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

Jan 25, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The lack of a certified commercial building inspector can lead to serious consequences. Not only can it create safety hazards for the occupants of the building, but it can also lead to costly repairs and costly legal fees if the building does not comply with local regulations and codes. Poorly maintained buildings can also lead to increased insurance premiums, as well as decreased property values for the surrounding area.

Furthermore, the lack of a certified commercial building inspector can mean a delay in the completion of construction projects and fewer job opportunities for skilled workers. All these outcomes can have significant economic impacts on the community and should be avoided at all costs.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Building inspectors typically need to have a high school diploma or GED in order to qualify for positions in the field.
Pursue a postsecondary certificate in construction technology or related field. Many building inspector positions require applicants to have some type of formal education in construction technology or related field. Earning a college certificate in construction technology or a related field can help prepare students for building inspector positions.
Get on-the-job training. Building inspectors may receive on-the-job training from experienced building inspectors. This type of training is often required by employers and can provide prospective inspectors with the additional skills they need to be successful in the industry.
Obtain a professional license. Some states may require building inspectors to obtain a professional license to practice in their state. Obtaining a license often involves passing an exam and meeting certain education and experience requirements, such as having a certain number of hours of on-the-job training.
Stay current on building codes and regulations. Building codes and regulations are constantly changing, so its important for building inspectors to stay up to date on all changes in order to be successful in the field. Building inspectors should attend seminars, read trade journals, and consult with colleagues in order to stay informed on all changes in the industry.

Staying ahead and competent in the field of commercial building inspection requires a commitment to continual learning and improvement. To do so, it is important to stay abreast of changes in building and safety regulations, as well as any new technologies that could affect inspections. staying up-to-date on the latest trends and practices related to the inspection industry can help inspectors anticipate and plan for potential issues.

Finally, networking with colleagues and attending conferences and seminars can help keep inspectors informed and connected with other professionals in the field. By taking a proactive approach to learning, commercial building inspectors can ensure they are providing the highest level of service and staying ahead and competent in their field.

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Job Description

Inspect new and existing commercial buildings for code compliance and safety.
Determine building code compliance and make recommendations for process improvements.
Investigate and document building code violations.
Ensure proper documentation of all inspection activities.
Prepare and review reports detailing inspection results.
Provide expert witness testimony in legal proceedings related to building code compliance.
Determine the cause of building code violations and develop corrective action plans.
Liaise with architects, contractors, developers, and property owners to ensure building code compliance.
Identify and evaluate existing building systems and components to determine future maintenance and upgrade needs.
Provide technical advice, guidance, and support to other departments on building code compliance and safety issues.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of local, state and national codes and standards pertaining to building construction.
Ability to read and understand blueprints and technical drawings.
Ability to identify building defects and structural deficiencies.
Knowledge of building materials, construction methods, and best practices.
Knowledge of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
Knowledge of fire safety systems and requirements.
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Ability to assess potential safety hazards.
Ability to work effectively with contractors and other professionals.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently or in a team environment.

Having excellent problem-solving skills is essential for a successful commercial building inspector. This ability to quickly identify and address issues allows the inspector to ensure that the building meets safety standards and is up to code. a comprehensive understanding of local, state, and federal regulations is key, as it allows the inspector to know what is required and what needs to be done in order to pass inspection.

strong communication skills are also essential for a successful commercial building inspector, as they must effectively communicate any issues and solutions to the building owners or occupants. All of these skills combined help the inspector ensure that all aspects of the commercial building are safe and up to code, making it a safe place for people to live and work.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How long have you been a Commercial Building Inspector?
What experience do you have in inspecting commercial buildings?
What safety protocols do you follow when inspecting commercial buildings?
How do you ensure that all codes and regulations are being adhered to during inspections?
What techniques do you use to locate and identify defects in the building structure?
What types of reports do you generate after conducting an inspection?
What is your experience in identifying and resolving hazardous or hazardous material issues in commercial buildings?
Describe a challenging inspection you have conducted and how you overcame it?
How would you explain complex technical information to non-technical clients?
What criteria do you use to evaluate the condition of a buildings infrastructure?

Common Tools in Industry

Thermometer. Used to measure the temperature of a building's interior and exterior. (eg: Measuring the temperature in the attic to ensure it isn't too hot)
Moisture Meter. Used to detect moisture levels in walls, ceilings, and other parts of the building. (eg: Checking for moisture in the crawlspace to ensure it is dry)
Flashlight. Used to inspect dark or hard-to-reach areas of a building. (eg: Checking the wiring in an attic crawl space)
Level. Used to check the levelness of walls, floors, and other surfaces of the building. (eg: Checking the levelness of a floor to ensure it is even)
Hammer. Used to test for loose nails or other weak points in the building. (eg: Checking for loose nails in a wall panel)
Screwdriver. Used to open up panels and inspect wiring, plumbing, and other components of a building. (eg: Opening up an electrical panel to check for loose wiring)
Ladder. Used to access higher parts of a building that may not be reachable from the ground. (eg: Inspecting the exterior of a second story window)
Camera. Used to document the condition of the building for later review. (eg: Taking pictures of any defects found during the inspection process)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Code Council (ICC)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
ASTM International
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA)
National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI)
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)

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Common Important Terms

Building Code. A set of regulations that specify the standards for the design, construction, and alteration of buildings.
Building Permit. A document issued by a local government agency that allows for the construction, alteration, or demolition of buildings.
Zoning Regulations. A set of laws that determine the types of land uses allowed in a particular geographic area.
Construction Specification. A document that outlines the specific requirements for a construction project, including materials, methods, and performance criteria.
Structural Inspection. An examination of a buildings physical components in order to verify its structural integrity.
Fire Protection Inspection. An evaluation of a buildings fire safety measures, such as fire alarms, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems.
Electrical Inspection. An examination of a buildings electrical wiring and outlets to ensure safety and compliance with codes.
Plumbing Inspection. An evaluation of a buildings water supply and drainage systems to ensure safe and effective operation.
HVAC Inspection. An assessment of a buildings heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure proper functioning and energy efficiency.
Accessibility Inspection. An examination of a buildings features to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Commercial Building Inspector?

A Commercial Building Inspector must typically possess a high school diploma or equivalent and at least five years of related experience. Additional requirements may include specialized certification, such as a National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI) or International Code Council (ICC) certification.

What type of tasks does a Commercial Building Inspector perform?

Commercial Building Inspectors evaluate the safety, condition and quality of buildings. They inspect buildings for compliance with applicable codes and regulations and inspect the construction process for adherence to plans and specifications. Inspectors also provide input into design and construction plans, issue permits, and test building components such as HVAC systems, plumbing and electrical systems.

How much does a Commercial Building Inspector earn?

The median annual salary for Commercial Building Inspectors is approximately $63,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salary can vary significantly depending on experience, geographic location and level of certification.

What is the job outlook for Commercial Building Inspectors?

The BLS predicts that employment of Commercial Building Inspectors will increase by 8% between 2018 and 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the increased demand for safe housing, which will require more inspections and enforcement of building codes.

What is an advantage of working as a Commercial Building Inspector?

One advantage of working as a Commercial Building Inspector is the potential to work independently and make your own schedule. Additionally, with experience and/or certification, there is potential to earn a higher salary and increase job opportunities.