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Residential Building Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Residential Building Inspector, Residential Electrical Inspector, Residential Plumbing Inspector, Residential Mechanical Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, Commercial Electrical Inspector ...

Combination Inspector

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$66K - $105K/yr

Residential Building Inspector, Residential Electrical Inspector, Residential Plumbing Inspector, Residential Mechanical Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, Commercial Electrical Inspector ...

Working knowledge of commercial or residential building construction processes and applicable building codes and inspection techniques * Proficiency with document management software and construction ...

Working knowledge of commercial or residential building construction processes and applicable building codes and inspection techniques * Proficiency with document management software and construction ...

Working knowledge of commercial or residential building construction processes and applicable building codes and inspection techniques * Proficiency with document management software and construction ...

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Residential Building Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$25

$36

How much do residential building inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for residential building inspector in Virginia is $25.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.16 and $29.33 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Residential Building Inspector job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,871 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Structural Building Inspector

Chesterfield County

Chesterfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Chesterfield County (Virginia) rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

222nd of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Minimum Qualifications Safe construction from the ground up - that is our commitment to excellence. If this is your passion too, we may be looking for you. What You Do and How You Do It: A Building Inspector is responsible for enforcing the Virginia Construction Code as it relates to residential and commercial structures.

Perform on-site inspections of building construction and systems to ensure building safety and code compliance. Coordinate regulatory activities of other county departments involved in the building permit and approval process. Perform safety and damage assessment inspections.

You will also respond to, investigate, and resolve concerns from citizens and customers regarding building code and construction related issues. Attend meetings to convey requirements about the department's procedures for the inspection processes and establish channels of communication between contractors, designers, job superintendents, and the inspection division. Participate in the development of the Virginia Construction Code representing Chesterfield at the state and national levels.

You may be cross-trained to perform other duties. You must possess or obtain the required professional certifications and remain current with certifications and the latest best practices. This is primarily a home-based position.

A County vehicle and computer equipment will be provided for teleworking and traveling from home directly to the field. Everything we do must be done with a customer and results focus. We facilitate safe code compliant construction; we do not hinder the construction process.

Building Inspector I - $50,649 - $68,375. Must possess or obtain within 18 months of hire Virginia certifications as either a Residential or Commercial Building Inspector, as well as Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector. Building Inspector II - $56,107 - $75,744.

Must possess at time of hire Virginia certifications as a Combination Inspector, or Residential Building Inspector and Commercial Building Inspector; Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector must be obtained within 18 months. Building Inspector III - $62,154 - $83,906. Must possess at time of hire Virginia certifications as Combination Residential Inspector and one of the following: Commercial Electrical Inspector, Commercial Plumbing/Mechanical Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector or Property Maintenance Inspector; Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector must be obtained within 18 months.

Here's What You Need: High school diploma or GED; three years of code enforcement or construction experience preferably with strong structural emphasis; one year of experience as a Building Inspector for a Building Inspector II or two years of experience as a Building Inspector for a Building Inspector III; construction/engineering technology or vocational program degree/certificate preferred; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. You must be able to read and interpret construction documents and plans and use a personal computer and navigate software, which is used to perform your daily job duties. The ability to perform physically demanding work including, but not limited to, traversing construction sites, climbing ladders, walking long distances, climbing stairs, crawling under buildings and tight spaces, standing and/or driving for extended periods.

Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills. Current valid driver's license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, records must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months.

Out-of-state driving records must be obtained by the applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within 30 days of interview date. Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.

Real Talk: We'll be honest - this is hard work with multiple challenges that are sometimes frustrating. Often contractors manage projects in a way that makes your job more difficult. You may have to do some handholding when the construction labor force lacks proficiency.

You need to consistently enforce a complex building code, manage coordination with multiple departments, keep track of numerous inspections and effectively manage a heavy volume of work on a daily basis. If you are committed to ensuring construction safety and building code compliance in a First Choice Community as well as getting it done right the first time, Building Inspector may be the career for you. This position is a part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications and experience.

Still Interested. Click the "apply" link above to complete and submit an application by August 30, 2026. Shift Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m

- 4:30 p.m. Work Location Building Inspections Chesterfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.


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