ICC General Requirements Practice Exam

What is an essential duty of the building inspector?

1. To hire contractors

2. To oversee the building inspection program

3. To perform jurisdictional inspections

4. To approve special inspectors

The correct answer is: To perform jurisdictional inspections

The essential duty of a building inspector is to perform jurisdictional inspections. This role involves examining various stages of construction to ensure compliance with applicable building codes, standards, and regulations. By conducting these inspections, building inspectors play a crucial part in ensuring that construction projects are safe, structurally sound, and in adherence to local laws. They check for issues such as proper materials, structural integrity, and adherence to design plans, ensuring that the construction meets all legal and safety requirements. While overseeing the building inspection program or approving special inspectors may also involve a regulatory component, and hiring contractors is typically outside the scope of the building inspector's responsibilities, the primary function remains focused on executing inspections. Thus, this hands-on approach directly impacts public safety and ensures quality in the building process.