Home Inspection Jobs | Building Inspector Job | Construction Inspection Career
Building Inspector Jobs - What is the Job of a Construction Inspector? What does a Commercial Inspection Job Involve?
Building inspectors are responsible for inspecting buildings, water systems, dams, highways, streets, residential homes, and other types of buildings in order to make sure that they comply with local, Federal, and state building codes and ordinances, in addition to zoning regulations and contracts.
Building codes are regulated by the International Code Council, although individual localities may have their own ordinances, which regulate the construction of various types of buildings and structures within the county. Building inspection codes can vary depending on geographical location, and more stringent building requirements are required in earthquake or hurricane zones.
Building inspectors will inspect the quality and safety of buildings, usually specializing in one area, such as residential or structural steel. Before beginning construction, a building examiner will determine whether the building complies with all applicable codes. Planning examiners will inspect the quality of the soil, the integrity of the blueprints, and the depth of the footings, and then give a go ahead to break ground on the building project.
After approving each stage of the building plan, the building inspectors job is to then make the final analysis as to whether the building meets all codes. Fire safety is a major concern for the building inspector, and commercial inspectors will make sure that fire alarms and smoke control systems are adequate.
There are a number of different specialties of building inspectors.
Elevator inspectors are responsible for examining escalators and elevators, to make sure that they are properly maintain and are safe.
Fire inspector jobs involve making sure that there are no fire hazards present in a home or business, and fire inspectors also fulfill the role of determining if arson has occurred when a building burns to the ground.
Electrical inspector jobs include examining electrical systems and equipment in order to make sure that they comply with all necessary electrical codes and safety requirements. Electrical inspectors will also inspect electrical wiring in air conditioning systems, appliances, and other household components in order to make sure that they are wired properly.
Home inspector jobs have the responsibility of making sure that new homes, apartments, and condominiums are structurally sound. Home inspectors may also offer inspections for a buyer who is purchasing an existing home to make sure that there are no structural defects or damage that the home seller has not disclosed.
Home inspectors will also report violations of building codes, and they will inspect all home systems, which can include roofing, garages, foundations, plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling, and the interior. Home sellers may also select the services of a home inspection in order to prove that their house is structurally sound to potential home buyers.
Mechanical inspector jobs are responsible for studying air conditioning systems, heating systems, gasoline tanks, gas pipes, and gas appliances. Mechanical inspectors may also examine boilers and ventilation systems in large buildings.
Public works inspectors are responsible for making sure that public highways, streets, and water systems meet Federal and state regulations. Public works examiners may specialize in a particular area of public works, which can include highways, structural steel, or ditches.
Plumbing inspector jobs are responsible for studying plumbing systems to make sure that they are up to code, which can include water systems, plumbing fixtures, and drain lines.
If an owner is having a building created, they will often hire specification inspectors to make sure that the work is done properly, and these inspectors represent the interests of the owners, and specification examiners are commonly hired by insurance companies and financial institutions, as well as home contracting companies.
Most building inspectors will use computers in order to help them with their work in studying blueprints and keeping track of any permits that have been issued. Tools that a building inspector may use can include tape measures, surveying tools, and concrete strength measurers. It is now common for building inspection jobs to utilize use e-mail and fax machines in order to document their results.
Some building inspectors may specialize in issuing cease and desist orders to businesses that are breaking state or county code, and commercial building inspectors are responsible for notifying the proper authorities on any laws that have been broken.
Working Conditions for Home Inspection Jobs - How is the Working Environment for Home Inspector Jobs?
Building inspector jobs typically involve 40 hour workweeks, although overtime may have to be conducted if there are immediate project deadlines to be met. Construction sites are often filthy, and they can be hazardous due to falling objects and toxic materials.
Most building inspection jobs involve working alone, and a building examiner will spend most of their day in the field answering questions and writing reports.
Building Inspector Education - How to Become a Home Inspector - How to Receive Your Property Inspector Training
Building inspector education usually involves a high school diploma at a minimum, although most employers prefer home inspectors who have graduated from a community or vocational college. In a community college, building inspector training will include courses in home inspection, building inspecting, construction technology, drafting, and math.
In 2006, a third of all building inspectors had an education at a high school level, while a little over 1/4 had a bachelors degree. Building examiner educational requirements will vary depending on state and Federal requirements, and the type of work environment that a building inspector is in.
Home Inspection Training Requirements - How to Become a Commercial Inspector
Most building inspectors require licensing or certification in order to receive employment. Many states have their own building inspector licensing programs, while other states accept certifications from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, the National Fire Protection Association, and the International Code Council.
Home inspection certification may also be required, with 33 states in America having regulations that affect home inspection employment. Certification usually requires having experience, education, and liability insurance for a certain dollar amount, in addition to passing a home examiner examination.
Skills that building inspector jobs require include a good knowledge of mechanical tasks and good physical condition in order to be able to walk around construction sites.
Building Inspector Employment - What is a Certified Home Inspector Job?
Over the next decade, building inspector jobs and home inspection jobs should grow by about 18%. The reason for this fast rate of growth is an increased concern for public safety, resulting in tighter regulations regarding the quality of construction.
In addition, new home growth and a focus on sustainability had increased the demand for construction specialists, and routine home inspections have greatly increased the need for home inspector jobs.
Job prospects for inspectors will vary depending on the specialty that they are in. Home inspectors will often experience hard times during recessions or economic downturns, while those involved in maintenance and repair work should fare just fine.
Building inspectors with a bachelor’s degree education will have the easiest opportunities to find employment with a contracting company.
Electrical Inspector Salary Pay Scale - How Much Do Plumbing Inspector Jobs Earn?
In 2006, construction inspectors and building inspector jobs had median earnings of $46,570, while those home inspectors in state governments earned $43,680. Building inspectors typically have the highest salaries, with those working in major metropolitan areas enjoying the best employment opportunities.
Building inspector benefits vary, with those in the government receiving health and medical insurance, and those who are self employed having to supply their own benefits.
Some building inspectors decide to join unions with about 1/4 being members in 2006.