Fire Inspectors - make sure that the building complies with fire codes and standards, and is not a potential fire hazards that will endanger lives and other infrastructure surrounding it. Public Works Inspectors - are construction inspectors, and see to it that water and sewer systems, bridges, streets, dams, and highways of local, state, and federal governments are in compliance with contract specifications and do not violate the terms of the agreement already signed. They may specialize in checking ditches, dredging operations, structural steel, highways and reinforced concrete.
Coating Inspectors - check to make sure that the painting process is followed properly on bridges, pipelines, and holding tanks in order to ensure they are properly coated. Elevator Inspectors - check to make sure that the mechanical and electrical control systems of escalators, hoists, elevators, lifts, moving sidewalks, amusement rides, and other lifting and conveying systems are installed correctly and working properly. Building and construction inspectors have distinct personalities.
They like tasks that are tactile, physical, athletic, or mechanical. Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if building and construction inspector is one of your top career matches. Most building inspectors work full-time, primarily during weekdays. Occasionally, some night or weekend jobs may be required. Inspectors split their time between completing evaluations of buildings on location and in an office setting, where they draw up their conclusive reports.
There is sometimes confusion about the difference between planning and Building Regulations approval:. Planning approval relates to receiving planning permission from the local authority to build an extension or new dwelling. Building Regulations approval is a completely separate process and ensures that the proposed structure will be built in full compliance with the Building Regulations.
An important part of getting approval is having the benefit of a building inspector to carry out regular site visits. Building inspectors are professionals and have a complete working knowledge of the many regulations.
Their job is to ensure that at completion the project has been built in full compliance with each of them. MORE : Find a building regs expert in your area. With a Building Notice , it is possible to carry out the work without prior approval, but the responsibility of ensuring the work is in full compliance is entirely that of the builder.
If you choose a Full Plans application, you will know from the start that the working drawings have been checked and approved by the building inspector and that the plans fully comply with all of the Building Regulations. These regulations are comprehensive and quite complex. A Full Plans application would need to include a set of plans that demonstrate to the building inspector that what is being proposed conforms fully to the regulations.
The other advantage of this route is that the approved drawings will show everything the builder will need to know in order to provide a fixed quotation. These days, you can choose to use either a local authority inspector from your local council and run through Local Authority Building Control LABC , or an inspector from a government-approved private building inspection company.
This is the case for new builds, as well as alterations, extensions and loft conversions. Inspectors typically work alone.
However, inspectors may work as part of a team on large, complex projects, particularly if they specialize in one area of construction. Most inspectors work full time during regular business hours. However, some work additional hours during periods of heavy construction.
Also, if an accident occurs at a construction site, inspectors must respond immediately and may work additional hours to complete their report. Some inspectors—especially those who are self-employed—work evenings and weekends. This is particularly true of home inspectors, who typically inspect homes during the day and write reports in the evening. Most employers require inspectors to have at least a high school diploma, even for workers who have considerable experience.
Courses in blueprint reading, vocational subjects, algebra, geometry, and writing are also useful. Courses in business management are helpful for those who plan to run their own inspection business.
Some jurisdictions require that construction and building inspectors take continuing education courses to maintain their credentials. Training requirements vary by state, locality, and type of inspector. In general, construction and building inspectors receive much of their training on the job. Construction and building inspectors learn building codes and standards as a prerequisite to obtaining their license and through continuing education.
Working with an experienced inspector, they learn about inspection techniques; codes, ordinances, and regulations; contract specifications; and recordkeeping and reporting duties.
Training also may include supervised onsite inspections. Employers may prefer to hire applicants who have both training and experience in a construction trade. For example, many inspectors have experience working as carpenters , electricians , or plumbers. Many home inspectors get experience in multiple specialties and enter the occupation with a combination of certifications and experience.
Most states and localities require construction and building inspectors to have a license or certification.
Some states have individual licensing programs for construction and building inspectors. Similarly, most states require home inspectors to follow defined trade practices or to get a state-issued license or certification.
Home inspector license or certification requirements vary by state but may require that inspectors have experience with inspections, maintain liability insurance, and pass an exam. Many states use the National Home Inspector Examination as part of the licensing process. Most inspectors must renew their license periodically and take continuing education courses.
Construction and building inspectors may advance to become a plans examiner or building official. Advancement opportunities may require additional education, along with experience as a construction or building inspector.
Communication skills. Inspectors must be able to explain problems they discover and to write a report that clearly describes their findings. Detail oriented. Inspectors thoroughly examine many different construction activities. They must pay close attention so as not to overlook any details. Mechanical knowledge.
Inspectors use a variety of testing equipment to check complex systems and must therefore understand how the systems operate. Physical stamina. Inspectors are frequently on their feet and often climb and crawl through attics and other tight spaces.
As a result, they should be physically fit. Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U. Source: U. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
In May , the median annual wages for construction and building inspectors in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program. Earning voluntary professional certifications can also help you secure more leadership roles or increase your earning potential. Certifications can be earned in a variety of building inspection specialties, including electrical work, plumbing, environmental impact and safety compliance.
Some of the certifications you can earn are:. The requirements include accredited electrical training, apprenticeship, and education or work experience.
Interested candidates must complete a certification exam that tests their knowledge of electrical codes, best practices and inspection processes. Department of Education, offers this certification to building inspectors who want to refine their expertise.
They must pass the Online Inspector Examination, become a member of the organization, complete their practice course and complete mock inspection reports. This certification is offered by the International Code Council and tests candidates' knowledge of the International Building Code and other necessary construction requirements.
To earn this certification, candidates must complete a training and code manual review course and pass the examination. Here are some commonly asked questions to help those interested in becoming a building inspector:. Building inspectors typically work 40 hours per week. While most of them hold full-time jobs and work regular business hours, some may also work overtime in the evening or on the weekend.
The workload will often determine the work hours. Also, weather conditions or construction schedules may impact working hours. Related: What are Full-Time Hours? Building inspectors generally work for a city or county and have the certification to inspect residential and commercial construction projects for code compliance and structural soundness.
They also monitor the construction work at different stages and sign an occupation certificate on completion to signify that the work complies with municipality approved plans and is ready for occupation. Home inspectors are not affiliated with any governmental agency. Homebuyers hire them before buying houses to determine their condition and any required repairs.
Their report can also influence the price and sale of the house. They are required to be licensed by their state. Generally, building inspectors work for government departments, construction companies, architectural firms, real estate businesses, construction contractors and homeowners.
They may confer with clients and builders by phone, email or in person. While at work on construction sites, building inspectors wear protective clothing and use various tools to take measurements and samples. These professionals typically check blueprints and write reports in an office setting. With the relevant education, experience and industry contacts, being a self-employed building inspector can be a flexible, fulfilling and lucrative career.
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