Q: What does a Building Surveyor do?
A: A Building Surveyor assesses building work to ensure it complies with the Building Act, Building Regulations, National Construction Code (NCC), and relevant Australian Standards. They issue building permits, conduct mandatory inspections, and can issue occupancy permits and certificates of final inspection.
Q: When do I need a Building Permit?
A: A building permit is generally required for new homes, extensions, renovations, garages, sheds, swimming pools, decks, carports, commercial fit-outs, and many structural alterations. Requirements vary depending on the type and scale of work.
Q: What's the difference between a Building Permit and a Planning Permit?
A: A Planning Permit relates to how land is used and developed and is issued by the local council. A Building Permit relates to the construction work itself and is issued by a registered Building Surveyor. Some projects require both permits.
Q: How long does it take to obtain a Building Permit?
A: Time frames vary depending on the complexity of the project and whether all required documentation has been submitted. Simple residential projects may be approved within days, while larger or more complex developments can take longer.
Q: What documents are required for a Building Permit application?
A: Typically, you will need:
- Architectural plans (including a site plan with all the boundary dimensions and setbacks) and specifications
- Engineering design, computations and Regulation 126 certificate
- Energy rating report and endorsed plans
- Certificate of title, plan of subdivision, covenant or section 173 agreement
- Property Services Information - Building Reg 51(2) Certificate, Legal Point of Discharge information from Council, Waterboard SDO, Asset Plan and Property Services Plan
- Planning permit and endorsed drawings (if applicable)
- Builder details
- Copy of Contract
- Warranty Insurance or Owner-Builder Certificate
Q: What inspections are required during construction?
A: Mandatory inspections generally occur at key stages, including:
- Footings / Pre-Slab
- Concrete reinforcement
- Frame / Sub Floor Frame
- Final inspection
Note: Additional inspections may be required depending on the project.
Q: Who arranges mandatory inspections?
A: The builder is responsible for notifying the Building Surveyor when work reaches each required inspection stage. Work should not proceed beyond these stages until the inspection has been completed and approved.
Q: What happens if building work does not comply?
A: If non-compliant work is identified, the Building Surveyor may request rectification before construction can continue. In some cases, a Building Notice or Building Order may be issued.
Q: What is an Occupancy Permit?
A: An Occupancy Permit confirms that a new building is suitable for occupation and has met the relevant regulatory requirements (it is not a certificate of compliance to say that the building complies with the legislation – it states that the dwelling is suitable to occupy).
Q: What is a Certificate of Final Inspection?
A: A Certificate of Final Inspection is typically issued for extensions or alterations where an Occupancy Permit is not required. It confirms that all required inspections have been satisfactorily completed.
Q: Can I be an Owner-Builder?
A: Yes. However, for projects exceeding $20,000, owner-builders will need to obtain a Certificate of Consent from the Building Plumbing Commission (BPC) before applying for a building permit.
Q: Do you provide advice before I lodge my application?
A: Yes. We can provide Siting Assessment / SLHC Assessment to identify approval requirements (fee applicable), and provide guidance on the documentation needed to streamline the permit process.
Q: How much does a Building Permit cost?
A: Permit fees vary depending on the size, complexity, and value of the project. Contact us with your plans and project details for a tailored quotation.
Q: Why choose Advance Building Strategies?
A: With over 20 years of experience, our team provides professional, practical, and timely building surveying services. We work closely with homeowners, builders, architects, and developers to help projects progress efficiently from approval through to completion