Building site inspector

Building site inspectors check the quality and safety of construction work.


Typical Salary

£21,000 – £50,000

per year

Working Hours

41–43

hours per week

Career Area

Inspectors of standards and regulations

View related courses

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you will:

  • inspect construction sites
  • check that work is following building regulations
  • make sure that work is following project plans
  • measure and sample building materials to check their quality
  • find defects and recommend ways to fix them
  • monitor work progress
  • write reports for construction managers and clients

Skills needed

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • maths knowledge
  • analytical thinking skills
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

Career progression

With experience, you could move into site management, building surveying, civil engineering or construction management.

You could also set up your own site inspection business and work as a consultant, or move into training.

You may need to become a member of the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI).