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Residential Building Inspector Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Combination Building Inspector - South Atlanta / Tyrone, GA area SAFEbuilt has the technical ... Performs daily field inspections of residential, commercial and public facility construction ...

$85 - $120/hr

... residential construction projects. Other duties include conducting inspections, enforcing building codes, enforcing zoning codes, serving as the City's building representative, maintaining and ...

Ensure that all inspections are completed on a timely basis and that inspections are done ... Industrial, Commercial, & Residential building environment with moderate to high noise levels, and ...

Fire Alarm Inspector

Lexington, KY

$20.25 - $26.50/hr

Inspect, install and repair equipment according to established best practices and electrical, fire ... Industrial, Commercial, & Residential building environment with moderate to high noise levels, and ...

Residential Sales Inspector

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$60K - $150K/yr

We are currently seeking a competitive and customer-focused Residential Sales Inspector to join our ... Building Relationships : Providing exceptional customer service to build trust, ensure customer ...

Housing Inspector

Newport, KY ยท On-site

$25 - $31/hr

... on residential properties for compliance with HUD Housing Choice Voucher Housing Quality Standards (HQS) / National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), Kentucky Building ...

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Residential Building Inspector information

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$31

How much do residential building inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for residential building inspector in Kentucky is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $25.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a residential building inspector?

A residential building inspector ensures each home within their region or city meets construction requirements and residential building code rules. Your job duties include visiting a residential property and inspecting it for compliance and overall safety and quality. Your responsibilities may also require you to examine a building after a renovation or repair project. Most cities and counties issue a permit for specific residential improvements. An inspector must look at the structure after the permitted project is done to make sure that everything is still up to code.

What does a residential building inspector do?

A residential building inspector examines homes and other residential structures to ensure they comply with local building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards. Their main duties include inspecting construction, renovation, and repair work at various stages, identifying code violations, and documenting their findings. They often provide guidance to builders and homeowners on how to correct issues and ensure the property is safe and habitable. Inspectors may specialize in areas such as electrical, plumbing, or structural inspections, depending on their certifications and local requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a residential building inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Residential Building Inspector, you need a solid understanding of building codes, construction practices, and inspection procedures, usually backed by relevant certifications or a background in construction or engineering. Familiarity with inspection software, digital reporting tools, and code reference systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and impartial judgment are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensuring residential structures are safe, code-compliant, and built to high standards.

What are some common challenges residential building inspectors face during site inspections?

Residential Building Inspectors often encounter challenges such as interpreting evolving building codes, managing tight inspection schedules, and communicating complex findings to homeowners and contractors. Weather conditions and access limitations can also impact the ability to thoroughly inspect certain areas. Successfully overcoming these challenges requires strong attention to detail, up-to-date knowledge of local regulations, and effective interpersonal skills to ensure compliance and safety standards are met.

What is the difference between Residential Building Inspector vs Commercial Building Inspector?

AspectResidential Building InspectorCommercial Building Inspector
CertificationsBuilding codes, residential inspection certificationsBuilding codes, commercial inspection certifications
Work EnvironmentResidential sites, homes, apartmentsCommercial properties, office buildings, retail spaces
Employer & IndustryConstruction companies, local government, residential developersCommercial developers, government agencies, property managers

Both roles involve inspecting buildings to ensure compliance with safety and building codes, but Residential Building Inspectors focus on homes and residential structures, while Commercial Building Inspectors evaluate commercial properties. The certifications, work environments, and employers overlap significantly, but each specializes in different property types.

Are residential building inspectors in high demand?

Residential building inspectors are in steady demand due to ongoing construction, renovation projects, and the need for code compliance. Employment opportunities often increase with new housing developments and local building regulations requiring inspections, and certification in areas like ICC or state-specific licenses can enhance job prospects.

Is it hard to become a residential building inspector?

Becoming a residential building inspector typically requires completing relevant training, gaining experience in construction or building trades, and obtaining certification or licensing depending on the region. The process involves understanding building codes, safety standards, and passing exams, which can take several months to years depending on prior experience and certification requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Residential Building Inspector jobs in Kentucky?

For Residential Building Inspector jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Residential Building Inspector jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Residential Building Inspector jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Residential Building Inspector jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Residential Building Inspector job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Residential Building Inspector jobs in KY?

For Residential Building Inspector jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Residential Building Inspector job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,193 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

One & Two Family Dwelling Building Inspector

Burlington, KY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description:

Job Summary


This position is performed under general supervision of the Chief and Assistant Chief Building Official and consists of inspecting the construction, additions and/or alterations of residential buildings to determine compliance of approved plans and specifications with the applicable code. This position enforces compliance with the State building, mechanical, electrical, energy and accessibility codes, and relevant County ordinances. 


Major Essential Duties


  • Performs building inspection and enforcement activities on construction of residential buildings to determine if the work is in compliance with the approved plans and the appropriate codes 
  • Assists as needed in commercial plan reviews and inspections  
  • Performs inspections and assures proper installation of new mechanical equipment such as furnaces, air conditioners, fireplaces, fans, vents and other necessary connections to insure compliance with the Kentucky Residential Code 
  • Performs emergency structural inspections to ensure structural integrity, and public or occupants’ safety  
  • Patrols county roads for unreported construction starts and follows up on stop work orders 
  • Enforces county ordinances relating to building codes and subdivision regulations 
  • Ability to communicate with builders, architects, lawyers and others concerning interpretation and compliance of the building code, violations and corrective action, or any related matters 
  • Examine approved building plans to familiarize, inform, and prepare for job site inspections  
  • Confers with residential plans examiners on interpretation of building plans and relevant codes 
  • Reads and interprets technical building construction data such as engineering reports, including concrete test reports, soil reports and or manufacturers’ pamphlets 
  • Apply safety principles and practices as stipulated in departmental policies and procedures; identifies unsafe practices and conditions and brings the matter to the attention of the supervisor 
  • Uses and keeps informed on current electronic permitting systems and other software as needed.  
  • Attends mandatory state training sessions to learn new information about building codes and enforcement methods or to refresh knowledge of construction materials and methods  
  • Performs administrative work such as completing forms, initiating enforcement actions, referencing code, reviewing progress on assigned projects, schedules work and gathers information to discuss with others 
  • Inspects residential sidewalks and driveway aprons in the right of way 




Minor Essential Duties


  • Maintains and relocates files as needed 
  • Collects and delivers pertinent information to supervisor 
  • Performs general housekeeping (trash, sweeping) 
  • Accountable and maintains all inspection equipment provided  
  • Maintains a variety of logs, records and files, generate reports as required 
  • Follows all safety rules and procedures established for work area and follows defensive driving techniques at all times 
  • Performs other related work as required  



Supervisory Responsibilities


  • None 


Relationships


  • The One & Two Family Dwelling Building Inspector performs duties within the Building Department under the direct supervision of the Chief Building Official


Requirements:

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience


  • Has three (3) years experience in a responsible, directly related construction position, such as a foreman, which requires the ability to effectively read and interpret building plans and specifications, or three years experience in an architect or engineer’s office performing building design or drafting duties 
  • Graduated from a college or university with an associate degree in a design, building technology or construction-related subject 


Language Skills

  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret policies, procedures, professional publications, and governmental regulations 
  • Possess strong oral, written and listening skills 
  • Ability to handle sensitive issues 


Mathematical Skills

  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers and decimals 


Reasoning Skills

  • Defines problems, collect data, establishes facts, and draws valid conclusions
  • Interprets a variety of technical and instructional information
  • Makes decisions which serve the County’s best interest and follow the missions and objectives of the department



Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Possesses, or has the ability to obtain, certification as a minimum One and Two Family Dwelling Inspector from the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction within 18 months of hire, and desire to obtain Level I Building Inspector Certification 
  • Possesses or has the ability to obtain a motor vehicle operator’s license. 




Other Knowledge and/or Skills

  • Considerable knowledge of new building construction methods, materials, techniques sufficient to observe or inspect and determine if a project is in compliance with the applicable codes and approved plans 
  • Considerable knowledge of building construction and of the appropriate building codes in order to recognize violations during inspection 
  • Understands materials, methods and practices related to the installation, operation and repair of mechanical components, systems and appurtenances 
  • Familiar with County ordinances such as those relating to building codes and flood damage prevention. 
  • Knowledge of the County Road system or the ability to learn 



Physical Demands

  • Can endure prolonged periods of standing, sitting, walking, stooping, crawling and climbing ladders of scaffold  
  • Has the ability to work at unusually tall heights, such as on roofs, scaffolding and lifts, in order to perform proper inspections  
  • Has the ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds 
  • Has adequate eyesight to conduct inspections and to review plans 
  • Has the ability to work in adverse weather conditions, and possibly dangerous conditions during a natural disaster or fires 



Work Environment

  • Office environment and field work which includes outside environment in all weather-related conditions  
  • Inspections in residential housing and/or commercial buildings  


Comments


  • Must display the following: 
  • Positive communication 
  • Objectivity  
  • Willingness to solve problems 
  • Commitment to serve the county’s best interests 
  • Adherence to the applicable provisions of the Department Rules and Regulations, the Personnel Policy Manual, the Boone County Administrative Code, the Kentucky Revised Statutes, and any other procedures, rules, regulations, and polices set forth by appropriate authorities 
  • Must be neat in appearance  
  • Must be 18 years or older 
  • Personal integrity and no felony convictions 
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality when required