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Construction and Building Inspector
To protect everyone, buildings, roads, sewers, damns, and
bridges all have to meet codes established by the
International Code Council (ICC). The job of Construction and Building
Inspectors is to make sure that these codes are followed. Even before the
groundbreaking of a project, the plans have to be approved. Then the site must
be inspected before the foundation is poured, and then again afterwards.
Throughout the building process the construction will be inspected many times.
If a problem is found it is the job of the inspector to inform the supervisor.
If the problem is not fixed in an appropriate amount of time the Inspector has
the power to issue a "stop-work" order. Because so many peoples
safety is in the hands of these inspectors, they are expected to know their
field inside and out. First they have to have several years of experience as a
construction manager, supervisor, or a craft worker. Most employers require at
least a High School diploma or GED and they prefer people who have studied
Architecture, Engineering, taken courses in Building Inspection, or have a
degree in Building Inspection Technology. (Many community colleges offer a
certificate or associates degree in Building Inspection Technology.) Some of
the courses you can expect to take include Algebra, Geometry, Blueprint
Reading, Drafting, and other Math courses. Some states may require
certification and to advance in this field a degree in Architecture or
Engineering is required. Most local governments employ a large number of
inspectors with a salary of about $40,000
a year (in 2000) but they can also be employed by Architectural and Engineering
firms or contract themselves out.
Image courtesy of
Professional Equipment |
Image used with permission of Ian
Lloyd |
Image used with permission
of
Certified Building Inspectors, Inc. |
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