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Residential Building Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Both the Residential Building Inspector (B1) and Commercial Building Inspector (B2) certifications are mandatory and count toward the five required certifications: Residential Building Inspector (B1 ...

Combination Inspector III

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$58K - $78K/yr

Both the Residential Building Inspector (B1) and Commercial Building Inspector (B2) certifications are mandatory and count toward the five required certifications: Residential Building Inspector (B1 ...

Both the Residential Building Inspector (B1) and Commercial Building Inspector (B2) certifications are mandatory and count toward the five required certifications: Residential Building Inspector (B1 ...

Building Inspector

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$25 - $55/hr

Perform field inspections of industrial, commercial, and residential buildings during various stages of construction to verify compliance with applicable California Building Codes and approved ...

CA · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Perform field inspections of industrial, commercial, and residential buildings during various stages of construction to verify compliance with applicable California Building Codes and approved ...

Building Inspector

Rocklin, CA · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Perform field inspections of industrial, commercial, and residential buildings during various stages of construction to verify compliance with applicable California Building Codes and approved ...

The Town of Easton is now accepting resumes and cover letters for Building Inspector / Plans ... residential, and industrial construction, alteration, repairs and change of occupancy. To review ...

The Town of Easton is now accepting resumes and cover letters for Building Inspector / Plans ... residential, and industrial construction, alteration, repairs and change of occupancy. To review ...

The Town of Easton is now accepting resumes and cover letters for Building Inspector / Plans ... residential, and industrial construction, alteration, repairs and change of occupancy. To review ...

The Town of Easton is now accepting resumes and cover letters for Building Inspector / Plans ... residential, and industrial construction, alteration, repairs and change of occupancy. To review ...

Building Inspector

Roseville, CA · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Perform field inspections of industrial, commercial, and residential buildings during various stages of construction to verify compliance with applicable California Building Codes and approved ...

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Residential Building Inspector information

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$26

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How much do residential building inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for residential building inspector in the United States is $26.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $29.57 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.

Is it hard to get hired as a home inspector?

Getting hired as a residential building inspector can be competitive, but having relevant certifications, such as a state license or certification from a recognized organization, improves job prospects. Experience in construction or related fields and knowledge of building codes also enhance employability in this role.

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.

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 and those working on large-scale projects or for government agencies often have higher earning potential due to the complexity and scope of their work. Certifications such as ICC (International Code Council) can also contribute to increased earnings.

How much do inspectors make per inspection?

Residential building inspectors typically do not get paid per inspection but earn an hourly or salary wage, which can range from $20 to $50 per hour depending on experience, location, and employer. Some inspectors may charge clients directly for inspections, with fees ranging from $200 to $500 per inspection, but this varies based on the scope and complexity of the inspection and local market rates.
What cities are hiring for Residential Building Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Residential Building Inspector job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Residential Building Inspector jobs? The top employers for Residential Building Inspector jobs are:
What states have the most Residential Building Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Residential Building Inspector jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Residential Building Inspector jobs? For Residential Building Inspector jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Residential Building Inspector job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Full Time, and 83% Part Time. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,337 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Commercial Building Inspector

Lancaster County, SC

Lancaster, SC • On-site

$52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Salary: $52,475.00 Annually
Location : Administration - 101 N. Main St., Lancaster, SC
Job Type: FULL TIME
Department: Building
Opening Date: 11/25/2024
Description
Under general supervision, ensures compliance with mandatory codes and regulations related to building construction to safeguard the general public. Reports to the Chief Inspector.
Examples of Duties
Communicates and interacts with County staff, contractors, and the general public; establishes and maintains cooperative working relationship with coworkers and those contacted in the course of a working day.
Communicates both orally and in writing; performs data entry, retrieval, and researching information using computer software.
Works both independently and collaboratively to resolve complex differences in interpretation of codes with the design professional, contractors, and the general public.
Reviews and interprets building and structural construction documents for accurate compliance with the International Commercial and Residential Building Codes with South Carolina amendments consisting, but not limited to, architectural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, structural, and civil details normally found on submitted drawings for building permits.
Researches alternative products, materials and methods of construction submitted to the Building Department for accurate compliance with the International Commercial and Residential Building Codes with South Carolina amendments before issuing building permits.
Advises basic inspection principle, practices, and procedures to less experienced colleagues.
Follows directions from supervisor; remains punctual; accepts criticism in the performance of other duties including but not limited to projects, attending meetings, and obtaining yearly continuing education hours required to maintain certifications as current.
Communicates with local utility providers to convey approval and satisfaction of work installed, altered, or repaired to any given structure.
Works independently in the field to make decisions using discretion, judgment, and code knowledge when inspecting multi-family dwellings, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings and residential structures during a variety of stages of construction.
Assures compliance with the International Commercial and Residential Building Codes with South Carolina amendments during inspections at various stages of construction, alterations, and/or repairs to any given structure.
Differentiates deviations from the construction documents submitted for approval for a building permit; creates a report explaining such deviations along with any and all items not adhering to the International Commercial or Residential Building Codes with South Carolina amendments.
Provides assistance to other Building Inspectors in areas of specialization or certifications along with a possible explanation of how to satisfy the requirements of the International Commercial or Residential Building Codes with South Carolina amendments.
Assembles with design professionals, contractors, superintendents, and/or individual homeowner/builders on site; negotiates solutions on how to satisfy the requirements of the International Commercial or Residential Building Codes with South Carolina amendments in passive, respectful, and professional manner.
Mediates hostile situations when issuing verbal warnings or stop-work orders to structures not complying with County regulations or adhering to the International Commercial or Residential Building Codes with South Carolina amendments.
Performs the duties subjected to fumes, odors, dusts, poor ventilation, airborne particles, intense noises, and extreme temperatures.
Maintains vehicle.
Receives, reviews, prepares and processes various records and reports to include construction drawings, engineering documentation, technical data, diagrams, daily logs, utility transmittals, field documentation, etc.
Interacts and communicates with a variety of groups and individuals to include co-workers, immediate supervisor, other departmental personnel and supervisory staff, the County Administrator, permit customers, contractors, training instructors, architects, engineers, etc.
Operates and utilizes various office related machinery and equipment to include a computer, adding machine, printer, typewriter, calculator, fax machine, small hand tools, and a motor vehicle.
ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Performs related duties as required.
Typical Qualifications
Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent with vocational/technical school training in building construction, supplemented by a minimum of five years of experience in construction and/or codes enforcement, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must possess a valid state driver's license. Must possess certification as required by state law which may include building inspector, building plans examiner, residential electrical inspector, plumbing inspector, mechanical inspector, mechanical plans examiner, plumbing plans examiner, electrical plans examiner, chief electrical code analyst, chief building code analyst, chief plumbing code analyst, chief mechanical code analyst, code enforcement and administration professional.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Equal Opportunity Employer
  • State of South Carolina Blue Cross Blue Shield Health & Dental Insurance
  • Eyemed Vision Insurance
  • SC State Retirement /Or PORS Retirement System for eligible Public Safety positions
  • Long Term Disability
  • Family Medical Leave
  • Paid Annual Leave and Sick Time (accrued bi-weekly)
  • Bi-weekly Pay Schedule
  • On-site Health Clinic
  • Employee Wellness Programs
  • Discount YMCA Membership
  • Lunch & Learn Programs
  • Optional 401k and Deferred Comp Plans
  • Optional Short Term Disability (Colonial Life)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement