Which of the following best describes the role of an inspector?

The role of an inspector, particularly within the context of the Ontario Building Code, is fundamentally about monitoring and ensuring compliance with established building standards. Inspectors are responsible for examining construction work at various stages to verify that it adheres to the applicable codes, regulations, and safety standards. This involves checking materials, construction methods, and overall project compliance to ensure that buildings are safe for occupancy and use.

Inspectors do not engage in construction activities themselves, as their primary function is to observe and evaluate rather than to build. They also do not have the authority to approve architectural designs; that responsibility typically falls to architects and design professionals who are qualified to create and submit plans for examination. Funding for building projects is outside the purview of inspectors, as this is typically a concern of developers, contractors, and financial entities involved in construction financing. The inspector’s focus is strictly on code compliance to protect public health and safety, which makes the selection of monitoring and ensuring compliance with building standards the best description of their role.