Job Report Construction and Building Inspectors

Job Report Construction and Building Inspectors

Published 1996

Mascor Publishing Co.

P.O. Box 8308

Silver Spring, MD 20907

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.