You can get a job as a construction or building inspector with a high school diploma, but you must have considerable experience working in construction as a carpenter, electrician or plumber, so that you know exactly what is required in each situation. Most of the people who hold this position have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. There are also course you can take at vocational colleges in construction. You will also receive a lot of your training on the job by starting at an entry-level under the supervision of a licensed inspector.
As part of the qualifications for the job of construction and building inspector, you do need knowledge of how to read blueprints. This will be the basis for your inspection to ensure that the construction process follows the blueprint instructions. You will need to have a thorough knowledge of the types of materials methods and techniques of construction for various structures as well as the codes and standards. The main requirement is the ability to detect faulty construction or hazardous conditions. When you find such instances in your inspection, you also need excellent written and spoken communication skills so that you can express yourself clearly and be able to explain the problems, suggesting ways to fix them.
The type of license you need to have to obtain a job as a construction and building inspector depends on the state in which you work. Some states, such as Florida, Oregon, New Jersey, New York and others, require that you pass a state examination to be certified to work in such a job in the state. Other states will accept the certification from the International Code Council as the license for the job.
You will have to spend a lot of time outdoors when you have a job as a construction and building inspector. This requires climbing on ladders to reach high places. You must also be mindful of the safety codes and wear the appropriate equipment, such as a hard hat, when inspecting all areas. This means that you must be in good physical condition to do the job well. Since you will be interacting with contractors and worker, as well as officials in your department, you need good interpersonal skills to help develop a good working relationship with diverse groups.
