“With great power comes great responsibility!” Do you remember this catchphrase popularized several years ago in the first Spiderman movie? Inspectors have authority over an inspection process and ultimately the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. But this should not be confused or abused as power. It’s just part of the construction process. I think respect and responsibility are what an inspector should more correctly identify with. How do we gain respect as building inspectors? We are an important part of the construction industry. Even though our job is to protect the lives, health, and safety of people in buildings through our cities and towns, our role is often misunderstood. Instead, sometimes, the public or a contractor develops a perception of an inspector in a negative manner. It could be a previous experience, or a story heard over time. That should not represent our industry and the profession as a whole; however, people remember their last impression. Perception becomes reality. You’ve heard this before. So, what is your perception? When you are out there performing your job, you know that you’re representing your city or town, but also in a larger scope, you are representing the profession of inspectors everywhere. Did you know that? What you do today reflects what all of us will be viewed as or perceived tomorrow. Have you ever thought it was that important? You should!
I remember working on job sites many years ago and seeing inspectors that were appreciated because they treated others with respect. It seemed so simple. I kept that in mind when I became an inspector and would like to share some tips or thoughts along those same lines.
- Show a genuine interest in your assigned projects and listen to any questions or concerns. Have an answer that is code correct and moves the project forward.
- Provide options if possible. Present them as choices instead of mandates. It’s all in the delivery. Be tactful. Be professional. Be nice.
- It’s ok if you don’t have an answer every time. Let the job superintendent know; give him your card and get back to him ASAP!
- Use the plans on site and code sections to explain issues in the field. This is important because it becomes building science instead of something you just want them to do.
- Do you know everything? New building practices and innovations in the field happen occasionally. Be open to learning more and listening. Maybe a new idea can work but explore it and find out why.
- You are a fresh set of eyes on the job. Any problems detected early will benefit any project in the future. Contractors are people too and can be receptive to helpful comments if you present them in a positive frame of mind.
- Keep emotions out of it. Sometimes this is difficult but quiet confidence is better than loud and arrogant demands.
- Of course, be consistent. We all hear this one a lot. It’s fair. We should all make the same call along with our fellow inspectors. Have team meetings to discuss issues and concerns in the field.
- Attitude. Decide to have a good one. It’s the only thing you are in total control of everyday.
There are lots of moving parts on a construction job and we inspectors are one of the most important. Each job should be viewed as an inspector/contractor partnership. The protection of life, health, and property is a solemn responsibility of the highest order. As “Inspectors with great responsibility” let’s do our best to help build a safer community.
Selso Mata, AIA, CBO
Chief Building Official
City of Plano