Building Inspector

Your Fit

Income

$72K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-1.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Building Inspector?

A Building Inspector is responsible for examining buildings to ensure compliance with laws and regulations concerning construction, maintenance, and safety. They inspect various structural aspects, including electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, to ensure public safety and standards.

Sample job titles:

Building Code Administrator, Building Inspector, Building Official, Construction Inspector

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Building Inspector.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Building Inspector earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$47K per year	$57K per year	$72K per year	$92K per year	$112K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $23K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Building Inspector do?

Work environment

Building Inspectors work in the field, visiting construction sites, residential homes, and commercial buildings. They also spend time in offices writing reports and maintaining records of their inspections. The job involves frequent travel to inspection sites and can require inspectors to work in different weather conditions and environments.

Quick task list

Inspects structures for compliance with local, state, and federal building codes.
Examines building plans and permits to ensure they meet legal standards.
Identifies violations and issues notices for corrections.
Monitors construction sites to ensure adherence to specifications.
Writes inspection reports and maintains records.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Inspection: Focusing on homes and small residential buildings.
Commercial Inspection: Inspecting larger commercial structures and buildings.
Code Compliance: Specializing in ensuring buildings meet specific codes and standards.
Electrical Inspection: Concentrating on electrical systems within buildings.
Structural Inspection: Specializing in the structural integrity of buildings.

Description

Building inspectors play a critical role in ensuring the safety and compliance of buildings. They need a broad knowledge of construction practices, building codes, and safety regulations. Inspectors must be thorough and detail-oriented to identify potential issues in construction and existing structures. Good communication skills are also essential, as inspectors often work with contractors, architects, and government officials.

The occupation requires continuous learning to stay updated on changing building codes and construction technologies. Inspectors often attend workshops and seminars for ongoing education. They must be adept at reading blueprints and understand various construction methods and materials.

This career can be satisfying for those interested in construction, safety, and regulations. Inspectors contribute to public safety by ensuring buildings are constructed and maintained correctly. The work is varied and often involves problem-solving, making it an engaging career choice for many.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to public safety and community welfare.
Engaging in varied and challenging work.
Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

You might make a good Building Inspector if you are...

Detail-oriented, with a keen eye for spotting issues and irregularities.
Knowledge able about construction practices, codes, and safety regulations.
A strong communicator, able to explain findings clearly and work with diverse groups.
Interested in a career that combines fieldwork with administrative duties.
Eager to engage in lifelong learning and stay updated on industry changes.

Pros:

Job stability and demand in the construction and real estate sectors.
Opportunities for specialization and advancement.
Satisfaction from ensuring the safety and integrity of buildings.

Cons:

The need to work in various environments, sometimes under challenging conditions.
Responsibility for safety can be stressful.
Keeping up with constantly changing codes and regulations requires continual learning.

How to become a Building Inspector

Typical education

Most Building Inspector positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, many inspectors have a post-secondary degree or vocational training in construction technology, architecture, engineering, or a related field. Additional certifications and training are often required, which can vary by jurisdiction.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics and physics for understanding structural principles.
Technical drawing or CAD classes for blueprint reading skills.
Shop classes to gain basic knowledge of construction techniques and materials.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a robotics club or similar to learn technical and engineering skills.
Participating in community service projects related to building and construction.
Engaging in leadership roles in clubs to develop communication and management skills.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing a degree or vocational training in construction technology, architecture, engineering, or a related field.
Seeking internships or entry-level positions in construction or building inspection.
Attaining certifications offered by building inspection or code enforcement professional organizations.

More resources

International Code Council (ICC) - Provides certification programs and resources for building safety professionals.
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) - Offers information and resources related to building sciences and inspection.
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) - A professional organization offering education and certification for home inspectors.
Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA) - Provides resources and support for code enforcement and building inspection professionals.

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