They make the initial inspections during the first phase of construction, and make followup inspections throughout the construction period to monitor continuing compliance with regulations. In areas with severe natural hazards such as earthquakes or hurricanes inspectors monitor compliance with additional regulations.
Inspectors generally specialize in one particular type of construction work.
Building inspectors inspect the structural quality and general safety of buildings. Some may specialize for example, in structural steel or reinforced concrete buildings. Before construction, plan examiners determine whether the plans for the building or other structure comply with building code regulations and are suited to the engineering and environmental demands of the building site. They visit the worksite before the foundation is poured to inspect the soil condition and positioning and depth of the footings. Then they inspect the foundation after it has been completed.