Have you performed both residential and commercial building inspections? Of the two, which do you prefer?

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Show the interviewer that you are interested in residential and commercial work unless otherwise stated in the job posting. Make sure that you understand the requirements of this role when you answer this question! The last thing you want to do is pigeonhole yourself into one type of building inspection when the company primarily performs the other.

Focus on answering with the type of building inspections the company primarily performs. Be sure to state how you enjoy inspecting residential and commercial buildings, but you prefer one type over the other. Be sure to explain why you like inspecting that particular type of building.

If you have not inspected both types of buildings, avoid saying that you have. You always want to be honest during an interview, and the interviewer will find out if you were untruthful.

"I have been trained in both residential and commercial building inspections. My internship was with a commercial developer, so I am most familiar with this area. With that said, I am eager to learn more about the residential side of inspection with your company."

"I have performed work in both residential and commercial building inspections. I believe both options have their pros and cons. Commercial work can have more red tape and be more complicated, so I enjoy that challenge, while residential work tends to have more unique challenges that test my knowledge."

"The position that I applied to put a significant emphasis on commercial property inspections, which is my area of expertise. I can perform this function in a residential setting, as I completed that type of work earlier in my career. I look forward to expanding my knowledge in the commercial space, which is why your job posting caught my eye."

Anonymous Answer

"I will have passed all of my residential ICC tests by the first of the year. In the 16 years that I have been in the construction industry, I have watched many homes and commercial buildings being built. I am most familiar with the placement of concrete, but I am extremely eager to learn this new side of construction. I don't have a preference at this time. I'm just eager to learn more."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's great that you are so eager to learn and open to new experiences. Your interviewer should appreciate this answer.

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Anonymous Answer

"I have inspected both commercial and residential buildings in my career other than a city building inspector that have overlapping skill sets. My experience at the moment leans heavier on residential, which I enjoy, and I am comfortable doing. My commitment will be to meet the city's expectation to reach the level of building inspector II where I would perform more complex inspections such as a commercial building."

Rachelle's Feedback

Excellent response! You are confident in your experience while also showing a desire to grow, learn, and continually offer more to your employer.

Anonymous Answer

"As I am new to inspecting, I have no experience inspecting either. Most of my work is residential, but I think what experience I have in Commercial will help in that area."

Rachelle's Feedback

If you are new to inspections, this question likely will not come your way. I like that you pivoted to discuss your existing residential vs. commercial experience related to your background. Be sure to include more specifics vs. generalized statements (i.e., help in that area. Help how, and in what area?)

How to Answer: Have you performed both residential and commercial building inspections? Of the two, which do you prefer?