Whether you’re sitting in class or eating at a restaurant, if you’re inside a building, you want to be confident that you’re safe. Building codes and ordinances are put in place to ensure just that. These guidelines provide specifications on everything, from electrical wiring to construction materials, all in the interest of protecting the public.
It’s not enough to merely put these guidelines in place, however. People are needed to enforce their application. That’s where construction and building inspectors come in. These professionals ensure that structures meet building codes, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. Their job is integral to your everyday health and safety.
If you’re thinking of entering this field, the timing has never been better. Construction is a growing job sector, assuring a steady flow of opportunities in the years ahead. What’s more, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects a 7% growth for construction and building inspectors from 2018 to 2028.
This guide explains just what construction inspectors do and also breaks down the educational credentials and experience you need to get a construction inspector job.
Construction inspectors go to building sites to ensure municipal, state, and national building ordinances are adhered to. This is a job that requires you to get your hands dirty, as you will be working on-site in construction zones. If you hate the idea of sitting at a desk from 9 to 5, this is a job that will get you out of the office.
Here are some tasks a construction inspector job involves:
- Reviewing building plans and contracts to ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and local regulations
- Formally approving building plans deemed satisfactory
- Periodically revisiting construction sites to ensure ongoing compliance
- Inspecting technical elements like plumbing and electrical wiring to ensure these are up to code
- Verifying basic but essential structural elements like level, elevation, and alignment, using survey instruments, testing equipment, and metering devices
- Issuing violation notices and “stop-work orders” to pause the project until the building is compliant
- Maintaining a daily record of inspections, including written notes and photographic evidence
- Compiling documentation of findings, including reports for more senior staff
Construction inspectors don’t just examine building sites. They may also inspect streets, highways, water systems, heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, plumbing and sewer systems, dams, bridges, and more. The job offers a lot of variety, as no two inspections will be identical.
Read on to find out how to qualify for this varied (and very important) role.
The precise training and certification requirements for construction inspector jobs vary depending on the state. In most cases, getting your construction inspector license will involve the following steps.
- Complete your education. To qualify for a construction inspector job, you will need at least a high school diploma. Some employers may prioritize candidates who have an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in a field like engineering or architecture.
If a four-year degree isn’t for you, consider completing a certificate course or getting an associate degree from your local college to give yourself an edge in the applicant pool. Some colleges offer building inspection programs, teaching essential skills like reading blueprints, geometry, and writing.
- Gain experience. Construction inspectors learn a lot on the job, for example, by shadowing a more experienced inspector. Such hands-on training involves learning inspection techniques and basic building codes, ordinances, and regulations. You may start your career by doing inspections supervised by a more seasoned professional.
- Pass an exam. Some states have their own licensing programs, while others require nationally recognized certifications from bodies like the International Code Council (ICC), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
As you continue your career, you will have to regularly renew your license, take continuing education courses, and maintain liability insurance to work in the field. It also helps to have a valid driver’s license since you’ll have to drive to inspection sites.
In addition to educational credentials and certifications, employers look for certain traits when hiring for construction inspector jobs.
- Technical knowledge. This is the basis of any successful construction inspector’s profile. You must have in-depth, reliable technical knowledge of relevant building codes and regulations. This includes national and local measures, which could span from fire safety to plumbing and wastewater management.
- Attention to detail. If a construction inspector lets something slip through the cracks, it could potentially endanger lives. You must have a keen eye for detail to excel in this field. You need to be able to observe minutia and document it accordingly, for example, with detailed written descriptions and photographs.
- Good communication. As a construction inspector, you have to liaise with many different people. Architects, engineers, electricians, and plumbers are just a few of the professionals you may come into contact with. You should be comfortable with people, as this is a great gig for extroverts. In addition, you should be able to express yourself verbally clearly. Written communication is also important, for example, when drafting reports after site inspections.
- Physical ability. A construction inspector has a physically active job. A typical day out in the field could involve creeping into a small crawlspace to check insulation, climbing flights of stairs, and walking the perimeter of large industrial properties. You should be physically fit enough to handle this level of activity.
If you have the personality and education needed to work as a construction inspector, there’s only one step left: landing the job. Great credentials alone aren’t enough to get the gig. You should put time and effort into the application process as you search for your dream job as a construction inspector. Here are some tips to help.
- Polish your resume. Craft your resume for the position you want. Highlight relevant parts of your past, like the college coursework in building inspection you’ve completed. Proofread your resume. If you aren’t confident in your writing, ask a friend or family member to go over it. The second set of eyes always helps.
- Line up references. Even if you don’t have years of experience, line up references. If you don’t have on-the-job training and have just completed your education, look for teachers willing to serve as a reference. Even employer references from non-relevant fields — like a college job — can be handy, attesting to professionalism, attention to detail, and punctuality.
- Practice your interview. Take the time to practice answering basic interview questions. You can rehearse in the mirror solo or have either a friend or family member quiz you. The second option is ideal since they can “surprise” you with unexpected questions. It’s better to be surprised while you’re practicing than on the big day.
- Dress to impress. A construction inspector job doesn’t require fancy clothes. There may be days when you visit worksites in jeans and work boots for safety just as much as practicality. This doesn’t mean you should show up looking sloppy for the interview, however. Opt for casual business attire. You can’t go wrong with slacks and a button-down.
- Following up never hurts. In a competitive job market, showing enthusiasm can help your case. At the end of your interview, make sure to thank the interviewer for their time and leave with a firm handshake. Follow up with a brief email, reiterating your interest in the position. Then, all you have to do is wait and cross your fingers.
If you’re looking for a non-corporate career that allows you to break free of the confines of a cubicle while also doing work that matters, a construction inspector job may be for you. In this role, you will play an important role in public safety. By preparing yourself using the guidelines listed above, you will open up a world of exciting career opportunities.
Ready to get started? Joblist can help. In addition to providing a wide selection of jobs, the platform offers helpful resources that cover topics such as finding your first job out of college and future career trends.
Take a peek at what construction-related jobs are waiting for you by searching our online database. It’s never too soon to get inspired!
