Building Inspector Salary

A building inspector plays a key role in the proper construction of buildings and ongoing maintenance of safe occupancy of these structures; most building inspectors are hired by contracting or engineering companies to accomplish these goals. There are also private consulting inspection firms which contract their services to smaller operations in the construction or maintenance fields. State and local authorities also use building inspectors to sign-off on new structures or remodeled buildings to certify them as safe for human use.

Most in this field are employed by private engineering,construction, and contracting firms. A building inspector will be present at almost every stage of a new or renovated building project. Much of his/her work involves checking schematics and design documents, ensuring that everything from the number of fire exits to wiring diagrams are up to current building code specifications. Even when plans are completed and approved, the inspector will conduct on-site visits and inspections to make sure the drafts and schematics are followed to the letter. Throughout the construction process, adjustments to schematics and plans must be approved by the inspector, as well.

Many building management companies with multiple properties to maintain will also keep a building inspector on payroll to perform periodic preventive checks. These inspections typically involve examining a building for safety and liability issues and issuing cost and safety suggestions for repairs and improvements. Most communities and jurisdictions also require all newly-completed structures to receive a final inspection before being certified for human occupancy, and these public employers will also keep building inspectors on payroll.

To work as a building inspector, one is typically required to have a degree in an engineering specialty from an accredited four-year university or college. A building inspector must carry multiple state- and locally-issued certifications which may require continuing education, as local codes are typically subject to changes year by year. Those who work as inspectors must be aware of these changes and keep all certifications and licenses up-to-date. Building inspectors typically work regular business hours, either in an office environment or at building sites. (Copyright 2017 PayScale.com)

Building Inspector Tasks

• Visit sites and conduct interior and exterior inspections.
• Approve final inspection certificates.
• Identify changes in plans or construction that affect codes and communicate the situation.
• Document and report on code violations and poor compliance, including suggestions for bringing sites up to code.
• Interpret and understand building codes, convey necessary information in documentation, and verbally.