Building inspector
Also known as: building control officer, construction control officer, construction standards inspector, construction control surveyor, buildings inspector, building control surveyor
About this occupation
Building inspectors perform inspections of buildings to determine compliance with specifications for various focuses of assessment. They observe and determine the suitability of construction, quality and resistance, and general compliance with regulations.
A specialisation of civil engineering technician.
Essential skills and knowledge
- manage health and safety standards
- assess construction compliance
- construction methods
- building codes
- architecture regulations
- write inspection reports
- construction legal systems
- read standard blueprints
- liaise with local authorities
- inspect building systems
- use safety equipment in construction
- communicate problems to senior colleagues
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Construction and Building Inspectors (O*NET 47-4011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Approve building plans that meet required specifications.
- Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.
- Issue permits for construction, relocation, demolition, or occupancy.
- 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.
- Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or 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, or specifications.
- Typical education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making
US median pay: US$74,690 a year (2025), 146,720 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionExtremely important (4.7)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.5)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.5)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.4)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.4)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.3)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- 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.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Aviation Inspectors
- Solar Energy Installation Managers
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- Electricians
- Energy Auditors
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.