Construction inspectors

Overview

Construction inspectors inspect the construction and maintenance of new and existing buildings, bridges, highways and industrial construction to ensure that specifications and building codes are observed and monitor work site safety. They are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments, construction companies, architectural and civil engineering consulting firms or they may be self-employed.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Examine plans, drawings, and site layouts for new buildings, building renovations and other proposed structures

  • Inspect construction of buildings, bridges, dams, highways and other types of building and engineering construction for conformance to drawings, specifications, building codes or other applicable ordinances

  • Inspect and test electrical or plumbing installations in buildings to ensure compliance with municipal, provincial and federal regulations

  • Inspect steel framework, concrete forms, reinforcing steel mesh and rods, concrete or pre-stressed concrete to ensure quality standards and to verify conformance to specifications and building codes

  • Inspect construction of sewer systems and pipelines

  • Inspect construction sites to ensure that safe working conditions are maintained

  • Inspect existing buildings to identify and report on structural defects, fire hazards and other threats to safety

  • Inspect new or resale homes on behalf of clients and assess and provide reports on the physical condition of property

  • Assess the energy performance and potential energy savings of buildings

  • Plan, design, develop, implement, and evaluate workplace activities to ensure that workers comply with company policies and government safety regulations.

Job titles

  • boiler installation inspector
  • bridge and building inspector
  • bridge inspector
  • bridge inspector - construction and maintenance
  • building construction inspector
  • building construction inspector foreman/woman

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$54,226

Median

$79,253

High

$108,451

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

718

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is required.

  • A college diploma in construction, civil engineering or architectural technology plus several years of related work experience or several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a construction trade, such as plumbing, carpentry or electrical trade are usually required.

  • Provincial certification in a skilled trade or as an engineering technologist is usually required.

Additional information

  • Progression to construction management positions is possible with experience.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

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