A Building Surveyor (building certifier, private certifier or private building surveyor) is a trained professional working in the community’s best interest to make sure buildings are safe, accessible and energy efficient. A Building Surveyor specializes in the interpretation of the Building Code of Australia and the Australian Standards referenced within it.

Almost all structures in the built environment require a building permit and therefore require a Building Surveyor. The Sydney Opera House, the Perth Bell Tower, the local shops, your house, carport, pool, spa or your outbuilding all had a Building Surveyor involved at some stages of the design and approval process. Before starting your next project, you should have a chat to a Building Surveyor to see if a permit is required and how they can assist you.

A Building Surveyor can also carry out inspections of properties for various reasons including dilapidation reports, unauthorized building approvals, compliance audits for insurance and inspections for strata titles.

A Building Surveyor in a senior position also needs to have a thorough working knowledge of the Building Act of the jurisdiction that they operate in. With this knowledge they are able guide you through some of the complexities of the legislation and also of course to assess plans to ensure compliance is met.