Find Top Building Surveyors Near You

A building survey is a detailed and complete look at the condition of a property that provides intricate details of a certain structure. A building surveyor provides quality assessments, along with reports on property defects and ideas to improve a structure’s condition.

Building surveyors, also called chartered building surveyors, offer advice on several features of design and construction. These features include maintenance, repair, renovation and restoration of proposed and existing buildings. A building surveyor assesses various aspects of a building to ensure it complies with all applicable building regulations and codes. They check the structural integrity, fire safety systems, energy efficiency, and accessibility features of buildings. Their assessments help to identify potential issues that may need addressing to meet legal standards and maintain the building's safety.

Building surveying can also involve creation of detailed plans by instructing architects to prepare detailed plans with budgets and information on available grants. Building surveyors also play a critical role during construction, monitoring progress and ensuring that it adheres to approved plans. They provide valuable insights that can prevent costly rework and ensure the project’s long-term success.

A construction survey typically covers a detailed external and internal inspection of a property. Building surveyors also inspect properties to ensure they meet all necessary building regulations and codes. They check structural integrity, looking for any signs of damage or potential failure points in the building's construction. Surveyors also assess safety features, such as fire exits and safety equipment, to ensure they are up to standard and properly maintained. Building surveyors also review energy efficiency and sustainability features, including insulation, windows and HVAC systems. The inspection includes all the visible accessible areas of a property such as walls, cellars, floors, windows, doors, roof and more.

Additionally, they may evaluate the building's accessibility for people with disabilities, ensuring compliance with legal standards. The results of the inspection will then be compiled to formulate a comprehensive survey report.

The cost of hiring a building surveyor in Australia varies widely based on the complexity of the project and the specific services required. For general inspections, fees typically range from $500 to $1,000. More detailed services, such as structural surveys or compliance inspections, can cost between $600 and $1,200 or even higher. Factors affecting cost include the size of the property, its location, and any specific regulatory requirements the surveyor must address. It’s advisable to get multiple quotes to find the best combination of expertise and value.

Aside from building surveying, iseekplant also offers a range of additional surveying services in Australia. These include aerial surveying, cadastral surveying, mining surveying, engineering surveying and land surveying. Our nationwide network of surveyors ensures we remain the leading online construction hire marketplace in the country.

iseekplant has a nationwide network of superior building surveying companies operating in all Australian capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer building surveyor hire solutions in all major towns and cities from the Gold Coast down to Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong and Hobart.

Looking for the best construction survey company? The easiest way to get a quote for building surveying services in your area is to use the iseekplant get a quote tool. Simply tell us where you need your building surveyors and we’ll give you the best quotes available. You can also call us on 1300 691 912 or email us at projects@iseekplant.com.au.

Building surveyors focus specifically on construction and property standards, primarily ensuring that buildings are safe, accessible, and energy-efficient according to local regulations. They are involved in the inspection of construction works, issuance of building permits, and certification of buildings.

In contrast, land surveyors, often just called surveyors, specialize in measuring and mapping land surfaces to establish boundaries, create maps, and support construction and development projects. While building surveyors deal with building codes and safety compliance, land surveyors provide the data necessary for planning and legal documentation. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when selecting the right professional for a specific project.

Before a surveyor's visit, it's important to ensure that all areas of the property are accessible. Remove obstacles hindering the surveyor’s access to basements, attics or utility rooms. Gather relevant documents, such as previous survey reports or building plans, as these can provide useful information and context. Consider listing any specific concerns or areas you suspect might have issues to ensure they are thoroughly checked. Lastly, make sure the property is in a tidy state, as this can facilitate a smoother and more efficient surveying process.

While building surveyors primarily focus on assessing structural and regulatory compliance, they do not typically perform property valuations. Valuations are generally conducted by real estate appraisers or valuers who specialize in determining the market value of a property based on its condition, location, and comparable market transactions.

These professionals use various methods to assess a property's value for sales, financing, or investment purposes. However, the information provided by building surveyors can significantly impact a property’s valuation, highlighting the importance of their role. If a valuation is needed, it is best to engage a certified valuer to ensure an accurate and market-relevant appraisal.

Property valuations can vary depending on the method used, the expertise of the valuer, and current market conditions. They are generally a reliable indicator of a property's market value at the time of assessment, though they are not infallible. Fluctuations in the market or unseen factors affecting the property can influence the accuracy of a valuation. Valuers aim to provide the most accurate estimate possible by considering recent comparable sales, the property’s condition, and its location. Property owners and buyers must understand that valuations are estimates and can change over time due to various factors.

A building surveyor is required whenever you are planning, constructing, or modifying a building to ensure compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC), local council regulations, and safety standards. They provide guidance on approvals, inspections, and certification, helping prevent costly mistakes and legal issues.

Tip: Engaging a building surveyor early in the project can save time, reduce risks, and ensure smooth council approval processes.

What’s the difference between building surveyors and inspectors? Building surveyors are responsible for ensuring construction projects comply with building codes, regulations, and planning approvals. They assess plans, provide certifications, and oversee compliance throughout the project. Building inspectors, on the other hand, typically focus on specific stages of construction, checking that work meets safety standards and building codes at designated points.

Tip: For major projects, a building surveyor manages the overall compliance, while inspectors verify that the work meets required standards at critical milestones.

Do building surveyors provide certifications? Yes, building surveyors provide essential certifications that confirm your construction or renovation complies with building codes and regulations. These certifications are often required by local councils before you can commence work, continue construction, or occupy a building.

Tip: Always obtain the necessary certificates from a licensed building surveyor to avoid legal issues and ensure safety before using or selling the property.

How long does a building survey take? The duration of a building survey depends on the project size, complexity, and stage of construction. A pre-construction or plan assessment survey may take a few days, while a full site survey including inspections and compliance checks can take several weeks. Smaller projects or renovations are generally quicker, whereas large commercial developments require more detailed review and multiple inspections.

Tip: Engaging a building surveyor early in the planning process can help speed up approvals and ensure your project stays on schedule.