IMPORTANT CHANGE HAS OCCURRED over the past decade in professional behavior within the construction industry culture. Gone are the days when the on site inspector had the demeanor of a military drill sergeant. Today’s work environment requires skillful communication and collaboration between all parties. There is very little discussion on professionalism of the job site inspector. This article attempts to address that issue.

Communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills are essential competencies for professional behavior of the inspector. The inspector’s people skills are paramount for a smoothly operating project. Historically both inspectors and contractors have not been afraid of confrontation.

Confrontation can escalate into name-calling and / or poor behavior on the part of the all parties. Often time’s words are spoken in the moment with anger and disrespect with parties’ struggling to maintain their power base and not considering the best action for the project as a whole.

People who experience unfairness or disrespect tend to over react with anger resentment and consequently their work productivity is negatively affected. A good inspector does not over react or takes things personally. It is important to consider that the corrections you have asked the contractor to make may generate considerable cost which he or she may not have anticipated or budgeted for.

The inspector is advised to develop a working relationship with the contractor on the project. Trust is one of the most fundamental elements for a functional working relationship. There is also a strong preference for fairness and respect in human interaction. Trust and respect must be developed between contractor and inspector alike. The inspector needs to do his or her homework before requiring the contractor to make correction. The inspector is advised to thoroughly research the plans specifications, product information, and codes, before requiring any change or corrections. If a correction is required document the following items on the correction notice: quote the code section, plan section, specification section, or manufactures cut sheet. This is a simple courtesy enabling the contractor to review the requirement for him or herself and will build trust in the working relationship
between inspector and contractor.

The on site inspector should strive to take a proactive roll, looking for potential critical path issues well in advance and bringing them to the attention of the contractor. He or she will appreciate the fore warning and you will demonstrate your willingness be collaborative. Another aspect of being proactive is in being prepared prior to owners meetings or pre-construction meetings. Being prepared involves being familiar with meeting minutes and the proposed agenda before the meeting, researching critical issues and bringing important documentation to the meeting for discussion. The project will move forward much more smoothly when all parties work together for the common goal.

Personal appearance of job site Inspector in another facet of professionalism. The inspector should always be dressed in clean professional appropriate attire. Safety equipment and personal fall protection should be worn at all times during site inspection. Inspectors are not exempt from safety rules, the on site inspector is the representative of the Authority having jurisdiction and owner of the project and should maintain a profession demeanor at all times. The onsite site inspector is a role model to all workers for appropriate use of personal safety equipment.

A professional onsite inspector is proactive, uses good communications skills, manages conflict, and serves as a role model for desired behavior in the workplace. Professionalism is now considered to be an essential skill for the onsite job inspector. Professionalism in the workplaces creates optimal working environment for all involved and fosters positive outcomes.