CONSTRUCTION CODE INSPECTOR (NEW HOME WARRANTEE PROGRAM)

Definition

Under general supervision of an officer in the Department of Community Affairs, performs inspections of construction work relative to the enforcement of the New Home Warranty and Builders Registration Act; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Performs compliance inspection where the owner alleges the builder has defaulted on the repair of defects under the warranty, makes a determination regarding the abatement of defects, and authorizes the owner to begin the bid process for correcting the defects.
• Performs enrollment inspections to determine if any defects exist that would have been normally covered by a builder issued warranty in cases where the state will be assuming the warranty responsibilities for the seller of a new home who is a mortgagee in possession, bankruptcy referee, executive of an estate, or other such individual or entity that was not responsible for the construction of the home.
• Performs compliance inspection where owner alleges that the correction of defects in the home by the builder is improper to ensure the abatement work has been made within the quality standards included in the regulations.
• Where the State Warranty Security Fund has assumed responsibility for payment of correction and/or replacement work, monitors the contractor's work to determine that it is done according to the scope of the Quality Standards under the warranty.
• Reviews and recommends approval of estimates to correct warranted defects submitted by contractors and ensures they are accurate, complete, within industry standards, and meet the original work lists.
• Monitors the construction of homes in cooperation with municipal construction code enforcement officials when the purchaser requests the inspection of their home.
• Verifies by site inspection that the defect alleged by a homeowner actually exists and that it is covered by the existing warranty.
• Verifies if the defect alleged by the homeowner was the direct result of the builder's actions or if it was the result of the owner's negligence in maintenance or care.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with architects, engineers, construction personnel, owner representatives, and with local enforcement officials in the assigned municipalities including police, fire, health, and zoning officers.
• Testifies at court and in administrative hearings on behalf of the state.
• Serves subpoenas and other legal process notices including notices of violation.
• Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Maintains records and files.
• Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Six (6) years of experience in construction project management work such as a construction manager, construction official, general contractor, architect, or engineer with field responsibilities for all levels of construction.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the New Home Warranty and Builders Registration Act and Regulations after a period of training.
• Knowledge of the information contained in inspection reports.
• Knowledge of the construction process for smaller buildings and the points at which inspections must be made.
• Knowledge of the proper placement of materials/equipment to be used in building construction including different types of materials, equipment, and labor services used in the construction/alteration of buildings.
• Knowledge of problems involved in preparation of estimates from plans and specifications and sources of information as to the availability and market prices of materials, equipment, and labor.
• Knowledge of methods for estimating construction costs and the information that must be contained in estimates.
• Knowledge of basic inspection tools and test methods.
• Ability to read and interpret building construction plans/specifications for Class 3 structures and determine their compliance with Construction Code regulations and adopted subcodes.
• Ability to prepare inspection reports.
• Ability to prepare violation notices in accord with NJAC 5:23-2.30 after a period of training.
• Ability to calculate permit fees pursuant to NJAC 5:23- 2.25 after a period of training.
• Ability to make accurate determination of construction defects.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive work lists of defects at the conclusion of the onsite inspection. Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with local police, fire, and inspection forces, owners, contractors, architects, engineers, and others with an interest in construction code enforcement.
• Ability to organize field assignments, analyze problems, and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to make field trips, inspections, and investigations.
• Ability to negotiate and resolve problems in the field to the extent possible.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret complex laws, regulations, policies, standards, and procedures and apply them to specific situations in accord with established procedures.
• Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Ability to maintain records, reports, and files.
• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and comprehensive reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODES: 22/I23 - RKR/cah 10/30/98

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.