Building inspectors oversee construction projects to ensure compliance with certain regulations. Their focus includes electrical equipment, floor/ceiling joists, staircases, fire safety concerns and foundation requirements.
Contrary to home inspectors, who conduct more general evaluations of properties, qualified building inspector specialise in compliance with regulations and building codes. If you want to become one, prior experience in related fields will certainly come in handy.
Education
Building inspection requires both a high school diploma and construction work experience to begin a career in building inspection. While most inspectors initially start in construction trades, eventually transitioning into the role through on-the-job training, taking college-level courses may help advance to supervisory positions or help establish your own inspection business.
Community colleges offer certificate and associate degree programs in home inspection, building inspection technology and construction technology that combine classroom instruction, hands-on learning opportunities and internship experiences to equip graduates for entry-level roles in these industries.
Chemeketa offers a four-term certificate program in Building Inspection Technology that will get people into the field quickly. Coursework covers building codes, plan review and inspection techniques as well as topics in drafting and construction materials. Working as a Building Inspector requires detail-oriented focus, excellent mechanical knowledge, and physical stamina – you may spend most of your day walking up stairs, climbing or crawling through tight spaces while inspecting them! To be considered for entry into this profession you’ll also need good physical conditioning as part of their career path.
Experience
Becoming a certified building inspector requires having the appropriate combination of education, experience and knowledge. This may involve attending training programs that help you learn basic building codes and safety regulations – you may find these at community colleges, vocational schools or online.
Qualified building inspector must be exceptionally detail oriented. They work closely with contractors, architects, and engineers to address code compliance issues while serving as a valuable resource in the industry – often explaining complex subjects in an easy to comprehend fashion.
Building inspectors may visit construction sites several times during a project to inspect everything from floor and ceiling joists to fire safety requirements, earthquake resistance and natural disaster resiliency of structures, pre-purchase home inspections as well as inspecting public spaces such as stores, offices or other commercial spaces.
Certification
State laws vary and certification typically requires passing an exam that covers specific aspects of building inspection. An inspector with certification typically has extensive knowledge about construction methods and materials used, zoning ordinances and setback requirements as well as setback regulations.
They must possess expertise in multiple trades, including electrical wiring and water connections, and be capable of recognising potential safety hazards or violations.
Inspectors often start out as carpenters or plumbers looking for a fresh challenge, looking to merge their knowledge of construction trades with working for government. These individuals typically receive on-the-job training as well as apprenticeship prior to taking their certification exam.
As part of their career duties, building inspectors conduct extensive inspections on projects. This may involve inspecting foundations, framing and various structural components for compliance with building codes and regulations and approval of permits as projects progress. Furthermore, building inspectors identify any issues which require correction to contractors and property owners alike.
Licensing
Once hired, a building inspector’s primary objective is to enforce all local safety standards on construction projects – new builds as well as renovations or upgrades depending on where the work takes place. A qualified building inspector ensures all aspects of a project meet building code – be they structurally sound or adhering to electrical wiring or water connections regulations.
An effective construction inspector requires extensive knowledge of construction technology, building codes and zoning regulations as well as excellent attention to detail and mechanical aptitude. They must thoroughly examine a wide array of activities involved with construction – everything from plumbing and electrical works to inspecting cranes or other machinery.
High school graduates are at least required to obtain their diploma, though postsecondary courses in math, algebra, English and industrial arts can provide invaluable vocational preparation. Many community colleges also offer associate degree programs in building inspection technology.