Building inspectors need an array of abilities in order to fulfill their duties and ensure compliance with building codes, including engineering knowledge, inspection abilities and interpersonal communication abilities.

Review plans before construction commences, inspect work as it progresses and perform a full inspection upon project completion. Furthermore, there may be specialised inspections.

Structural

Building inspectors Melbourne specialize in structural issues. Using sophisticated equipment, they inspect and test building components before conducting exploratory cuts to isolate potential sources of trouble.

Building inspectors are invaluable when it comes to protecting you from financial disaster. A hidden flaw in electrical wiring in walls may create fire hazards that require costly repairs; hiring one could save you from such potential disaster.

Special inspectors conduct post-construction checks to ensure construction adheres to plans and codes, particularly in regions vulnerable to severe weather or natural disasters. Special inspectors play an especially vital role in protecting buildings against earthquakes or tornadoes by applying protective coatings - they may also inspect industrial piping or water systems before being hired by private companies and insurance firms for follow-up.

Electrical

As their name implies, electrical inspectors inspect the wiring in buildings to ensure it complies with safety standards and works as intended. Their duties range from inspecting sound and security systems to lighting motors and generating equipment.

Electrical inspectors must verify that all receptacle outlets are properly grounded, with enough dedicated circuits to support all appliances and fixtures within a given space. Furthermore, electrical inspectors will make sure GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets and AFCI breakers (arc fault circuit interrupter) breakers present where required.

Electrical inspections are required when building new structures; they may also be needed when adding on to existing structures and renovating bathrooms or kitchens. An inspector will ensure all wires are bonded together properly to protect them from water, rust or corrosion damage.

Plumbing

Plumbing inspectors inspect plumbing systems such as private disposal, water supply, sewer and gas piping as well as underground pipe placement before covering it with earth. Combination inspectors often possess skills in multiple disciplines while specialty inspectors specialize in niche areas such as bridge coating or tank inspection or elevator safety inspections.

Building inspection is the practice of hiring experts to examine a property for its structural integrity by scrutinizing walls, windows, kitchen facilities and other interior elements as well as its exterior for potential hazards and fire safety risks. Inspectors may be employed by local government agencies, engineering and architectural firms or independent inspection services; individuals can also hire them themselves for various reasons such as buying an already built or pre-owned property, getting insurance policy or verifying compliance with regulations.

Mechanical

As their name implies, mechanical inspectors specialize in heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) issues. They verify the proper installation of boilers, commercial kitchen equipment and gas-fired appliances - including their wiring - in addition to assessing ventilation/exhaust systems as well as storage/piping of flammable/combustible liquids.

Most building inspectors operate individually; however, there are exceptions where teams of building inspectors work together. Plan examiners often collaborate with other employees on construction projects to inspect for compliance with specifications and building codes; public works inspectors work alongside team members to inspect federal, state and local government infrastructure such as sewers, roads and bridges while coating or elevator inspectors also play key roles on teams. All inspectors require specific training and qualifications.

Specialty

Specialist inspectors specialize in inspecting specific components of buildings. For instance, they might examine an exterior's parking lots and structures, roofing or landscaping features before inspecting interior features like walls, bathrooms and kitchen facilities to check for safety risks or highlight repairs or replacement needs.

Specialty inspectors require strong communication skills for effective problem analysis. Additionally, they require technical knowledge (mechanical knowledge is often essential), including experience working within construction. Inspectors with prior construction industry experience often earn higher salaries; qualifications also include attention to detail and familiarity with construction techniques; in some instances a degree in related field may also be necessary for certification purposes; plan examiners must possess extensive engineering knowledge - they check whether buildings comply with specifications.