If you want to become a building inspector, you need to be able to read blueprints and understand building codes. You also need to know how to inspect buildings for safety and soundness. To get started on this career path, you can enroll in an accredited program or obtain certification from an organization such as the International Code Council (ICC).
There are two types of inspectors: building inspectors and residential inspectors. Building inspectors inspect commercial buildings; residential inspectors inspect single-family homes. Inspectors must have an understanding of both types of structures.
Inspectors work for either the city or county government or private companies that contract with municipalities or counties. They may be employed full time or part time depending on their area of expertise and the need for their services.
How To Become Building Inspector
Building inspectors examine the structural quality and overall safety of a variety of buildings. They ensure that buildings comply with municipal and state codes, ordinances, and zoning regulations. For new development projects, a building inspector, sometimes called a construction inspector, reviews the plans to ensure that they meet necessary standards, and follow up at the building site as the construction proceeds. For existing buildings, they may be called to perform pre-sale inspection, to respond to an emergency, or to address possible code violations. Building inspectors use a range of tools to take measurements, identify potential problems, and sample materials.
The majority of building inspectors work full-time, primarily during weekdays. Some night or weekend jobs may be required. Inspectors split their time between completing evaluations of buildings on location, and in an office setting where they draw up their conclusive reports. Protective clothing and gear is used to keep inspectors safe in the field.
The building inspector salary may vary depending on the industry and experience level. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2019 the median salary was $60,710 for all construction and building inspectors.
Career Requirements for Building Inspectors
Once you decide to choose this career field, you’ll need to know how to become a building inspector. A high school diploma is required to become a building inspector, but some employers may prefer you have a degree in engineering, architecture, or building inspection technology. On-the-job training is commonly provided, but one to five years of related experience is usually required to be hired. A building inspector certification or licensure is required by most states. In addition, you need to have communication, complex problem solving, time management and critical thinking skills, along with attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and physical stamina.
| Degree Level | High school diploma required; some employers may prefer postsecondary education |
| Degree Fields | Engineering, architecture, building inspection technology |
| Training and Experience | On-the-job training commonly provided, 1 to 5 years of related experience usually required |
| Licensure and Certification | Certification or licensure required by most states |
| Key Skills | Communication, complex problem-solving, time-management and critical thinking skills, attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, physical stamina |
| Salary* | $60,710 per year (2019 median salary for all construction and building inspectors) |
| Job Growth Outlook, 2019 – 2029* | 3% (equal to average job growth) |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Online Job Postings (August 2015), O*NET Online, Salary.com
According to BLS, employment of construction and building inspectors varies drastically between the states. States with the highest employment, ranging between 2,720 and 11,210 as of May 2019, include:
- California
- New York
- Texas
- Florida
- North Carolina
- Washington
- Colorado
- Michigan
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Maryland
- New Jersey
How to Become a Certified Building Inspector: Steps
There’s a few steps to take if you want to be certified. Continue reading if you want to know how to become a certified building inspector.
Step 1: Earn a Degree and Take Building Inspector Classes
Although building inspectors need a high school diploma or GED at minimum, some employers prefer candidates who have completed a postsecondary degree program. When considering degree programs, students should ensure that the curriculum or the topics covered in building inspector classes include drafting, building inspection, construction technology, and home inspection coursework. Individuals can also pursue certificate or associate degree programs in building inspection technology. Coursework for these programs typically includes building codes and ordinances, electrical inspection, materials of construction, and concrete principles and inspection.
According to the BLS, the number of building inspectors entering the field with a bachelor’s degree is steadily increasing. Inspectors looking to gain more formal education to advance in their careers can consider a bachelor’s degree in building construction or building science. Through such programs, building inspectors can take courses like building systems and materials science to learn more about electrical and plumbing systems and components that make up construction material. In some cases, a bachelor’s degree may be a substitute for work experience.
While in school, get familiar with construction practices and skills. Take advantage of learning these practices with any building inspector course you take so that you can apply those skills in the workforce. The BLS states that individuals who are knowledgeable in a variety of construction practices and skills will likely have the best job prospects. To become more familiar with these skills, students can take courses that emphasize evaluating and reading plans and blueprints. Students can also consider courses in algebra, shop, and geometry.
Step 2: Obtain Construction Experience
Previous experience is highly preferred by most employers hiring building inspectors. This is especially true for inspectors who do not have postsecondary education and are seeking employment directly out of high school. Aspiring building inspectors can establish themselves in the field and gain the experience needed by working as plumbers, carpenters, or electricians. By gaining experience in a variety of construction trades, prospective building inspectors can become knowledgeable in multiple specialties.
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Step 3: Pursue Building Inspector Training
Training requirements differ by jurisdiction, state, or inspector type, but many building inspectors receive the majority of their training on the job. While one can expect to receive a variety of training from an experienced inspector, prospective building inspectors may need to learn about building standards and codes on their own. Inspection techniques, recordkeeping, contract specifications, ordinances, and reporting are examples of the training one can expect to receive while on the job. This training may also include supervised onsite inspections.
Make sure you have a driver’s license. Building inspectors are expected to provide their own transportation to inspection sites. For this reason, they are required to have a valid driver’s license.
Step 4: Obtain Your Building Inspector Certification or License
Many states require inspectors to hold either a license or certification. Construction and building inspector certificate requirements vary by state, but often include meeting the minimum educational requirements, having inspection experience, passing a state-approved examination, and possessing liability insurance. Some states offer their own exams, while others may accept certification from professional organizations or associations, such as the International Code Council (ICC) and National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI).
In addition to obtaining a building inspector license, you may also want to earn multiple certifications. According to the BLS, a building inspector who is certified and is able to perform a variety of inspections will likely have the most favorable job prospects. Having a broad knowledge could mean an increased construction inspector salary. While a larger jurisdiction may prefer to hire an inspector who has specialized knowledge in one particular area, such as plumbing or electrical, smaller jurisdictions usually hire inspectors who have broad knowledge of multiple specialties.
Step 5: Maintain Your Building Inspector Certification or License
The length of time in which one must renew a license or certification varies and is dependent on the individual organization or jurisdiction. For instance, certification as Commercial Building Inspector or Residential Mechanical Inspector obtained through the ICC typically involves meeting continuing education requirements every 3 years, whereas those who hold the Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI) designation offered by the NAHI must earn 16 continuing education units every year.
