National
| Median wages (2008) |
$24.12 hourly, $50,180 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
110,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Faster than average (14% to 20%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
40,000 additional employees |
47-4011.00 - Construction and Building Inspectors
Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
Sample of reported job titles:
Building Inspector, Engineering Technician, Construction Inspector, Engineer, Associate Architect, Construction Project Supervisor, Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, Building Code Administrator, Building Mechanical Engineer
Tasks
- Issue violation notices and stop-work orders, conferring with owners, violators, and authorities to explain regulations and recommend rectifications.
- Inspect bridges, dams, highways, buildings, wiring, plumbing, electrical circuits, sewers, heating systems, and foundations during and after construction for structural quality, general safety and conformance to specifications and codes.
- Approve and sign plans that meet required specifications.
- Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, and construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.
- Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, and appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, and specifications.
- Measure dimensions and verify level, alignment, and elevation of structures and fixtures to ensure compliance to building plans and codes.
- Maintain daily logs and supplement inspection records with photographs.
- Use survey instruments, metering devices, tape measures, and test equipment, such as concrete strength measurers, to perform inspections.
- Train, direct and supervise other construction inspectors.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Circuit tester — Circuit analyzers; Continuity testers; Electrical circuit testers |
| Force or torque sensors — Force gauges; Torque meters |
| Levels — Automatic levels; Electronic levels; Lock levels; Optical levels |
| Liquid leak detectors — Refrigerant leakage detectors; Ultrasonic leak detectors |
| Measuring wheels for distance — Distance wheels; Map wheels |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Compliance software — Automated permit system software; NorthWest Builders Network Plan Analyst; OptaSoft Commercial Building Inspector |
| Data base user interface and query software — Database software; Real estate and tax software |
| Map creation software — ESRI ArcView; Trimble Digital Fieldbook |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Inspection Depot Home Guide System; Microsoft Word; New construction inspection form software; Residential home inspection form software |
