A high school diploma or equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED®) certificate, is required to work as a code inspector. Although a higher education is not required, most employers prefer candidates who have completed some form of formal secondary education, such as an associate’s degree or a certificate from a trade school. Prospective employees may be given supervised training, especially in the areas of fieldwork and code inspection. Finally, to become a code inspector, an applicant must pass written tests and obtain a license or certificate. A code inspector should be well-versed in construction methods and engineering.
Almost every municipality has a set of building codes that apply to that area. Building codes ensure that all structures in the community are built to current safety and accessibility standards. A code inspector must be well-versed in the regulations governing code inspections. He or she must also stay up to date on new standards, such as handicapped-accessible building regulations at the national, state, and provincial levels. As a code inspector, you’ll be responsible for these duties as well as maintaining and organizing a slew of written documentation for both residential and commercial structures.
Working in the office and in the field are both part of a typical day for a code inspector. He or she might take calls from curious home renovators, look over blueprints for a new housing development, or issue a building permit for a home remodel. Building code violations may result in fines or payment, and the code inspector may inspect a number of residential and commercial structures for code compliance. To become a code inspector, you must balance on-site inspections with your vast, up-to-date knowledge of the code regulations, offering wise advice when needed and penalizing code breakers as needed.
Physical fitness is also required of the code inspector. Construction tools, materials, and debris litter many construction sites. Climbing ladders, crawling through crawlspaces, and handling meters and tape measures are all required skills. Working alongside an experienced inspector provides a lot of on-the-job training for becoming a code inspector. Before obtaining a license of qualification, some municipalities require on-site testing.
This is a crucial position, and a code inspector frequently has a lot of power and supervises others. An inspector oversees and assesses the construction of residential and commercial structures to ensure that they comply with national and local electrical, plumbing, fire, and building codes. Ordinarily, code inspectors are hired by their local governments. They are in charge of issuing building permits, enforcing building regulations, and inspecting construction on the job site for compliance. In addition to zoning regulations, code inspectors may inspect bridges, dams, roadways, and wastewater systems.