Building Inspection is a critical component in the construction and maintenance of residential, commercial, multi-unit and specialty buildings within California. Each area critical to the proper quality of construction, safety of operation and durability over an appropriate time, is separately inspected, tested and certified as compliant with the International Building Code.

The responsibilities of building inspectors are reflected in the importance of their role in ensuring the safety of inhabitants during earthquakes, floods, and other emergency situations. The safety of firefighters entering buildings is increased by compliance with the building code requirements for the proper installation of fire sprinklers and other safety measures. Employment is primarily within city, county and state agencies with some opportunities with larger real estate or construction organizations and has remained steady during the last decade.

Career Opportunities

Typical of real estate/construction-related occupations, building inspection has some ebb and flow with economic cycles. However, this specialty area does not suffer the extreme peaks and valleys of employment found in general for real estate-related industries. The need for building inspection services is not limited to new construction. Rather it is in demand for the great majority of remodeling or updating projects, for re-inspection of properties that fall under new regulations and support of code violation enforcement. The employers are predominately government agencies and private firms that contract to government agencies, where the work is in consistent demand and is closely tied to the work of fire marshals, emergency preparedness services, etc. A snapshot of the employment demand in five Bay area Counties reveals that there were 2,215 jobs in 2016 (nationally there were 88,977 jobs), with a projected increase in the Bay Area of 15% over the next 7 years. The median hourly earnings are $42.18/hour. Our students are frequently hired into Building Inspection Departments in San Mateo County. The majority of our instructors graduated from the CSM program and are currently building inspectors in either San Mateo, San Francisco or Santa Clara counties.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

- Describe and discuss inspection standards for each of the critical areas of residential structures in California.

- Explain the intent of the code requirements for residential structures in California.