. Before a structure can be used, it needs to be thoroughly inspected by a building and construction inspector to make sure it is up to code and safe for use. The building can only be occupied after the inspection is over.

Building and construction inspectors will often look at plans for new construction before they are built. The plans are brought to the government offices for approval, so that they can be identified early on. A building inspector can be certified in one or more disciplines, including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical.

There are other types of inspectors. Inspectors work in two different ways, completing evaluations on location and then drawing up their reports in an office. Inspectors are often wearing protective clothing and gear.

Building Inspectors

A building inspector is responsible for inspecting buildings to make sure they are in line with the building code. Regional governments and planning offices have many inspectors who inspect and approve new construction. An inspector can be hired to inspect a prospective real estate purchase or give advice on the building.

The inspector is supposed to enforce the building code. The building code is designed to create a minimum level of safety and construction quality, and in some regions it may also address aesthetic issues. Building inspectors spend a lot of time keeping up on the latest additions, alterations, and removals to the building code so that they can judge buildings to the proper standard.

When a new structure is built, the building inspector must be allowed to inspect it to make sure it is safe for use. The intent of the owner can affect whether the building can be occupied or sold. Some inspectors inspect plans for new construction that are brought to government offices for approval so that issues with a structure can be identified early, saving time and money.

Building Inspectors: Certification, Experience and Work License

You may need to get a professional certification and get a work license to work as a building inspector. Professional certification shows that you keep up with industry knowledge, and is a good indicator of your ability to be hired. Voluntary professional certifications can help you get more leadership roles.

Building inspectors work 40 hours a week. Some of them may work overtime in the evening or on the weekend, even if they only work full-time. The work hours are determined by the workload.

Weather conditions or construction schedules can affect working hours. Building inspectors are usually hired by a city or county to inspect residential and commercial construction projects for code compliance and structural soundness. They sign an occupation certificate on completion of the construction work to signify that the work complies with the approved plans and is ready for occupation.

Home inspectors are not affiliated with any government agency. Home buyers hire them to check out their houses before buying them. The price and sale of the house can be influenced by their report.

They have to be licensed in their state. Being a self-employed building inspector can be a rewarding career with relevant education, experience and industry contacts. You may have to work longer hours as a business owner.

The Rise of Construction and Building Inspectors

Construction and building inspectors look at the same places as a team. Inspectors climb ladders or crawl. Most people work full time during business hours.

Construction and building inspectors need a high school degree and experience in a construction trade to enter the occupation. They learn on the job. Many states and localities have certification requirements.

Over the decade, 14,300 openings for construction and building inspectors are projected, despite the fact that employment is declining. The openings are expected to be caused by the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or retire. Structural quality, architectural requirements, and general safety of buildings are checked by building inspectors.

Fire prevention and safety are the focus of some building inspectors. Fire inspectors and investigators make sure buildings are in compliance with fire codes. Lifts and hoists, inclined railways, ski lifts, and amusement rides are examined by elevator inspectors.

They inspect the mechanical and electrical systems. Home inspectors look at houses, condominiums, and other dwellings to report on their condition. Home sellers and home buyers can seek an objective assessment of a dwelling before they submit an offer.

Safety and Environmental Inspections in Construction

Safety and environmental are the two most common types of regulatory inspections. Construction is a target for both kinds of inspection, with its high fatality rates and the dangerous demands of many construction jobs, from working at heights and with heavy duty equipment to dealing with hazardous chemicals. It goes without saying that construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the US, and only behind fishing, logging and piloting an aircraft.

There were 962 construction deaths in the year of 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were almost 80,000 construction injuries and illnesses in the year, with almost all of them requiring days away from work. Construction is a target industry for OSHA because of the high incidence of injury and death in construction work.