SALISBURY — With a high satisfaction rating from local contractors and developers, the Rowan County Building Codes Enforcement Department also now boasts an inspector named as a state expert.
David Prevette, a local building code enforcement officer, has been chosen by the N.C. Department of Insurance to serve as a subject matter expert for the Qualification Board’s Exam Development Committee. 
Prevette is one of 40 inspectors across the state chosen to serve on the committee. He will help review and prepare new questions for the exams that building inspectors must take in order to receive their certification levels.
Recently, the county building inspections office sent out a survey to area contractors, designers and developers. When asked how satisfied they were with field inspections and the department in general on a scale of 1 to 10, the average rating was 9.
Thirty people responded to the survey. 
“The current staff of inspectors that we have is fantastic,” said Pete Bogle, department director. “They’re very code-knowledgeable, construction-reasonable and they’re willing to assist contractors in finding solutions to field issues instead of just pointing out problems.”
Prevette holds a Level 3 certification in all five inspections trades and was chosen as a subject matter expert specifically for his extensive knowledge in electrical inspections, Bogle said.
“Because of his balance between code knowledge and applied construction knowledge, David is an excellent choice to serve on the Exam Development Committee,” Bogle said. “We’re glad to have him.”

In North Carolina, building inspections are divided into five trades — building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire. Rowan County inspectors handle the first four, and county or city fire departments cover fire inspections.
Within each trade, an inspector may receive a Level 1, 2 and 3 certification. Types of construction are also labeled as Levels 1 through 3, and an inspector must have certification level at least as high as the building project level in order to perform that inspection.
Of seven inspectors on staff in Rowan County, six hold at least one Level 3 certification. Two inspectors, Prevette and Thomas O’Kelly, have obtained Level 3 status in all trades.