Building inspectors check the structural quality and general safety of buildings. Some specialize further, inspecting only structural steel or reinforced-concrete structures, for example. They examine buildings, highways and streets, sewer and water systems, dams, bridges, and other structures. They also inspect electrical; heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR); and plumbing systems.

Construction and building inspectors typically do the following:

Review plans to ensure they meet building codes, local ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications Approve building plans that are satisfactory Monitor construction sites periodically to ensure overall compliance Use survey instruments, metering devices, and test equipment to perform inspections Inspect plumbing, electrical, and other systems to ensure that they meet code Verify alignment, level, and elevation of structures to ensure building meets specifications Issue violation notices and stop-work orders until building is compliant Keep daily logs, including photographs taken during inspections Provide written documentation of findings

People want to live and work in safe places, and construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets codified requirements. Construction and building inspectors examine buildings, highways and streets, sewer and water systems, dams, bridges, and other structures. They also inspect electrical; heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR); and plumbing systems. Although no two inspections are alike, inspectors perform an initial check during the first phase of construction and followup inspections throughout the construction project. When the project is finished, they perform a final, comprehensive inspection and provide written and oral feedback related to their findings.