Construction Inspectors employed by government agencies examine public and private construction projects to ensure that set standards of safe construction and quality of work are observed.

JOB DUTIES 

Inspectors usually specialize in one particular type of construction work and may:

Inspect buildings during and after construction to ensure that building specifications and zoning, grading, and safety regulations are met

Issue violation notices and stop-work orders; confer with owners, violators, and authorities to explain regulations and recommend rectifications

Approve and sign plans that meet required specifications

Explain regulations and codes to builders and property owners and recommend changes in procedures

Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, and construction methods to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations

Verify circuit loads to prevent overloading

Inspect wiring, fixtures, and equipment for safety

Inspect bridges, dams, highways, buildings, wiring, plumbing, electrical circuits, sewer hearing systems, fire sprinkler systems, air-conditioning, gas piping systems and foundations during and after construction for structural quality, general safety and conformance to specifications and codes

Inspect building sites for soil type to determine fill and seepage conditions

Review complaints concerning plumbing code violations

Measure distances to verify accuracy of dimensions

Verify level, alignment, and elevation of installations

Observe work in progress to ensure specification conformity

Examine the quality of work of finished installations

Use survey instruments, metering devices, tape measurements, and test equipment, such as concrete strength measures, to perform inspections

Maintain daily logs and supplement inspection records with photographs

Issue permits for construction, relocation, demolition and occupancy

Train, direct and supervise other construction inspectors

Click here to see a video of Construction Inspectors at work.

The equipment and materials used may include:

Technology used in this occupation may include:

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OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Construction Inspectors may specialize in these areas:

168.167-030 BUILDING INSPECTORS make on-site inspections of new and existing buildings to enforce state and city building codes, zoning laws, and approved standards.

168.167-034 ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS check electrical installations at public and private construction projects for compliance with safety laws and ordinances.

168.167-050 PLUMBING INSPECTORS check plumbing installations at public and private construction projects for compliance with government codes, sanitary standards, and construction specifications.

182.267-010 CONSTRUCTION INSPECTORS examine and oversee the construction of bridges, buildings, dams, highways, and other types of construction work to ensure that the procedures and materials comply with codes and specifications. They are often designated according to the material inspected such as structural steel inspector, reinforced-concrete inspector, masonry inspector, bituminous inspector, or highway inspector.

168.267-102 PLAN CHECKERS examine commercial and private building plans and inspect construction sites to ensure that building code regulations are followed, and that the construction is following the plans that have been approved.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Construction Inspectors work under general supervision. They work closely with construction superintendents and engineers and with the skilled craft workers whose work they inspect. Inspectors work indoors in offices and outdoors at construction sites in all kinds of weather. They usually must inspect the project after each new stage of construction is completed. They may encounter such hazards as falls from ladders or scaffolds and injury from moving machinery or falling building materials.

They work an average of 40 hours per week and may work overtime during the peak of the construction season. Although employment in many of the skilled craft trades in the construction industry is seasonal, their work tends to be steady, year-round. They spend much time traveling to construction sites and may be required to provide their own transportation. Most Construction Inspectors join an association, such as the American Construction Inspectors Association . Members must periodically pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Traveling within your local area

• Working with things and objects

• Performing scientific, technical activities

• Performing activities involving use of special processes or methods

You Should Be Able To:

• Evaluate information using personal judgment or measurable standards

• Picture three-dimensional objects from drawings and diagrams

• Use arithmetic accurately

• Ensure accuracy in records of permits granted/buildings inspected

• Keep detailed records

• Communicate and work well with people at all levels

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A structure is only allowed to occupy half of the lot that it is located on. A building is 50 feet by 75 feet and the lot is 100 feet by 70 feet. Can this building legally be built there?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

An ammeter measures current (amps) and a voltmeter measures voltage (volts). A basic component of both of these meters is a galvanometer.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write an explanation to a builder, telling him or her what is wrong with a specific structure and how the problem can be corrected.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to notice a problem with a structure and then decide the best way to correct it.

An Inspector must have several years of experience as a construction contractor, supervisor, engineer, technician, or skilled craft worker in order to be employed. The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Inspector, Building; Inspector, Electrical; Inspector, Mechanical; Inspector, Plumbing; Elevator Inspector; Boiler Inspector; and Inspector,  Construction Plan (Reviewer) for specific licensing information.  

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer; a Certificate (program of up to one years of study beyond High School); an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1700 GOVERNMENT , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM***

032 CONSTRUCTION/BUILDING MAINTENANCE

Approved vocational education programs in the Construction/Building Maintenance prepare students to erect, maintain, and repair buildings, highways, airports, and other structures using materials such as metal wood, stone, brick, glass concrete, and composition substances. Instruction is given in cost estimating, the use of hand and power tools, and in following technical specifications and blueprints. Instruction may be given in classroom, shop, or laboratory settings or at the actual location of construction projects.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

CONSTRUCTION - (ON SITE)

CONSTRUCTION - (IN SCHOOL)

FLOOR COVERING

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

035 CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING TECHNOLOGY

Construction and Building Technology programs provide opportunities to gain the needed knowledge and skills for employment in the many different types of construction and building jobs. Individuals who teach Construction and Building Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program   

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script. 

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration Script. 

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Individuals may explore this occupation by working as helpers to skilled craft workers, such as plumbers and cement masons. Vocational education programs in construction/building maintenance may offer a co-op segment. Postsecondary education programs in construction and building technology may provide co-op, internship, or other related work experience opportunities.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Construction Inspector employer

internships

volunteer work with a Construction Inspector employer

community service work with an agency

Most Construction Inspectors find jobs by applying directly to federal, state, and local civil service offices. Assistance in locating a job may be obtained from college placement offices and local offices of Michigan Works!  In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Inspectors depend on job specialty, job responsibility, geographic location, and the amount and nature of the worker's experience. Salaries are usually set by Civil Service regulations.

Construction Inspectors employed by the federal government earned between $27,026 and $ 53,234 (2009), depending on experience and level of responsibility. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Annual salary ranges for Inspectors employed by several Michigan cities were (early 2009):

Construction Inspectors employed by the State of Michigan earned between $40,946 and $60,740 per year (mid 2009). Supervisory Inspectors earned more. They may have titles such as Building Code Inspector, Electrical Inspector, or Plumbing Inspector.

In Oakland County, Construction Inspectors earned between $28,950 and $55,556 per year depending on experience (early 2009). Construction Inspectors employed by the City of Detroit earned between $37,100 and $63,300 per year (mid 2009) depending on experience.

Construction Inspectors may be reimbursed for transportation, food, lodging, and other expenses when working away from home. Some employers may provide cost-of-living allowances and tuition payments for related training at colleges and technical schools.

Depending on the employer, Construction Inspectors may receive paid vacations and holidays; life, health, disability and hospitalization insurance; sick leave; and retirement plans. Some government agencies also provide dental and optical insurance and prescription drug plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Beginning Construction Inspectors receive most of their training on the job. By working with experienced Inspectors, they learn about inspection methods; codes, ordinances (laws), and regulations; contract specifications; and record keeping and reporting duties. They usually begin by inspecting less complex types of construction.

Individuals wishing to advance to supervisory Inspector often need to be a master (one step above the journey level) in a construction specialty or have an engineering degree. Advancement in government agencies is usually through a competitive exam. Construction Inspectors may increase their chances for promotion by attending government training programs or by taking college or correspondence courses.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 109,700 government Construction Inspectors were employed in 2006. Employment in this occupation is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. About 8.1% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Construction Inspector looked like this:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

Because of the increasing complexity of construction technology and the trend toward setting professional standards for Inspectors, opportunities will be best for those with some college education and knowledge of specialized types of construction.

Approximately 3,575 Construction Inspectors are employed in Michigan.  Almost all worked for government agencies in urban areas. Most of the Inspectors employed by the federal government worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Employment of Construction Inspectors in Michigan is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. An average of 100 annual openings is expected, with 40 due to growth and 60 due to replacement of those who retire, die or leave the labor force for other reasons.  Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

The number of new positions for Construction Inspectors will be determined by levels of new building activity as well as economic conditions. The demand for Construction Inspectors should increase as they are given more responsibility for ensuring quality and safe construction of more complex building materials and other components assembled in fabrication shops and at construction sites. T he new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (2009) will create more jobs in the construction industry thus increasing the demand for experienced Construction Inspectors in Michigan. 

Employment of Construction Inspectors is less sensitive to changes in the level of residential and commercial construction activity than is employment of other construction workers. Construction Inspectors usually do not experience layoffs when construction activity decreases. Also, when construction activity increases, the hiring of new Inspectors does not increase to the same degree.

MICHIGAN'S AREA EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

 Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth