Building inspector responsibilities can range widely, often overlap, and often include inspecting elevators, boilers, petroleum bulk storage units, property registration documents, facade condition surveys, energy benchmarking studies and sprinkler/standpipe status inspections.
Inspections by these inspectors enable them to identify code violations and communicate these to contractors and property owners, while reviewing architectural/engineering plans as well as permit applications.
Inspections
Inspectors Visit Construction Sites
Bayside building inspections and property maintenance play an essential role during construction projects, inspecting foundations, excavations, framing, insulation, plumbing, roofing systems and more to make sure the structure complies with local ordinances and building standards.
They inspect the interior of a structure to check for safety features such as exit signs and fire extinguishers, while making sure its walls can support its load.
Building inspectors perform comprehensive reviews of architectural and engineering plans, permit applications, and other documents related to construction to assess compliance with code regulations. Furthermore, building inspectors work directly with contractors, architects, engineers, property owners, and their clients during each stage of the building process to address code violations, provide guidance or discuss inspection findings with them.
Some building inspectors specialise in specific areas, like facade inspections. These inspections are required for buildings over six stories and must be conducted by certified facade inspectors for public safety purposes.
Repairs
Building inspectors play an essential role in assuring new construction meets codes, but also in making sure existing structures remain safe and in good condition – including homes, office buildings and retail stores as well as roads, bridges and sidewalks.
Bayside building inspections and property maintenance typically consist of inspecting wiring, electrical equipment and plumbing as well as foundations, roof, walls, driveways, garage and pool areas (if applicable). When inspecting commercial or industrial properties a more thorough evaluation may be required that includes checking HVAC systems, air conditioning units and fire sprinklers – among others.
Building inspectors are often hired by strata managers or body corporates to conduct building inspections on proposed structural design proposals or civil design modifications and non-permitted construction or investigate potential violations such as non-permitted work. Building inspectors may also be called in following natural disasters like earthquakes, storms or floods; in these instances they must evaluate damaged structures for dilapidation matters or damage claims before creating reports to prepare dilapidation matters or prepare reports regarding dilapidation claims and dilapidation proceedings.
Landlords are responsible for keeping their rental properties in excellent condition and for assuring tenants are happy with the quality of the premises they rent. Repairs such as broken window screens, cracking PVC pipes and leaky roofs should be prioritised; winter brings additional challenges related to snow removal, water drainage and heating that landlords must be prepared for when managing rental properties.
Maintenance
Property maintenance encompasses an assortment of tasks designed to keep buildings and their immediate environments in peak condition, from safety checks and cleaning sessions, rodent control, garbage collection, landscaping projects and repairs, to regular asset checks. Implementing property maintenance tasks regularly not only keeps facilities and occupants comfortable and safe but can prevent costly repairs as well as increase overall property values.
Bayside building inspections and property maintenance conduct comprehensive reviews at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations. They review plans and blueprints, inspect quality of work completed, collaborate with construction professionals to address any issues, and serve as an essential link between construction industry professionals and regulatory authorities, protecting people from unsafe structures.
Based on the type of building being inspected, building inspectors perform various types of inspections. For new construction sites, a general building inspector would typically examine footings and bottom of excavations as well as framing, insulation, waterproofing roofing systems as part of their assessment to make sure that they comply with standards and ensure safe operations. They may also conduct safety audits of electrical systems at construction sites to make sure compliance.
Other inspectors specialise in specific components of buildings, like plumbing. These inspectors will check water supplies, drainage and the proper installation of pipes and fixtures. Furthermore, they can assess whether heating, cooling and ventilation systems function appropriately and safely within a building.
Reports
Property and building assessments and inspection reports provide important information in an organised format to a particular audience. They may be presented orally; however, most often written form is preferred.