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A building surveyor is an independent building professional responsible for assessing building work against the applicable legislation, regulations and standards. We assess building permit documentation, issue building permits where the proposed work complies, conduct mandatory inspections and, upon satisfactory completion, issue the relevant occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection.

Our role is independent of the design and construction process. We do not act as your designer or builder; instead, we independently assess the proposed and completed work to ensure it satisfies the applicable building requirements.

In Victoria, most building work requires a building permit before construction begins. A limited range of work is exempt under Schedule 3 of the Building Regulations 2018, subject to specific conditions and limitations.

Whether an exemption applies can depend on factors including the type and size of the proposed work, height, location, boundary setbacks and whether the structure is attached to an existing building.

If you are unsure whether your project requires a building permit, contact us with the property location and details of the proposed work. We can help identify the applicable approval pathway before you proceed with your project.

No. A planning permit and building permit are separate approvals that address different aspects of a project.

A planning permit is generally issued by the relevant council and relates to matters such as land use, development, planning controls, overlays and neighbourhood character.

A building permit is issued by a registered building surveyor and relates to the technical compliance of the proposed building work with the applicable building legislation, regulations and standards.

Where both approvals are required, the building permit documentation must generally reflect the approved planning permit and its conditions. Identifying the required approvals early can help avoid costly design changes and delays later in the project.

The documentation required will depend on the nature and complexity of the project. For a typical residential project, this may include architectural drawings and specifications, a current title and plan of subdivision, soil report, engineering documentation, energy rating documentation and the relevant builder or owner-builder information.

Additional approvals or documentation may also be required depending on the site and proposed work, including planning permits, report and consent, build-over-easement consent or other authority approvals.

We assess each application individually and provide a project-specific list of information and documentation required to progress the permit.

The mandatory inspection stages are specified on the building permit and will vary depending on the type and scope of the project.

For a typical residential dwelling, inspection stages may include footing, steel reinforcement, frame and final inspections, where applicable. Additional inspection stages may be specified depending on the proposed construction.

The owner or builder is responsible for notifying the relevant building surveyor when an inspection stage is ready. We then attend the site, assess the work against the approved documentation and applicable requirements, and record the outcome of the inspection.

Construction work should not proceed beyond a mandatory inspection stage until the required inspection has been completed.

An occupancy permit confirms that a building is suitable for occupation in accordance with the applicable requirements.

Whether an occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection is issued depends on the type of building work and the relevant permit. New dwellings and certain other building projects will generally require an occupancy permit, while other types of work may conclude with a certificate of final inspection.

The applicable completion document is determined as part of the building permit process, so you can understand from the outset what will be required to formally complete your project.

A building permit is subject to the commencement and completion dates specified on the permit. The applicable timeframes depend on the type of building work and the requirements of the Building Regulations 2018.

If your project is delayed or construction is unlikely to be completed within the permitted timeframe, contact us as early as possible. Where permitted, an extension can be considered before the building permit expires.

Once a permit has expired, further approval may be required before building work can recommence, so it is important to address any delays before the relevant dates pass.

Yes. We provide building surveying services for a range of commercial projects, including new commercial buildings, warehouses, retail premises, office fit-outs, alterations and additions, and changes of use.

A change of use can have significant building compliance implications. When the use of an existing building changes, the building may need to satisfy requirements applicable to the proposed new use, including requirements relating to access, fire safety, health and amenity.

If you are considering leasing or purchasing a premises for a new commercial use, we recommend seeking building surveying advice before committing to the property or commencing design work. Identifying compliance requirements early can help you understand the likely approval pathway and avoid unexpected costs later in the project.