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Residential Building Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... across residential and commercial sectors. We strive to continually improve building energy ... This will include visual inspections of materials, data collection and visual observation of energy ...

... across residential and commercial sectors. We strive to continually improve building energy ... This will include visual inspections of materials, data collection and visual observation of energy ...

... across residential and commercial sectors. We strive to continually improve building energy ... This will include visual inspections of materials, data collection and visual observation of energy ...

... across residential and commercial sectors. We strive to continually improve building energy ... This will include visual inspections of materials, data collection and visual observation of energy ...

... across residential and commercial sectors. We strive to continually improve building energy ... This will include visual inspections of materials, data collection and visual observation of energy ...

Combination Inspector

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$60K - $106K/yr

Conducts residential mechanical, electrical, plumbing and building construction inspections relative to applicable codes, or conducts commercial mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections ...

Showing results 21-40

Residential Building Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$25

$36

How much do residential building inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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 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 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 it take to be a residential building inspector?

A residential building inspector typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience in construction or building trades. Many states require certification or licensing, which involves passing exams and gaining knowledge of building codes and safety standards. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and familiarity with inspection tools are also important for the role.

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 for this role is expected to grow as building regulations become more stringent and new housing developments increase, often requiring certifications and knowledge of local building codes.

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 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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,871 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Building Codes Combination Inspector

City of Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$55K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description Do you want to work in a team environment where you have an active role in helping the City with inspections of building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other matters. If so, the Community Development Department's Building Codes Combination Inspector career may be the right fit for you. The Building Codes Combination Inspector is a full-time position with benefits and a preferred hiring range of $26.67 - $29.34 per hour (equivalent to $55,473 - $61,027 annually); however, an exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications and experience

You are the ideal candidate for this position if you have a desire to work both in the field and an office environment while performing a variety of work related to inspections of all phases of building plans and construction. As a Building Codes Combination Inspector, you'll be responsible for essential duties to ensure regulatory compliance and community safety, including conducting inspections and re-inspections of residential and commercial structures across electrical, mechanical, plumbing, building, and property maintenance areas. You'll interpret building plans and specifications for compliance, and issue correction notices and stop work orders when construction projects do not adhere to standards.

In the role, you'll evaluate existing buildings for hazards, structural issues, or improper use. Additionally, the role requires you to manage code violation complaints for buildings and property maintenance and navigate enforcement challenges per office policies, the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC), and in consultation with the Building Official or another supervisor. You may also be required to provide court testimony on code violations.

Furthermore, you'll prepare monthly inspection reports and draft property violation maintenance letters, maintaining accurate documentation in accordance with VUSBC. You'll have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge and offer expert assistance to citizens, contractors, and builders, discuss complex code compliance matters, and perform basic plan reviews to ensure all construction projects meet legal and safety standards. A detailed list of essential functions along with the ideal candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities is available in the Building Codes Combination Inspector class specification.

Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED supplemented by coursework in a variety of inspection specialties or related field and considerable (3-5 years) experience in one or more of the building construction trades. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be used to meet this requirement. Valid driver's license.

Availability to be on-call for off-hours emergency response and participate in a rotating, stand-by work program. Bilingual abilities are preferred but not required for consideration. Click here to view the physical requirements of this position.

Special Requirements: Certification from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development as a Combination Residential Inspector or the ability to obtain this certification within eighteen (18) months of hire date; Certification from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development as a Combination Commercial Inspector and Property Maintenance Inspector or the ability to obtain the certification within thirty-six (36) months of hire date. The selected candidate for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results: DMV record review; and Criminal background check. Supplemental Information To Apply: In order to be considered, all candidates must submit a complete City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including previous work experience and education history.

This position may close at any time after 10 calendar days. (posted 05/12/2026) The City provides an excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement (VRS & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave and 15.5 holidays. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status

The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.