What is the main goal of building inspections?

The main goal of building inspections is to ensure adherence to safety standards and codes. This is critical for protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Building codes are established to regulate construction practices and ensure structures are safe for occupancy. Inspections are conducted at various stages of construction to verify that the work complies with these codes, which cover aspects such as structural integrity, fire safety, electrical systems, plumbing, and energy efficiency.

While facilitating new construction and promoting energy-efficient practices are important considerations in the building process, they are secondary to the overarching objective of ensuring safety and compliance. Identifying areas needing cosmetic repairs is typically outside the scope of official building inspections, which focus more on regulatory compliance rather than aesthetic considerations. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the essential role of inspections in maintaining safety and legal compliance in the construction and building operation processes.