Employed by either a city, township, or county, a building inspector is an individual responsible for determining whether a building meets building code requirements.
A building inspector may be certified either as a residential or commercial building inspector, as a plumbing, electrical, or mechanical inspector, or as another specialty-focused inspector who may inspect structures at different stages of completion.
Building inspectors have the authority to hold up construction work until the inspection has been completed and approved.
Building codes began in ancient times, as early codes held dam builders liable for property damage if their dam broke. The Bible indicated that roofs must have barriers to keep people from falling off. After the Great Fire of London in 1666, building regulations were enacted to encourage safety.
As building codes and zoning regulations became more complex, state, county, and city governments developed a need for inspectors to review buildings in progress to ensure they were built consistent with these codes and regulations. In the 1970s, home buyers began hiring general building inspectors to inspect their homes. Within 20 years, home inspections became standard for home buyers.
Construction and building inspectors oversee whether a project is build safely, correctly, and in full compliance with building codes put in place by the jurisdiction. They examine plans to confirm they meet building codes, zoning requirements, and the terms of the construction contract. During construction, they make scheduled and unscheduled site visits, checking structural work as well as plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and other systems to ensure everything aligns with code and approved plans. Inspectors also verify critical details such as alignment, level, and elevation, so that the finished work matched the approved specifications. When work falls short of these standards, they have the authority to issue violation notices or halt construction until the deficiencies are corrected.
Specialized inspectors may focus on particular types of structures, such as steel or reinforced concrete, or they might focus on electrical work, elevators, mechanical, plumbing, or public works.
Employing jurisdications typically require construction and building inspectors to have at least a high school diploma and work experience in construction trades. Inspectors typically learn on the job. Some employers may seek candidates who have studied engineering or architecture, or who hold a certificate or an associate's degree that includes courses in building inspection, home inspection, construction technology, and drafting. Many inspectors have prior experience as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, or surveyors.
Typically, building inspectors receive much of their training on the job, although they must learn building codes and standards on their own. Working with an experienced inspector, they learn about inspection techniques, codes, ordinances, contract specifications, recordkeeping, and reporting duties. Training may also include supervised on-site inspections.
Many community colleges offer programs in building inspection technology. Courses in blueprint reading, vocational subjects, algebra, geometry, and writing are also useful. Courses in business management are helpful for those who plan on running their own inspection business.
Many state and jurisdictions require licensure or certification. They may have their own licensing programs, or require certification by associations such as the International Code Council (ICC), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
While there are no unions for building inspectors, there are state associations for building inspectors and the ICC, a non-profit association that provides a range of building safety solutions that include product evaluation, accreditation, certification, codification, and training.
Recommended Resources
A Better School of Building Inspection
ASBI offers self-paced home inspector training and licensing preparation, with video-based courses and state-specific packages designed to meet many states' requirements. It includes 60-, 90-, and 120-hour packages to meet various needs and state requirements, along with a "Super Inspector Package," that includes bundled materials and extras for a more complete prep path. ASBI emphasizes that each state has different licensing requirements. Contacts are provided.
https://www.hometraining.com/
American Technical Institute, LLC
ATI provides online and in-person training focused on nuclear gauge safety and construction inspection (ICC special inspector) courses. Their programs include initial and refresher nuclear gauge training, DOT HAZMAT, Radiation Safety Officer training, ICC CEU continuing education courses, and several ICC Special Inspector prep courses aligned with ICC certification exams, Typical students include inspection firms, public works and building departments, and construction companies.
https://atiinspectortraining.com/
Association of Construction Inspectors
ACI is a professional organization serving construction inspectors, construction project managers, and construction consultants. It publishes standards, guidelines, and training to improve inspection and construction-monitoring practices for residential and commercial projects. Membership benefits include designations and certifications, an online directory listing, member discounts, and supplier relationships negotiated by the association to reduce costs to members.
http://aci-assoc.org/
Building Code Trainer is an exam-prep and training resource focused on International Code Council (ICC) building code certifications and practical code knowledge. The website promotes practice exams, courses, and articles designed to mirror the ICC testing experience and help candidates prepare for certifications like Residential Building Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, and Plans Examiner. Many of their practice exams and material are published through Udemy.
https://buildingcodetrainer.com/
This is a not-for-profit community service that connects property buyers with building inspectors, offers a searchable inspector directory, and provides up to three free inspection quotes, without charging inspectors a commission. The website advertises free quotes and states that it does not take commissions from inspectors, so quotes are unbiased. Direct contact information for inspectors is available, so users can research and contact them directly. Blogs are included.
https://www.buildinginspectioncouncil.org/
Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Kentucky, the organization offers residential and commercial inspection services, including structural and mechanical home inspections, wood-destroying insect inspections, water quality testing, and expert witness and consultation services. Its work hours and contacts are published on the website, which details its industrial, commercial, residential, and construction inspection services.
http://building-inspector.net/
Florida Association of Building Inspectors
FABI is a professional organization that provides education, training, membership services, and a job board for building and home inspectors in Florida. The organization has formed a strategic partnership with InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors), enabling cross-membership benefits and cooperative educational efforts. Membership information, educational opportunities, partnerships, and a job board are set forth. An education catalog lists current courses.
https://fabi.org/
The ICC is a U.S.-based membership association that develops model building codes and provides building safety solutions used worldwide. Its work covers model codes, product evaluation, accreditation, training, certification, and technology to support safe, affordable, and resilient buildings and communities. The ICC publishes the family of International Codes (I-Codes) that jurisdictions adopt or adapt for building, fire, plumbing, mechanical, energy, and accessibility.
https://www.iccsafe.org/
My Canberra Building Inspections ACT
Operating in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Canberra, and nearby New South Wales (NSW), the building inspection firm primarily conducts house inspections, but also inspects home units, townhouses, shops, offices, and factories. Staffed by inspectors who are registered builders, the firm also provides expert witness testimony. Inspection types, prices, staged inspections, and legal work available through the firm are featured, along with contact details.
https://canberrabuildinginspectionsact.com.au/
Professional Home Inspection Institute
PHII offers home inspector training and certification across the United States and Canada, marketing its online program as one that "combines flexibility, expert instruction, and unmatched value," backed by a money-back satisfaction guarantee. Its website emphasizes that state and provincial requirements differ, and that its program will be tailored to the applicant's location. A training brochure is available on request, and a tour of the program is available.
https://www.homeinspectioninstitute.com/
Wood County Building Inspection
One of several county departments operating under the authority of the Board of County Commissioners for Wood County, Ohio, the Building Inspection department is responsible for administering and enforcing applicable building codes with regard to residential and commercial construction within the jurisdiction, and providing assistance to customers to help them better understand and meet the requirements of the code. Contractor registration, permit applications, and other resources are available.
http://wcbinspect.co.wood.oh.us/
