The documentation provides a valuable resource of information if questions arise during and after the construction process. The executive official in charge of the Building Department is known as the code official. In small communities and rural areas, a single code official may be responsible for building inspections, plumbing inspections, fire prevention inspections, mechanical and electrical inspections, building and zoning administration, and the like. In larger metropolitan areas, each of these tasks may be performed by different specialized staff members. Today's technology dictates that, to be effective, building inspectors must be familiar with the principles of construction, not merely the specifics.
Inspectors usually specialize in one type of construction work.
They may be building inspectors, public works inspectors, electrical inspectors, mechanical inspectors, plumbing inspectors, housing inspectors or fire prevention inspectors. Federal, state and local governments employ various types of inspectors to make sure projects conform to government codes as well as to building specifications and model building codes. Architectural and engineering firms also hire inspectors to make sure workers complete the projects in accordance with codes and specifications. Inspectors may also work for small companies or large corporations. No matter where they work, inspectors have similar tasks.