Whether you are renovating, constructing a new home, expanding your commercial premises or anything in between, you’ll need a building surveyor to assess the site in order to grant you a building permit. Here’s what you can expect when you work with an experienced local surveyor.

What does a building surveyor do?

Surveyors play an important role in the building and renovating process. Almost anything you want to build on your property will require a building permit, and it’s a building surveyor who issues them. Building surveyors and, to a slightly lesser extent, building inspectors are responsible for ensuring a building is safe, liveable and energy-efficient, and that it meets all the relevant building requirements. They work with engineers, architects and builders throughout the construction process.

Building surveyors and land surveyors are two different roles. Land surveyors survey the subdivision of land, taking into account things like the land’s slope, topography and geography. They are also different to quantity surveyors, who are responsible for estimating the cost of the building materials.

Surveyors perform the following tasks:

• Advise and assist both owners and builders on the building plans before they are lodged in order to avoid any problems
• Assess building plans to ensure they meet building regulations
• Conduct pre-purchase inspections
• Conduct inspections throughout the building process to ensure they conform to building regulations and that proper building methods and materials are used
• Write reports and keep records on the construction process and any instances where regulations have been breached or plans have been altered
• Give evidence where required in the case of the breach of building regulations
• Assess the condition of existing buildings
• Issue building permits
• Issue certificates of compliance once the construction has been completed
• Assess buildings for suitable access for people with a disability

What are the most common types of jobs a surveyor works on?

Surveyors are professionals who are trained to measure and map various types of land, air, and water features, as well as residential, commercial and industrial properties. While you might be on hipages looking for a building surveyor in particular, surveyors in general work across a range of industries, from construction and real estate to infrastructure and environmental management. Here are some of the most common types of jobs a building surveyor will work on:

Building inspections

Building surveyors conduct inspections to ensure buildings are constructed in compliance with building codes and regulations. They also ensure the building has been built safely and is suitable for people to live or work in.

Building permit applications

Whenever a building is constructed or renovated in Australia, a building permit is required. Building surveyors are responsible for reviewing building permit applications to ensure they comply with building codes and regulations. They also ensure that the proposed construction work will not compromise the safety of the building or its occupants.

Fire safety inspections

Building surveyors also conduct fire safety inspections to ensure buildings comply with fire safety regulations. They assess the adequacy of fire safety measures, such as fire extinguishers, fire exits and fire alarms.

Disability access audits

Building surveyors conduct disability access audits to ensure buildings are accessible to people with disabilities. They assess the building's design and layout – including entries, exits, hallways and elevators – to ensure they are accessible to people with disabilities.

Strata inspections

Strata inspections are conducted on apartment buildings and multi-unit townhouses to ensure they comply with building codes and regulations. Building surveyors assess the condition of the building, including its structural integrity, safety and compliance with fire safety regulations.

Dilapidation reports

Dilapidation reports are prepared by building surveyors to assess the condition of buildings before and after construction work. These reports are often required by builders and developers to document the condition of neighbouring buildings before construction work begins.

Building maintenance assessments

Building surveyors also conduct building maintenance assessments to identify issues that needing addressing. They assess the condition of the building – including the roof, walls, windows and doors – and identify any repairs or maintenance work required.

Expert witness services

Building surveyors can also provide expert witness services for legal disputes. They can provide expert testimony on building defects, compliance issues, construction disputes and more.

What are the compliance and safety needs when hiring a surveyor?

One of the key factors you’ll need to consider when choosing a surveyor is their licensing and accreditation by the relevant state or territory authority. This paperwork guarantees they have the necessary qualifications and experience to undertake surveying work to the required standards.

You’ll also want to think about workplace health and safety. Surveyors must comply with all relevant workplace health and safety regulations when carrying out their work – such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and taking necessary steps to reduce risks to themselves and others. They must also minimise the environmental impact of the surveying work and comply with all relevant environmental regulations. This includes ensuring any environmental risks are appropriately identified and managed.

Surveyors should also have a quality assurance program in place so that their work meets the required standards of accuracy and reliability. This entails regular testing and calibration of equipment, as well as ongoing training and upskilling of employees.

How much does a surveyor cost?

The cost of hiring a building surveyor in Australia depends on the type of service required and the complexity of the project. Building surveyors typically charge an hourly rate or a fixed fee. According to Exact Land Surveyors, the average cost is around $500 but can fluctuate between $350 to $650 depending on the size, history and location of your property.

Be aware that the total cost for a building surveyor can vary significantly depending on the type of project, such as a new build, renovation or extension, as well as the level of detail and inspection required. You should get quotes from a few different building surveyors before starting any construction project to have a clear idea of the expected costs.

What to ask when hiring a local surveyor

If you’re ready to start canvassing surveyors on hipages for your project, here are some questions to ask them before signing on the dotted line:

• Are you licensed and accredited by the relevant state or territory authority?
• What’s your experience with similar projects?
• What’s your availability and estimated timeline for the project?
• What are your fees and payment terms?
• Can you provide references or examples of past work?

 

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.