A highly experienced building inspector is skilled in evaluating construction projects’ safety and structural integrity. They often work with contractors to ensure code compliance and offer guidance on best practices.
They examine the land for drainage and elevation and review plans and blueprints before the project begins. They also regularly visit the construction site to check for specification compliance and safety.
Education and Training
There are no strict education requirements to become a highly experienced building inspector. Still, most employers prefer candidates with at least a high school diploma alongside significant work experience in construction or a related field. Attending a vocational school or community college with a certificate or associate’s degree program in building inspection technology can provide the skills and training needed to get started on this career path. Look for programs that include blueprint reading, construction technology and drafting courses.
This position requires you to travel from site to site, checking construction progress. You may be required to climb ladders or ride a platform hoist to examine hard-to-reach construction areas. You are often required to wear a hard hat and other protective gear while working on a job site.
Experience
Building inspectors ensure that architects, engineers, developers, real estate owners, sub-contractors, and interior designers adhere to state and local standards. They examine structures for safety and quality, inspecting their foundations, floors, walls, roofs, and other components. They also sign and issue occupation permits. For more highly experienced building inspector, check this out.
Those interested in becoming a highly experienced building inspector should consider enrolling in a vocational program or seeking a mentorship opportunity. The best programs work towards certification, providing students with hands-on training and field experience.
Experienced building inspectors should understand building codes and regulations, including the International Code Council (ICC). They should also be familiar with various inspection tools and procedures. Ideally, they will have some background in a relevant engineering or architecture field and extensive experience in residential and commercial structures. Building inspectors may need to climb ladders and access confined spaces in their duties, so they should be fit and comfortable working outdoors.
Communication Skills
Building inspectors need to be able to communicate well. They need to be able to work with listing agents, sellers and occupants to get the information they need. They also need to make decisions without being influenced by emotions.
Their job duties may include conducting land surveys before construction, reviewing plans and blueprints, checking foundation depth, wood framing, masonry, excavations, steel erection, concrete work, plumbing and heating systems and electrical fixtures and appliances. They must also maintain daily construction logs and inspect structures to ensure they adhere to zoning ordinances’ safety codes and specifications.
A successful resume for this position should highlight relevant skills, like a background in construction or engineering and strong problem-solving and communication abilities. It should also list any specialized training and certifications related to the position. Keeping the resume as short as possible while highlighting all the necessary qualifications and experience is essential.
Safety
A highly experienced building inspector can spot site structural defects and safety hazards. Their knowledge of the different building trades, such as plumbing, roofing, tiling, concreting, and gyprock, helps them uncover many issues that might not be visible to ordinary people.
They can identify hazards and make recommendations to help the contractor rectify them. They also have a thorough understanding of building codes and standard building practices. It allows them to provide accurate information that can save the home or business owner time and money in the long run.
Some safety concerns come with this position, especially as the buildings get taller and more prominent. Accessing the roofs and other hard-to-reach areas becomes more complex and dangerous. The risk of falling increases, and the equipment needed to access these areas becomes more expensive. There are also risks associated with the electrical and other structures of a building, so they need to be careful when inspecting. If you want to make sure that the building you wish to acquire is free from any issues, hire an experienced building inspector.
