Driving Success with Consultants: Advising, Integrating and Moving Forward

Building surveyors are critical consultants in any construction project. Ideally, they ensure that the builders comply with the original designs and the construction code. If you intend to hire a building surveyor for an upcoming construction project, the extract below puts forward a few questions that you can use to interview the professional. They will help you understand the work of building surveyors and ensure your preferred surveyor is the right fit. 

1. What Are Your Qualifications? 

There are two classes of building surveyors in Australia: limited and unlimited. A limited building surveyor can only survey buildings with up to three storeys and 2000 square meters. On the other hand, the unlimited building surveyor does not have any restrictions. 

2. What Services Can You Provide?

The building surveyor should offer the following services: 

• Approving building permits when possible.
• Provision of consultancy services regarding building design and the recommended construction standards.
• Regular supervision once the construction works commence.
• Issuance of construction permits at critical construction stages and upon the completion of the construction works.
• If you wish to sell or purchase a property later, the building surveyor can inspect the building to establish its structural condition and whether it requires renovations. 

3. How Will You Ensure Construction Standards? 

There are several ways in which the surveyor can maintain standards at your site. First, they will assess the construction plans to ensure they comply with the required regulations. Then they will conduct regular site visits to evaluate the contractor's work. At the site, they will give insights into how the contractor can ensure quality works. If the surveyor identifies significant defects at the site, they will issue an enforcement notice to compel the contractor to make the required adjustments. The surveyor will issue a certificate of occupancy once the construction works are complete. As a property owner, you will use this certificate to guarantee the property is compliant with the building code. 

4. What Are Your Terms? 

A mistake that most people make is assuming that the surveyor conducts construction works. However, this is not the case. The professional can only enforce standards. Most surveyors will want to make this clear to avoid conflict in the future. Inquire about the number of times that the surveyor will visit the site. A surveyor that conducts regular visits can spot problems at an early stage. Finally, check the surveyor's pricing. It should be within your budget. 

When hiring a building surveyor, inquire about their qualifications, services, terms, and how they will ensure construction standards.