Building surveyors play a vital role in ensuring the safety and integrity of our buildings. They oversee the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings, working closely with architects, engineers, and builders to ensure that all relevant building codes and regulations are met.

If you're planning any construction work, it's essential to hire a reputable team to help. A good surveyor can help you save time and money in the long run and ensure that your building is safe and compliant.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know, including:

• What tasks building surveyors can take care of
• Most common issues in a building survey
• The cost of hiring a building surveyor
• How to hire a reputable local building surveyor
• Best time to hire a building surveyor
• Getting quotes from a building surveyor

What tasks can building surveyors take care of?

Building surveyors oversee the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings, handling a wide range of tasks, including:

• Approving or rejecting building permits
• Inspecting buildings and building work
• Issuing building certificates
• Providing advice on building codes and regulations
• Conducting dilapidation surveys
• Investigating building defects

Read more: Building surveyor or land surveyor?

Most common issues in a building survey

Building defects are one of the most common issues that surveyors deal with. They can be caused by a number of factors, such as poor design, faulty construction, or inadequate maintenance. Building defects can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards down the road. Surveyors can help to identify and rectify building defects, preventing these problems from occurring.

Other common issues that they deal with include:

• Structural problems
• Dampness and mould
• Fire safety

Cost of hiring a building surveyor

Building surveyors typically charge between $500 and $2,000 for their services, depending on the size and scope of the project. For example, a small construction project may cost between $500 and $1,000, while a dwelling inspection may cost up to $2,000.

Read more: Cost guide to different surveyors

How to hire a reputable local building surveyor

To find the best building surveyor for your needs, it's crucial to be prepared, informed and ready to ask the right questions.

Key questions include:

• What is your experience with [type of building or construction project?
• What are the most common problems you find with buildings in my area?
• How can I design and build a more sustainable and energy-efficient building?
• What are the best ways to prevent building defects from occurring?
• What are the specific building codes and regulations that apply to my project?

Ensure you also ask specific questions about your project. For example, if you are building a new home, you may want to ask about the surveyor's experience with new home construction. Or, if you are renovating an older home, you may want to ask about the surveyor's experience with heritage renovations.

Best time to hire a building surveyor

The best time to hire a building surveyor is before you start any construction work. This will give them enough time to review your plans and ensure that they comply with all relevant building codes and regulations.

Getting quotes for a building surveyor

The best way to find the perfect building surveyor for your needs is to get quotes from multiple businesses. You can find building surveyor companies in your area by searching online through directories like hipages, and submitting quote requests from there. 

Be sure to provide the building surveyor companies with as much information as possible about your job, such as the type of building you are constructing or renovating, the scope of the work, and your budget.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.