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Job Report Construction and Building Inspectors
Nature of the Work
Construction and building inspectors examine the construction, alteration, or repair
of highways, streets, sewer and water systems, dams, bridges, buildings, and other
structures to insure compliance with building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and
contract specifications. Inspectors generally specialize in one particular type of construction
work. Broadly categorized, these are building, electrical, mechanical, and public works.
Inspectors usually work alone on small jobs, but several may be assigned to a large,
complex project.
Building inspectors inspect the structural quality of buildings. Some may specialize--
for example, in structural steel or reinforced concrete buildings. Before construction, plan
checkers determine whether the plans for the building or other structure comply with
building code regulations and are suited to the engineering and environmental demands of
the building site. They visit the worksite before the foundation is poured to inspect the
positioning and depth of the footings. They inspect the foundation after it has been
completed. The size and type of structure and the rate of completion determine the number
of other visits they must make. Upon completion of the project, they conduct a final
comprehensive inspection. In addition, inspectors working for private industry may
determine fire insurance rates by assessing the type of construction, building contents,
availability of firefighting equipment, and risks posed by adjoining buildings.
Electrical inspectors inspect the installation of electrical systems and equipment to
insure that they function properly and comply with electrical codes and standards. They
visit worksites to inspect new and existing wiring, lighting, sound and security systems, and
generating equipment. They also may inspect the installation of the electrical wiring for
heating and air-conditioning systems, kitchen appliances, and other components.
Plumbing inspectors examine plumbing systems, including septic tanks; plumbing
fixtures and traps; and water, sewer, and vent lines.
Mechanical inspectors inspect the installation of the mechanical components of
kitchen appliances, heating and air-conditioning equipment, gasoline and butane tanks, gas
piping, and gas-fired appliances. Some specialize in inspecting boilers.
Public works inspectors insure that Federal, State, and local government
construction of water and sewer systems, highways, streets, bridges, and dams conforms
to detailed contract specifications. They inspect excavation and fill operations, the
placement of forms for concrete, concrete mixing and pouring, asphalt paving, and grading
operations. They record the work and materials used so that contract payments can be
calculated. Public works inspectors may specialize in highways, reinforced concrete, or
ditches. Others specialize in dredging operations required for bridges and dams or for
harbors.
Construction and building inspectors increasingly use computers to help them
monitor construction activity. Details about construction projects, building and occupancy
permits, and other information can be stored and easily retrieved.
Although inspections are primarily visual, inspectors often use tape measures,
survey instruments, metering devices, and test equipment such as concrete strength
measurers. They often keep a daily log of their work, take photographs, file reports, and,
if necessary, act on their findings. For example, construction inspectors notify the
construction contractor, superintendent, or supervisor when they discover a detail of a
project that does not comply with the appropriate codes, ordinances, or contract
specification. If the deficiency is not corrected within a reasonable period of time,
government inspectors have authority to issue a "stop-work" order.
Many inspectors also investigate reported incidents of "bootlegging," that is,
construction or alteration that is being carried on without proper permits. Violators of permit
laws are directed to obtain permits and submit to inspection.
Working Conditions
Construction and building inspectors work indoors and out. They may spend much
of their time in a field office reviewing blueprints, answering letters or telephone calls, writing
reports, and scheduling inspections. The rest of their time is spent inspecting construction
and building sites.
Inspection sites may be dirty and cluttered with tools, materials, or debris. Inspectors
may have to climb ladders or several flights of stairs, or may have to crawl beneath
buildings. However, the work is not considered hazardous.
Inspectors normally work regular hours. However, if an accident occurs at a
construction site, such as a partially collapsed concrete structure, inspectors must respond
immediately and may work irregular hours to complete their report.
Employment
Construction and building inspectors held about 61,500 jobs in 1990. Nearly half
worked for local governments, primarily municipal or county building departments. The
employment of local government inspectors is concentrated in cities and in suburban areas
undergoing rapid growth. These governments employ large inspection staffs, including
most of the inspectors who specialize in structural steel, reinforced concrete, boiler, and
elevator inspection.
Over 20 percent of all construction and building inspectors were employed at the
Federal and State levels. Nearly half of the construction inspectors employed by the
Federal Government in 1984 worked for the Department of Defense, primarily for the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers. Other important Federal employers include the Tennessee
Valley Authority and the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, and
Interior.
About one-third of all inspectors worked for private industry, overwhelmingly for
construction companies. The insurance industry employed a relatively small number of
inspectors.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
To become a construction or building inspector, several years of experience as a
construction contractor, supervisor, or craft worker are generally required. Most employers
also require an applicant to have a high school diploma. High school preparation should
include courses in drafting, algebra, geometry, and English.
Workers who want to become inspectors should have a thorough knowledge of
construction materials and practices in either a general area like structural or heavy
construction, or in a specialized area such as electrical or plumbing systems, reinforced
concrete, or structural steel. A significant number of construction and building inspectors
have recent experience as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, or pipefitters.
Many employers prefer inspectors who have graduated from an apprenticeship
program, have studied engineering or architecture for at least 2 years or have a degree
from a community or junior college, with courses in construction technology, blueprint
reading, mathematics, and building inspection.
Construction and building inspectors must be in good physical condition in order to
walk and climb about construction sites. They also must have a motor vehicle operator's
license. In addition, Federal, State, and many local governments usually require that
inspectors pass a civil service examination.
Construction and building inspectors usually receive most of their training on the job.
During the first couple of weeks, working with an experienced inspector, they learn about
inspection techniques; codes, ordinances, and regulations; contract specifications; and
recordkeeping and reporting duties. They begin by inspecting less complex types of
construction such as residential buildings. The difficulty of their assignments is gradually
increased until they are able to handle complex assignments. An engineering degree is
frequently needed to advance to supervisory inspector.
Since they advise representatives of the construction industry and the general public
on building code interpretation, construction practices, and technical developments,
construction and building inspectors must keep abreast of new building code developments.
Many employers provide formal training programs to broaden inspectors' knowledge of
construction materials, practices, and inspection techniques. Inspectors who work for small
agencies or firms that do not conduct training programs can broaden their knowledge and
upgrade their skills by attending State-conducted training programs or by taking college or
correspondence courses.
Certification enhances construction inspectors' chances for higher paying, more
responsible positions. Some States and cities require certification for employment.
Inspectors having substantial experience and education can attain certification by passing
stringent examinations on construction techniques, materials, and code requirements
offered by the model code organizations listed below.
Job Outlook
Employment of construction and building inspectors is expected to grow more slowly
than the average for all occupations through the mid-1990's. Increased construction activity
will spur demand for inspectors. However, greater use of computers to store information
on construction projects makes inspectors more productive. In addition, the assumption of
some inspection functions by engineers and maintenance supervisors expedites
construction and limits growth of construction and building inspector jobs.
Employment of construction and building inspectors is not always directly affected
by changes in the level of building activity. Unlike most construction occupations,
inspectors do not usually experience layoffs when construction activity declines. During
these periods, maintenance and renovation generally continue, enabling inspectors to
continue working full time year round. In an upturn, new jobs for inspectors increase but
not to the same degree as construction activity.
Most job openings will arise from the need to replace inspectors who retire or leave
the occupation for other reasons. Because of the increasing complexity of construction
technology and the trend toward the establishment of professional standards for inspectors,
job prospects should be best for highly experienced craft workers who have some college
education or who are certified as inspectors.
Earnings
The median annual salary of construction and building inspectors was $30,150 in
1990. Generally, building inspectors, including plan checkers, earn the highest salaries.
Salaries in large metropolitan areas are substantially higher than those in small local
jurisdictions. Salaries in the North and West are slightly higher than salaries in the South.
The average salary of inspectors in the Federal Government was $28,200 in 1990.
Related Occupations
Construction and building inspectors combine a knowledge of construction principles
and law with the ability to coordinate data, diagnose problems, and communicate with
people. Other occupations involving a combination of similar skills are drafters, estimators,
industrial engineering technicians, and surveyors.
Sources of Additional Information
Information about a career and certification as a construction or building inspector
is available from the following model code organizations:
International Conference of Building Officials, 5360 South Workman Mill Rd.,
Whittier, Calif. 90601.
Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc., 4051 West
Flossmoor Rd., Country Club Hills, Ill 60477.
Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc., 900 Montclair Rd.,
Birmingham, Ala. 35213.
For information about a career as a State or local government construction or
building inspector, contact your State or local employment service.
Persons interested in a career as a construction and building inspector with the
Federal Government can obtain informatiion from:
U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E St. NW., Washington, D.C.
20415.
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