For professionals operating in the construction industry on a daily basis, you’re likely to be familiar with Building Surveyors and indeed work with them closely and regularly. However, for those who don’t work in construction, it’s important to know when and where you might need to engage a Building Surveyor like Constructive Building Consultants.
Constructing a New Building
All new building work requires a Building Permit, unless a specific exemption under the Building Regulations is applicable. Before a Building Permit can be granted, the building work must be certified by a registered Building Surveyor. It is at this point that the Building Surveyor will assess the project against the relevant building standards such as the Building Code of Australia to ensure that the building work meets the minimum required level for safety, health, amenity, accessibility and sustainability.
Seeking Retrospective Approval for an Existing Building
In situations where building work has been completed without a Building Permit, retrospective approval will be necessary. Similar to new building work, this will require a Building Surveyor to assess the existing unauthorised building work and certify that it satisfies current building standards. An inspection by the Building Surveyor will be necessary, as will a Structural Engineer who will verify whether or not the building work is structurally sound and fit for purpose.
Changing the Use of an Existing Building
In accordance with the Building Regulations, any change to the existing approved Classification of a building requires a Building Permit. Before a Building Permit can be granted for the change of use, a Building Surveyor must assess the existing building together with the new building work such as a proposed fit-out, against relevant building standards such as the current edition of the Building Code of Australia. In some circumstances, this will require upgrades to the base building to ensure that it aligns with current standards for safety, health, amenity, and accessibility. To ensure due diligence is met, a site inspection and existing building compliance audit is generally necessary.
If you are involved with any of these things – you will need to use the services of a Building Surveyor.
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