Building Surveyor vs. Building Inspector

Hi All,


Searched through the forums, however I haven't seen a clear explanation re: Building Surveyor vs. Building Inspector.

My planning permit (with conditions) has been issued. Within the documentation, Council advised me to check with a Building Surveyor to confirm if a building permit is required. Since I am building a new home, for sure, a building permit is required.

From what I have read and understood so far (please correct me if I have misunderstood). A Building Surveyor will issue the building permit, on condition my building design/ plans meet regulations/ code and is compliant. In addition, it seems their duties extends throughout the construction process (e.g. conduct building inspections). They can also issue occupancy permit too, if the completed home meets regulations, codes, etc.

Then there is the Building Inspector, who will purely inspect construction process at various stages. It seems the Building Inspector role is more specialised when it comes to strictly monitoring and enforcing building codes, regulations etc.

So both Building Surveyor and Building Inspector can carry out inspections, but the Building Inspector will conduct a more thorough job?

Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Regards.

Yes your understanding is good. Building Surveyors assess whether the building will comply, then issue building permit. Building inspectors carry out mandatory inspections to ensure health safety and amenity of the building as constructed.
Educational entry level for Building Surveyors is higher. Usually BS are too busy and get BI for inspections and it is also a lot cheaper for them to do so.
Don't forget that mandatory inspections are not quality inspections, BI don't ensure builder is following drawings in all respects and do not ensure conformance with the building contract. So if builder makes substitutions ie changes specified building material for a cheaper one neither BS or BI will be interested(you loose).
Since there is no mandatory QA and contract conformance, for your own protection you should pay for your own.
Your best bet is to engage your own building consultant to look over your build at critical stages: pre contract, pre slab, frame, pre plaster, and pre final. Allow about 3K and its less than the cost of hair replacement.

Thanks for your feedback.

Yes, I have read about BS getting BI to inspect on their behalf. End of the day, I'll still request the services of both (independent) BS and BI.

The BS employs the BI.

In Victoria, it is legislated that the new home buyer appoints the BS. See the VBA website for details.

As per building expert's succinct post, you can also appoint your own independent building consultant to undertake stage inspections.