How to Be Building Inspector - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 5, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The lack of proper building inspection can lead to a host of issues, from structural damage to health hazards caused by mold and mildew. Inadequately maintained buildings can result in an increased risk of fire, increased insurance premiums, and financial losses due to repair costs. Furthermore, poor building inspection can lead to an unsafe living environment for tenants, with inadequate ventilation, electrical systems, and plumbing.

Furthermore, failure to detect structural problems can lead to expensive repairs, and can even result in the building becoming uninhabitable. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that buildings are inspected regularly by a certified inspector to ensure the safety of the occupants and the structure's integrity.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most Building Inspector positions require candidates to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Pursue Postsecondary Education. Many employers prefer Building Inspectors to have a postsecondary education, such as an associates degree in construction management, engineering or architecture.
Complete an Apprenticeship. Many Building Inspector positions require candidates to have completed an apprenticeship in a related trade, such as carpentry, plumbing or electrical work.
Obtain Certification. Some states require Building Inspectors to be certified by the International Code Council (ICC), while some local governments may require Building Inspectors to be certified by the state.
Develop Expertise. Building Inspectors should continually learn new building codes and regulations to remain on top of the latest construction trends.
Consider Additional Training. Building Inspectors may benefit from completing additional training programs offered by a variety of organizations, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

In order to be a skilled and capable Building Inspector, it is important to have a basic understanding of building codes, standards, and regulations. Having knowledge of the latest trends in building construction techniques and materials is also essential. it is important to have good communication skills, as well as the ability to effectively read plans, blueprints, and documents related to the building project.

Furthermore, a Building Inspector should have a keen eye for detail and be able to detect any discrepancies in the process. Finally, having organizational skills and the ability to troubleshoot any issues that arise during the inspection process is critical for success. All of these skills and abilities are necessary for a Building Inspector to be proficient in their job.

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Job Description

Ensure that all buildings comply with city, state, and federal regulations and building codes
Inspect residential and commercial buildings to evaluate structural integrity, safety and code compliance
Observe and document deficiencies in building construction and make recommendations for corrective action
Review plans, blueprints, and other documents to ensure that proposed construction projects are in compliance with regulations
Prepare reports detailing the results of inspections and recommendations for corrective action
Educate builders, homeowners, and contractors about building codes and safety standards
Investigate complaints from the public related to building code violations and take necessary action
Work with local authorities to enforce building codes and related ordinances
Perform follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with corrective action plans
Attend meetings with engineers, architects, contractors, and other professionals to discuss project plans and inspections

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of building codes, regulations, and ordinances.
Knowledge of construction materials, methods and procedures.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and other technical documents.
Ability to conduct thorough on-site inspections.
Knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
Ability to communicate effectively with contractors, builders, and other stakeholders.
Ability to evaluate and prepare detailed reports about findings and recommendations.
Ability to identify safety hazards, building defects, and other code violations.
Knowledge of applicable safety regulations.
Knowledge of relevant computer applications, such as CAD software.

A successful Building Inspector must possess a wide range of skills, but the most important one is an eye for detail. This skill enables the inspector to accurately identify potential risks and hazards and assess the overall safety of a building or structure. Good observation skills are also essential to spot any minor issues which may be overlooked and need to be addressed.

a Building Inspector must have good communication skills to effectively explain the findings and instructions to those responsible for making repairs or improvements. This can help ensure that the necessary changes are made to ensure the safety and structural integrity of the building. Finally, knowledge of building codes and regulations is key for a successful Building Inspector as it allows them to ensure that all code requirements are being met and that the building is safe for its occupants.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What qualifications do you have that make you an ideal Building Inspector?
Describe your experience with building codes and regulations.
What do you consider the most important aspects of a Building Inspection?
How do you stay up-to-date on changing building codes and regulations?
What challenges have you encountered in Building Inspector roles?
How do you prioritize tasks and meet deadlines?
Describe your experience with using inspection tools and software.
What steps do you take to ensure the accuracy of your inspections?
How do you handle disagreements with clients over the results of your inspections?
Describe a successful project or inspection you completed.

Common Tools in Industry

Measuring Tape. Used to take measurements of construction materials and spaces. (eg: measuring the dimensions of a room)
Level. Used to check if a surface is level. (eg: assessing the levelness of a wall)
Thermal Imaging Camera. Used to detect thermal anomalies in structures. (eg: detecting areas of a building that are lacking insulation)
Sound Meter. Used to measure and assess the noise levels in a building. (eg: determining if the noise of a construction project is too loud)
Moisture Meter. Used to measure the moisture content in walls, ceilings, and floors of a structure. (eg: checking for signs of water damage)
Flashlight. Used to inspect dark and hard-to-reach areas. (eg: looking for leaky pipes in attics or crawlspaces)
Hammer. Used to check for hollow spots in walls, floors, and ceilings. (eg: finding weak spots in a ceiling that may need repair)
Screwdriver. Used to open panels and access wiring in walls and appliances. (eg: inspecting electrical wiring within a wall)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Code Council (ICC)
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI)
National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI)
Association of Building Inspectors (ABI)
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
American Association of Home Inspectors (AAHI)
American Institute of Building Inspection (AIOBI)
National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)
International Association for Home Inspectors (IAHI)

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Common Important Terms

Building Codes. Rules and regulations set by local or state governments pertaining to the construction, use, and occupancy of buildings.
Building Permit. Authorization from a local government agency to begin a construction project.
Site Plan. Detailed plan of a building or structure, including the location of the structure, adjacent structures, and surrounding land features.
Structural Inspection. Examination of a building's structural components to ensure they meet safety standards.
Electrical System Inspection. Examination of a building's electrical system to ensure it is up to code and safe for use.
Plumbing Inspection. Examination of a building's plumbing system to ensure it is up to code and safe for use.
Fire Safety Inspection. Examination of a building's fire safety systems to ensure they meet safety standards.
Building Materials Inspection. Examination of a building's materials to ensure they meet code requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a Building Inspector?

To become a Building Inspector, you must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, have a minimum of two years of experience in the construction or related field, and pass an examination administered by your local or state building department.

What type of inspections do Building Inspectors typically perform?

Building Inspectors typically perform inspections to ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and other applicable laws. This may include inspecting structural elements, plumbing systems, electrical systems, fire protection systems, and site requirements.

What is the average salary of a Building Inspector?

The average salary of a Building Inspector varies depending on location and experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Building Inspectors is $62,660 in 2020.

How often do Building Inspectors need to be recertified?

The recertification requirement for Building Inspectors varies by state. Generally, Building Inspectors must renew their certification every two to three years by taking an approved continuing education course.

What type of reports do Building Inspectors provide?

After completing an inspection, Building Inspectors provide a written report detailing the results of their inspection. This report includes any violations of building codes or regulations, as well as recommendations for corrective actions.