How To Interview Your Building Surveyor

Building surveyors, also known as certifiers, are licenced professionals that ensure construction works abide by the building laws and the construction standards set by local councils. In Australia, building surveyors approve construction blueprints and supervise the construction works. Below is an excerpt discussing some interview questions to help you when hiring a building surveyor for your residential or commercial construction project. 

What Are Your Qualifications? 

It is probably the most vital consideration when hiring a building surveyor. Ideally, the professional should be licenced to inspect the building you intend to build. In Australia, a class 1, or unlimited, building surveyor can inspect all types of buildings. A class 2, or limited, surveyor can inspect buildings of up to three storeys and 2000 square metres. He or she must be supervised by a class 1 surveyor when surveying other classes of buildings. Class 3 building surveyors — applicants with practical experience — can only inspect class 1 and 10 structures. 

You also need to inquire about the certifier's services. For example, other than building inspections, inquire whether the professional can conduct subdivision, topographic, site planning, and location surveys. 

What Is Your Availability? 

Building surveying can be a taxing process. The surveyor will need to work with all members of your construction team. For instance, he or she will conduct site surveys with your engineers, assess the building blueprints, and inspect the construction works. Therefore, you must inquire about the surveyor's availability. You risk delaying construction works if the surveyor cannot execute his or her duties on time. When building multi-storey complexes with thousands of square footage, you may opt to work with surveying firms with several surveyors to work on your project.

What Are Your Terms? 

Assess the contract of engagement to understand the certifier's terms. For instance, inquire about your obligations. The surveyor needs you to provide vital documents such as the property title and introduce the certifier to your construction team. The surveyor should also inform you about his or her work practices. For example, he or she should explain his or her work practices. What happens when the surveyor issues an enforcement notice? The notice halts all construction works until the contractor rectifies poor-quality work. He or she should also explain the certificates that he or she will award. For instance, when building a new house, you may need a construction, complying development and occupation certificate. 

You should also examine the reputation and experience of the surveyor. Additionally, ask about the surveyor's pricing before engaging his or her services. As a rule, your surveyor must have professional liability insurance cover. 


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