Pros & Cons of Being a Building Inspector

Do you like to be outside? Do you like to be a part of the construction world? If you do, then a career as a building inspector might be right for you. Here I go over the pros and cons of being a building inspector as I have experienced over the past 10 years. Though there are negatives to every job, I do feel like the positives are too great to ignore.
Comment below: what's the most important factor to you in a job? Don't say money!! ;)
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I hope this was helpful!

[@anthonyesparsen7776]

i have been doing electrical, building , plumbing, mechanical building inspections for big government for 23 years, and prior to that i was a building , electrical, mechanical , plumbing contractor for years back to the 1980's , the hardest part of the job is that you stand between your client and him or her getting paid on their approved inspections, and if not they do not get the money draw , this kid is correct there are plenty of builders that don't like following the rules of building and or do not have proper training to do it even thou they are licensed , there are many ,many contractors out in the field that are licensed but not qualified , because they pay a out fit in the local big city for a no pass no pay course that last a week and these outfits basically give you the answers to the building tests that are being giving out at the local testing agency like PSI etc so again this is the hard part actually dealing with people that get into the business to make money but don't have the correct training for it at all , or they have never been in the actual field doing the work for more than two minutes , and fight you the building expert , so we have to be trainers also explaining to them the very basics like one oh one's

[@tramaclothing1712]

I’m currently looking into it and this and the other videos you had are really helpful

[@allthewheels543]

I’m currently studying to be a building inspector and I appreciate the insight, thank you!

[@buildingcodetips]

Anytime! Glad I can help. And good luck with your studying.

[@babyjesus1056]

Help me… I want to become a construction or home inspector but have no idea where to start?? How did you start I’m currently in Florida but I’m a hands on guy i see no learning classes or apprenticeships where should I start?

[@BureauATF]

​@@babyjesus1056Are you still looking for some advice? I'm a municipal building inspector.

[@JL-zn6uu]

Newbie inspector here - love your vids man, please keep ‘em coming!

[@iptaytiger]

Been a GC for 16 yrs, and involved in the bld trades for over 30 yrs now. Applied for a few positions in Florida last Spring because I needed a change., I just vacationed in Florida where one of my interviews was scheduled and just signed a Conditional contract of employment with the St Petersburg area Building Inspections while I was here. Will be moving from Virginia next month to start my new career. Thanks for your video of encouragement. I can't wait!

[@buildingcodetips]

Hell ya!! That's awesome. I hope it works out well for you

[@rubsamandmila]

Great video!

[@markjohnson7396]

Thank you for these videos. Been a sparky for 20 years and have been thinking about what is next for the past couple years. After getting an injury to knee at work at end of last year I only recently decided to start looking into making this change. I am in California and I am a little unsure if I should go after B1, B2 or J1, I1 first. Thanks for the videos you have been doing in this series even if I am just now finding it 10 months later.

[@buildingcodetips]

Hey Mark, Glad the videos were of good use to you! All the certifications you listed would be great, though I would probably start off with what you know best and get any necessary certifications to be an electrical inspector. Though, it never hurts to get additional certifications, if you plan to stay in California then the J1 and I1 are probably the way to go. Good Luck!!! Hope you find the position you are looking for.

[@RegularJoes]

Great to start with your residential electrical inspector certification as you're probably most comfortable with electrical, which is great because for most inspectors, electrical is their weakest. Focus on becoming a residential combination inspector. Not only are certifications great for your knowledge, they help you move to the top of the hiring list. The more certifications you have, the more likely you will be the one getting hired, you still have to interview well. You also have the option of starting out as an inspector working for a consultant company that contracts with jurisdictions for help. You'll get hands on experience while gaining the knowledge to hopefully land a job with a jurisdiction, most likely a county or city job, which in California, comes with a CalPERS retirement (not all jurisdictions do though). Check into doing a ride along with an inspector somewhere, most will be very welcoming and you can learn something from every person you talk with. It's never to late to start, take the next step, you'll be happy you did.

[@markjohnson7396]

thanks for the advice. I am headlong into working on the B1 now with study courses and what not. I may go after the electrical next but I have time to figure out if that is the best course of action in case I do get on with a local AHJ. I have seen a lot of postings for inspectors with consultant companies, most of which are looking for concrete and soil certs. I figure I will take it one test at a time and not get overwhelmed with possibilities as I do have this as my first professional goal (sadly, haven't really had one since I graduated high school) so I am very motivated. I haven't ruled out long commutes or straight up moving just so I can get started on this phase of my career. @@RegularJoes

[@MyExcellentOpinion]

I’m glad you mentioned the whole being in the car for long periods of time. Can you provide more of a discussion around that? Truckers driving long distance have a more extreme situation of being in a stationary seated position and then really having limited food options (mostly unhealthy fast food).

[@buildingcodetips]

Thanks for the comment! There is no doubt that when a vehicle becomes an office their can be some crappy consequences. Give me a week or so and I will work up a video on my experiences and the effects of working out of a vehicle have had on me.

[@MyExcellentOpinion]

@@buildingcodetips thanks looking forward to it! I’ve been inspecting for almost 2 years for transportation projects. So yea, long periods of time in the car and sometimes in either really hot or really cold weather. I started eating only healthy foods, then little by little you get sucked into junk fast food, and now I’m back to only healthy foods for the last 6 months

[@buildingcodetips]

@@MyExcellentOpinion Hey Brandon, Here is the link to a video I did over the weekend on some of the worst parts about being a building inspector. I don't know if I got enough in-depth but hopefully it will create some conversation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/np2kiKxmZdNgmrc

[@gregevaldez2284]

Smooth straight presentation. Did the City Residentioal Inspection gig along with numerous construction sales jobs, too much running around and not for my elderly bones anymore. I desire a position with a different type of challenges. I just missed passing my B2 Commercial Building Inspector exam . (4) questions shy. Wish there was a formal classroom here in So. Cal. I wouild appreciate any advise or leads you might send my way.

[@buildingcodetips]

Hey Greg, That sucks about being 4 questions shy on the exam. I have not used it, but I have seen WC3 academy mentioned a few times about a place to go for building code exam training. Might be worth checking out! I have also seen jobs posting on the iccsafe.org website. I dont know if it would have any leads in your area but it might also be a place where you can list your information for employment. Good luck on the next exam!

[@Mdot37]

Hello Ben I am looking career changes, and not knowing what to do. I work under an architect for about 4 years now. I am still a architectural designer. Do you think is it possible for me to get into the building inspector field ? I am familiar with the residential and building code but no construction field experience. Please advice

[@buildingcodetips]

Hello, I have seen a few architects in my area get into inspections. Most of them end up in plan review and then as building officials but getting into inspections should be an option for you. At least in my area, we spend a lot of time training new hires, doing ride alongs, etc., so with your knowledge and a little on the job training i am sure you will pick it up!

[@zeyadsabti5484]

Thanks a lot bro

[@dennisfillion3069]

Just took a building inspector job with the County, are the tests super hard? I'm not so much book smart. Been in the plumbing trade for 10 years and have a pretty good amount of knowledge

[@buildingcodetips]

Congrats! That's awesome, I hope you end up enjoying the career path. The tests really come down to how well you can navigate the code book. I have found that if I can find just about anything I want in the book in about 4 minutes then it was time to take the test. Try to dedicate a couple months to studying during all your free time while also learning on the job and I am sure you will be ready to rock!

[@kimlim9061]

Good video!

[@hvacdepot]

One thing I can't wrap my head around - the salary here in Florida for a mechanical inspector is in 60k to 80ish. Is that to possible to have a second job as an inspector with an active contractor license, or typically it's not ok? Is there any other legal opportunities to earn extra and be in 110-120K total ?

[@buildingcodetips]

Ya, the salaries are definitely lower than working in the field but they usually make up for it in the benefits. I cant speak for other jurisdictions but where I am at some of the guys will keep their business license up and do side work outside of the area they inspect. I work for a city so pulling permits for county work usually isn’t a conflict of interest.

[@hvacdepot]

@@buildingcodetips thanks! That's my hope , I am having an interview next week and that was my question to them , i want to get it clear from a get go. As long as it's in an another jurisdiction it should not be a problem logically speaking. Overall , like when they are saying an education reimbursement, does it mean i can get a degree ? Or is it typically limited to a certain amount ? Also, what is career path generally speaking - is there a room for advancement - like move to a chief inspector , etc .?

[@buildingcodetips]

@@hvacdepot Congrats on the interview! I don't really know about the education reimbursement. In my area they will reimburse us for study materials and costs to take tests for certifications, continued education to keep your certifications up to date. Stuff like that but your area might offer more! Advancement might take you from inspector to plans examiner or lead inspector, then to deputy building official and on to building official. There might be other stops in there that your jurisdiction provides/requires though.

[@hvacdepot]

@@buildingcodetips thank you!

[@aftech7268]

Newbie completed the ICA course but home inspection companies are not hiring in my area - what gov jobs hires home inspectors ?

[@buildingcodetips]

You may be able to get in as a building inspector. Our city just hired a home inspector a few months ago with the agreement that he would get certified as a building inspector within a year. Might check your local city and county job postings for inspector positions

[@ReLoAD33]

What basic certifications would I need to get to land a job into this industry?

[@buildingcodetips]

The B1 (Residential Building Inspector Cert) or the B2 (Commercial Building Inspector Cert) are a good place to start. Check out the exam catalog here: www.iccsafe.org/certification-exam-catalog/ for more info. You don't necessarily have to take the current code year either. Find an old code book from 2018 and take that years certification test. Hope that helps and feel free to reach out if you have more questions!!

[@scalecraft4663]

Can a city building inspector change an approved, 3rd party independant Structural engineered extra footings location for an existing wall, drawn by a licensed Structural engineer without Strutural engineers revison? I have an inspector that did that at own discretion while in the field? No plan revision shows what was built. I think no. Liability could be on city in the event of failure.

[@buildingcodetips]

I wouldn't think so, and agree that the inspector has now put the liability onto the jurisdiction having authority. The design professional on record should be providing the changes and the inspector verifying that those changes have been meet as reviewed and approved by the building department. That's a ballsy move for sure

[@paulgheno906]

I am looking into a position for a city building inspector for a city position. I've been in construction for the most part since I was a kid, any ideas on how to beef up my resume to land the job?

[@buildingcodetips]

Hey Paul, Sounds like you have an extensive background in construction. Make sure to include any certifications and training you may have taken over the years. If it can be weaved in, maybe talk about your time in the field and understanding local codes. There are lots of gray areas in construction as I am sure you are aware!! One of the questions I was asked in the interview was about the intent of building codes. Understanding the intent when there is no clear answer. Talking about the importance of fire, life and safety is a big one as well. That is the basis for building code, mentioning that in your resume might be an eye catcher!! Hope that helps a little

[@RegularJoes]

The more certifications you have the more you're going to be put above another candidate for the same job. Be prepared for a panel interview, most people dont realize they'll be interviewing with probably 3 but maybe more people. Usually they work for a different jurisdiction and are just there to ask you a set of questions. Also, study up on the city or county you're interviewing for, learn some facts that could be added to answer you're giving. And five into their municipal code to see if there's any local amendments to the code that have been made by the building official, those are also helpful to have for your 2nd interview. Best of luck!

[@redeyeconstrutioninc930]

Ive been a General Contractor for 15 years, do you think I'll be a good candidate for my local B&S department?

[@buildingcodetips]

Oh ya, for sure! My guess is that you know the local building codes pretty well from being a contractor and might even know some of your inspectors. Your local inspectors might even be able to give you some pointers on how to land a position. Spending the time to get certified in either residential or commercial building would help the resume but your experience should at least warrant an interview.

[@jeffreyueda3567]

hey there! ive have zero experience with construction but im really interested in becoming a buiding inspector. I studied really hard and was able to get my certification for the b1 2018 residential inspector. any help with resources that i could study so that im not a total newbie on my first day of training?

[@buildingcodetips]

Hey Jeff, Congrats on getting your B1 residential inspector cert! That is quite the accomplishment with no experience in the construction world. In my opinion, learning the language would be a major help for someone just getting started. Understanding what people are talking about, how to read plans, etc. If time permits, volunteering at habit for humanity helping to build a house, picking ups some side construction projects or working through your own home projects would probably pay off in leaps and bounds. You might also be able to go walk new construction in developments after hours and just test yourself on different code requirements. If getting out onsite isn't possible I also have some free downloads for DIY'ers that might give you some additional insight at www.buildingcodetips.com as well as some paid resources. I still think being out on site will help out the most but if you like the free downloads and want more let me know and I can send you over super discount code! Hope this helps and good luck. Its been a great job for me and I hope it does the same for you!

[@jeffreyueda3567]

@@buildingcodetips really appreciate that. Thanks!

[@frattman]

@@buildingcodetips I work part time at a Habitat affiliate building houses and that is great advice to Jeff. I'm also looking to possibly become a building inspector before I start falling apart physically.

[@buildingcodetips]

@@frattman Thanks for the comment! And I hear that on getting out before you fall apart. It sucks to see good hard working people beat down by the very trade they excel at.

[@coolbrek]

I have a job interview for a building inspector coming up, right now I inspect taxiways and runways at an airport... I'm thinking about switching career fields as a building inspector and have very low knowledge about buildings. Do you have any advice? It also says on the job description that I need to obtain an International Code Council certification as a Building Inspector within one year of employment. How hard is it to obtain that?

[@buildingcodetips]

Hello, If you have general knowledge of construction and are able to set aside some time each day to study the code book obtaining your building inspector certification shouldn't be to hard. When I was studying I would try to study at least 1 hour a day during the week, so a minimum of 5hrs and each certification that I tested for took 2-1/2 months before I felt ready. Also, remember that if you get the job the other inspectors will be training you as well. When I interviewed for the building inspector position I was asked some "what if" questions, different scenarios and such and how I would deal with them. At least where I am at, the answer they were looking for was to follow the intent of the code. Obviously, following the requirements of local, state and icc codes is essential but as a building inspector there can be a lot of gray areas and interpretation of the code. Make sure to always follow the intent of the code and you should be good! Good luck on your interview, I hope you get a shot at it.

[@coolbrek]

@@buildingcodetips thank you for the information, also I was wondering if you can work as a home inspector as a side job as well as a building inspector or would they consider that a conflict of interest?

[@buildingcodetips]

@@coolbrek I would think that it would be ok. It really is two different areas of work. We have electrical inspectors in our area that still do electrical work on the side.

[@coolbrek]

@@buildingcodetips thank you for the information!

[@DibbaDabba1]

I'm a convicted felon and it's only been 2 years since conviction.. Would i have a tough time getting hired as a residental building inspector if i passed the icc res bldg exam and got certified? Currently I'm a internachi certified home inspector and been a contractor in the field for about 21 years. Any suggestions or feedback regarding felony background?

[@buildingcodetips]

That’s hard one. I am sure each jurisdiction is going to have its own hiring requirements and there is probably more weight one way or another depending on the type of felony. In most instances you would need to operate a government vehicle and be customer facing all day (contractors and homeowners). Regardless though the more certifications and field experience you have on your resume the better chance you should have getting a interview. At least at the city where I work all applicants are rated on a point system based on their qualifications and ranked. The top 3 are usually always interviewed. Hope that helps!!

[@edtorres5796]

I’m 42 and I have been a union glazier for about 17 years. I really want to get out while my body is still relatively good. So I think a career change to inspector would fit me great. How hard is it to pass for the B2 commercial certification? I also want to certify for commercial plumbing. Any info and tips you can give I would appreciate. Thanks!

[@edtorres5796]

Also, i am not too well versed on reading prints. How much will that affect me?

[@buildingcodetips]

Hey Ed, for both of the B2 and plumbing certifications they are open book tests. So it really comes down to how fast you can find the answer. For myself as a rule, if I could find the answer to just about anything I wanted in 3 maybe 4 minutes I figured I was ready to take the test. For each test you can miss some questions and through all of your studying you will probably know a few without having to look them up making that 3 to 4 minute number in the ballpark. For studying, I would normally try to get 5 to 10 hours in a week and after 2-1/2 to 3 months I would be ready. Definitely get the flash cards, take them with you where ever you go and just test yourself. Start to memorize the chapter that the answer is in and then get familiar with how the code book is laid out, etc. Its a bit of a process to start with but once you get on a routine you will really start to pick it up. I also like to use the 3 ring binder style code books. Then you can put in the tabs. Others might like the hard bound code books. Just preference for me. Also check on the testing requirements. When I was taking the tests you could hi-lite but not write in the books. By the time I took the test my books would be hot pink or yellow! Good Luck!!

[@edtorres5796]

@@buildingcodetips thank u for the info and tips!! Are there flash cards already made that i can buy and if so where can i purchase?

[@buildingcodetips]

@@edtorres5796 Hey Ed, Yes, the flash cards are already made and tailored to whatever code book you are focused on. They can be purchased at www.iccsafe.org. Here is the link to all the flashcards: shop.iccsafe.org/catalogsearch/result/?cat=&q=flash+cards

[@edtorres5796]

@@buildingcodetips thank u so much!!

[@johneymardbacolor9612]

Hi sir, its a good videos regarding inspector. I'm currently work as Civil/Construction Inspector here in Saudi maybe is there any chance that you can help me to get a job and work there in US as inspector. Thank you

[@buildingcodetips]

Hey John, my best advice would be to visit iccsafe.org. There are job postings on there as well as information on certification exams, code books and study material. I don’t know how different code requirements are compared to where you are at but it might be worth going down the road of getting certified in residential or commercial building inspection.

[@johneymardbacolor9612]

@@buildingcodetips thank you

[@johneymardbacolor9612]

@@buildingcodetips is it required to be certified before you work as inspector?

[@buildingcodetips]

@@johneymardbacolor9612 its not necessarily required to get the job but probably a requirement to obtain certification within 6 to 12 months. At least thats how it works where i am employed. Being certified prior to applying will help your chances of getting the postage though!

[@anthonyesparsen7776]

as a building inspector you will be dealing with the best and the worst kind of people so be ready and cool headed , I heard of in the national news of a building inspector in a other state from me get stabbed to death by a contractor whom the inspector gave a correction notice , just be alert of all that's going about you

[@buildingcodetips]

Hey Anthony, Thanks for sharing! You are dead on with your thoughts. The fly by night contractors that show up when the market is good are the ones that always seem to need the most help, and always fight the hardest when its time to do things the right way.

[@papabatsy]

What certifications do you have sir

[@buildingcodetips]

Hi there, I have certifications in plan review, fire plan review, commercial building inspection, plumbing inspection, mechanical inspection and I am also a certified building official. Thanks!

[@rolandomontes4917]

@@buildingcodetips how long all together did all of them take to acquire ?

[@buildingcodetips]

@@rolandomontes4917 the first 4 took me 9 months or so of studying at least one hour a day for 5 days a week. The fire plans examiner test took 3 months and the building official tests took around 7 months (3 tests for the building official cert) Thanks!

[@anthonyesparsen7776]

some get their cars burnt out etc

[@alb5615]

What is that room? Pretty neat

[@buildingcodetips]

I built an office in the back corner of my shop for shooting videos and wanted to use a couple different types of sheathing in case I need to reference it during videos. Thanks for asking!

[@alb5615]

@@buildingcodetips I have an interview coming up for a building official position and was wondering if you had any tips for me to better my chances of landing the job? I have been in the remodeling industry for over 20 years here in Michigan. My last interview didn't go great as they were hitting me with random stuff out of the code book that I didn't quite know off the top of my head.

[@buildingcodetips]

@@alb5615 Congrats on the interview! The biggest things that I can remember from my interview were: -Building code is the minimum requirements -Building code can be left up to interpretation in gray area circumstances -And the basis for building code is fire, life, safety. Those 3 words are a must know! Through fire, life, safety you get into guardrails, handrails, riser heights, rated walls, etc... I don't know if that helps much but hopefully it will help give you a base to work from and a direction!! Good Luck, I hope you get it.