What is the primary purpose of a building inspector?

The primary purpose of a building inspector is to ensure compliance with building codes. This role is crucial for maintaining safety standards in the construction and occupancy of buildings. Building codes are a set of regulations that establish the minimum acceptable level of safety for buildings, which includes aspects such as structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, and environmental considerations.

By inspecting buildings at various stages of construction, a building inspector verifies that the work being done adheres to these codes and regulations. This helps prevent future safety hazards and ensures that buildings are fit for occupancy. Compliance checks also protect the interests of the public and property owners by ensuring that buildings are constructed safely and can withstand the stresses they will encounter throughout their life cycle.

The other options relate to different functions within the construction and real estate industries but do not reflect the core responsibilities of a building inspector. Designing buildings falls under the purview of architects and engineers, overseeing construction projects typically involves project managers or general contractors, and marketing properties is a function of real estate agents. Each of these roles plays an important part in the overall process of building and selling properties, but the fundamental duty of a building inspector centers on code compliance and safety assurance.