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Building inspections ensure safety for the public and workers. Municipal building inspectors review plans for code compliance, environmental impact, and surrounding area effects. Inspections occur throughout construction, including soil stability, system safety, and occupancy. OSHA may conduct random inspections for workplace safety, while home inspectors review residential properties for potential problems.
A building inspection is a review and examination of a commercial structure, residence or municipal project. The basic purpose of the inspection is to protect the safety of both the public and those working on the project site. There are three basic types of building inspections, and each differs in both the objective and scope of the inspection process.
The most common type of building inspection is performed by municipal building inspectors. These people work for local government agencies and are responsible for ensuring that a construction project is built according to applicable building codes. This type of inspection can begin when building plans for permits are submitted. Plans are reviewed for code compliance, the environmental impact of the proposed facility, and the potential effect the facility may have on the surrounding area. Once the surveyor is satisfied with the plans, she will grant a building permit to the project owner or contractor.
At the beginning of the construction process, a series of inspections will take place throughout the life of the project. While the exact number and type of inspections may vary by region and project characteristics, the general principles and intent of this process are the same. Once the earthworks and excavations have been completed, a construction inspection will take place to check the stability of the soil and ensure that environmental protection measures are in place. Another inspection will take place once the pipes or utilities are laid under the slab and before the concrete is poured so that the integrity of these items can be reviewed.
Once a building’s basic envelope is complete and the walls are framed, another inspection will occur to review the safety of the electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems. If these systems are installed according to plans and local codes, the contractor will be authorized to initiate the wall closures. A similar construction inspection is often done before ceilings can be installed over mechanical and electrical work. The final inspection on a commercial project is often called an occupancy inspection and will involve both the fire marshal and the local building inspector. If these individuals determine that the building’s systems are safely installed and that all fire safety codes have been followed, the project will be granted a Certificate of Use and Occupancy (U&O).
A different type of building inspection may also be performed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This US agency is responsible for protecting the health and safety rights of employees in the workplace. They may conduct random inspections during a construction project and will look for fall hazards, protective safety gear, and a variety of other items. Contractors who fail to comply with OSHA standards face significant fines and penalties.
Finally, residential property inspections may be performed by home inspectors. These people are hired by prospective homeowners to review the safety and integrity of a home and its systems. The home inspector can help find potential problems that could cause danger to residents or could result in costly repairs down the road. These inspectors don’t have the authority to order troubleshooting, but they can save buyers from a bad investment.
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