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Residential Building Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dewberry

Building Construction Inspector

Hampton, VA · On-site

$81K - $95K/yr

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

Dewberry

Building Construction Inspector

Hampton, VA · On-site

$81K - $95K/yr

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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All JobsResidential Building Inspector JobsResidential Building Inspector Jobs in Virginia

Residential Building Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$25

$36

How much do residential building inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 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.

How long does it take to become ICC certified?

Becoming an ICC Residential Building Inspector typically requires completing a training program, gaining relevant work experience, and passing the ICC certification exam, which can take several months to over a year depending on individual preparation and scheduling. Candidates often need to meet specific experience requirements and demonstrate knowledge of building codes and inspection procedures.

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 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 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.

What is required to become a building inspector?

To become a residential building inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience in construction or building trades, and often must obtain state or local certification or licensing. Some inspectors pursue post-secondary education or specialized training in building codes, and passing written exams is usually required to demonstrate knowledge of building standards and safety regulations.

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 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 type of inspectors make the most money?

Among residential building inspectors, those with advanced certifications, specialized skills, or experience in high-demand areas tend to earn higher salaries. Commercial building inspectors or those overseeing large-scale projects often have higher earning potential due to increased responsibilities and complexity. Salary can also vary based on location, employer, and level of expertise.

Are building inspectors in demand?

Building inspectors, including residential building inspectors, are in demand due to ongoing construction, renovation projects, and the need to ensure building safety and code compliance. Employment for these professionals is expected to grow as building standards become more stringent and new construction increases across many regions.
More about Residential Building Inspector jobs
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:
Residential Building Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Residential Building Inspector job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,871 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
COMBINATION COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL INSPECTOR

COMBINATION COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL INSPECTOR

Stafford County, VA

Stafford, VA • On-site

$32.50 - $56.88/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Stafford County, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 04030
Department: Development Services
Opening Date: 05/11/2026
Starting Salary: See Job Description
Job Description
The position performs multidisciplinary inspections involving the application of residential mechanical, electrical, gas, plumbing, building construction codes, ordinances, and regulations, exercising considerable judgment and initiative, for compliance with legal standards. The position assists and trains the Building Inspector I in the residential combination inspection of buildings. Does related work as required. Work is performed under general supervision.
Advancement to the Building Inspector III level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions, completion of 4 years of employment as a Building Inspector II, possession of an appropriate Residential and Commercial Combination Building Inspector certification and is at the discretion of the manager.
There are two levels that are being recruited for this position and the hiring ranges based on experience:
Building Inspector II - $30.37/hour to $41.76/hour
Building Inspector III - $32.50/hour to $44.69/hour
The full salary ranges to provide opportunity for growth and development:
Building Inspector II - $30.37/hour to $53.15/hour
Building Inspector III - $32.50/hour to $56.88/hour
Examples of Duties
  • Conducts field inspections for residential building construction to ensure that building construction and the installation of mechanical heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, electrical systems, and plumbing are performed in compliance with applicable state, national, and local codes and ordinances, and approved plans and permits;
  • Trains and assists the Building Inspector I in the combination residential building inspections;
  • Inspects water supply connections in residential buildings for unprotected cross connections to ensure the proper backflow prevention devices are installed to prevent contamination of the domestic water supply;
  • Performs emergency inspections as required; investigates damaged structures to determine extent of damage, if structure is safe to occupy, and what plans/permits are required for reconstruction; performs FEMA damage assessments;
  • Prepares documentation related to the outcome of inspections and records inspection results in County database;
  • Prepares and issues Notice of Violations, Stop Work Orders, Corrective Work Orders, unsafe structures reports, memoranda, and other correspondence; initiates corrective procedures to obtain voluntary compliance;
  • Testifies in civil and criminal court proceedings and in appeals hearings;
  • Responds to complaints regarding new construction, unpermitted construction, and existing structures; investigates, researches, and analyzes the code complaint to determine its merits, reports the findings, and requires corrective action when necessary;
  • Coordinates all enforcement efforts with other County agencies and branches, as appropriate;
  • Advertises unsafe structures which are dangerous to life, health, and safety of occupants and the general public;
  • Serves as a technical assistant to the Building Official;
  • Examines and interprets plans for the proper installation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building equipment, and approves minor changes to plans in the field or requires plans to be revised and resubmitted for approval as appropriate;
  • Meets with homeowners, developers, engineers, contractors, and interested citizens to provide information and answer questions about County development regulations applicable to residential construction;
  • Appears at civic association meetings to present material on permit, plan, and inspection requirements to help educate citizens on the Building Code and emphasize life safety matters;
  • Researches and investigates the applicability of new products and applications to be used in field situations and communicates results to the work team;
  • May work after hours on emergency call inspections;
  • Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Considerable knowledge of the theories and practices of the National and State mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas, and building codes, local ordinances, and regulations;
  • Considerable knowledge of the equipment, materials, and methods used in the repair and/or construction of residential buildings and structures;
  • Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to test electrical wiring with testing equipment;
  • Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used in the installation of electrical distribution systems and receptacles, grounding equipment and services, and in the sizing and protection of conductors;
  • Knowledge of the American National Standard for Handicap Accessibility (ADA);
  • Ability to read, interpret, and follow wiring diagrams, building plans, blueprints, maps, drawings, regulations, legal documents, and engineering specifications for building, mechanical, electrical, gas, and plumbing installation;
  • Ability to interpret a variety of codes and keep abreast of code modifications, code updates, new technology, materials, and installations;
  • Ability to review and inspect approved plans based on ICC A117.1 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities Accessibility;
  • Ability to effectively use computer systems and software applications to perform a variety of work tasks;
  • Ability to establish and maintain a courteous and effective work relationship with builders, contractors, the general public, associates, and to communicate effectively with a diverse community;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both vocally and in writing, and to properly articulate the necessary action to clear a violation;
  • Ability to serve as an expert witness;
  • Ability to analyze and resolve field problems;
  • Ability to use sound judgment in making independent decisions;
  • Ability to provide training and assistance to technical personnel;
  • Ability to work after hours for emergency on-call inspection duty;
  • Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions.

Education and Experience
Building Inspector II:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to High School and 4 years of residential construction and/or residential inspection experience. For internal applicants, must have 2 years of service as a Building Inspector I.
Possession of a Combination Residential Building Inspector certification by Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD).
Building Inspector III:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to High School and 4 years of residential and commercial construction and inspection experience. For internal applicants, must have 4 years of service as a Building Inspector II.
Possession of a Combination Residential and Commercial Building Inspector certifications by Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD).
Possession of Fire Protection Inspector certification by the VDHCD or ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.
Please for our full-time benefits.
Note: All employees are required to have direct deposit of their bi-weekly paychecks into one or more financial institution(s) of their choice. Information must be presented at time of hire.
Proper Identification must be shown at time of hire in order to complete the necessary paperwork for compliance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986.
01
Do you currently possess a Combination Residential (for Inspector II) or Combination Residential and Commercial Building Inspector certification issued by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have experience applying the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and related mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building codes during field inspections?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have at least four (4) years of residential and commercial construction and inspection experience?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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