Published 30 Jul 2025
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4 min read
What is Building Inspection?
A building inspection verifies if a structure complies with building codes and minimum safety standards. Licensed inspectors run a visual check to see if there are any defective components or damaged areas in the building. Conducting inspections ensures that new and remodeled structures are safe and sturdy before opening to the public.
Why is it Important?
Building inspections offer plenty of advantages for property owners and buyers alike.
First, it provides property owners with a thorough assessment of their building. Inspectors check for any structural defects that can endanger the occupants in the building. Detecting these faults early on helps owners resolve them immediately.
Moreover, inspections guarantee that buildings meet essential health, safety, and quality standards. It ensures that buildings have structural integrity based on prescribed building codes. Following these regulations also shows the owner’s commitment to safety and quality.
On the buyer’s side, building inspections can help them determine the quality of the building that they plan to buy. They receive assurance that they’re making the right choice when purchasing a building.
Types of Building Inspections
Building inspections are typically divided into interior and exterior checks. Interior inspections focus on elements and functionalities inside the building such as ceilings, rough electrical, plumbing, and insulation. While exterior inspections focus on foundation and footing, roof sheathing and final roofing, wall sheathing, lath installation, and exterior finishes. Here are a couple of examples how building inspections can be approached:
General Building Inspections
This type of inspection involves evaluating the overall structure and quality of the property. Inspectors review the facilities, identify signs of deterioration, and provide recommendations based on the location’s building codes and regulations.
General building inspections include the following types:
Institutional building inspection
Public works building inspection
Pre-purchase building inspection
Specialized Building Inspections
Specialized inspections probe into specific aspects of the property. Inspectors run checks to find if these facilities follow the mandated requirements.
Specialized building inspections consist of the following types:
Mechanical inspection
What to Include in a Building Inspection Checklist
A building inspection checklist assists inspectors and property owners in evaluating a facility’s condition. This section outlines the essential elements of this checklist.
Building Details
The checklist starts with the details about the building. This element helps supervisors and managers easily identify the structure in the inspection report.
It typically consists of the following items:
Building ID number (if any)
Building site/unit
Building location
Name of inspector
Date of inspection
Safety and Quality Standards
Incorporating building standards is a must in any building inspection checklist. It must align with building codes and regulations set by various governing bodies.
These rules and regulations vary from one country to another. Some might have state, federal, and international standards that buildings must follow. Some examples include the following:
Areas in the Building
Inspectors and property owners have to check every part of the building during inspections. Having a handy digital checklist streamlines this process and makes sure they don’t miss any spots.
Here’s a list of the necessary places to include in a building inspection checklist:
Building interior (floors, walls, aisles, halls, stairs, verandas, etc.)
Building exterior (stairs, pathways, walls, etc.)
Under-floor space, foundations, and stumps
Roofing (exterior, guttering, space)
Means of egress (passageways, exits, etc.)
Car and garage spaces
Fencing, driveways, steps, paths, etc.
Utility Services
Aside from this, it’s also crucial to assess the quality of utility services inside the building. After all, a well-functioning structure won’t work without electricity, water, ventilation, and safety equipment. Some inspectors offer services specifically for these vital areas.
This element consists of the following items:
Electrical systems
Plumbing systems (piping, wastewater disposal, drainages, etc.)
Mechanical systems ( HVAC systems , appliances, etc.)
Fire safety , prevention, and protection mechanisms
Pest control mechanisms
Sign-Offs for Building Inspection Report
Upon finishing the inspection, inspectors must attach their signature and full name at the end of the report. It indicates who the inspector is and verifies that the process is complete. The building inspection report should contain photos of the property, its exact address or location, as well as the contact details of the inspector. This portion can also include the inspector’s judgment about the building and recommendations for repair, replacement, or maintenance.
Building Inspection Checklist Sample Report | SafetyCulture
Byblos Construction digitized safety checklists, compliance checks, and risk assessments with SafetyCulture, letting teams quickly notify leaders of risks for faster action and fewer blind spots. This improved risk management, communication, and visibility for safer job sites.
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