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What does the work of a construction and building inspector consist of?
#construction #career #inspectors #construction-management
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Samuel’s Answer
The term "building inspector" typically refers to a town or city official that inspects the construction of building to assure that the work is a) to the minimum code standards, and b) to the standards called out on the contract documents. The contract documents are the legal term for the plans and specifications. So while there is a minimum code standard to check, if the contract documents exceed those minimum standards, then the building inspector will also check that those increased standards are adhered to by the contractor performing the work
The term "construction inspector" is defined by any person authorize to check that construction activity is to the standards dictated by the governing agency (roads, bridges, footings, water protection, utilities, etc.) and the contract documents (explained above). A "building inspector" is one type of "construction inspector". Buildings are considered "vertical" work, while transportation and utilities are considered "horizontal work". Horizontal work is managed differently, with full time inspection taking place, while vertical work tends to be be checked at certain milestones or "hold points". Some horizontal agencies (i.e., Departments of Transportation) allow the horizontal work (i.e., a new highway ramp) to be opened when the on-site engineer signs off. Howerver, vertical work can sometimes be more strict, with occupation of the feature not allowed until there is a "Permit to Occupy" in place. Each building agency has their own standards for how a "Permit to Occupy" or "PO" is issued, but it involves sign-offs by a building inspector, which will only happen when that inspector has seen the necessary inspection reports and other material certifications from the contractor. This happens, too, in horizontal construction, but there isn't usually a PO issued, just a sign-off from an onsite engineer.
The work involves, but is not limited to, the following:
- checking grades and contours
- checking pipe
- checking foundatons
- checking roadway construction
- testing asphalt and concrete
- testing bolt tightness
- measuring and checking to make sure features are constructed in the correct locations
- reading plans and specifications
- being outside while the work is taking place (or inside, if inside a building)
- checking coating thickness
- reading meters and instruments
- keeping records in a diary
- making a daily report
- measuring completed work to determine how mach payment to give the contractor
- keeping track of design revisions
- taking pictures of the work
- checking for traffic controls, like cones, drums, striping, signal timings, etc.
- checking for safety
- checking to see that environmental controls are in place and in working order (silt fence, haybales, stone check dams, etc.)
- making sure construction workers have proper security badges
- knowing math, reading plans, reading specifications, keeping track of what was said in the field, and giving direction in the field to construction superintendants.
- finding out answers to contractors' questions when the plans and specs have errors or are confusing
- giving presentations to officials about the progress of the work
The term "construction inspector" is defined by any person authorize to check that construction activity is to the standards dictated by the governing agency (roads, bridges, footings, water protection, utilities, etc.) and the contract documents (explained above). A "building inspector" is one type of "construction inspector". Buildings are considered "vertical" work, while transportation and utilities are considered "horizontal work". Horizontal work is managed differently, with full time inspection taking place, while vertical work tends to be be checked at certain milestones or "hold points". Some horizontal agencies (i.e., Departments of Transportation) allow the horizontal work (i.e., a new highway ramp) to be opened when the on-site engineer signs off. Howerver, vertical work can sometimes be more strict, with occupation of the feature not allowed until there is a "Permit to Occupy" in place. Each building agency has their own standards for how a "Permit to Occupy" or "PO" is issued, but it involves sign-offs by a building inspector, which will only happen when that inspector has seen the necessary inspection reports and other material certifications from the contractor. This happens, too, in horizontal construction, but there isn't usually a PO issued, just a sign-off from an onsite engineer.
The work involves, but is not limited to, the following:
- checking grades and contours
- checking pipe
- checking foundatons
- checking roadway construction
- testing asphalt and concrete
- testing bolt tightness
- measuring and checking to make sure features are constructed in the correct locations
- reading plans and specifications
- being outside while the work is taking place (or inside, if inside a building)
- checking coating thickness
- reading meters and instruments
- keeping records in a diary
- making a daily report
- measuring completed work to determine how mach payment to give the contractor
- keeping track of design revisions
- taking pictures of the work
- checking for traffic controls, like cones, drums, striping, signal timings, etc.
- checking for safety
- checking to see that environmental controls are in place and in working order (silt fence, haybales, stone check dams, etc.)
- making sure construction workers have proper security badges
- knowing math, reading plans, reading specifications, keeping track of what was said in the field, and giving direction in the field to construction superintendants.
- finding out answers to contractors' questions when the plans and specs have errors or are confusing
- giving presentations to officials about the progress of the work
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Building Inspectors perform an extremely important role in development of real estate. They ensure that the completed construction conforms to the building plans and building codes applicable to the place where the construction takes place. Most of my building experience was in the retail sector. The biggest issues for us were conforming with fire and safety requirements. The number of sensors, their placement, the sprinkler system, width of aisles, exit locations, etc. are all part of what an inspector looks for. All this so that in the event of a fire, loss of life and injury are minimized or eliminated completely. The actual day to day job of the inspector is to visit locations, both existing or to be built locations, to make sure that they are in compliance (a building inspector may visit an existing location to make sure that items aren't blocking exit doors as an example. If they are, he might issue a violation and them come back to make sure the violation is corrected). The building inspector "signs off" on a construction project so that a certificate of occupancy can be granted to the owner allowing the owner (or a tenant, or buyer) to now occupy the space (sometimes, the inspector finds just a few minor items that need to be tweaked and will grant a "temporary certificate of occupancy" until the checklist of minor items is completed. I suggest you look at a building code to get an idea of what inspectors need to look at for compliance. https://www.nahb.org/advocacy/top-priorities/building-codes
Hope this helped.
Hope this helped.