About

Ask Yourself...

  • Are you interested in building structure and design?
  • Are you familiar with Building Code?
  • Can you interpret construction drawings?
  • Can you write technical reports?
  • Do you enjoy working with a wide range of people?
  • Can you successfully deal with conflict?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then a career as a Building Inspector could be right for you.

Building inspectors review the plans for residential, commercial and industrial buildings to ensure the building design complies with national and/or provincial Building Code requirements. They also conduct on-site inspections to ensure that actual building construction is in compliance with Building Code. Normally this work takes place prior to and during new construction or renovation.

Building inspectors are normally employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments, and in some cases, they may be employed by construction companies, architectural firms and civil engineering consulting firms.

Duties

Building inspectors perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Examine plans, drawings and site layouts for new buildings, building renovations and other proposed structures to ensure compliance with Building Code
  • Inspect construction of buildings to ensure that it complies with Building Code
  • 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

Work Conditions

Building inspectors who review plans normally work in an office, while those who perform building inspections spend a lot of time out on construction sites.

As with all careers in the construction industry, safety is the top priority. While on construction or other job sites, building inspectors must be aware of and comply with all relevant safety policy and procedures.

Training and Certification

The Alliance of Canadian Building Officials’ Associations (ACBOA) is a good source of information on courses and training providers for this occupation. ACBOA also oversees a National Certification Program for building inspectors who meet their certification requirements. For more information visit www.acboa.ca.

  • Completion of secondary school is required.
  • 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 required.
  • Provincial certification in a skilled trade or as an engineering technologist may be required.

Courses

Construction Industry Ethics
Construction Industry Ethics
Construction Project Management
Construction Project Management
Working in a Respectful and Inclusive Workplace
Working in a Respectful and Inclusive Workplace

Wage

Salary Gradient
Mid range
$69,990		Salary Range ArrowHigh range
$110,970
The wage range listed here is based on hourly rates multiplied by a 40-hour work week. Wages can vary depending on the contract, company, location and collective agreements (if applicable), as well as local and national economic conditions. Overtime is not included.

The “mid range” wage is based on the national “median” wage reported in the Job Bank career profile for this National Occupational Category (NOC): 2264

Note: Some career profiles may have more than one NOC code associated with them.

Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.

Videos

Day in the life of a Building Inspector