Building Surveyor
(Building Inspector, Building Certifier)
Fact Sheet
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Comparing building construction with original plans |
Building surveyors advise on, interpret and enforce laws and regulations regarding building construction and safety.
Duties and Tasks
Building surveyors may perform the following tasks:
- provide advice and assistance to builders and owners before finalisation and lodgment of building plans to avoid potential problems
- assess building plans submitted for approval to make sure they conform to building regulations and codes of practice
- make recommendations on matters such as the provision of amenities for the community
- issue building permits
- carry out pre-purchase inspections of all types of buildings
- inspect buildings during construction to make sure that proper methods and materials are used and that they conform to building regulations
- keep records and write reports on building progress in instances where regulations have been breached and plans have been altered
- issue compliance certificates on completion
- give evidence in court cases involving breaches of building regulations
- assess the condition of existing buildings
- audit buildings for access for disabled persons
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of INDUSTRIAL ARTS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an industrial arts-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs in architecture, building design, surveying, urban and regional planning and construction.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy technical work
- good communication skills
- management and leadership skills