Occupation Details
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.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$48,440.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$77,650.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$90,450.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
9,460
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
9,620
+16 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,111
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.0%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Boiler Inspector
Learn MoreHome Inspector
Learn MoreApprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- 10-key calculators
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air sampling devices
- Air sampling pumps
- Airflow meters
- Arc receptacle testers
- Architects' scales
- Asphalt thermometers
- Automatic levels
- Axes
- Borescopes
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Chlorine meters
- Circuit analyzers
- Clamp-on multimeters
- Combustible gas detectors
- Computerized data collectors
- Concrete testers
- Conductivity meters
- Continuity testers
- Cordless drills
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Digital multimeters
- Dissolved oxygen meters
- Distance measuring wheels
- Drafting tools
- Electrical circuit testers
- Electronic distance measuring equipment
Technology
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Automated permit system software
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Database software
- ESRI ArcView
- Email software
- Inspection Depot Home Guide System
- Internet browser software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Exchange
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- maintain inspection tools or equipment
- test mechanical products or equipment
- test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
- use electronic calibration devices
- operate land or site surveying instruments
- use pressure gauges
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- recommend alterations in construction or specifications
- recommend action to ensure compliance
- evaluate new construction industry practices
- evaluate construction quality
- conduct training for personnel
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- prepare safety reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- prepare reports for management
- explain government rules or policies
- conduct land surveys
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- issue citation or warning for violation of laws
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
- maintain daily logs or records
- compute product or materials test results
- investigate complaints, disturbances, or violations
- measure construction dimensions
- compute production, construction, or installation specifications
- compile information on findings from investigation of accidents
- understand construction specifications
- identify home safety hazards
- recognize public safety hazards
- understand government construction contracting regulations
- use land surveying techniques
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use knowledge of regulations in surveying or construction activities
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- adhere to safety procedures
- inspect products or systems for regulatory compliance
- perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- inspect electrical installation for code conformance
- oversee work progress to verify safety or conformance to standards
- compare findings with specifications to ensure conformance to standards
- ensure conformance to building regulations
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
- examine permits or licenses to ensure compliance with requirements
- evaluate equipment for compliance with standards
- inspect buildings to detect violations of fire codes
- ensure equipment is operating to prescribed standards
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- read blueprints
- read specifications
- read tape measure
- gather physical evidence
- obtain land survey data using surveying instruments
- inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
- inspect or test materials to verify safety standards or ensure meeting of specifications
- evaluate premises for cleanliness
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Approve building plans that meet required specifications.
- Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, or specifications.
- Inspect bridges, dams, highways, buildings, wiring, plumbing, electrical circuits, sewers, heating systems, or foundations during and after construction for structural quality, general safety, or conformance to specifications and codes.
- Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.
- Maintain daily logs and supplement inspection records with photographs.
- Conduct inspections, using survey instruments, metering devices, tape measures, or test equipment.
- Measure dimensions and verify level, alignment, or elevation of structures or fixtures to ensure compliance to building plans and codes.
- Train, direct, or supervise other construction inspectors.
- Issue permits for construction, relocation, demolition, or occupancy.
- Conduct environmental hazard inspections to identify or quantify problems, such as asbestos, poor air quality, water contamination, or other environmental hazards.
- Confer with owners, violators, or authorities to explain regulations or recommend remedial actions.
- Evaluate premises for cleanliness, such as proper garbage disposal or lack of vermin infestation.
- Monitor construction activities to ensure that environmental regulations are not violated.
- Evaluate project details to ensure adherence to environmental regulations.
- Estimate cost of completed work or of needed renovations or upgrades.
- Examine lifting or conveying devices, such as elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, hoists, inclined railways, ski lifts, or amusement rides to ensure safety and proper functioning.
- Sample and test air to identify gasses, such as bromine, ozone, or sulfur dioxide, or particulates, such as mold, dust, or allergens.
- Inspect facilities or installations to determine their environmental impact.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
ACE Mentor Program Career Directions for Students in Architecture, Construction, or Engineering
The ACE Mentor Program serves high school youth who are exploring careers in Architecture, Construction, or Engineering.The mentors are professionals from leading design and construction firms who volunteer their time and energy. The program is designed to engage, inform, and challenge youth. New York Chapters include Long Island, New York City, Utica, Buffalo, Capital District, Syracuse and Binghamton
Learn MoreAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) represents more than 133,000 members of the civil engineering profession worldwide, and is America's oldest national engineering society. ASCE's vision is to position engineers as global leaders building a better quality of life.
Learn MoreAnnual Balsa Wood Bridge Competition
The annual Balsa Wood Bridge Competition, which typically takes place in the spring has groups of no more than four students per school build a balsa wood bridge capable of supporting loads applied to the structure according to the competition rules, with a limit of 6 bridges per school.
Learn MoreAnnual Balsa Wood Bridge Competition
The Student Construction Association at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse is pleased to invite your school to this annual competition, which typically takes place in the spring. Groups of no more than four students per school build a balsa wood bridge capable of supporting loads applied to the structure according to the competition rules.
Learn MoreConstruction and building inspectors
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreMCC College for Kids
Among other interests, the camp allows students to cultivate an interest in science and technology, explore possible career areas, and discover the excitement of hands on lab work designing Lego robots, a pinhole camera, a periscope, and an engineering project.
Learn MoreWest Point Bridge Design Contest
The contest provides middle and high school students with an opportunity to: Learn about engineering through a realistic, hands-on problem-solving experience, the engineering design process--the application of math, science, and technology to create devices and systems that meet human needs, learn about truss bridges and how they work and how engineers use the computer as a problem-solving tool.
Learn More